Lightweight Portable Boom in Use - Elinchrom ELB500 TTL Rotalux 70cm Deep Octa
Conventional wisdom says that when using a lighting boom that you need counter balance weight on the end of the boom opposite the light. I'm not a fan of this as it raises the centre of gravity of the whole light stand and increase instability meaning more weight in the form of sand bags need to be placed around the nightstand legs.
My solution is simple, I use two loops of 550 lb paracord joined by a prusik knot or friction hitch attached to the base of the light stand and end of the boom.
This set-up works really well with Elinchrom portable battery flash as the battery power pack provides a reasonable amount of ballast when using lightweight light modifier/shapers up to 70cm.
In this case the ELB500 TTL power pack is attached to the light stand by means of a small key clip karibiner and a short loop of paracord.
The other end of the two loops is attached to the boom. Here I've used a MkII SPIG attached to 16mm ⅝" steel tube boom. This tube is available from many DIY chain stores. Paracord is available from outdoor stores on your favourite auction website. Be sure to look for 550lb MilSpec paracord as it has a high breaking strain and resists twisting.
The boom is attached to the light stand with another SPIG and a Kupo Umbrella Swivel. I use this particular model as it will take a 5' or even 7' umbrella without drooping. For smaller modifers you can use something like the Manfrotto 026 Umbrella Swivel, but in my experience the Kupo Umbrella Swivel is more secure.
The Elinchrom Rotalux 70cm Deep Octa is the largest modifier I use with the 16mm steel 1 metre boom. For larger modifiers I use a Kupo Baby Boom or Manfrotto Black Light Boom.
For me, this is the compact & lightweight solution where a boom is needed. Working with Elinchrom portable battery flash means the weight at the end of the boom is substantially less than with flash heads from other systems - the head weighs roughly 450g/16oz compared to anything up to 3kg/6lb for some mono bloc flash heads! A speedlite without a modifier weighs about 550g/1lb 3 oz.
That's is for now, questions and feedback are always welcome.
That's it for now and don't forget if you really enjoy lighting to visit and join The LIGHT Side - a place to learn, be mentored, nurtured and learn about lighting, lighting and photography, whatever your level or experience.
Credits
- Lighting Equipment: Sunbounce, Elinchrom & more from our friends at The Flash Centre - I don't recommend businesses unless I have direct experience of the products and people - when contacting The Flash Centre call Brian Collier at the Birmingham branch.
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