Cheetahstand

C12 Air Auto Stand - 12 foot air cushioned heavy duty

Name: C12 Air Auto Stand - 12 foot air cushioned heavy duty
Brand: Cheetahstand
SKU: C12AIR
Price: 170.00 USD
Availability: InStock

C12 Air Auto Stand - 12 foot air cushioned heavy duty

$170.00 USD

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OUT OF STOCK - Pre-Order for Q1 2026

The original Cheetah Stand C12 (WITH AIR CUSHIONS!) light stand with innovative auto deploying legs feature help you swiftly move your lighting from one spot to another. Heavy duty. Quick. Nimble. Made for the creator on the go.

We've all been there. You're taking photos in one spot, when you need to move your lights across the room quickly to capture a live moment. Then comes the hassle of having to manually close your light stand legs or suffer bruises on your own legs by trying to rush because you have to snap that candid shot. Or worse, you knock over something while trying to be a light stand ninja. With the Cheetah Stand auto collapsing leg feature, you won't have to worry about any of that and move quickly from one spot to another. Want to move your light? Just lift it and the legs close. It's that easy.

The Cheetah Stand C12 light stand maximum height is 12 feet and stores at 43 inches. It supports up to 21 pounds. Ideal for most strobes, monolights or LEDs with modifiers. Designed to be used on flat surfaces for best results.

Dimensions:
Closed Length: 43"
Minimum Height: 45"
Maximum Height: 141"
Footprint: 42"
Weight: 7 lb
Max weight support: 21 lb

Includes:
1 - C12 Air light stand

Frequently Asked Questions

Auto Light Stands: Safety, Efficiency & Seamless Workflow – FAQ

1. What exactly is air cushioning in an auto light stand, and how does it fundamentally work?

Air cushioning is a vital safety feature built into the telescoping columns of many high-quality auto light stands. It works by trapping a pocket of air inside each segment. If you accidentally loosen a locking collar while a light is mounted, instead of the column crashing down abruptly, the trapped air slowly releases, creating a pneumatic "cushion" that allows the column to descend gently and controllably. This prevents sudden drops, protecting your expensive lighting equipment from impact damage.

2. How does air cushioning directly protect my expensive strobes and LED panels from damage?

Air cushioning directly protects your expensive strobes and LED panels by absorbing the shock of an accidental drop. Without it, if a segment slips, the sudden force of the light hitting the bottom of the stand (or the floor) can cause internal damage to delicate electronics, crack flash tubes, break bulbs, or damage the light's housing. The air cushion acts as a built-in shock absorber, transforming a potentially destructive impact into a gentle descent, thereby significantly extending the lifespan of your valuable lighting gear.

3. Is air cushioning a standard feature on all auto light stands, or is it a premium add-on?

While air cushioning is a highly desirable safety feature, it's generally not standard on all auto light stands. It's more commonly found on mid-range to high-end models, where manufacturers prioritize equipment safety and user experience. Basic or entry-level stands might lack this feature, using simpler spring-loaded mechanisms or no cushioning at all. When making your purchase, always confirm that the stand explicitly states it includes air cushioning for optimal protection.

4. Beyond preventing drops, what other subtle benefits does air cushioning offer during a shoot?

Beyond preventing catastrophic drops, air cushioning offers several subtle benefits during a shoot. It allows for smoother, more controlled height adjustments, preventing jerky movements that might disturb your subject or compromise a delicate setup. This precise control can be particularly useful in video work where seamless light transitions are key. It also reduces wear and tear on the stand's internal components, contributing to its overall longevity by minimizing hard impacts within the mechanism.

5. Can I rely solely on air cushioning for safety, or should I still use proper handling techniques?

You should never rely solely on air cushioning for safety. While it's an invaluable protective feature, it's designed as a backup for accidental releases, not a substitute for proper handling. Always practice good technique: Support the light: Keep one hand on your light source when loosening any locking collars. Lock securely: Ensure all sections are firmly locked before letting go of the stand. Don't overload: Never exceed the stand's maximum load capacity, as this can compromise any safety feature. Air cushioning is your insurance, but careful handling is your primary prevention.

6. How do auto light stands with air cushioning compare to those with spring cushioning for safety?

Both air cushioning and spring cushioning are designed to prevent sudden drops, but they operate differently. Air Cushioning: Generally provides a smoother, more controlled, and often quieter descent. It's excellent for heavy loads and precise adjustments. Spring Cushioning: Uses mechanical springs to slow the descent. It's effective but can sometimes be a bit bouncier or less smooth than air cushioning. For ultimate protection and control, air cushioning is often preferred, particularly for heavier and more expensive lighting equipment.

