Lampenstativ Pro 380 cm vs 285 cm: Which Height Do You Need?

Quick Answer

Choose the Rollei Lampenstativ Pro 380 cm if you need to raise a large softbox or light above standing subjects and have the ceiling height for it. Choose the 285 cm model if you mostly light seated subjects, work in a low room, or want a lighter stand to move around.

Why the Height Difference Matters More Than the Price Gap

The two stands differ mainly in maximum working height: the 380 cm model adjusts from 128 to 364 cm, while the 285 cm model is the shorter sibling in the same Pro line. That 79 cm gap at the top changes where you can place the light source, not just how tall the stand looks in the corner.

For a softbox, the stand's top height sets the lowest possible center of the modifier when the box is aimed down at a subject. A taller stand lets you keep a large box above eye level and angle it downward, which is the usual starting point for flattering portrait light. A shorter stand pushes the same box closer to face height, so you compensate by tilting or moving the subject.

Ceiling Height and Room Layout Decide First

Before comparing specs, measure your ceiling. The 380 cm stand reaches 364 cm, so it only makes sense in a room with clear headroom above that figure, including the softbox and any tilt. In a typical home studio with a 250–270 cm ceiling, the 285 cm stand is the practical choice because you can still raise it without hitting the ceiling.

Also check the footprint. A taller stand is usually extended further, which puts more leverage on the legs. Leave enough floor space to spread the legs fully and to sandbag them if you plan to use a large modifier.

Match the Stand to the Modifier, Not the Other Way Around

A large softbox catches air and creates leverage at the top of the stand. The taller you extend, the more that leverage matters. If you plan to use a big box, favor the stand that lets you keep the extension moderate rather than maxing it out.

The 285 cm model suits medium softboxes and reflective umbrellas in tighter rooms. The 380 cm model gives you the extra reach for oversized boxes and high placement, but it also asks for more careful balancing. Neither catalog entry lists a maximum load, so check the modifier weight against the stand's stated capacity before you commit to a very large box.

Decision Rules for Choosing Between 380 cm and 285 cm

• Ceiling check: If your ceiling is below roughly 300 cm, choose the 285 cm stand. If you have clear headroom above 364 cm plus the softbox, the 380 cm stand is viable. Measure before you order, not after delivery.
• Subject height: For standing portraits or full-body work, choose the 380 cm model so the light can sit above the subject. For seated portraits, product shots and tabletop work, the 285 cm model is usually enough.
• Softbox size: Use the 285 cm stand for medium boxes and umbrellas. Step up to the 380 cm stand only if you regularly use a large box and need height without maxing out the extension. A taller stand does not replace a weight rating; check the load specification.
• Portability: If the stand will move between rooms or locations, the shorter 285 cm model is easier to handle and fits more car interiors.

Product Facts

• Lampenstativ | Pro | 380 cm: Height adjustable from 128 to 364 cm. This range lets you place a softbox well above standing subjects, provided your ceiling allows it.

  

• Lampenstativ | Pro | 285 cm: Part of the Pro stand line built for studio lighting stability. It is the more room-friendly option when you need dependable support without maximum height.

  

Who Each Stand Fits

Best for

• Portrait photographers with a high-ceiling studio who need light above standing subjects
• Users of large softboxes who want extra height without full extension

Not for

• Home studios with ceilings under about 300 cm
• Photographers who need a compact stand for frequent transport