The stands are frivolous, simple to adjust, and more sturdy than I probable. The umbrellas are excellent quality, the lights are bright, and the carrying case is well constructed so everything fits nicely.

It really is a fantastic kit for those just starting out, like myself.

You get everything pictured (and more) and the pictures make the manufactured goods seem less-impressive than it is. The florescent bulbs are quite large and powerful, about the size of pineapple and lit up my income room brighter than I ever thought possible. When completely assembled and extended, the umbrellas reached the top of my ceiling, easily ten feet, and were still perfectly stable on carpet.

My main concern was how to lug these lamps nearly, but rest assured they come in a very nice carrying case that leaves everything quite secure and in place.

The only drawback to this manufactured goods is the lack of an assembly manual, but a few moments of patience and you must be able to assemble the manufactured goods easily.

Backdrop stands – Pros: Sturdy, simple to assemble and adjust, supports weight well, expands to a large 10′-13′ size, comes with quality carrying bag. Cons: need to be weighted to avoid being tipped over if the backdrop is stepped on in the back.

Backdrop fabric – Pros: Large size for the price, includes black and white insignia, very smooth. Cons: I wouldn’t deliberate this a muslin, it is more like a thick cotton which is lightly translucent.

Light stands – Pros: Sturdy, simple to assemble and adjust, supports light and umbrellas well. Cons: must be weighted to avoid being knocked over.

Umbrellas – Standard quality, excellent craftsmanship.

Lights – The sockets are of excellent quality and simple to attach, the light bulbs included are 30w CFLs which are equivalent to a 125w bulb. They place out a nice daylight glow. I found them not to be bright enough for my wants so I plot on buying a higher wattage CFL. The socket supports up to 105w (which if you use a CFL = 400w!).

Overall I would highly recommend this kit to a beginner, who wants to get a feel for a studio complex before to investing huge bucks in a pro complex. This kit will certainly increase the level of your likeness shooting, and depending on your wants, may be all you need.

The box indoors quite promptly, and the set-up was super simple to assemble. After a bit of tinkering I got the frame pretty sturdy (considering the point) and found all the tripod stands (lights as well) very sturdy for their size. The backdrops were a bit thin I guess, but photographed they had fantastic opacity (even with a slatted wood wall behind them!)

I agree that the lights could be brighter, but I will just go get brighter lights, no skin off my nose.

For the very low price of $215, you can’t guess a certified studio quality set up, you just can’t. But I was still very pleasantly surprised at the quality and usability this set-up has for the price.

I like it and will use it!!