Cheetahstand

C12 Auto Stand - 12 foot heavy duty

Name: C12 Auto Stand - 12 foot heavy duty
Brand: Cheetahstand
SKU: C12
Price: 160.00 USD
Availability: InStock

C12 Auto Stand - 12 foot heavy duty

$160.00 USD

~~$160.00 USD~~ $160.00 USD

Sale Sold out

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The original Heavy Duty Cheetah Stand C12 Auto Stand 12ft Light Stand with innovative auto deploying legs feature help you swiftly move your lighting from one spot to another. No more having to bend down to fold and unfolding the legs and re-deploying the legs in a new location. The Heavy Duty C12 has a maximum height of 12ft and max weight of 15lbs of carrying ability, the C12 is ready for whatever you throw at it. Maintenance and repair parts available to keep your stand working forever.

Key Features of the Cheetah Stand C12 Auto Stand 12ft Light Stand:

Auto-Stand: The Heavy Duty Cheetah Stand C12 will automatically open and close its legs.
Maintenance Parts: We support our Cheetah Stands with maintainable parts.
Heavy Duty: The Cheetah Stand C12 light stand's maximum height is 12 feet. It supports up to 15 pounds and can hold strobes like the Godox AD600, Westcott FJ800 and Profoto B1x with our QPB-48 and QSB-42 Softboxes.

Dimensions:

Closed Length: 43"
Minimum Height: 45"
Maximum Height: 141"
Footprint: 42"
Weight: 7 lb
Max weight support: 15 lb

Includes:

1 - Cheetah Stand C12 Auto 12ft Light Stand
1 - 3/8" Spigot

Unsure on which stand you need? Use our Recommendation and Comparison tool to determine which stand works best for you and your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheetah Stand C12 Auto Light Stands: Streamlined Setups & Creative Freedom – FAQ

1. What's the biggest misconception photographers have about investing in auto light stands?

The biggest misconception photographers often have is that auto light stands are merely a luxury for convenience. While they certainly offer convenience, their true value lies in their ability to significantly enhance efficiency, safety, and ultimately, the quality of your work. They aren't just about saving a few seconds; they're about reducing fatigue, minimizing risk to expensive gear, and allowing you to maintain a professional, fluid workflow that directly impacts your output and client perception.

2. How do auto light stands help me achieve a cleaner, more organized shooting space?

Auto light stands contribute to a cleaner, more organized shooting space in a few key ways. First, their rapid collapse mechanism means they can be quickly folded and moved out of the way when not in use, reducing clutter on your studio floor. Many models are also designed with integrated cable clips or routing options on their columns, helping to manage power cords and sync cables, preventing trip hazards and keeping your workspace tidy and safe, both during and after a shoot.

3. Can using auto light stands actually reduce physical fatigue during long photography sessions?

Absolutely! Using auto light stands can significantly reduce physical fatigue during long photography sessions. Manually setting up and adjusting multiple traditional stands, especially heavy-duty ones, involves repetitive bending, lifting, and locking, which can be taxing. Auto light stands, with their quick-deploy legs and smooth, often air-cushioned, column adjustments, demand much less physical effort. This means you conserve energy, staying fresh and focused on your creative vision for longer periods, which is crucial on demanding shoots.

4. What are the key elements of an auto light stand's design that ensure long-term durability?

Long-term durability in an auto light stand comes from several key design elements: High-Quality Materials: Robust aluminum alloys or reinforced steel for the columns and legs. Precision-Engineered Mechanisms: Smooth, reliable automatic leg deployment and locking systems built to withstand repeated use. Strong Locking Collars: Durable, non-slip locking mechanisms for the telescoping sections that maintain their grip over time. Reinforced Stress Points: Areas like leg braces and the mounting stud connection are strengthened to resist bending or breaking under load. Corrosion Resistance: Finishes that protect against rust and environmental wear, especially for outdoor use.

5. How does the type of leg spread (e.g., symmetrical, asymmetrical) impact an auto light stand's functionality?

The type of leg spread impacts an auto light stand's stability and adaptability to different spaces. Symmetrical Leg Spread: Most common, providing even stability in all directions. Ideal for open spaces where the stand can be centered. Asymmetrical Leg Spread: Allows one or more legs to be positioned differently, which is highly beneficial for fitting stands into tight corners, against walls, or around furniture. This can be crucial in smaller studios or crowded locations, enabling stable light placement where a symmetrical stand couldn't fit.

6. Are there specific types of locking mechanisms I should look for in the column sections of an auto light stand?

Yes, specific locking mechanisms offer varying levels of security and ease of use in the column sections: Lever Locks (Flip Locks): Most common, offering quick and easy tightening/loosening. Look for robust, durable levers that lock securely without excessive force. Knob Locks (Twist Locks): Require twisting a knob to tighten. Can offer a very secure lock but might take slightly longer to adjust. Automatic Locking Collars: Some advanced designs feature collars that automatically lock when extended, requiring only a button press for release. Regardless of type, prioritize mechanisms that feel sturdy, engage firmly, and won't slip under load.

