Sandbag (5-7kg)

A saddle sandbag for ballasting light stands, C-stands and boom arms against wind or an off-centre load. It is standard kit on any set, indoors or out, and every stand should have one nearby.

It straddles a stand leg rather than hanging from it, so the weight stays low and the stand sits more stable. That makes it far more effective than hooking a bag higher up, and it keeps the weight out of the way of the cable. Use one on each leg when a stand is carrying a big fixture, a frame or a flag.

The bag is made from Cordura with a sealed sand-filled liner and a centred carry handle, and weighs 5 to 7kg. The sealed liner means it does not leak sand onto a set or a studio floor. Stack two on a leg for a large frame in strong wind, and always keep the bag on the side the load is leaning towards.