JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

I am looking at background stands. Currently I am using an electrical conduit pipe mounted on wall brackets but I am going to need a portable set up soon.

I'm still cost conscious but I don't want to buy junk. I'm down to a couple brands and models unless someone has another idea.

The first is a kit by Linco which goes to 10 feet high by 12 feet wide. I had been looking at just the crossbar which many reviewers said was sturdy. The stands are sturdy and made out of the steel and can double as light stands but are not air-cushioned. Here is a link.

http://www.amazon.com/Linco-Single-Crossbar-Background-Support/dp/B003WAVIZ6/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

The other is a Ravelli that goes to 13 feet high by 15 feet wide.
The stands can also be used as light stands and are air cushioned. Here is a link.

http://www.amazon.com/Ravelli-ABSL-Backdrop-Cushion-Stands/dp/B003TLSXMO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

I like the idea of the Linco cross bar. It is two pieces that telescopes from 7 or 8 feet to 12 feet. I like the 13 foot air cushioned stands in the Ravelli set. It's cross bar comes in 5 pieces 3 foot each for a range of 6, 9, 12 or 15 foot widths.

I'm on the fence and wondered if anyone has opinions or experience to share about these or another brand. What to you like?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Only you can answer this question: Do you have a real need for the larger, more expensive and more complex set? Remember, set-up effeciency is part of a professional's reputation.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I have the Linco setup and it works well. The 3 legs open up wide so it's pretty stable. The cross bar does sag some but it hasn't been a problem. Not saying the other set isn't great, I don't think you would be disappointed with the Linco setup.

I also have some air cushioned light stands from Adorama that I love - they are made of aluminum and are a bit larger diameter than the linco and lighter. I'm always careful not to let them drop on their own anyway so I don't know how important the air cushion is especially for a backdrop which wouldn't likely be damaged even if you did let it drop. For a strobe to drop 3 feet and come to an abrupt stop when the stand hits bottom could be disastrous so the air cushion could be important there.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

Thanks. I don't really need the extra size for sure. I wondered if the quality justified the extra expense. I only want to buy once and it sure looked like a nice set for the money. I may just go with the Linco set. I did wonder which set's cross bar would sag less.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

Thanks! Both sets had 4.5 stars. I was a little concerned when a couple reviewers mentioned the holes not being in quite the right right place in the crossbar. All my light stands are air cushioned but as you say, it probably isn't important for the backdrop.

How much sag do you see with yours? Is it at the joint or across the bar?

I think I'm leaning toward the Linco.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

It's at the joint so the entire bar makes a very shallow V. I'm just guessing here but perhaps 2 inches when it's opened up as wide as it will go. One tube inserts into the other by about 4 inches so there's just enough play there to allow some sag.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

One trick to overcome sag is to get about a two foot piece of PVC pipe that fits over the crossbar snugly, but not tightly. Slip it on part of the crossbar, and after joining the two segments, slide the PVC over the joint like a splint or cast. The snugger the fit and the longer the PVC, the less sag.

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I thought about trying something like that but the slight sag has no effect on the photos and I'm learning to be a minimalist :) thanks for the suggestion though.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

I am in the process of building one out of black ABS pipe.
Most of the joints will be friction fit so I can take it apart. I will post a photo when I get it finished

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

You might want to bore holes in some of the pressure bearing joints for small bolts or retaining pins (see http://www.pinstructure.com/catalogtype.php?gid=58 ). You may not need them for a while, but eventually friction fit joints begin to wear.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

That's a good idea!
Thank you.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

Well I did order the Linco set and it arrived today. The stands are quite impressive with that wide foot print and clean look. I like the crossbar and how the ends attach to the stand.

The only thing I don't like is the play in the joint and resulting sag that you warned me about. It seems quite sturdy though. I haven't had a chance yet to try it with the backdrop yet.

One thing that I thought of, if the sag actually does matter, is to slip a small piece of sheet metal into the gap to remove movement. I can also think if a couple other possibilities except they would make the cross bar assembly process less convenient. It does assemble quickly and conveniently.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

I discovered a way to reduce the shallow V sag. I got some foil tape at Home Depot and wrapped one layer of just the foil around the part that slips inside leaving the button exposed. I smoothed it down as much as I could and slipped the pieces together. There is still a small gap but the degree of sag is well under an inch now.