Beginner popup/collapsible backdrops / Westcott (xdrop) or Lastolite (magnetic)

[Mp4]

Greetings all,

i've been looking at getting a portable background/backdrop kit.

Ebay: PhotoGeeks - £40 basic.



So far aiming towards http://www.lastolite.co.uk/magnetic_background_support at the moment just the sand & magnetic head looking around £70 not including a collapsible background.


OR

Westcott

http://www.fjwestcott.com/5-x-7-rich-black-x-drop-backdrop-kit

The Westcott will be around £50 cheaper as it comes with black cloth and have seen it for around £100.

Having never used either Lastolite or Westcott

any advice would help.

 

[wilt]

I haven't used the Westcott, but I have the Lastolite popup backgrounds and the magnetic holder. The magnetic holder is very easy to use and has strong magnets but is very expensive for all it is.

 

[simonbarker]

Perhaps you could look at it this way, you can use the convenient yet overpriced Lastolite with any collapsible background/reflector while the Westcott (there's a few similar alternatives from people like Calumet) ties you into only using their own fabrics.

 

[Cistron]

The Wescott also needs substantial amount of space behind it. Best to have a look at it in person before you make a decision.

 

[Mp4]

I had a visit to my local camera shop an hour away today and impressed with the Lastolite backdrops very sturdy and didn't crease at all and seems it would last years! So bought a pain B&W one for now.
yet to get the magnetic stand as the backdrop set me back £100 shall tie it too a light stand for now.
Have seen the magnetic head for £50 and it fits to any light stand. But for £25 more comes with an air coushned one.


And as said the Westcott the back leg put me off due to it needs so much space behind it and the fabrics after £40+