Manfrotto 085BS Heavy Duty Boom and Stand
I picked up the 085BS boom/stand rig because of a recommendation by SkipD on POTN. I was originally going to pick up the PCB rig, but was advised that it is not as sturdy. Right now I am booming a 580 in an Ezybox. There’s no question that this rig is overkill for a 580 in an Ezybox, but I have something else in the works. 
Onto the pictures. Sorry for the poor quality iPhone shots.
^^^The entire rig set up with a 580 in an Ezybox and attached to an umbrella bracket for tilt adjustment. The really great thing about this rig is the 15 lbs counterweight (the orange thing). Taking into consideration torque, moment arms, and mechanical advantage, placement of the counterweight is fairly easy. I really like the fact that the counterweight can be moved anywhere along the pole to balance the boom perfectly. This makes it a cinch to loosen the swivel bracket and adjust the height/angle of the boom – I can literally do it with my pinky finger. Other booms that use sandbags as counterweights at the very end do not have this luxury. Again, remembering torque, moment arms, and mechanical advantage, to perfectly balance a rig using sandbags, one would have to adjust the weight of the sandbag. This can be a real pain if you are adjusting your boom often.
Comparing this stand to my 8′ Impact stands, I can really appreciate the portability of the Impact stands – they’re much lighter. In contrast, I can really appreciate the sturdiness of the Manfrotto stand. Obviously the Impact stands are not made to handle or support anything more than hot shoe flashes, so I don’t expect them to. But still, the sturdiness of the Manfrotto is impressive.
These last two pictures show one of the attachment points of the 3 piece boom. This makes it possible to break the 9′ boom down for storage or on-location work.
Expensive, but well worth the investment.
And here are a few shots using the boom from tonight.
And here is a basic diagram of the setup. 285 through an umbrella low camera left, 580 in an Ezybox high camera right, 285 behind the subject to blow the wall.
Big thanks to Kevin Kertz for providing the Photoshop file to create this diagram!
You can download the file by clicking here.
I see an allan wrench in one of your pictures. Do you need tools to break down the Manfrott 085BS for transporting?
Hi Lou
Yes, the kit comes with an allen wrench that is required to assemble and break down the 3 piece boom. This makes it easier to pack up for travel and on location work. The allen screws secure each segment to the silver connecting rod. The stand itself is pre-assembled (except the casters, which require a screwdriver and are a one time install).
I just got one of these (today!) and it didn’t come with any instructions. I’m not clear on how the boom poles go together it seems snug and I don’t want to force it. Also, not sure how to attach the counter weight. Did yours come with instructions? Any help appreciated! Thanks.
Hi Helen
Congratulation on your purchase! It is a fine piece of equipment.
My kit did not come with any instructions, either. The 3-piece boom arm attaches via a sleeve mechanism. That is, each segment of the boom slides over the silver connecting rod. Each “sleeve,” if you will, will be reluctant to slide over the connecting rod the first couple of times you dis/assemble it – this is normal. Thereafter, it should get a little easier – but it will still be a snug fit (this is a good thing). Check to make sure none of the segments are dented on the ends where they are supposed to slide over the connecting rods. That is a problem I had. Rather than returning it, I used a set of pliers to round it out. If you do not feel comfortable with this, I would suggest exchanging it so that you do not accidentally damage it (at which point it becomes un-returnable/exchangeable). Also, do not worry if when you slide the sleeve over the connecting rod the holes do not match up for the allen screw. When you get the segment all the way onto the connecting rod, just twist and turn the loose segment (if you can’t go one way, try the other – one is always easier than the other for some reason). If you cannot grip it, use some rubber/latex gloves. I know this sounds like a pain, but it gets easier as everything eventually gets “molded,” if that makes sense, and you get used to it.
Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!
Ah, I completely ignored your question regarding the counterweight.
Here is a closeup of the counterweight attached to the boom.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/7245/counterweight.jpg
^^^Picture courtesy of Skip Douglas (SkipD) of POTN.
If that is not clear, I will be glad to take a picture from a different angle and/or explain it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EXPLAIN SOME OF THE KEY POINTS TO SETTING UP THE MANFROTTO HEAVY DUTY BOOM STAND. I received mine today with no instructions. I am desperately seeking on line for some set up instructions. I want to make sure I set it up correctly. The casters came with tinee tiny drawings for the steps. I wish I received the same for the rest of the product.
Can you clear up one more thing please…can the Manfrotto 085BS be used as a regular light stand as well? Or only as a boom stand?
Hey Art
Glad you found this post useful. Yes, you can use this as a regular stand, too. Enjoy!