Manfrotto 008BUAC Aluminum Cine Stand w/Leveling Leg

The Manfrotto 008BUAC is a two-section aluminum cine stand designed for film, video, and photographic lighting applications where equipment safety and stability are priorities. Its defining feature is the air cushioning system built into the riser column, which acts as a pneumatic brake to slow the descent of the extending section if a locking knob is released inadvertently. This protects expensive lighting fixtures, softboxes, and other mounted accessories from the sudden drops that can occur with non-cushioned stands, a concern that increases as the weight of attached equipment grows.

The stand's leveling leg — one of three base legs that can be independently adjusted — addresses a common challenge on location shoots where perfectly flat floors are not guaranteed. Whether working on a sloped stage, an outdoor surface, or an older building with uneven flooring, the leveling leg lets you achieve a stable, plumb setup without shimming or improvising. With a load capacity of 33.07 lbs and a maximum height of approximately 83.46 inches, the 008BUAC handles a broad range of mid-weight lighting instruments. It collapses to 44.09 inches and weighs 9.26 lbs, positioning it as a robust studio and location stand rather than an ultralight travel option. The 46.46-inch maximum footprint provides a wide, stable base that further reduces the risk of tip-overs during use.