In more than 10 years of working on sets, I’ve learned to tolerate the light stand as the “necessary evil” of the gear bag. I’ve pinched my fingers on twist-knobs and hauled bulky C-stands countless times, all to keep my lights from crashing to the floor. But with the 2026 launch of the MagMod MagStand, support gear is finally starting to catch up with the needs of real shooters.
This isn’t just another aluminum stick. It’s a modular system built to solve the everyday frustrations of location work. It even has a built-in hook for a sand bag to boost stability. After spending more than 10 years wrestling with gear on shoots, I wanted to see if the MagStand truly earns a place in a professional kit.
Key Specs & Innovations
- Product Name: MagStand
- Available Models: MagStand 9 Pro and MagStand 11 Pro
- Maximum Height (9 Pro): 9 feet / 2.74 meters
- Maximum Height (11 Pro): 11 feet / 3.35 meters
- Payload Capacity: Up to 6.3 kg / 13.9 lbs (as of February 2026)
- Weight (9 Pro): 2.3 kg / 5.1 lbs
- Weight (11 Pro): 2.8 kg / 6.3 lbs
- Leg Deployment System: Patent-pending one-motion leg opening and locking system
- Base Design: Wide, low-profile base for improved stability
- Foot Design: Dual-contact rubberized feet for stronger ground grip
- Height Adjustment: Squeeze-button auto-lock mechanism
- Modular Feature: Removable center column converts into handheld monopole
- Carry System: Built-in magnetic stacking with latch lock
- Stability Support: Integrated hook for adding sandbag or counterweight
- Travel Design: Breaks down into compact parts for checked luggage
- Launch Platform: Kickstarter (as of February 2026)
- Starting Price: $145 USD (MagStand 9 Pro, as of February 2026)
What Is MagStand?
MagStand is a professional light stand built for photographers, videographers, and content creators who need fast setup, strong support, and easy transport. Light stands may seem simple, but they are one of the most essential tools on any shoot. A slow or unstable stand can waste time, cause delays, or even risk damaging expensive lights. MagStand solves common problems like slow leg adjustments, wobbly bases, and bulky travel gear.
Unlike heavy C-stands or traditional aluminum stands, MagStand works best with lightweight LED panels, small lights, and modifiers. Its modular design makes it easy to carry, adjust, and set up quickly for solo shooters or small crews. By combining stability, portability, and smart engineering, MagStand provides a professional solution for creators who need reliable support for their lights.
How MagStand’s System Works
MagStand’s design focuses on improving setup speed, stability, and flexibility. Its features are built to make work easier on fast-paced productions.
1. One-Motion Leg Deployment & “Narrow-Base” Trick
The standout feature is the one-motion leg system. You squeeze the base buttons, and the legs deploy evenly. Expert Insight: Unlike traditional stands, you can set the MagStand into a narrow footprint configuration. This is a lifesaver when you need to tuck a rim light into a tight corner or behind a couch where wide C-stand legs would never fit.
2. Wide, Low-Profile Base
MagStand features a wide base with a low center of gravity, which helps prevent tipping when holding lights or small softboxes. Each leg has rubberized feet that touch the ground at two points, improving grip and balance on flat surfaces. This dual-contact design keeps the stand stable even on slightly uneven terrain, making it reliable for both indoor and outdoor work.
3. Built-In Hook for Added Stability
Each stand has a built-in hook that can hold a sand bag or other counterweight. Adding weight lowers the center of gravity and increases stability, which is especially important when supporting heavier lights or softboxes. This feature also helps prevent tipping in windy outdoor conditions.
4. Squeeze-Button Height Adjustment
Height adjustments are simple with the squeeze-button system. Pressing the button allows the section to move freely, while releasing it locks the section in place automatically. This one-handed operation eliminates the need for traditional air-cushioned sections, reduces the risk of sudden drops, and makes raising or lowering lights quick and safe.
5. Removable Center Column for Monopole Use
The center column can be removed entirely to convert the stand into a handheld monopole. This feature is especially useful when working in tight spaces, filming handheld shots, or using a single light without the full stand. The monopole has a soft matte finish to provide a secure grip, giving the user more control while holding it.
6. Magnetic Carry System
MagStand breaks down into compact components that fit in standard checked luggage, making it easier for traveling creators. Compared to bulky C-stands, this modular design reduces packing challenges and allows reliable light support on the go between locations or packing for shoots.
Designed for Travel
MagStand breaks down into compact components that fit in standard checked luggage, making it easier for traveling creators. Compared to bulky C-stands, this modular design reduces packing challenges and allows reliable light support on the go.
Weight Capacity
As of February 2026, MagStand can hold up to 6.3 kg (13.9 lbs). It is suitable for LED panels, small lights, and compact softboxes, but not for heavy cinema fixtures. Using a sandbag or counterweight can improve stability when needed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast one-motion leg deployment
- Lightweight and modular for travel
- Squeeze-button height adjustment
- Magnetic stacking system
- Hook for sandbag stability
Cons:
- Max weight 6.3 kg
- Not for heavy cinema lights
- Crowdfunded product may have shipping delays
Pricing and Availability
MagStand is available through a Kickstarter campaign. The 9 Pro model starts at $145 USD, with shipping expected to begin in July (Feb 2026). Since this is a crowdfunded product, delivery dates may vary, and final production units could differ slightly from early prototypes.
MagStand is MagMod’s professional modular light stand for fast setup, superior stability, and easy travel in photography/videography.
The MagStand supports up to 6.3 kilograms (13.9 lbs). It is ideal for lightweight LED panels, small lights, and compact softboxes but is not built for heavy cinema lights.
Yes. The modular 9ft version of the MagStand breaks down into smaller parts that easily fit inside standard checked suitcases. This makes it perfect for traveling solo shooters or small teams.
MagStand has built-in magnets and a latch system, allowing multiple stands to attach securely together. Once aligned, the latch locks the units, and a press releases them for easy one-handed transport.
No. It uses a bbions automatically lock when you release the trigger, preventing gear from dropping while allowing faster adjustments than air-cushioned stands.
Yes. The center column can be removed to convert the stand into a handheld monopole. It has a soft matte finish for a secure grip, making it ideal for solo shooters needing flexible lighting setups.
