While the Westcott X-Drop Pro backdrop system isn’t perfect, it’s really better then most options available for me. And an “I don’t mind it” is kinda high praise from me.
Good to know I'm not the only one with wrinkles on their backdrop. I think they should drop the "wrinkle-free" feature of this blanket. Thank you for the video!
Pros and cons. I'm using the collapsible ones for now. I made my own magnetic hook thingys which attach to a vertical bar handy enough. Photoshop's automatic subject selection is getting better and better too, which helps also.
Do you have the NON Pro version? I don't think the Pro version comes as just a 5x7. I could be wrong. I would like the 5x7 version but reviews of the non pro version are not good, saying it's just too flimsy and even breaking on initial assembly.
@@rgbman01 The supplier here in NZ only had the 5x7 version. It does seem flimsy but it's stood up for me so far. I even used it outside at one point and it was fine.
Agree with @JimWattsHereNow, I also have the 5x7 and have no trouble getting the wrinkles stretched out. That said, I own a few of the Westcott backdrops (grey, white, and Glyn Dewis grey). Before using each one, I did steam the original wrinkles out of each and then folded them more loosely than they were originally packaged. So far so good. Can't speak to the larger X-Drop Pro versions.
This is a tough one. I'd almost rather put up with the aggravation of bringing a role of paper. It's that or bring a steam iron along for the ride. And that stand.... way way too deep. The last onsite shoot I did was in a tiny boardroom - that stand would have eaten up over half the room. I'm glad you were able to show it in action though... thank you! I now know what not to buy.
Once you steam it the first time it doesn't seem to need it again, at least not regularly. Just the wrinkles from being folded for packaging that need it. And you can fold the back leg in and get it like 2' off a wall. You lose a bit of stability compared to fully extended but it works just fine
We use an iron with a good steam stream or a steam mister. First off we iron out the wrinkles on a large table covered with a polypro blanket and leave the sheet to hang until it’s needed on a shoot.
You should try the manfrotto ezyframe line, way simpler design imo than this one… And bonus if you have their panoramic backdrop the ezyframe cloth can be use on the central parts… Is what I use, it’s not cheap at all but quality is here
I think you can tell that when using it 8x8 it needs additionally stretched across the middle, the side are too saggy. However if you use a 5x7 with this stand then it looks like you can get a very tight result (better than the initial version). I'm thinking this stand with 5x7 is the way to go, but man it costs a lot for what it is...
Just got one of these xdrop pros with a white seamless, concept is great. I don't like how much they are charging for these fabrics though almost $100 for a piece of 8x8 fabric so I actually bought some Kate Microfiber backdrops in the 8x8 size and put grommets in the corners and it works great at half the cost :)
I have this same unit. The stand itself is crap. Too flimsy and after just a few uses the little "hooks" broke off! The material is great, in fact I have two lenghts of white and a black. I use the material in my garage studio with hooks screwed into the wall to match the spacing of the gromets. I use it on location but with a stand backdrop stand. Stretch the material and creases disappear easily... good luck with it!
They are all a bit flimsy - but with just a slight bit of care will work fine for years. Honestly if they were more robust, people would be bitching about the weight.
