Backdrop stands – Pros: Sturdy, easy 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 colors, very smooth. Cons: I wouldn’t consider this a muslin, it is more like a thick cotton which is lightly translucent.

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

Umbrellas – Standard quality, good craftsmanship.

Lights – The sockets are of good quality and easy to attach, the light bulbs included are 30w CFLs which are equivalent to a 125w bulb. They put out a nice daylight glow. I found them not to be bright enough for my needs so I plan 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 setup before investing big bucks in a pro setup. This kit will definitely increase the level of your portrait photography, and depending on your needs, may be all you need.

The box arrived quite quickly, and the set-up was super easy to assemble. After a bit of tinkering I got the frame pretty sturdy (considering the design) 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 great 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 expect a professional 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 love it and will use it!!