ProMaster’s Air Support Stand Changed How I Light My Photos

Oct 24, 2025

Kate Garibaldi

Collage with: a professional studio light above green plants, the same light set up in an industrial-style room, and a close-up of a decorated stone. “PetaPixel Showcase” text appears in the lower right corner.

We tested ProMaster’s latest lighting products, including the groundbreaking Air Support Light Stand and the Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED, a great companion to ProMaster’s new stand. Together, they comprise a setup that is fast to deploy, easy to control, and capable of producing beautifully soft, color-accurate light — a combination that feels purpose-built for hybrid creators who move seamlessly between photo and video work.

Full disclosure: This hands-on Showcase has been sponsored by ProMaster, but the opinions contained therein are PetaPixel’s.

Blending Innovation with Practical Performance

The ProMaster Air Support Light Stand and Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED are designed to simplify the creative process while elevating the quality of light and control. This pairing stands out not just for its specifications but for how it brings speed, precision, and softness together in a practical, everyday toolset.

Photographers often face a tradeoff between convenience and quality. Traditional light stands can be slow and cumbersome to set up, and compact LED panels sometimes compromise output or color accuracy. This combination from ProMaster bridges those gaps.

A black LED panel light in an open carrying case, a black tripod with red accents, and a black-and-white patterned pillow are arranged on a beige sofa.

The Air Support Stand introduces a clever air-driven system that deploys and locks into position in seconds, letting you move from setup to shooting with almost no downtime. At the same time, the Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED Light delivers professional-grade illumination that is both powerful and gentle, creating flattering results without additional modifiers or bulky diffusion.

A portable scanning device with an open document holder and a camera mount sits on a wooden table. Behind it, a black carrying case with accessories is open on a beige couch.

The Air Support Stand reflects ProMaster’s approach to accessible innovation and building products that make creative pros’ lives easier and more productive. The stand is engineered for creators who work fast but still value precision, whether filming interviews, shooting portraits, or capturing intricate detail in studio product photography. For anyone tired of balancing clumsy stands, this new product feels like a fresh start that respects both your time and your craft.

A professional studio light with barn doors is turned on in front of a planter with green foliage. Two exposed hanging light bulbs are glowing above in a modern, softly lit interior space.

A professional studio light on a stand faces away from the camera, positioned in front of green potted plants. Two hanging light bulbs are illuminated above, with a blurred indoor background.

Air-Driven Innovation

The ProMaster Air Support Light Stand is a standout companion for photographers and videographers who value speed, stability, and smart design. Compact and lightweight at 2 pounds, 15 ounces (1.33 kilograms), it extends from a folded length of 31.25 inches (79.4 centimeters) to a maximum height of 6 feet (182.9 centimeters) in under three seconds. That speed alone is impressive, but it is the smoothness and precision of its motion that make it feel special.

Instead of relying on traditional twist locks or clamp levers, the Air Support Stand uses an air-driven column for fluid, one-handed height adjustment. The internal air chamber naturally cushions movement, so the light can be raised or lowered with a controlled motion that prevents sudden drops or jolts. This small but meaningful innovation makes working with expensive lighting equipment safer and faster. The dual-release buttons allow for an easy and deliberate descent, providing the kind of tactile control that feels engineered by people who actually spend time on set.

The design itself balances practicality with safety. Its matte black finish keeps reflections to a minimum, while red-tipped legs add just enough visual contrast to be easily spotted in low-light environments — a smart detail that helps avoid accidental bumps or trips. Each leg also includes a hole for securing the provided ground stakes, giving the stand surprising versatility for outdoor use where uneven terrain or wind can pose challenges.

“Rather than using slow mechanical locks, this stand can be extended to any position along its travel by simply pulling up on the main column. Air is drawn in as the stand is extended, which provides an incredibly strong load handling ability. To lower the column just squeeze its two release buttons while pulling down. This releases the air as the column slowly and safely shrinks in height,” ProMaster explains.

Close-up of an adjustable black metal clamp and joint mechanism holding a device, with a coiled cable hanging on the side; blurred green and yellow background.

Close-up of a black tripod leg joint with a silver metal ring attached to the center, showing the tripod’s sturdy construction and adjustment mechanism.

That same attention to workflow efficiency extends to the base.

“The three-leg base has also been designed for speed and ease of use. Just pull out on one leg and the entire base fully deploys itself. Pull up on the integrated key ring and the base closes instantly,” ProMaster says.

Close-up of a black and red cylindrical object with a hole in the red section, resting on a textured, stone-like surface.

The Air Support Stand’s versatility is another highlight. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of gear, working equally well with LED panels, strobes, flashes, or continuous hot lights. The 5/8-inch mounting stud with a 1/4-20 threaded post also makes it suitable for microphone fishpoles, small booms, or lightweight accessories that benefit from quick repositioning.

