Portable stand, in particular a portable stand for holding and supporting video cameras, photo-cameras and other optical recording devices, consisting of an oblong basic body; a lower handle mounted to the lower end of the basic body by a first holding element, wherein the lower handle exhibits a fixing hook which engages a pin device of the first holding device and the fixing hook has an at least in parts threaded pin extension for receiving a first forked joint and a fixing screw, wherein the fixing screw is led through a grip surface of the first handle and the first forked joint is pressed onto or released from the first holding element through turning of the grip surface, in such a way that the position of the first handle is adjustable and fixable as desired; an upper handle mounted by a second holding element between the lower and the upper end of the basic body, wherein the upper handle exhibits a fixing hook engaging a pin device of the second holding element and the fixing hook has an at least in parts threaded pin extension for receiving a second forked joint and a fixing screw, wherein the fixing screw is led through a grip surface of the second handle and the second forked joint is pressed onto or released from the second holding element through turning the grip surface, in such a way that the position of the second handle is adjustable and fixable as desired; wherein the first and/or second grip surface of the first and/or second handle is detachable through unscrewing the respective fixing screw; and a connection plate provided at the upper end of the basic body for receiving the device to be carried.