SMALLRIG RA-S280 Photography Light Stand Review – 110″ / 9.2ft Professional Air-Cushioned Tripod
⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5.0
The SMALLRIG RA-S280 Photography Light Stand is a heavy-duty, professional-grade support system designed for studio lights, softboxes, reflectors, ring lights, and other photo/video equipment. Reaching up to 110″ (280cm), this stand combines height, durability, and portability—making it ideal for photographers, videographers, livestreamers, and studio creators who need a sturdy and dependable lighting foundation.
Key Features
- Height: Extends up to 110″ / 9.2 ft (280cm)
- Material: Lightweight but strong aluminum alloy
- Load Capacity: Supports up to 8kg (17.6 lbs)
- Connection: Standard 1/4″ screw for universal compatibility
- Air-Cushioned Design: Prevents sudden drops for equipment safety
- Locking Knobs: Oversized ergonomic grips for stability
- Foldable Legs: Compact for travel or small home studios
- Wide Footprint: Enhanced balance for overhead lights or softboxes
Why This Light Stand Stands Out
The SMALLRIG RA-S280 is far more stable and reliable than a standard hobby-level tripod. Designed for professional studio workflows, it supports a variety of lighting equipment including softboxes, COB lights, LED panels, reflectors, and ring lights. The air-cushion mechanism protects your gear from accidental drops, making it safe for expensive lighting setups used in both photography and video production.
Because of its tall max height (9.2 ft), it’s perfect for overhead lighting, top-down photography, livestream production, hair lights, and 3-point lighting setups commonly used in commercial filming environments.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely sturdy with an 8kg / 17.6 lb max load
- Air-cushioned support prevents equipment damage
- Professional-level height for overhead and studio use
- Universally compatible 1/4″ screw mount
- High-quality aluminum alloy—strong but portable
- Stable, wide tripod footprint
- Great for both photo and video lighting setups
Cons
- Taller than typical users need unless doing studio-level work
- Slightly heavier than amateur-grade stands
- No carrying bag included
Best Use Cases
- Professional photography studios
- YouTube + TikTok creator setups
- Fashion, product, portrait, and commercial lighting
- Overhead filming rigs and boom arm support
- Softboxes, diffusers, LED COB lights, and reflectors
- Ring lights for livestreaming or makeup tutorials
Affiliate Comparison Table
| Feature | SMALLRIG RA-S280 | Standard Light Stand | Budget Tripod |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Height | 110″ / 280cm | 70″ / 178cm | 50″ / 127cm |
| Load Capacity | 8kg | 2–3kg | 1kg |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy | Thin Aluminum | Plastic / Thin Metal |
| Air Cushioning | Yes | No | No |
| Best For | Pro Lighting + Heavy Gear | Basic LED panels | Lightweight phone lights |
Final Verdict
The SMALLRIG RA-S280 is a top-tier lighting stand built for creators and professionals who need dependable support for softboxes, COB lights, and studio gear. Its strength, height, and air-cushioned safety make it one of the best choices for high-demand photography and video setups.
Rating: 4.7 / 5 — Recommended for Professional Photo & Video Creators
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