Background stands/kit? Looking for experience, or suggestions.

traviswears

traviswears

Well-known member
On one of my next jobs the client is looking to use a muslin as a backdrop. I've borrowed a kit from another client a few times before to do this but this time there's enough in the budget to justify actually purchasing a background stand kit.

Budget is $150, requirements are: strong enough to hold up a heavy-duty muslin (or seamless), portable and durable. In the event that I wasn't using the backdrop, it might be nice if I could throw an Arri 150 or 300 on the stands instead. So a 5/8 stud would be useful.

I've looked around a bit and narrowed it down to two so far.

http://lumopro.com/product.php?id=47

and

http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_heavy_duty_background_support/mf6095

Anyone have experience with either or another set they'd recommend?

Thanks,
 
These are such generic-commodity types of things I don't know if you'll get a lot of specific reviews.

Most of them use a 1/4" post (or 3/8)atop the stands, which go through holes in a telescoping pole; if you're not using the stands with the pole, they're usually good for clipping foamcore to.

You should be able to find a 5/8 receiver to something like a 3/8 thread adapter, and screw a 1/4 threaded shaft on that - I have variations of all those parts in my grip bag, they come and go. So you could convert two stands to hold the tele. pole when needed. Or just use superclamps and grip heads (those solutions require being able to buy "just the telescoping pole" though.

The issue is getting a 5/8 stud to hold up a pole with a 3/8" hole drilled at each end. Probably a few ways to skin that cat; but if you buy a kit, make sure the pointy-stuff can screw off, if you want them to function as stands.
 
I have had a JTL brand stand kit for a few years that I've used occasionally for still photo work, including muslins, and have been quite pleased with it... but it's the only one I've ever used, so I can't really say much to compare with the ones you've linked to.

I don't have it in front of me to get the model number off of right now, but this looks about right:

http://www.amazon.com/JTL-B-1012-Background-Support-System/dp/B0000AN0XY


I do notice that the "LumoPro" one you linked to is only listed as supporting 10 lbs, while this JTL one claims to handle 55 lbs...


The Calumet one doesn't list its weight capacity on that page, but given the weight of the stand, I would certainly hope it was closer to the JTL than to the LumoPro, as it weighs more than the JTL stand (the LumoPro apparently about half as much).
 
I ended up going with the Calumet heavy-duty support kit. I looked around a lot for reviews of this before I purchased and couldn't find much so I'll follow up here after it arrives in case anyone else would find it helpful.
 
Yeah, I would second the Manfrotto system, at least you're buying a name brand with easily accessible replacement parts. I used to own a couple of Promaster brand backgrounds that were nice and cost effective, it's what our local pro photo store carried and seemed to be pretty decent....
http://www.amazon.com/ProMaster-192...4R8Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329721567&sr=8-1

I used them a few times for backgrounds, but I mainy used them as a "vinyl banner holder" for events when we had a video booth where we were selling videos.
 
I´m a big fan of c-stands - I do almost anything with them.
You can get them used for a very nice price, and they will probably outlive your next 10 cameras.

Frank
 
I´m a big fan of c-stands - I do almost anything with them.
Click to expand...
yeah, that's a good way to go. STRONG. and you wont be buying a single purpose device.
but a single c-stand weighs nearly twice as much as much as a full manfrotto backdrop kit.
and with two stands and drape rod, its about 2x the OP's budget : (
 
I have a few sets of Photoflex backdrop supports and am satisfied with their build quality and versatility. They are heavier than some other sets which in my mind is an advantage. The only complaint I have is that the top pole telescopes but only down to about 4', meaning it won't fit in the cases with all the other support gear.

You probably know this but get some saddlebag style sandbags as well. If someone gets tangled up in the muslin you don't want to bring the whole thing down on top of people and your expensive gear.
 
wgzn said:
yeah, that's a good way to go. STRONG. and you wont be buying a single purpose device.
but a single c-stand weighs nearly twice as much as much as a full manfrotto backdrop kit.
and with two stands and drape rod, its about 2x the OP's budget : (
Click to expand...

I found them for 50 bucks used - and yeah, they are heavy, but the OP didn´t say he has no car. ;-)

Frank
 
Well I love c-stands as much as anyone else but they're not easily transportable for a one-man crew (which I often am). Plus, I already use a few on jobs, I don't want to be lugging 4 c-stands around on each gig, along with my other light stands, both cameras, grip gear, etc...

I looked at the Photoflex as well but didn't care for the extra long telescopic pole. I want the whole kit to go into the bag and stay in the trunk of my car. I have a few shot-bags that I'll use for stabilization. As long as the pole is solid and the light stands don't lock up, I'll be happy. Kit was invoiced in this job anyway, so I'll likely make some money off it in rental fees over the next few years.
 
Got them from Ebay. They pop up from time to time - just need to be patient.
You can buy new ones with sliding leg here for 129 Euros.

Frank
 
Well, just a quick review on that Calumet set.

They're VERY sturdy. A little on the heavy side, but still compact enough to fit in the trunk of my Saab. The pole is super solid with no sag and it's pretty versatile as well, allowing you to do 6, 9 or 12 ft increments. The stands are heavy-duty enough to support an Arri kit when not being used for the background. My only issue is with the bag. It's not 100% ideal, as it only opens fully on one side, meaning you have to search for the pole loops in the side that's partially open. It feels quality though and I think this set will last for awhile.

Hope this helps someone else in the future.
 
I second the sandbags-an absolute must, whether on C-Stands, or any other stand because anything hanging will be top-heavy. Plus it slows down production and makes you look like an idiot if anything tips over.
 
About a 100 dollar difference. I am trying to decide between the Manfrotto Background Support System and Calumet Heavy-Duty Background Support.
Do both hold a 12X12 screen? And if not using the background, can you use the tripods separate as light stands?

Traviswears, is your Calumet made solid like a Manfrotto?
Do you have any photos of it and how has it been working out for you?
Thanks for any tips.

Also someone said the Manfrotte background system is good for starting out and not for pro use? What would you need more in something like this, gold plated?
 
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Here is one more stand to think about

Photoflex Pro-Duty Backdrop Support Kit 234.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._SHDBGSPKT_Pro_Duty_Backdrop_Support_Kit.html

Manfrotto Background Support System 227.00
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/648381-REG/Manfrotto_1314B_Background_Support_System.html

Calumet Heavy-Duty Background Support 120.00
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_heavy_duty_background_support/mf6095

If the Calumet support is strong enough, I don't see any reason to spend a hundred dollars more. Tell me different.

Where do you guys get some of your backdrops, besides a green screen? I was checking out bed sheets, drapes, curtain, shower curtains, and fabric. Even the second hand store has some things. My idea is when I get them, I will have the next door lady to me sew something, so I can slide the support bar into it.

Thanks for any tips or ideas.
 
I use C-stands for smaller lighter backgrounds like a portable green screen for example. And use a pair of combo stands on wheels for larger heavier backdrops. And before you go and say, but I'm a one man band and need.... So am I.
 
Another vote for C stands

For backgrounds I have a bit of 4*2 wood with a couple of 5/8 holes drilled in the ends

wont go in a car though

Also have the frotto set - its not too bad for paper but sh t for heavy drapes etc

s
 
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