Backdrop question

[colourblindphotographer]

This isn't really a lighting question. I was wondering if someone has used a PVC banner before as backdrop? Those big vinyl-like looking things that they use for billboard? Last night I was in a mall and there was a small stall that does photography and they we're using this as a white backdrop.


I was thinking this is a cheap fast alternative however I'm not sure if its really worth it. The one they were using was glossy white clothlike look.

[Azzure_7]

Well, I am not sure how much it cost at new zealand. But here in US, I can get it for 100 bucks for backdrop kit from B&H.

[colourblindphotographer]

I'm thinking of trying one of those because they don't crease easily, we could get the backdrop system almost at the same price as yours just a few dollars difference.

[george m w]

Well, I am not sure how much it cost at new zealand. But here in US, I can get it for 100 bucks for backdrop kit from B&H.
Azzure,
could you point me to that ? I just looked on the B&H site and I can't find what you are referring to. thanks.

[Azzure_7]

George,

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/437786-REG/Impact_3046_Background_Support_System_.html

Personally I would not get it from my experience with impact light stand I got a year ago.

I would take a look at the photoflex instead which is 190ish.

But If I would have to choose between DIY vs the impact, I would get the impact in a heartbeat just because I'm lazy and I never satisfied with my DIY.

I have a DIY flash brackets and after 3 months working on it(on and off), I'm still not satisfied with it.

[rooftopsuicideclub]

George,

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/437786-REG/Impact_3046_Background_Support_System_.html

Personally I would not get it from my experience with impact light stand I got a year ago.

I would take a look at the photoflex instead which is 190ish.


sorry, but i gotta stand up for this hundred dollar impact rig. i have one in my home studio and one in my work studio. they're AWESOME for 100 bucks. they will hold a roll of 9' BG paper with no sweat, i put velcro on all the crossbars for my fabric BG's (there are 4 3' bars that can be broken down to 6 feet, 9 feet, etc...), and the stands are a little wonky sometimes (but only on one set), BUT not unsafe. it's pretty easy to break down and set up, AND it fits in this tiny little well-designed storage bag when it's broken down.

for a hundred bucks you can't go wrong. put that extra 90 bucks towards a new strobe! ;-)

[jbergdoll]

I have a vinyl/PVC room darkening shade in my room that goes over my window which I have used as a backdrop before.

[Azzure_7]

sorry, but i gotta stand up for this hundred dollar impact rig. i have one in my home studio and one in my work studio. they're AWESOME for 100 bucks. they will hold a roll of 9' BG paper with no sweat, i put velcro on all the crossbars for my fabric BG's (there are 4 3' bars that can be broken down to 6 feet, 9 feet, etc...), and the stands are a little wonky sometimes (but only on one set), BUT not unsafe. it's pretty easy to break down and set up, AND it fits in this tiny little well-designed storage bag when it's broken down.

for a hundred bucks you can't go wrong. put that extra 90 bucks towards a new strobe! ;-)

I don't see why you are apologizing.

I think it is great to share honest opinions from a lot of people. It is great to hear that they actually works great for you.

Gears are just tools to accomplish the job. It is just from my experience with impact's gears had not been one of the best. This is just from my experience with it and my opinion about the gears. Please do not take it personally.

I got my light stand and umbrella swivel as kit. After 7-8 times of shooting with it, one of the swivel comes out loose. Still, I do try to make it work by doing some work to it. But in the end the bolts and swivel comes apart. Plastic cracked during my shoot.
The stand's joint cracked just a month ago. Please note that in Texas, it can get 105 degrees hot.

I replaced the swivel with photoflex and I couldn't be much happier. It's just so much easier to use and a pleasure to use.

I got an avenger stand not too long ago and again I am so satisfied with it. The joints are metal. The adjustment swivels are bigger and made of alluminium. Advantages over the impact = easier to use, very sturdy and will almost last forever(well, hopefully). The impact might cost a quarter of the avenger but the avenger will last more than 4 times the life of the impact I'm sure. At least from people I know who use it.

"the stands are a little wonky sometimes (but only on one set), BUT not unsafe"
On my opinion, being a little wonky is enough to being unsafe. I always put weights on my light stand no matter what. I think about the person modeling for me. Their safety, my safety comes first before saving money. It might just me :). Sometimes accident might just happen in a rarest, unexpected occasion.
If it is a little wonky, I really suggest paying more attention to it. Put some weight at least. just my 0.5 cents.

And why only on one of the set is wonky? Do they comes like that when you got it?

Muliadi S.