Lastolite Hilite Background 6 x 7ft with Super White Vinyl Train

I have 2 of these, and use them for schools, portrait and product photography. I been using this product for around 2 years and find them to be incredibly versatile.

Excellent product, an absolute doddle to put up, fantastic results, even for my first time using it.

Very even lighting, no shadows no matter how close the subject stands to the backdrop.

I need more practice to fold it away.

Excellent demo's on the Lastolite website

All in all very happy with the product, excellent job Lastolite

This is designed as the portable background solution - and it is just that. Assembly is easy, you do need at least a 7 foot by 8 foot area to assemble (you need to get round it) and it stands well. Lighting is easy, 2 stops higher and it works a treat, even with one light.

Issues: Tends to go a bit bone shaped, mine is 2 months old, probably dismantled it 5 or 6 times, spends most of its time standing. One side in particular bowes but its not a problem, you just look at it and think it shouldn't do that.

The side zips are delicate and I can see them breaking sooner rather than later but mine are still holding.

I found it does lean forward when the support bars are not put in straight but a quick check of the bars stops this.

TRAIN: great as can be used with the background in portrait or landscrape mode. BAD BIT - the velcro on the side not attactched to the background sticks to carpet and over time i can see this wearing out the velcro. My solution is using the plastic packing strip between the carpet and train but then its slippery...if used on a non-carpet floor, this wont be a problem.

DISASSEMBLY: definitely the worst this about it. It folds into a small carryable bag. But trying to fold it takes many tries!! I am a 5'6" girl, not particularly large and I struggle. If it doesn't work first time it doesn't work and I have to walk away. Luckily I've never been with a client when its proved a challenge. Needless to say, when it works, it works a treat but the instructions aren't the best for this part!

All in all, a good product, it takes some getting used to (disasssembly) but I don't think it actually savs you in any space (maybe in the length required) but it makes up in the width required to put the extra light in to light the background. But I recommend it.

I was dubious of the Manufacturers (and other)website reviews/claims before purchasing. I needn't have worried though!
The hilite arrived in a smaller package than anticipated (very flatpacked) which was good news for storing, along with the vinyl train rolled up in a very sturdy cardboard tube. I now have them stored in such a small area that doesn't impede on the day to day living in our household.
On opening the hilite holdall (beware as it tends to spring open to full size as Lastolite claim) the hilite itself very quickly took shape and in about 1 minute of placing the four corner rods in situ, the unit was up.
No need for support, as it is very stable in its free standing position.
As the vinyl train is stored rolled up, on opening , no creases are present. This was again easily attached via velcro in about 1 minute.
Following Lastolite video demo online, and shooting as stated with an F16 background and an F8 main light (2 lights in total), i shot my first attempts with almost near perfection!
I had to slightly touch up the vinyl train in Photoshop as it appeared slightly darker than the background, but this taking 5 minutes for a perfect result is a small price to pay.
I would recommend using two lights on the background when in landscape position as it makes it easier to light fully, but again this is a recommendation on the Lastolite website.
I would highly recommend this product without question.

I bought one of these over a year ago and it was one of the best investments I have ever made, its great for portrait photography, I no longer do I have to spend ages photoshopping my backgrounds to take out creases, perrfect backgrounds every time. It is also very portable as well, one word of warning, practise the folding technique in you own house first, it can take a bit of time to master this.