7. How do auto light stands support the use of various power sources, like battery packs or external power supplies?

Auto light stands support various power sources primarily by providing a stable platform for your light unit, regardless of its power input. Many larger strobes or continuous LEDs come with integrated battery packs or require external power supplies that sit on the floor. The stand's robust design ensures the light remains secure. Some heavier-duty stands may also offer integrated hooks or loops on the central column to neatly secure power cables or even hang small battery packs, keeping them off the floor and away from foot traffic.

8. What are the advantages of using wheeled auto light stands for studio or large-space photography?

Wheeled auto light stands, often called "roller stands," offer significant advantages for studio or large-space photography: Effortless Repositioning: Allows for quick, smooth, and precise movement of lights across the floor without lifting. Reduced Physical Strain: Eliminates the need to constantly pick up and move heavy light setups. Dynamic Lighting: Enables rapid, fluid adjustments for video shoots or tracking moving subjects. Safety: High-quality casters typically have locking brakes to secure the stand once positioned, preventing unwanted movement. They are ideal for photographers who frequently adjust their lighting setup within a large studio or on a set.

9. How does the material finish (e.g., anodized, powder-coated) on an auto light stand contribute to its practical use?

The material finish on an auto light stand contributes significantly to its practical use and longevity: Anodized Aluminum: Provides a hard, corrosion-resistant, and scratch-resistant surface. It also reduces glare in a studio environment. Powder-Coated Steel: Offers excellent durability, scratch resistance, and often a matte black finish that absorbs light, preventing unwanted reflections in photos. It also adds a layer of protection against rust for steel stands. These finishes not only make the stand look professional but also protect it from the wear and tear of daily use, ensuring smoother operation over time.

10. Can auto light stands improve my results when working with complex, multi-light setups?

Absolutely! Auto light stands are a game-changer for complex, multi-light setups. Their rapid deployment means you can build your lighting diagram much faster. The consistency of their height adjustments and stability allows for precise placement of each light, ensuring optimal light ratios and shadow control. Furthermore, if you need to make iterative adjustments, the ease of movement and repositioning ensures your creative flow isn't interrupted by cumbersome equipment, letting you refine your look efficiently.

11. What role does the "minimum height" specification play when choosing an auto light stand?

The "minimum height" specification plays a crucial role, especially for low-angle lighting, rim lights, or compact setups. While maximum height is often emphasized, a low minimum height allows you to place lights very close to the ground, which is essential for: Creating dramatic low-angle effects. Lighting subjects from below (e.g., for certain portrait styles). Setting up rim lights or kickers for product photography. Working in confined spaces where a very tall stand would be impractical even when collapsed. Ensure the minimum height matches your creative needs for versatility.

12. How do auto light stands impact the longevity of my light modifiers like softboxes and umbrellas?

Auto light stands indirectly impact the longevity of your light modifiers by providing a stable and secure mounting platform. Wobbly or unstable stands can cause your modifiers to sway, shift, or even fall, leading to bent rods, torn fabrics, or broken speedrings. High-quality auto stands, with their robust construction and secure locking mechanisms, keep your modifiers steady, reducing stress on their frames and connection points, thus extending their usable life. The air-cushioning also prevents damage from sudden drops.

13. Is there a 'best' way to collapse and store an auto light stand to ensure its mechanisms last?

Yes, there is a "best" way to collapse and store an auto light stand to ensure its mechanisms last: Lower Sections Gently: Always lower the telescoping sections slowly and smoothly, allowing the air-cushioning to work if present. Don't let them crash down. Fully Collapse Legs: Ensure the auto-folding legs fully retract and secure themselves, without forcing them if they stick. Clean Before Storage: Wipe down any dirt or grit, especially from moving parts. Store Vertically (if possible): If space allows, store them upright to prevent pressure on specific parts. Use a Padded Bag: A dedicated padded carrying bag protects the stand from external impacts and dust during transport and storage. Proper handling and storage prevent undue stress on the internal components.

14. What are some indicators that an auto light stand might be of lower quality and prone to issues?

Some indicators that an auto light stand might be of lower quality and prone to issues include: Flimsy Materials: Very thin, lightweight aluminum that flexes easily. Wobbly Legs: Legs that don't lock firmly or have excessive play when deployed. Rough Action: Sticking or grinding when extending/collapsing columns or legs. Plastic Locking Mechanisms: Low-grade plastic knobs or levers that feel brittle or strip easily. Poor Finish: Uneven paint, rough edges, or visible burrs. Lack of Air Cushioning: A definite red flag for safety. Unrealistic Load Capacity Claims: Be wary of stands that claim very high load capacities for their size and weight.

15. How does choosing the right auto light stand empower my overall photographic artistry and creative expression?

Choosing the right auto light stand empowers your artistry by transforming a technical necessity into a creative facilitator. When your gear is dependable, easy to use, and quick to adjust, you spend less time troubleshooting and more time visualizing and executing your artistic ideas. It frees you to experiment with complex lighting setups, react spontaneously to moments, and maintain your creative flow without interruption. This seamless interaction with your tools allows you to focus purely on the aesthetics and emotions of your images, ultimately leading to more confident, impactful, and artistically fulfilling photography.