EMART 600W Photography Photo Portrait Studio Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit and EMART10Ft Adjustab

Written and photographed by tom shidaker Editied
Jan 6, 2017
3 min read

Let me start off by saying that I am not a studio photographer. I am an on location, natural light shooter. But, back in November I made a home made light box . I just bought some clamp on shop lights to play around with and help with my subscription unboxings. If you are interested in that work, go to geeky side blog. For Christmas, two of my sisters in law got me gift cards for Amazon, and I had been looking at some cheap studio sets to learn on and try my hand at. I know I am not perfect with it yet, but I have noticed a difference in my shots. So, slowly, I am learning.

But, back on track... I ended up getting the EMART Photo Video Studio, 10Ft Adjustable Background Stand, Backdrop Support System Kit, with Carry Bag for 34.99. As the name states, it has an adustable height (from 2.6 ft to 7 ft) and width (adjustable from 5 ft to 10 ft). It also comes with two sand bags (empty of course), able to hold up to 11lbs per bag. They seem to be pretty decent. The side poles (tripods) are the exact same ones that came with the studio light kit, so we will skip my thoughts on those until we get to the light kits, just so that I am not repeating my self.

The top cross bar is two poles that slide into each other and click together with a push button, much like card table legs. Fully extended (10ft), it feals weak, but pull it in a couple of feet and its not too bad of a unit for the money. If this was somthing I used everyday, I probably would be disappointed in the unit. Well, maybe not disappointed, but worried about the longevity of it. However, for something to learn with and see if studio work is going to be something that I would ever change my mind on doing... I can't complain.

It also comes with two clamps, which I now wish i would of bought more of. they are not ultra sturdy, either. Still, to hold a back drop or shirt in place, I can't complain. The only real let down that I have with the unit is the carry bag. It is not very well put together, half of the velcro isn't even sewn on. So, in my review, I would give the unit 5 stars and the carry bag 1 star.

The next item that I got was the EMART 600W Photography Photo Video Portrait Studio, Day Light Umbrella, and Continuous Lighting Kit for 58.30. Again, I wasn't expecting alot out of this unit, but it came with 3*45W Energy saving lamps, 2*83" Light stands, 1*30" Light stand, 3* Lamp holders, 2* Translucent umbrellas, 2* Black/Silver reflector umbrellas, a Bulb Carrying bag, and Carrying Case Included. So, let's break down my thoughts on the items.

The 83" light stands (tripods) are the same ones that came with the backdrop. Again, for the money, they arn't terrible at all. My main concern is, once again, its longevity. There is alot of plastic to it, as well as thin aluminum. But, for the money, it'll give me a nice beginner unit to learn with. Then, I can decide if I want to invest in better equipment down the road.

Both carrying cases are decent enough, providing they last. The umbrellas do seem nice, even though I have no real way to compare them or to know how good they are, since this is my first set. My biggest complaint I have is the light holders. They are plastic, and the bulbs screw into plastic threads. To me, that seems like some major short cuts and price cutting.

On the plus side, the bulbs are nice and bright and really light up the room. So, over all, I would give the studio 4 stars.

The last piece of the puzzle is the backdrop.

I ended up going with Neewer 6x9 feet/1.8x2.8 meters Photo Studio 100 Percent Pure Muslin Collapsible Backdrop Background for Photography, Video and Television (Background Only) - White for $11.25. It is nice and sturdy for the price. You can't see through it. My only issue, however, is that its wrinkled...due to arriving folded in a tiny box. But, if it's pulled taut, you can't really see them when you shoot. So, I'll give this 5 stars.