In use, it is clear that ProMaster has engineered this stand with both convenience and durability in mind. It is strong enough to support up to 8 pounds 8 ounces (3.9 kilograms) while maintaining impressive balance and ease of movement. The result is a clever piece of equipment that elevates an often-overlooked studio essential into something that improves efficiency and control.

Three black tripod legs with red ends lie on a wooden surface next to three metal stakes with cords and an L-shaped hex key; green leaves are visible in the background.

ProMaster’s Broader Lighting Ecosystem

The Air Support Stand works very well with ProMaster’s Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED Light, which is also well-crafted and thoughtfully designed. Measuring 15.13 inches by 10.75 inches by 2 inches (38.4 centimeters by 27.3 centimeters by 5.1 centimeters) without barn doors, the panel is slim, durable, and completely silent thanks to its passive cooling system. The light produces soft, flattering illumination without needing diffusion, while its RGBWW LEDs provide control over hue, saturation, and color temperature across a wide range of 2,500K to 8,500K.

Its wide 120-degree beam angle helps evenly illuminate subjects even when positioned close, and the included four-panel barn doors make it simple to shape or feather the light. Despite its power, the fully accessorized unit weighs just 5 pounds (2.27 kilograms), making it easy to move and reposition during shoots, especially when used alongside the new stand.

Close-up of a metal screw adjustment knob on a black and silver frame, possibly part of a camera, light fixture, or mechanical equipment, with blurred background.

A close-up of a black electronic device with a textured strap around it and a small green indicator light illuminated, connected by a cable in the top corner.

Wireless control via the ProMaster Light Attendant app enhances usability. Bluetooth pairing is straightforward, and the app interface is responsive, intuitive, and scales well on both smartphones and tablets. Adjustments to color, brightness, and effects can be made instantly. The light also features 19 pre-programmed effects and complete RGB control for creative color washes.

Three smartphone screens display a lighting control app with settings for brightness, color temperature, hue, saturation, and special effects, featuring sliders, color wheels, and effect buttons.

Power options are flexible, with the light running from a standard AC adapter, dual NP-F batteries, or a D-Tap connection to V-Mount or Gold Mount batteries. This battery-powered adaptability makes it equally suitable for studio work or on-location shoots.

The Air Support Light Stand supports up to 8.5 pounds (3.9 kilograms) and securely holds the light. Extending and collapsing the stand is nearly effortless, helping speed up workflow and reduce setup frustration. Together, the stand and light form a responsive, professional system.

In the Field

In addition to photography, I also enjoy exploring many forms of art, from painting to jewelry design, which makes lighting a crucial part of how I present my work. This light proved to be ideal for experimenting with several pieces from my handmade opal jewelry collection. Opals, in particular, are notoriously challenging to photograph because their iridescent flashes and internal color shifts change dramatically depending on the angle and the quality of light. Capturing their full depth and brilliance requires a light source that is both soft and highly controllable, allowing each stone’s unique play of color to shine through while avoiding harsh reflections or shadows.

A modern living room with a black leather sofa, a wooden coffee table with a potted plant, tan armchairs, green houseplants, exposed brick wall, vertical metal pipes, and a studio light on a tripod. — Light off

A modern industrial-style lounge with a black tufted sofa, wooden chairs, a coffee table with a plant, and a photography light on a tripod, set against a brick wall with vertical metal pipes. — Light on

The Ultrasoft US1014RGB made capturing those shifting hues effortless, and the Air Support Stand let me easily adjust the light to nail the perfect shot. When photographing jewelry, glare and hotspots are significant concerns, and avoiding them often means adjusting the lighting position, which is tedious with traditional light stands.

My macro lens got in close, revealing the delicate textures and intricate silverwork of each jewelry piece while maintaining smooth, even illumination. An Ethiopian black opal sterling silver pendant on a silver spiral chain revealed its vivid greens and fiery reds under the light, while a large Australian boulder opal sterling silver ring inspired by the braided rivers of Iceland shimmered with layered blues and ochres. An asymmetrical freeform sterling silver ring set with a Mexican fire opal caught warm orange highlights that glowed naturally, just as they do in person.

A silver necklace with a twisted chain features an oval-shaped, multicolored opal pendant set in a four-prong silver setting, displayed on a light beige fabric background. — Light on

A silver chain necklace with an oval-shaped, dark gemstone pendant displaying green and red iridescent specks, set in a four-prong silver setting, on a light gray background. — Light off

A collection of polished opal stones with various patterns and colors, including specks of green, blue, and red, displayed on a wooden surface. — Light on

A group of polished, oval and round stones with various patterns and colors, including white, brown, orange, and black, displayed on a wooden surface. — Light off

A close-up of a polished gemstone with an intricate mix of turquoise, gold, and brown patterns, surrounded by clear, faceted crystal surfaces.

