You missed the fact that you can cut that footprint in half.... that's what the adjuster nut on the centre column and the flip-lock on the back leg are for - you shorten that column, and shorten the back leg, and it goes nearly vertical. I believe Westcott's specs say the minimum setup footprint front-to-back is 20" when you do that.
Most of those issues were resolved with the X-Drop Pro. More durable (and hardly heavier) and the 8-foot wide backdrop is suitable for video. This is an on-location tool, so portability, size, weight, and set-up time are huge factors that cannot be underestimated. As others have mentioned, the footprint can be shortened substantially, and it takes only a bit of DIY capability to add grommets to other backdrops.
Thanks for the review, however, I already bought an X-Drop Pro. The X-Drop Pro for 8x8 foot frame is a much better stronger system than the 5x7 version. I also bought the 8x13 X drop white fabric so the backdrop is not just vertical but you also can add 5 extra feet on the floor, people can stand on and it functions like any other backdrop. If you want to lower the top, just angle it more to the back. If you want it closer to the wall, just shorten the back leg and push the back leg closer together to front, so it is only 3 to 2.5 feet from the wall and not 5 feet from the wall as stated in this video. (Westcott also says to do this in their assembly video). These backdrops might be more stable indoors, than using outside with wind. If you get the X-Drop 8x8 system, you can also click the top 2 legs inwards so it fits 5x7 backdrops. If you watch the Westcott tutorials it is easy to do. So now you can buy both 8x8 backdrops and also save on 5x7 backdrops which are nearly half the price of the 8x8. I have a few at different sizes. Great review overall, just missed a few points. Otherwise, your points all have merit. All in all a good portable solution but some things to keep in mind.
since the grommets are installed above the pocket rod. Im planning on adding my own grommets to some of my backdrops. Adding grommets isn't hard, so I give it a thumbs up.
They only review the 5x7 kit. the criticism about width is addressed by getting the 8x8 kit.It’s worth noting that the stand for the 8x8 version also works for the 5x7 version WIND: Any cloth, fabric or paper backdrop set up outdoors in windy conditions are going to have the wind blown problems: after all, you are setting up a 35 sq. Or 64 sq. Foot sail. If you are foolish enough not to bring sandbags when setting up outdoors in windy conditions you kind of get the problems you deserve. Footprint depth : don’t know about the 5x7 version but with the 8 footer you can slide the back leg support up the central column and adjust the leg length accordingly. This lets the depth be much shallower
neither of you even bothered to read the xdrop manual.... you missed one of the most valuable features... it has its flaws but half of your video is useless because neither of you understand all of the unique features that it has... I know I sound like a westcott fanboy but please can you read the manual before you do an "honest review" this is my "honest review" of the video.
You are absolutely entitled to your opinion, and definitely let us know what we missed. If it's significant we would be happy to do a follow up on the podcast (also on this channel).
NOM Creative, LLC what you missed was the ability for the third leg to collapse almost entirely even with the front two and lean back just a bit to create a much smaller footprint. I think you need to either leave an annotation in the video or take it down if you want to leave “honest reviews” up that aren’t thorough or complete that is up to you.
I've been reading other reviews about this and it seems like the lighter weight has translated into a less durable and sturdy product, and I'm also hearing that the grommets aren't reinforced well into the backdrops themselves. I feel like at that price point they should have just opted to make something a bit more heavy-duty since the people who would buy it would be professional photographers anyway.
@@NOMcreative I really hope they make a heavy-duty version with more reinforced grommets and address the landscape orientation issue, I looked at FJWestcott and they seem to be a great company to be honest. Would love to see them succeed 😄 Thank you for the review!! 😁
@@barzinlotfabadi LOL Westcott is already immensely successful and doesn't really need our help. Owned a range of items from them over the past 10 years.
NOM Creative, LLC Wescott's own RUclips video on this product says the rear leg is adjustable allowing it to fit in small spaces, requiring only 20" of depth (far less than the 5' you claim in this video) and they show that footprint much smaller than you show in this video. Is their claim not true, or did you just not know that?
