Stand for large backdrop

[nblain]

I've been thinking about getting one of the large (1.8mx 2.75m) Lastolite (LB6921) black/white backdrops for use in a photo-booth setup, using the backdrop in landscape. You may ask why so large? Basically, to enable me to get more people in.

However, I'm struggling to find an appropriate stand to hold the backdrop, as it needs to be able to go high enough, but also be sturdy enough to support the weight.The most common Lastolite stand (LS1109), is not supposed to be suitable for supporting this size of backdrop.

I've tried emailing Lastolite but after two days, not had a reply and I've also called and am currently waiting for them to come back to me.

As I'm up against it, time wise, I was therefore just wondering if anyone here might have had any experience with supporting this size of backdrop?

TIA

Nigel

 

[Ian Boichat]

I've got the lastolite solo one http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lastolite-solo-heavy-duty-background-support-4m/p1533472 which pivots so its easy to put up on your own. Much stronger than my previous one, think its available in a 3 meter width too. I've seen other event photographers using the lastolite panoramic set up which is also good if you intend to do several but it is also 4 m wide and a bit dearer.

 

[nblain]

Many thanks. Lastolite actually came back to me not long after I posted message. Essentially they don't think LB6921 should be used with a single stand of any type and they suggested the LA1108 http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lastolite-background-support-system/p12446 , which I suspect is the smaller brother of the one you mentioned. They say they are going to change their web site, as the stands listed with the backdrop don't really apply. Yes, I looked at the panoramic setup, but that is a big beast.

 

[Nionyn]

That Lastolite Solo heavy duty kit looks good to me - especially since it can be extended to 6m.
For the past four years I've needed to photograph large groups for a local dance school, and have needed a background of about 5m - 6m wide by 3m high. The first few times we were in a large hall (convertible theatre space) with a convenient large dark grey wall, more recently I've had to staple material to a wall that's just large enough and covered in display boards (community centre).
I've been thinking of hiring wind-up stands and lightweight triangular-section trussing from a mate next time, along with black drapes.
If I had to do this more frequently, though, I think the Lastolite kit might be a very good thing to have.

 

[simonbarker]

Besides the pivoting connectors is there anything special about that Lastolite backdrop support kit? It's just a standard cross pole that you can buy more sections for right?

 

[CraigDHD]

If your spending that on a pop up background and stand I'd personally go for a large hilite instead for the extra you'd pay, much easier to light if you want white for the photobooth and supports itself.

 

[Ian Boichat]

Besides the pivoting connectors is there anything special about that Lastolite backdrop support kit? It's just a standard cross pole that you can buy more sections for right?

Its a more solid cross pole than the extending lastolite one - the more common one that twists and locks (and also in my experience breaks very easily - broken several) The Hilite is good but not so good for full length shots unless you go to a lot of effort and use about 6 strobes - and then only really for white background. (Yes I know you can get covers for it!)