Choosing a background support system

Sorry if this post is in the wrong section.

 

I am looking for a portable (floor-based) background support system

and wanted some suggestions about which brands to get. So far, my

picks are the Photek S-4010, or the Dynatran AS-014 (or AS-015). The

Dynatran seems to be exclusive to Amvona's website.

 

My criteria is basically a sturdy, well-made support, collapsible for

travel, a 6 to 12-foot crossbar, minimum 6-foot height, and

relatively lightweight. All the reviews I could find for the

Dynatrans are on their website which I don't find very objective.

<p>Sorry but I have no experience with either the Photek or the Dynatran. I use the <a

href="http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/itemalone.php3?

itemid=108">Manfrotto / Bogen</a>.

<p>It fits your definition: it is both portable and very solid. The one fault is that you need

an assistant to raise it quickly because you need to raise both light stand together (or you

must go back and forth between the two light stands and raise them by a small amount at

a time).

<p>It uses regular light stands (in fact you can buy the light stands independantly) which

may be handy if you're missing a stand at one point or another.

<p>--ben<a href="http://www.marchal.com">marchal.com</a>

I have the Photek kit, and find it very easy to use. I haven't had any problems with it so far and can think of nothing to complain about, but then, I'm not hard on equipment. The only thing I can think of is that if you are going to hang heavy backgrounds from the stand, the crossbar does sag a little in the middle (4 pieces to form the crossbar). Otherwise, it's been great. Don't know anything about the Dynatran.

Benoit, the Bogen/Manfrotto system is, as you said, basically 2 light stands with a crossbar that extends to just uner 10 feet. The stands also have a max height of about 8 feet. Compared to the Photek and Dynatran systems, both of which can go to 10 feet with 12 foot crossbar, the Bogen/Manfrotto is also more expensive. It's hard to judge the quality of the material without having seen any of them firsthand. AS for the need for an assistant when raising the stands, I think that's true of most ground-based systems.

 

Nadine: the Dynatran uses a 4-section crossbar as well. Load bearing is rated for 30 lbs but that probably indicates the weight bearing of the 2 stands rather than the crossbar on its own. The literature isn't clear on this.

Kwasi,

 

I use neither the Photek nor Dynatran background support systems, though I do use a lot of Photek equipment and generally find their stuff to be of good quality.

 

I have two of the Bogen/Manfrotto telescoping crossbars, but use them in conjunction with two heavy duty aircushioned 13' stands that I purchased separately. My first telescoping cross-bar accompanied me on at least 100 location portrait sessions and it is still going srong.

 

If you choose to go this route, and plan on using 107" seamless background paper, I'd recommend heavy duty stands with broad bases. If you are using only Muslin backgrounds, normal quality stands will be fine.

I have not used the Dynatran supports, but I have used other Dynatran products, including light stands. Amvona was a nightmare to deal with and the products were unacceptable. I sent back three of four--two of them twice. It took about six months to resolve everything and get a refund (minus Amvona's exhorbitant shipping charges, of course). Never again....

 

If you by from Amvona on eBay, where Amvona does much of its business, be careful with your feedback. If you give neutral or negative feedback, expect negative feedback in return. Be sure to read the negative comments from others, though.

i have three of these, light strong and portable..

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=90016&is=REG

 

cant beat the value..

For the money the Photek is pretty strong and durable. I use it only with a light fabric and only the 6 foot length. I guess I am cautious about setting up all of them. And I would not likely put a heavy paper roll without having a hard helmet on the model. I exaggerate,but you know what I mean...portable is OK,but gets shifty unless you are most careful. Photek is not a bad choice.

Kwasi, I can't tell you about hanging heavy backgrounds from the Photek because I use your standard muslin type backgrounds, which don't weight much. I bought my kit used from e-bay for about $100 about 4 years ago. Still going strong. Do you have specific questions?

I have Photek, I think it's only good if I use 3 sections of the crossbar, on join clockwise and the other counterclockwise. Using either 2 or 4 sections will not easy to put the bar on the stands "properly". It's a bad design for the join, in my opinion :)

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

 

I guess it seems the Photek system is adequate. I am just starting a small studio and plan on only using muslin or fabric for now.

 

As for the Dynatran system, I've been trying to bid on one in the Amvona auctions on Ebay. So far, I've won bids on a muslin and some large polydiscs. I was thinking of getting some of their lightstands but weight bearing capacity is probably only good for an on camera flash head and accessory only, so I'm going to forget those. I am still aiming for a Dynatran system at half the price of the Photek; hope it's an equivalent system in quality and construction.

Chris,

 

thanks for the comments on the Dynatran light stands. I've been reading the neutral and negative feedback from Amvona's customers on Ebay and have decided not to bid on any of the light stands or tripods. Still, I am hoping their support system will be fine. I guess I'll find out if their muslin will be poorly dyed or not as thick, from reading some of the feedback.

I think with Amvona you just have to be careful. I also think Dynatran is a brand name they put on all thier stuff. I bought a century C light stand and it's listed as a Dynatran even though Dynatran doesn't make them. No matter what name is on it, I'm sure it will outlast me. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't assume the Dynatran name equals poor quality.

 

I seem to remember the check out was a bit different than what I was used to. I think they have thier own thing that was a little strange and could use a lot of work from a usability standpoint (way too many steps).

 

Anyway, I'm a pretty careful ebay user and didn't have any problems with these guys.

I bought a 60"x40" multi-disc from Amvona. I looked like a huge potato chip -- nowhere near flat. Laying it on the floor, the highest point was 9" off of the ground.

 

Amvona claimed that they had a production problem that since had been fixed and now the discs were absolutely flat. I sent mine back for replacement. After several months and numerous phone calls, the replacement arrived. It was virtually identical -- a very large warped potato chip.

 

Again I contacted Amvona. Forgetting that they'd already used the "production problem" story on me (by now several months had passed), they suggested exchanging the disc for a third copy. I opted for a refund.

 

While I have not replaced the 40x60, I recently purchased a 42" round multi-disc from Photoflex. While much more expensive and smaller, it just works -- and it works beautifully. I also looked at Westcott's discs. They aren't as flat or tight as Photoflex's, but more stuff for the buck.

Another candidate for consideration: JTL B-1012

Specs are similar to Photek's: max load 55 lbs, max height 10.5', max length 12.6' with 4 section crossbar.

 

Also checked the Matthews supports online and they are too expensive for me.

I have resently purchased the Dynatran background system from ebay. I have the model AS-015-2s. I like the set up and light weight that the system it offers. The 2 bag it come with are chep and say amvona.com Dynatran support system on them. I would prefer a heavier bag and lose the logo. Other than that it is a stable fast set up portable system. It however is not the best i have ever used but it is a good quality system.

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