Seamless Grey. WHICH GREY?

Just about to pull the trigger on purchasing an autopoles kit and a seamless grey background. There are a lot of different greys on BH photo. Is one better than another? Is there a "standard" grey? Stupid question... but I'm oblivious. Thanks in advance

Seems this is the best seller on BH

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7_x_12yds_Backg​round.html

If I order the autopoles kit, will I also need the 9' crossbeam? Or should this roll just connect to the paper varidrive?

I believe 'Thunder Grey' is what I remember being recommended by either Scott Kelby or Matt Kloskowski and I have bought 2 rolls so far. Love it and BH prices can't be beat.

The first roll I bought was Thunder Grey. I used it for a fashion / hair shoot. One issue I do have with it after seeing it in action for that shoot and editing the resulting photos, is that it's evidently NOT neutral--it seems to read as blue-ish/green. Just be aware of that if you use it and are expecting to click the background with the eyedropper to neutralize the scene.

Aressem wrote in post #16497146
Seems this is the best seller on BH

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …7_x_12yds_Backg​round.html

If I order the autopoles kit, will I also need the 9' crossbeam? Or should this roll just connect to the paper varidrive?

The crossbeam is for light stand AFAIK. Which auto pole kit are you looking at? The B&H kit?

As for which gray, get whichever is exactly between black and white, so that if/when you get those as well, it won't be to close to one or the other.

frugivore wrote in post #16497789
The crossbeam is for light stand AFAIK. Which auto pole kit are you looking at? The B&H kit?

As for which gray, get whichever is exactly between black and white, so that if/when you get those as well, it won't be to close to one or the other.

I'm going with the impact kit (much cheaper than Manfrotto). I guess what I really need to know is whether or not the roll of paper has a solid core?

Thunder gray, storm gray. depending on which maker you are looking at they likely have something in that range.

Aressem wrote in post #16497860
I'm going with the impact kit (much cheaper than Manfrotto). I guess what I really need to know is whether or not the roll of paper has a solid core?

It almost certainly has a hollow cardboard tube. Although it's heavy-duty thick cardboard, it will sag over time if it's only supported at the ends, with no crossbar.

If you take it down and store it upright after each use, it should be fine. If you leave it hanging by the ends, it will sag and get semi-permanent waves & ripples in the paper.

nathancarter wrote in post #16498295
It almost certainly has a hollow cardboard tube. Although it's heavy-duty thick cardboard, it will sag over time if it's only supported at the ends, with no crossbar.

If you take it down and store it upright after each use, it should be fine. If you leave it hanging by the ends, it will sag and get semi-permanent waves & ripples in the paper.

So I SHOULD buy the crossbar? Does that even work with this system?

Aressem wrote in post #16498434
So I SHOULD buy the crossbar? Does that even work with this system?

You want some sort of crossbar.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16498443
You want some sort of crossbar.

Thanks.

The system I'm going with supports 3 backdrops. Other than grey, what are other "must-have" seamless backdrops colors?

White and black

gonzogolf wrote in post #16500377
White and black

That's what I have. Although I want to get a blue or blue/green to contrast with skin tones. I guess I can just shoot outdoors and find those colors in the background.

frugivore wrote in post #16500384
That's what I have. Although I want to get a blue or blue/green to contrast with skin tones. I guess I can just shoot outdoors and find those colors in the background.

I had a blue paper drop and it just looked dated to me. I like the idea of some color, but I'm probably going to buy a blue and gray portrait canvas instead of a flat paper drop.