Looking to buy a backdrop. Advice please!

Hey guys. Just like the topic title states: I'm looking to buy a backdrop system. I've always had my eye on the Auto Poles system by Manfrotto although my concern is that I may want to pack it up and take it to other locations where ceilings may be too high to set it up. I'd just really appreciate some discussion, thoughts shared on the topic. What do most of you use? Something similar to auto poles or just 2 background support stands and a horizontal pole to hang the background? Thanks in advance!

PS: links or images would be much appreciated so that I can see what it is you're talking about.

I'm looking to get the standard Manfrotto system from B&H as soon as the mail-in rebate goes away and it drops back down to the regular price... I just don't want to have to deal with the rebate.

This one:
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …round_Support_S​ystem.html

It's usually around $225. I know it's more than many of the other systems, but I believe it has a telescoping top pole compared to ones that only do fixed lengths... and it's Manfrotto so I know it's going to be built well and last me for many years.

Aressem wrote in post #15991996
Hey guys. Just like the topic title states: I'm looking to buy a backdrop system. I've always had my eye on the Auto Poles system by Manfrotto although my concern is that I may want to pack it up and take it to other locations where ceilings may be too high to set it up. I'd just really appreciate some discussion, thoughts shared on the topic. What do most of you use? Something similar to auto poles or just 2 background support stands and a horizontal pole to hang the background? Thanks in advance!

PS: links or images would be much appreciated so that I can see what it is you're talking about.

Cowboy Studio sells reasonably priced backdrop systems and backdrop material.

I have a Calumet stand set that works well. I also have their 8x8 muslin with the stretching frame. That's really handy for on-location. Only thing that would improve it is a forward skirt. I have a torn white that I lay on the floor with other white on stretch.

I recently purchased the Photoflex Pro system

Stands go 12' high and the background pole telescopes from 4' 7" to 12' 6". Comes with a carrying bag. Sets up quickly and is stable for indoor use. I was able to do it solo without a ladder by raising each side just a little at a time...be much easier with two people. The build quality is decent, pole doesn't bow much under the load of a standard 9' roll of seamless white.

The stands are NOT air cushioned, they are just standard stands, so you have to be careful that you don't let go when raising or lowering.

Another vote for Photek system but I have this one and have had absolutely no issues.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …round_Support_S​ystem.html

Greg

All the above will work for sure for you. I would tell you exactly what I have but it's a mixture of different manufacturers stuff, peiced together as old stuff has broke or what really happened was I decided to standardize my stands. I use the manfrotto air cushioned ones that stack together....nothing like putting 6 stands together, throwing them in a bag and off to the races.....

My main point is consider what your background will be FIRST before you start looking at the support system. Do you need 8 foot, 10.7 foot or 12 feet to cover your needs. If I had to do it over again, I would get something that expanded out from the smaller paper all the way out to 10 or 11 foot for muslin....considered a green screen into all this? I didn't and am now in the position of having to "up" the game some more.....

Bob E.

I have a couple of ancient manfrotto stands and a generic crossbar I picked up somewhere. Its really not that critical the brand as the function isnt that complicated.

Thanks guys!

This is the best deal around. Fantastic for backdrop setup. But personally I bought the kit to use as heavy duty light stands... air cushion and all.

http://www.amazon.com …psc=1&smid=A17W​6NLJ3OBMCK

I have two kinds of backdrop systems. Both use two c-stands instead of the usual backdrop stands that look like regular light stands. The reason I use c-stands is because the legs of c-stands are adjustable so that you can place the stands almost flush against a wall or in a corner (important when floor space is at a premium). You can't do that with regular backdrop stands.

The one set of backdrop stands has the Manfrotto Expan background paper drive set installed for use with seamless paper backdrops. System is made up of the following components:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …kground_Holder_​Hooks.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …46G_Expan_Backg​round.html


The other backdrop stands are used to hold up muslin backdrops so there's a crossbar running from one stand to the other.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …e_BPR_12_5_4_Se​ction.html

This adapter is placed at the top of the c-stand to hold the crossbar:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …6_Broncolor_Ada​pter_.html

PacAce wrote in post #16004006
I have two kinds of backdrop systems. Both use two c-stands instead of the usual backdrop stands that look like regular light stands. The reason I use c-stands is because the legs of c-stands are adjustable so that you can place the stands almost flush against a wall or in a corner (important when floor space is at a premium). You can't do that with regular backdrop stands.

The one set of backdrop stands has the Manfrotto Expan background paper drive set installed for use with seamless paper backdrops. System is made up of the following components:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …kground_Holder_​Hooks.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …46G_Expan_Backg​round.html


The other backdrop stands are used to hold up muslin backdrops so there's a crossbar running from one stand to the other.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …e_BPR_12_5_4_Se​ction.html

This adapter is placed at the top of the c-stand to hold the crossbar:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …6_Broncolor_Ada​pter_.html

Best suggestion yet! Thanks I was just about to buy a c-stand anyhow for my ranger and mola.