Manfrotto Hi-Lite Background 6 x 7 Inches High Key Photographic Background

What a great size and just perfect, easy to put up and put away. I have taken a couple of test shots and what a difference this makes and easy storage.

I've just taken delivery of the Lastolite Hi-Lite 6'x7' Background and I couldn't wait to set it up. I chose this one as I wanted a perfect seamless background that was portable (We only have a Small Toyota Aygo, so a 2 metre wide roll isn't going to fit in there without a struggle.)I've not done the complete set-up yet, so far I've only had the Nikon SB700 inside the Lastolite Hi-lite pointing to the back panel (no Stand required). I then used the on camera flash to trigger it (yes, it still triggers through the material). Wow, beautifully white seamless background with not too much spill light. Just what I wanted. Even though I was shooting the on camera flash straight at my subject, not a shadow in sight!Set-up.I've heard numerous people say what a pain it is to get the Hi-lite back into the supplied bag. Initially I had some trouble and then I realized undoing all the zips would help as it means there is less air inside. After that it was quite intuitive to fold but does require a large'ish space to do it safely.My only regret is not buying a larger one.

I purchased this item to replace a backdrop system comprising of a set of poles and a very large sheet. The appeal for me was that it would usurp the need to constantly iron the existing backdrop and that, once unpacked, would stretch the material for a crease-free finish. Whilst it is completely possible to blur your backdrop if you have the luxury of enough space between you, the subject and the background, this is not always possible in some shooting locations, so I need as crease-free finish as possible to give me a solid start. Unfortunately, although stretched, the heavy duty vinyl-type material does not give a completely crease free finish, so was a little dissappointing.The item is well made, albeit a little unstable once deployed. Four corner braces are required and give it some stability, but in practice, further support is desirable if you are taking the kit out and about to client's homes. In practice, I only used the Hi Lite twice before returning it, as it is basically unwieldy and not suited to a solo person trying to erect/collapse it on their own, often in confined spaces. Ideally, you need three people; two to manoeuvre the kit and a third as a fielder to catch any falling ornaments that are wiped out in the process.The theory behind collapsing the Hi Lite is the same as the pop-out reflectors on the market; you essentially twist opposite sides, so the structure forms three loops which fold into each other. Fine when your reflector is a meter in diameter, but the 6'x7' Hi Lite (which, remember, is double skinned!) is a very different beast. It is possible to twist the frame within the hems of the material if early attempts go wrong, which only make things trickier as you need to carefully untwist it back into the correct position, taking care that it doesn't whip back and damage anything (like your wife's glasses...) in the process.I had really hoped that this would be the solution to the problem, but unfortunately it was not. One good thing that came out of this, was the 'super black' Bottletop cover and train that I purchased to accompany the Hi Lite. Again, the item is very well made and the quality of the material is excellent. I debated returning this too, but after looking for a substitute, I decided to keep and modify it to work with the original pole set. Having removed the elastic from the edge, this now works really well; it's crease resistant (so no ironing!) and the material is dense and very black, so more light-resistant than the previous option.If you have dedicated studio space and don't need to collapse and erect the backdrop daily, it may well be for you. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it's not suitable for the implied usage of being mobile.

I had a cheaper version of this that gave uneven lighting, and got stained by the dye in the edges.No such problems with this one. A great product.But why, oh why, black edges ??? Just more cloning if your subject gets to close to them.I suppose white ones would look dirty after a while, but I would take that over the cloning work....

The Lastolite Hi-Lite Background is perfect for anyone with limited space or is very mobile with their high key photography. It packs up into an easy to transport bag and when it's setup it's huge. It took me a while to figure out how to fold it away but thanks to you tube I managed to discover a few options. It's high quality and robust, perhaps could have come with 8 rods instead of 4 only as it would make me feel more secure but it's been stood open in my lounge for a week now and it's solid. In use I put a studio strobe on each side and as I don't have a light meter I set it so it just under exposes and then when I have my key light on the image is balanced. On a last note if you are doing any high key or event photography don't waste time and money on anything else, once you buy the Lastolite, life gets a lot easier.

After struggling to get that perfect white background in such a small room, This background was recommended to me by a friend.I was A bit dubious about spending so much money I knew nothing about but I am glad I did.It has made such a difference to the time and effort I have to put into a photo shoot.There is a knack to folding it away but once you have mastered it, its quite simple.this might not be right for every photographer out there but I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

I just start my expirance with photography and when looking after ,good and no to much expensive backdroop/backgroundI find that one, by mistake but when see vid about it(lastolite website) and how EZ is make portali shoots with minimum postproduction I knowed is that what I wantIs very Ez to set up and packing back, on lastolite website you can watch lots of vid about how and when use , very helpful tips,The best results are with at last 400w lights my kit was 180w and dont work as i want them with background.Producent write the 200 w should do ok but with 400 will be much beterThe good tip is use another 2 lights on front of background (when shoots full body on train )where is conection that way all background is white and zero postproduction very good for evens and print after shootsThat product is ideal for home and for studio as well it suprise me how big it is almost full hight of room :DI will newer use my old background(fabric)