7. Does the presence of air cushioning make an auto light stand heavier or bulkier?

The presence of air cushioning typically adds only a minimal amount of weight and bulk to an auto light stand. The mechanism involves internal air chambers and valves, which are integrated into the existing telescoping column structure. While it might slightly increase the diameter of the column compared to a bare-bones non-cushioned stand, the difference is negligible for portability and is a small trade-off for the significant safety benefits it provides.

8. How do auto light stands facilitate faster scene changes when using multiple lights?

Auto light stands facilitate faster scene changes when using multiple lights through their rapid deployment and breakdown. Instead of manually wrestling with several stands, you can literally have a multi-light setup ready in moments. This efficiency means less downtime between shots or setups, allowing you to cycle through different lighting scenarios quickly, maintain creative momentum, and maximize your shooting time, which is invaluable in commercial photography or large-scale productions.

9. What are the benefits of an auto light stand's wide leg footprint in terms of creative possibilities?

The wide leg footprint of an auto light stand provides enhanced stability, which opens up several creative possibilities: High-Angle Lighting: You can confidently extend lights to their maximum height without fear of tipping, allowing for dramatic overhead lighting or broad area illumination. Heavy Modifiers: Greater stability means you can safely use larger, heavier light modifiers like big softboxes or parabolic reflectors that might otherwise make a narrower stand unstable. Outdoor Confidence: Reduces the risk of tipping in moderate winds (though sandbags are still crucial), giving you more freedom to light subjects in diverse outdoor environments.

10. How do auto light stands contribute to a more ergonomic and less strenuous shooting experience?

Auto light stands contribute to a more ergonomic and less strenuous shooting experience by reducing repetitive strain and physical effort. Their automatic leg deployment eliminates the need to bend down and manually spread each leg. The smooth, air-cushioned column adjustments mean less force is required to raise or lower lights. This ergonomic design minimizes bending, lifting, and awkward reaching, allowing photographers to maintain better posture and reduce fatigue, especially over long shooting days.

11. Can auto light stands improve the consistency of my lighting setup across multiple shoots or locations?

Yes, auto light stands can absolutely improve the consistency of your lighting setup across multiple shoots or locations. Their precise height markings and reliable locking mechanisms ensure that once you dial in a specific light height for a look, you can easily replicate it. Their robust stability also means your lights stay put, preventing accidental shifts that would alter your lighting pattern. This consistency is crucial for building a strong portfolio and maintaining a signature look.

12. Are there specific accessories that are particularly useful to pair with an auto light stand for maximum utility?

Yes, several accessories maximize an auto light stand's utility: Sandbags/Weights: Absolutely essential for stability, especially outdoors or with heavy modifiers. Casters/Wheels: For easy repositioning in studios or large indoor spaces. Boom Arms: To position lights overhead or out of the frame. Reflector Holders: To attach and position reflectors for fill or bounce light. Light Stand Bags: Padded bags protect your stands during transport and storage, extending their life. Various Adapters: To mount different types of lights or modifiers if needed.

13. How does the 'pack size' or 'collapsed length' of an auto light stand influence its practical use?

The 'pack size' or 'collapsed length' of an auto light stand significantly influences its portability and storage convenience. A shorter collapsed length means the stand is easier to fit into gear bags, car trunks, or overhead compartments on planes, making it ideal for traveling or location photographers. A compact pack size also takes up less storage space in a studio or home, reducing clutter and allowing you to store more stands efficiently.

14. What makes a universal 5/8" stud the preferred mounting standard for auto light stands?

The universal 5/8" stud is the preferred mounting standard for auto light stands because it provides widespread compatibility and versatility. Almost all photographic lighting equipment—strobes, continuous lights, speedlight adapters, and modifier brackets—are designed to mount onto a 5/8" stud. This universal standard ensures that regardless of your light brand or type, it will securely fit onto virtually any professional light stand, simplifying your gear acquisition and usage.

15. How does investing in a quality auto light stand, with features like air cushioning, reflect positively on my photography brand?

Investing in a quality auto light stand, especially with features like air cushioning, reflects positively on your photography brand in several ways. It demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail by showcasing well-maintained, reliable equipment. It projects competence and efficiency through quick, smooth setups. Crucially, it conveys responsibility and care for both your valuable gear and the safety of your clients and surroundings. This commitment to quality and safety builds trust and enhances your reputation as a serious, dependable photographer.