A polished opal gemstone resembling a speckled egg, with vivid flashes of green, red, and blue colors shining through its surface, resting on a textured, translucent background.

The Air Support Light Stand made every part of my photographic work smoother and more efficient. Instead of struggling with traditional twist locks or clamps, I could raise or lower the light in seconds, finding the perfect angle to bring out each gemstone’s vibrant flashes of color. The air-driven lift mechanism provided precise, controlled motion with no sudden drops or jolts, keeping both my subject and setup steady.

When photographing macro jewelry, or any detailed product work where precision is essential, that kind of stability and fine control makes a real difference. The ability to adjust the light height with one hand while holding the camera in the other made my workflow feel fluid, intuitive, and uninterrupted.

I was also impressed by how portable and secure the stand felt in real-world use. The red safety-tipped legs and included ground stakes were thoughtful touches, especially when I moved my setup outdoors for natural light comparisons. I even found that the leg holes designed for the stakes were perfect for zip-tying sandbags, adding extra stability when working on uneven terrain or in a light breeze.

A close-up of a silver ring with an organic, branch-like design, featuring a round, earthy red gemstone, is displayed on a sparkling, translucent surface with a blurred green background.

A silver ring with an ornate, textured band features a large, round stone displaying vibrant blue, orange, and brown patterns, resting on a clear, rough crystal surface with a green background.

Being able to deploy or fold the stand in under three seconds kept the process seamless and let me stay focused on creating rather than setting up. The air-driven system not only saved time but added confidence. Compared to standard models, this design feels like a true step forward, an innovation that rethinks what a simple stand can be. It’s clearly a product made by people who understand how working photographers actually operate, with details that transform an everyday piece of gear into something that actively enhances your workflow.

Together, the Air Support Stand and the Ultrasoft US1014RGB light formed a setup that felt efficient, stable, and genuinely enjoyable to use. The gear stayed out of the way, performing quietly and reliably, allowing me to focus entirely on capturing the subtle color play and textures of my opal jewelry. That kind of effortless operation is what every creative hopes for when inspiration strikes.

Lighting the Perfect Shot Has Never Been This Easy

After spending time with the ProMaster Air Support Light Stand and Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED Light, I came away genuinely impressed with how well the two complement each other. The stand’s air-lift mechanism is one of those small innovations that can completely change how you work. Adjusting light height or angle takes only seconds, and the movement is controlled and precise every time. I never had to worry about the light suddenly dropping or shifting, which made setup and repositioning during shoots much faster than with traditional stands.

The Ultrasoft US1014RGB light itself delivers on every promise of flexibility and control. Its built-in barn doors make shaping light simple, and the diffusion quality is excellent right out of the box. I appreciated not having to add extra modifiers to achieve flattering, even illumination. The RGBWW functionality was another highlight, letting me fine-tune hues and color temperature to match each creative concept. From cool daylight balance to warm tungsten tones, every adjustment felt natural and consistent.

A jewelry display bust with a pendant necklace stands on a wooden table, surrounded by assorted colorful stones, crystals, and three clear display boxes, with a lush green plant wall in the background. — Light on, 40%

A display with a necklace on a beige bust, surrounded by mineral specimens, gemstones in trays, and clear display boxes, set on a wooden surface in front of a lush green plant wall. — Light off

For photographers, videographers, and other creatives who prioritize efficiency, quality, and versatility, this ProMaster setup, anchored by the Air Support Light Stand, stands out as a well-rounded and versatile solution. It delivers beautifully soft, color-accurate light, smooth and stable positioning, and intuitive features that make setup and shooting both faster and more enjoyable. The Air Support Stand adds real-world speed and stability, while the Ultrasoft US1014RGB delivers the control and reliability professionals expect.

Both tools are thoughtfully engineered to support creativity rather than complicate it. Whether capturing reflective jewelry, macro textures, or small product details, the setup performed quietly and consistently in the background. It’s a rare combination of simplicity and capability that feels genuinely designed for modern hybrid creators who move fluidly between photography and video work.

A studio light with barn doors stands in front of hanging lightbulbs and circular ceiling lights, with green plants and a blurred modern interior in the background.

Pricing and Availability

The ProMaster Air Support Light Stand is available now through authorized ProMaster retailers and ProMaster.com for $140. The light I used alongside it, the Ultrasoft US1014RGB LED, retails for $230.

Welcome to a PetaPixel Showcase, in which our staff gives you a hands-on with unique and interesting products from across the photography landscape. The Showcase format affords manufacturers the opportunity to sponsor hands-on time with their products and our staff, and it lets them highlight what features they think are worth noting, but the opinions expressed from PetaPixel staff are genuine. Showcases should not be considered an endorsement by PetaPixel.

Image credits: Kate Garibaldi, ProMaster