Inexpensive backdrop

DrGed

DrGed

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Ged
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Like many people I am torn between buying cheap rubbish of the type that is regularly decried on here and spending money that I'm not sure I can quite afford.

I try to find a compromise between the two and I am looking at backdrop stands. I have seen this :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0037U6KO0/ref=dra_a_cs_mr_hn_it_P1400_1000?tag=dradis-21

and wondered if it is a "happy medium" or if it is a bit too near the "cheap rubbish" end of things. On the plus side, the good reviews far outweight the bad.

Thanks,

Ged
 
My backdrop came from Amazon and looks similar to your link. I went for a 6mx3m white backdrop, think it came out at around £80.

The material itself is nylon based and can get quite creased but for the amount of times I use it, it does the job fine!
 
I also bought something similar from Amazon and it does the job and is very sturdy. It only gets occassional use but I've not had any issues with it.
 
Yes I have something similar with a white Muslin background, haven't used it much but don't see how it would break in normal use, the fixings are metal and it only needs to support a couple of kilos of backdrop and it's own weight.
 
Ged, that system you've posted is actually cheaper elsewhere, what you have there is 2 generic stands which are £10 each with free delivery on prime, you then have a 3 bar pole for the centre section which can be sourced for £10 or you can make your own using a telescopic curtain pole :)
The reason I say this is because I've done such! I found that it's better to buy a lastolite popup kit with train - the quality speaks for itself and they do a plethora of sizes, it will cost a bit more though!
Beware of the fabrics also, a lot of them are complete tosh and no matter what iron you use, you'll never get rid of the creases unless you use a flash for the background to blast out the creases etc :)
 
After trying stands and cloth backgrounds, I eventually made the step up to Bolt on brackets and paper. Much better IMO
My studio is very small, so getting rid if stands was a bonus. The paper is much smoother so no removing in post and it's much more stable for kids etc
The bracket I got holds 3 rolls of paper, so you can change it in seconds
The only major drawback I can see is it's obviously not a portable solution
http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-interfit-int312-wall-mounting-kit/p1027345
 
Many thanks for the replies, everyone.

I'd overlooked the collapsible ones and that's maybe what I'm after since I need the system to be portable.

Am I right in thinking that the collapsible ones "require a certain amount of dexterity" when putting them back in their case?
 
No, similar to a camera tripod I suppose, depends how big the bag/case is. If you go for a fabric backdrop that is more of a problem, but can be carried separately.
 
Lastolite do the trick but there are plenty of copies about, it's literally a fibre glass based tubular frame that you pull out of the bag and voila! Folding it takes a few seconds of doing a figure of 8 before sliding it back into the bag, just keep the cats away, my 2 jump at the sight of it!
 
Thanks.

I am grateful for all the advice given. :)
 
Hi Ged,

What did you end up getting?

Thanks

Kev
 
A week or two ago I noticed that a backdrop frame, two stands and a telescopic crossbar, was in a sale on Amazon. It was reduced from £199 to just under £40 inc delivery.

I've not used it yet but I've checked it and everything seems O.K. I'll tell you one thing, though : at just under £40 it's good value but the full price of £199 is a rip off.

I've yet to buy any backdrop material but I may well go down the route of paper rolls.

Cheers,

Ged
 
Thanks. Any links to what you bought?
 
Yes, I've experimented with a black fabric backdrop but I soon found out how easily they crease.

I'd rather have the hassle of fitting a paper roll into the car than having to iron a cloth backdrop at regular intervals.
 
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