Background kit

I know this has been asked before, but search didn't lead me to a solid result. I currently have a Westcott backdrop kit. It measure 5'x7'. Works well for portraits and 2 people if you are doing waste up.

I'd like to be able to shoot 4-5 people (families) so am looking at other solutions. Would like it to be somewhat portable, but being well made takes precedence.

Is anyone using this?

http://www.calumetphot​o.com …ackground-paper/MF6095K2/

Seems to support 12' wide with a Muslin and also supports seamless.

12x12 is huge.

package weight says nearly 50#.

doesn't seem "somewhat portable"

this; http://lumopro.com/pro​duct.php?id=48

was posted here; https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1357975

and looked good because; "4-section cross bar has keyed connections to insure you both set it up correctly and securely and can be used at 6',9',12'."

The one in your link comes with a roll of paper. Try toting a 10-12 foot wide roll of paper around and decide if it is remotely portable. I use the paper in a temp studio for portraits and it sticks a couple of feet out of the back of my truck bed. Carrying it into a building is a challenge. Going that wide with muslin would be more portable, but then you have wrinkles to deal with.

Yep, if you already have the stands, that lumopro bar is probably all you need. If you are looking to upgrade completely, I have the Ravelli ABSL kit http://www.amazon.com …ds=ravelli+back​drop+stand and it's definitely portable. As pointed out above, there is the wrinkle issue - you either have to carry a portable steamer or try to "pull" them out using a multitude of clamps on the sides and top.

Thanks all. I'm going to take a look at the Ravelli ABSL kit with a muslin backdrop.

http://www.calumetphot​o.com …ackground-paper/MF6095K2/

I have recommended this exact setup multiple times in the past.

It IS VERY PORTABLE when fully collapsed. The carrying bag is great and will compact everything together.

The main support pole comes in sections to allow you to setup for various widths of backdrops. If you don't need to support a 12' backdrop then you'll likely only use 3 rods.

I highly highly recommend this support kit. I've had one in use for over 7 years now and it hasn't given me any issues.

Worth every penny.

In my opinion, the Ravelli ABSL is good but the stands have a huge footprint, so I try not to take it anywhere. The Photoflex has the best crossbar (pole) and you can buy it separately. The Linco system is very compact and steel not aluminum.

I have the Ravelli kit. The stands do have a fairly large footprint, but collapse and fit into the carrying bag well. It is portable and fairly flexible in that you can use all 4 cross bar sections or less then four to shorten the cross bar. I use it with a 10x20 muslin with 3 sections and it it works out well for me.

I just got the Ravelli ABSL and I love how it all fits into a fairly small bag. If you don't want such beefy stands I imagine the Ravelli ABS would be smaller.

I thought the only difference in the ABS and ABSL kits were the number of sections of crossbar - 4 in the ABS and 5 in the ABSL. I didn't realize the stands were different. I do agree the ABSL stands have a large footprint.

considering pulling the trigger on the ABS. adammazza, did you end up with one?

anyone want to talk me into something else?

these are the differences between the ABS and ABSL

10x12 vs 13x15 - max set up size
40" vs 48" - tripox footprint
3.7' vs 3.9' - collapsed tripod storage size
16# vs 22# - weight
4 vs 5 - 3' cross bar sections

hes gone wrote in post #16718867
=he's gone;16718867]consider​ing pulling the trigger on the ABS. adammazza, did you end up with one?

anyone want to talk me into something else?

these are the differences between the ABS and ABSL

10x12 vs 13x15 - max set up size
40" vs 48" - tripox footprint
3.7' vs 3.9' - collapsed tripod storage size
16# vs 22# - weight
4 vs 5 - 3' cross bar sections

Haven't gotten one yet. Turned out I didn't have the immediate need for it, but will probably get it within the next few months.