Looking for opinions on the Lastolite/Manfrotto collapsible backgrounds vs the Westcott X-Drop Pro. Mainly interested in using it for headshots on location. Any other suggestions?
I use the X-Drop Pro and really like it. It sets up quickly. The materials are a bit thin (but light weight) and can show some backlight, but I can normally find a solid wall. Most shoots are with strobes and the ambient light is eliminated with a higher shutter speed, however, if I need to shoot natural light, I can always put two backdrops on the frame to double the material.
Since getting an X-Drop I have not used my collapsibles, so they've been trashed. Collapsibles have a tendency to pop open aggressively and knock things about; they can be tricky to re-collapse, and they require a stand to hold upright.
Smaller collapsible reflectors are okay. Just the larger backdrop ones are something of a pain.
Agree with other folks in the thread that collapsible type backdrops don't work great. They tend to retain a bit of a twist from being folded up. The x-drop works great, but because the frame is pretty lightly constructed, they aren't very durable long term. My last one came apart at one of the hinges because a pin came loose, so I just threw it out. There is a little bit of texture on the fabric of the x-drop, so you'll need to have enough distance from the background so it doesn't show. Also, though there are versions of the x-drop that allow you to sweep the fabric down to the floor I wouldn't recommend it as it doesn't look as clean as a standard seamless paper sweep.
I think generally a short 53" wide seamless paper works better, but if you don't want to carry around a roll plus a couple stands and backdrop rod the x-drop works great.
sungphoto wrote:
Agree with other folks in the thread that collapsible type backdrops don't work great. They tend to retain a bit of a twist from being folded up. The x-drop works great, but because the frame is pretty lightly constructed, they aren't very durable long term. My last one came apart at one of the hinges because a pin came loose, so I just threw it out. There is a little bit of texture on the fabric of the x-drop, so you'll need to have enough distance from the background so it doesn't show. Also, though there are versions of the x-drop that allow you to sweep the fabric down to the floor I wouldn't recommend it as it doesn't look as clean as a standard seamless paper sweep.
I think generally a short 53" wide seamless paper works better, but if you don't want to carry around a roll plus a couple stands and backdrop rod the x-drop works great. ...Show more →
Thanks for that . . . I read that the X-Drop Pro was supposed to be sturdier and more durable compared to the original X-Drop. Did you have the original or the pro version?
pjheller wrote:
Thanks for that . . . I read that the X-Drop Pro was supposed to be sturdier and more durable compared to the original X-Drop. Did you have the original or the pro version?
I had the original. I've seen the Pro version at my local camera store but haven't used it myself. The area that broke on mine was the multi-piece hinge at the middle of the X, which doesn't look that different on the Pro. I think if the case had more padding then it would survive the strains of regular usage better, but like the westcott rapid boxes they will break if they're thrown in a roller bag with a bunch of other gear (especially if you're flying with it). That said, if you accept that the X-drop has a limited lifespan it's not a bad investment.
I use the X-Drop Pro 8x8 the 3-color kit. Super light, easy to set up. What a decent light, it can be backlit. With the white fabric, a Godox AD400 from behind can clip the highlights in the center at f/11 @ ISO 100. Be careful putting it together and packing it away as it feels like there's not much room for it to tolerate rough handling. It has its place when needing to pack light.
