Backdrop Stand Recommendations Please

diehardhoo · Mar 29, 2019

I have owned two backdrop stands and while they have been okay because of easy portability, both have had a tendency to sag in the middle of the crossbar when I mount a roll of seamless paper. Any suggestions on a stand that won't do this?

tirediron · Mar 29, 2019

Any stand that's going to be easily portable is likely going to sag a little bit when you put a full 109" on it. Mine (Manfrotto) isn't bad. If it's really a problem, then "make" your own out of a couple of C-stands and a 10' length of Schedule 40 aluminum tube.

Derrel · Mar 29, 2019

MANY (most?) lightweight, inexpensive aluminum crossbars droop when a full roll of 9-foot paper is hoisted... the answer is a stiffer crossbar..

tirediron · Mar 29, 2019

A stiffer bar is usually the answer to a drooping roll!

diehardhoo · Mar 29, 2019

I was looking at the Impact Pro. I wouldn't mind the $225 investment if it will do the job for the long haul. It claims to hold 38 pounds, and the reviews look good. Anyone have any experience with Impact?

tirediron · Mar 29, 2019

diehardhoo said:
I was looking at the Impact Pro. I wouldn't mind the $225 investment if it will do the job for the long haul. It claims to hold 38 pounds, and the reviews look good. Anyone have any experience with Impact?

Many years of experience has taught me that ANYTHING with the term "Pro" in the name is invariably as far from professional gear as one can get.

Derrel · Mar 29, 2019

I had a " standard " impact in the 2004-2005 era...I payed $69 or so..It was "okay"... but only one roll...

diehardhoo · Mar 29, 2019

Hahaha! So True! Honestly I was looking at it because most stands I've found have a 20lb capacity, and was hoping that it really holds the 38lbs. The thing could be called "The crappiest backdrop stand ever" and I would love it if it would reliably do the job.

adamhiram · Apr 1, 2019

I've had good experiences with a Manfrotto 272B adjustable crossbar for holding seamless and canvas backdrops. It sags a little if I extend it significantly wider than it needs to be for the backdrop being used, but I've never had any real issues with it, and the cardboard (seamless paper) or aluminum (canvas) core seems to give it enough rigidity once mounted. I like it because it mounts on top of standard light stands, instead of being part of a dedicated backdrop kit that costs more and can't be used for other purposes. I'm not sure how it compares to the Impact one you were looking at, but in my experience, Manfrotto seems to be more durable than similar products from Impact or Flashpoint when it matters (I still use inexpensive Flashpoint light stands). For what it's worth, the heaviest backdrop I have put on it was about 12lbs.