@@rayngalloway3852 We are fully aware of the product and its limitations. It is not a false claim. If you want the full stability of the product, the back leg extends out roughly 5'.
@@NOMcreative THAT isn't what you voiced in the video. The review is quite misleading. And a weight bag fixes a world of wobbly stands...I carry leg weights to every shoot. Easy fix. Of course nothing is as stable as the c stand.
This review needs to be taken down... if these people care at all about the validity of their channel they would have taken it down months ago but clearly they do not.
@@NOMcreative the review shows clear incompetency with the product and neglects to share key features that set it apart from what you're comparing it to... if you would be more active in learning from your comments instead of combating them you would see this, but it appears the ad revenue of one of you biggest videos is more important that actually having solid content....
Do you work for Westcott? Would you prefer to have a professional chat about the design flaws of this product so it can be fixed in the next iteration? Really happy to do so. P.S. Every review here is unbaised as I make no money from sponsors or ads. Definitely not doing to for the revenue. Just trying to share a product review so people have an accurate depiction before they buy.
@@NOMcreative I don't work for westcott and neither does anyone else commenting on this video about your inability to properly review and understand the item. I just really enjoy the product. The other 15 people who commented about your ignorance don't work for westcott either. If you spent half as much time trying to understand the backdrop (or reading the directions I think they're a series of pictures LOL) you reviewed as you have defending yourself in these comments of a video you should've just taken down (or edited at the very least) then you would've maybe had a better video, or at least some with some factual information and integrity; Moreover I seriously doubt you could assess any design flaws about a product that you clearly need help from your viewers to understand and I don't wish to continue any further dialogue with you. the choice is obviously totally yours but how is any future viewer to trust your opinion if you clearly aren't users or even diligent observers of the products.
NOM Creative, LLC why wasn’t that in the video ? Or even the mention that this is the smallest backdrop. A major point of the video was actually that this is a large Backdrop which simply just isn’t true. And when the other guy pointed it out up there in the comments a few months ago^ you kinda just blew him off and talked about footprint as if you still didn’t understand. I just want people who are interested to know the full fair and correct information and be able to make a buying decision based off of that instead of whatever this is. The xdrop is by far the easiest, lightest, smallest footprint backdrop system on the market for still photography; period. If there is something that is better and more mobile please let me know and I will purchase it. - full time mobile headshot photographer 5 years Also who is shooting outside with a backdrop? Just food for thought
Thanks for the feedback Ben. I'm always trying to make these videos better, and while I thought I did include that information (mentioning it at 2:00 and again at 4:05 ) I didn't actually show the alternative in detail. When I have a chance to do a follow up I'll work better at showing those on screen. Cheers.
No you REALLY didn't show that have. You said you need almost as much depth as you did width...specifying a 5*5 space. NOT TRUE. 20" deep is a FAR cry from feet
Not gonna lie, it was a little awkward to be siting on the toilet in my Thrivent Live Generous t-shirt watching RUclips, only to watch a video with someone wearing the exact same shirt. Made me feel like I was being watched...
You missed the fact that you can cut that footprint in half.... that's what the adjuster nut on the centre column and the flip-lock on the back leg are for - you shorten that column, and shorten the back leg, and it goes nearly vertical. I believe Westcott's specs say the minimum setup footprint front-to-back is 20" when you do that.
Most of those issues were resolved with the X-Drop Pro. More durable (and hardly heavier) and the 8-foot wide backdrop is suitable for video.
This is an on-location tool, so portability, size, weight, and set-up time are huge factors that cannot be underestimated.
As others have mentioned, the footprint can be shortened substantially, and it takes only a bit of DIY capability to add grommets to other backdrops.
This is a pretty old video, so I'm glad there is a new model that addresses those issues.
