[Carbon Fiber] These are by far the most compact and lightweight stands I own. Overall I really like the mechanism; it even appears bolted instead of riveted, which is promising for potential repairs. I use these as ultra-portable mic stands; I can carry about 5-6 of these in the same space and weight as I used to two traditional steel mic stands or four aluminum stands (1051BAC). I've tried most of the other carbon fiber stands on the market and as of writing, these are the best I've found.

The stands fit together nicely in a bag, so they are very easy and tidy to pack or stack as needed for storage and transport. They also are some of the shortest stands I've ever seen, very easy to fit on a backpack's tripod holder.

For negatives, it's definitely a little flimsy if loaded anywhere near capacity, and prone to minor bending/swaying. An aluminum stand like a 1051BAC is much sturdier, but at the cost of weight and length. I'm also not really a fan of the blue accents; I wish they just did a matte grey, but I guess anything is better than red accents.

Compared to the 65C, this stand extends less, is more flimsy, but comes with a levelling leg and is lighter and more compact. In general I prefer the 65C for my needs (I never need a leveling leg, and appreciate the extra height and sturdiness), but if you really need every oz/g and in/cm in your loadout, these are great.

[Carbon Fiber] I purchased four of these for times when I want a super lightweight light kit. They are designed and built very well. Fold up small and easy to carry. A good value.

[3.99 lb] This is a perfect little stand for me. I've been using it outdoors (trails, etc.) and the adjustable leg is perfect for maintaining balance. So light, compact, and easy to adjust. I'll probably save up and get another in the near future. Also purchased the Manfrotto Cold Shoe Tilt Head, which seems an excellent match so far.

[Carbon Fiber] I've had the pleasure of using these photo stands from Hobolite for quite some time now, and I can't help but express my utmost satisfaction. As a photographer who frequently travels abroad, finding the right equipment that strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial for my event work. And these stands have truly exceeded my expectations.

One of the standout features of these stands is their remarkable strength, which is an absolute necessity for holding lights in an event environment. Whether it's indoor or outdoor shoots, these stands deliver the reliability I need to ensure my equipment remains steady and secure throughout my sessions. With live events, there is always a risk of "guest interference."

But what truly sets these stands apart is their elegant design. When working in luxury event environments, visual distractions can be a concern. These stands seamlessly blend into the backdrop, adding to the overall aesthetics rather than detracting from them. This is a game-changer when it comes to creating a professional and unobtrusive atmosphere during high-end events.

Moreover, the compactness of these stands is a true game-changer for a frequent traveler like me. They pack down into a surprisingly small size, the 7.9' fitting effortlessly into my carry-on and the 10.2' in my checked bag.

What initially drew me to Hobolite was their fantastic light stands, and I've since expanded my gear kit to include their lights as well. The synergy between these products is undeniable, and they have become invaluable additions to my photography arsenal.

If you're a photographer seeking photo stands that provide exceptional strength, elegant design, and unparalleled portability, I wholeheartedly recommend these. These stands have not only enhanced my photography experience but have also allowed me to maintain a professional edge in various event settings.

[Not Compatible] This is a great investment, light and strong will hold a profoto B10 and a CheetahStand 28” octabox with no issues. I highly recommend this for the traveling photographer.

[Not Compatible] This light stand fits that gap between a tall (10' or greater), sturdy, metal light stand that you would use in a studio with strobes and heavy modifiers, and that barely tall enough (~6'), light-weight, easily knocked over, stand that everyone takes with them for off-camera flash. The former is too heavy to take on location, especially when two or three are needed, and the latter is only moderatly useful and has severe limitations. These Neewer carbon fiber stands are a perfect compromise between those two, making it much more useful for carrying with you out of the studio, and removing the restrictions of not enough height, and the inability to safely support a studio strobe. They won't replace my studio stands, but they will be my go-to travel stands.

[Not Compatible] These are exceptional stands; they're very sturdy for their weight and size, yet fold down smaller than just about anything that can get this tall. As far as I have found, these are the best mass-production carbon fiber stands. Like the 55C's, they fit together nicely in a bag and are very easy and compact to transport. The construct is exceptional; they appear bolted rather than riveted, so, fingers crossed for reparability. They are feather-weight, but surprisingly sturdy, even at a significant extension.

I use these as ultra-lightweight, ultra-compact mic stands. I can fit about four of these in the space of two typical steel mic stands, and they weight way less too. Thanks to these I can solo record just about anything; no truck, no roadies. These are tall enough to hold orchestral mains, yet small enough to fit on a backpack's tripod holder, which is super impressive, though you do need to be more careful about weight (and weight distribution) with these obviously. Most impressively, they are more compact AND lighter than my other lightweight favorite, Manfrotto 1051BAC, yet get 2 feet higher.

I overall prefer these to the 55C because they don't have a levelling leg (which I don't need for my typically-indoor use case), and are both taller and sturdier while not really being that much longer or heavier.

My only real dislike is the blue accents I guess. I just think matte/powdered grey would look nicer, especially if they end up in the shot, but it's an admittedly very subjective and minor critique.

[3.99 lb] If you travel, or even if you don't and need a light stand this is as good as it will ever get! This is strong and EXTREMELY well made. So small and lite when folded but so sturdy and tall when extended! If NASA made a light stand it wouldn't be as good as this thing!!

[3.99 lb] Really great size and weight for light duty jobs like speedlights, reflectors, small grip and lighting modifiers. Well built, cool lock mechanism on the legs too. folds up super small.

[Not Compatible] It's incredibly light and relatively sturdy. Much sturdier than the similar design Manfrotto. It weights nothing but can hold a B10 + the OCF octabox no problem. Can be attached to bagpack if fully collapsed. Very convenient tool for a travel photography.