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Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto 1004BAC 144
Manfrotto

Manfrotto 1004BAC 144" Air Cushioned Aluminum Light Stand

★★★★★4.6 (467 reviews)

A 12-foot air-cushioned aluminum light stand with a stackable design built for working professionals.

$142.65*$179.95Save 20%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Manfrotto 1004BAC Master Light Stand is a four-section aluminum stand that extends from a minimum height of approximately 48.82 inches to a maximum of 144 inches, giving lighting professionals the range they need for everything from low fill positions to elevated backlight and hair light placements. Its three risers feature air-cushioned internals, a critical safety detail that slows the descent of each section when the locking collars are released. This prevents heavy lights and modifiers from crashing down unexpectedly, reducing the risk of damage to gear and injury on set.

One of the stand's most practical design elements is the Quick Stack System (QSS), which allows multiple 1004BAC units to interlock at the legs and be carried or stored as a single bundle. For working professionals who routinely transport four or more stands to a shoot, this feature significantly streamlines load-in and load-out. The improved castings at each joint provide confident locking with minimal play, and the overall aluminum construction keeps the weight manageable without sacrificing the rigidity needed to hold modifiers steady at height.

Key Features

Unique stacking feature makes storage and transport a snap.

Improved castings for secure locking and reliability.

Air Cushioned

Specifications

Maximum Height
144" (12 ft)
Minimum Height
48.82"
Material
Aluminum
Sections
4
Risers
3
Air Cushioned
Yes
Quick Stack System (QSS)
Yes

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Reaches a full 12 feet, providing ample height for overhead and backlight positions.
  • Air-cushioned risers prevent sudden drops when loosening the locks, protecting expensive fixtures.
  • Quick Stack System lets you nest multiple stands together for efficient transport and storage.
  • Improved castings on the leg joints and riser locks enhance long-term durability and secure locking.

👎 Cons

  • Aluminum construction, while lighter than steel, can flex under very heavy fixtures at full extension.
  • Collapsed height of nearly 49 inches may be too long for smaller gear bags or carry-on luggage.
  • Legs do not include wheels or casters, so repositioning on smooth floors requires lifting.
  • Four sections mean more joints to lock and unlock during setup compared to a three-section stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fully extended, the stand reaches 144 inches (12 feet), making it suitable for overhead lighting setups in studios and on location.
Air cushioning uses a pneumatic system inside the risers that prevents the sections from dropping suddenly when unlocked. This protects both your lighting equipment and anyone working nearby.
The QSS feature allows multiple 1004BAC stands to nest together compactly by interlocking their legs, making it much easier to bundle several stands for transport or storage.
Manfrotto rates stands in this series for typical studio lighting loads. For exact payload limits, refer to the manufacturer's specification sheet, as it varies by extension height.

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