Thanks for the review, however, I already bought an X-Drop Pro. The X-Drop Pro for 8x8 foot frame is a much better stronger system than the 5x7 version. I also bought the 8x13 X drop white fabric so the backdrop is not just vertical but you also can add 5 extra feet on the floor, people can stand on and it functions like any other backdrop. If you want to lower the top, just angle it more to the back. If you want it closer to the wall, just shorten the back leg and push the back leg closer together to front, so it is only 3 to 2.5 feet from the wall and not 5 feet from the wall as stated in this video. (Westcott also says to do this in their assembly video). These backdrops might be more stable indoors, than using outside with wind. If you get the X-Drop 8x8 system, you can also click the top 2 legs inwards so it fits 5x7 backdrops. If you watch the Westcott tutorials it is easy to do. So now you can buy both 8x8 backdrops and also save on 5x7 backdrops which are nearly half the price of the 8x8. I have a few at different sizes. Great review overall, just missed a few points. Otherwise, your points all have merit. All in all a good portable solution but some things to keep in mind.
Glad you like it! This video is from over 4 years ago when the pro version didn't exist.
since the grommets are installed above the pocket rod. Im planning on adding my own grommets to some of my backdrops. Adding grommets isn't hard, so I give it a thumbs up.
This answered my question about horizontal orientation. Thanks.
You're welcome! I also have a new video (link in the description) that compares it to other backdrops and has an updated review.
Thank you for this! Just seeing how the wind is blowing it around is enough to keep me from buying it.
Which isn't a problem inside, but... Yeah. Depends on your usage.
Who uses a backdrop outdoors? But when u do any backdrop runs the risk of wind vulnerabilities
They only review the 5x7 kit. the criticism about width is addressed by getting the 8x8 kit.It’s worth noting that the stand for the 8x8 version also works for the 5x7 version
WIND: Any cloth, fabric or paper backdrop set up outdoors in windy conditions are going to have the wind blown problems: after all, you are setting up a 35 sq. Or 64 sq. Foot sail. If you are foolish enough not to bring sandbags when setting up outdoors in windy conditions you kind of get the problems you deserve.
Footprint depth : don’t know about the 5x7 version but with the 8 footer you can slide the back leg support up the central column and adjust the leg length accordingly. This lets the depth be much shallower
You say you can’t use your backdrop. So, you don’t know how to punch a hole in material and add a metal grommet?
or use a simple clamp, for that matter?
neither of you even bothered to read the xdrop manual.... you missed one of the most valuable features... it has its flaws but half of your video is useless because neither of you understand all of the unique features that it has... I know I sound like a westcott fanboy but please can you read the manual before you do an "honest review"
this is my "honest review" of the video.
You are absolutely entitled to your opinion, and definitely let us know what we missed. If it's significant we would be happy to do a follow up on the podcast (also on this channel).
NOM Creative, LLC
what you missed was the ability for the third leg to collapse almost entirely even with the front two and lean back just a bit to create a much smaller footprint. I think you need to either leave an annotation in the video or take it down if you want to leave “honest reviews” up that aren’t thorough or complete that is up to you.
I've been reading other reviews about this and it seems like the lighter weight has translated into a less durable and sturdy product, and I'm also hearing that the grommets aren't reinforced well into the backdrops themselves. I feel like at that price point they should have just opted to make something a bit more heavy-duty since the people who would buy it would be professional photographers anyway.
Thank you! That's essentially the point. I get it's lightweight and easy to travel. But no one ever talks about the flip side to that.
@@NOMcreative I really hope they make a heavy-duty version with more reinforced grommets and address the landscape orientation issue, I looked at FJWestcott and they seem to be a great company to be honest. Would love to see them succeed 😄
Thank you for the review!! 😁
@@barzinlotfabadi LOL Westcott is already immensely successful and doesn't really need our help. Owned a range of items from them over the past 10 years.
@@barzinlotfabadi to give credit where it is due, the newer range of FJ Westcott lightning systems are just rebranded 'Jinbei' flashes and strobes.
NOM Creative, LLC Wescott's own RUclips video on this product says the rear leg is adjustable allowing it to fit in small spaces, requiring only 20" of depth (far less than the 5' you claim in this video) and they show that footprint much smaller than you show in this video. Is their claim not true, or did you just not know that?
The back leg is indeed adjustable. And yes we did know that. Thanks.
@@NOMcreative ok...so why did you falsely claim you need 5' of depth for it, in your "honest review?"
Yes!!! Go Nexus. You FINALLY got them to admit it. This is a TERRIBLE review video making them look ignorant.
@@rayngalloway3852 We are fully aware of the product and its limitations. It is not a false claim. If you want the full stability of the product, the back leg extends out roughly 5'.
@@NOMcreative THAT isn't what you voiced in the video. The review is quite misleading. And a weight bag fixes a world of wobbly stands...I carry leg weights to every shoot. Easy fix. Of course nothing is as stable as the c stand.
This review needs to be taken down... if these people care at all about the validity of their channel they would have taken it down months ago but clearly they do not.
And what reason is there for taking down the video? We talk pros and cons about a piece of gear for photographers.
@@NOMcreative the review shows clear incompetency with the product and neglects to share key features that set it apart from what you're comparing it to... if you would be more active in learning from your comments instead of combating them you would see this, but it appears the ad revenue of one of you biggest videos is more important that actually having solid content....
@@NOMcreative this entire review page is a showcase of the channel runner's incompetence and ignorance.
Do you work for Westcott? Would you prefer to have a professional chat about the design flaws of this product so it can be fixed in the next iteration? Really happy to do so. P.S. Every review here is unbaised as I make no money from sponsors or ads. Definitely not doing to for the revenue. Just trying to share a product review so people have an accurate depiction before they buy.
@@NOMcreative I don't work for westcott and neither does anyone else commenting on this video about your inability to properly review and understand the item. I just really enjoy the product. The other 15 people who commented about your ignorance don't work for westcott either. If you spent half as much time trying to understand the backdrop (or reading the directions I think they're a series of pictures LOL) you reviewed as you have defending yourself in these comments of a video you should've just taken down (or edited at the very least) then you would've maybe had a better video, or at least some with some factual information and integrity; Moreover I seriously doubt you could assess any design flaws about a product that you clearly need help from your viewers to understand and I don't wish to continue any further dialogue with you. the choice is obviously totally yours but how is any future viewer to trust your opinion if you clearly aren't users or even diligent observers of the products.
also just for the record - the xdrop has by far the smallest footprint of any backdrop system on the market lol
Backdrop system, yes, I'd believe that. C-stand and a clamp, no. (Which is what I use a lot of the time.)
NOM Creative, LLC why wasn’t that in the video ? Or even the mention that this is the smallest backdrop. A major point of the video was actually that this is a large Backdrop which simply just isn’t true. And when the other guy pointed it out up there in the comments a few months ago^ you kinda just blew him off and talked about footprint as if you still didn’t understand. I just want people who are interested to know the full fair and correct information and be able to make a buying decision based off of that instead of whatever this is. The xdrop is by far the easiest, lightest, smallest footprint backdrop system on the market for still photography; period. If there is something that is better and more mobile please let me know and I will purchase it.
- full time mobile headshot photographer 5 years
Also who is shooting outside with a backdrop?
Just food for thought
Thanks for the feedback Ben. I'm always trying to make these videos better, and while I thought I did include that information (mentioning it at 2:00 and again at 4:05 ) I didn't actually show the alternative in detail. When I have a chance to do a follow up I'll work better at showing those on screen. Cheers.
No you REALLY didn't show that have. You said you need almost as much depth as you did width...specifying a 5*5 space. NOT TRUE. 20" deep is a FAR cry from feet
Not gonna lie, it was a little awkward to be siting on the toilet in my Thrivent Live Generous t-shirt watching RUclips, only to watch a video with someone wearing the exact same shirt. Made me feel like I was being watched...
😂