Opinions on Diamond Cloth Backdrops?

[Divegirl]

I need to buy a longer black backdrop and there seems to be endless choices and prices for them out there. I'm considering the black Diamond Cloth. It's $89 for a 10x20. Anyone have any opinions on this?

BLACK 10x20 WASHABLE ? NO WRINKLE MUSLIN? FREE SHIPPING - eBay (item 260438038011 end time Jul-06-09 04:40:29 PDT)

[swampler]

I thought about ordering a kit from Amazon that comes with both stands, cross bar, a black and white muslin for around $125, though I don't know how their quality would be. I found that the same vendor, through Amazon, has a 10' x 20' black muslin for $49.99 at the link below. I have no idea how it compares to the ebay one, but I figured for my uses, something like this would work for me.

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio 100% Cotton 10' X 20' Black Muslin Backdrop Seamless: Camera & Photo

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio 100% Cotton 10' X 20' Black Muslin Backdrop Seamless: Camera & Photo

[mjklunk]

I am thinking of getting the diamond cloth as well. If you get it for 89 bucks let me know because it bounces between 129 and 159 at Backdrop Outlet.

Originally Posted by Divegirl

I need to buy a longer black backdrop and there seems to be endless choices and prices for them out there. I'm considering the black Diamond Cloth. It's $89 for a 10x20. Anyone have any opinions on this?

BLACK 10x20 WASHABLE ? NO WRINKLE MUSLIN? FREE SHIPPING - eBay (item 260438038011 end time Jul-06-09 04:40:29 PDT)

[sonshine_rae]

Add me to the list of 'interested to know how this turns out' .... I need to upgrade my backdrops soon..

[fast1]

Originally Posted by swampler

I thought about ordering a kit from Amazon that comes with both stands, cross bar, a black and white muslin for around $125, though I don't know how their quality would be. I found that the same vendor, through Amazon, has a 10' x 20' black muslin for $49.99 at the link below. I have no idea how it compares to the ebay one, but I figured for my uses, something like this would work for me.

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio 100% Cotton 10' X 20' Black Muslin Backdrop Seamless: Camera & Photo

wow that is less than half the price. seems like a good deal

[Hawk911]

it says dryer safe, but it will chrink so be VERY careful if you stick it in the dryer 10x20 becomes 8.5 x18

[sonshine_rae]

Any updates yet?

[Divegirl]

Well, I did end up purchasing the black Diamond Cloth backdrop. It's basically polyester. You know...the kind that grandma wore as pants? So, it's no wonder it's wrinkle free. It says that you have to initially iron it to get out the fold crease which I found to be true. I haven't actually ironed it yet. I did do some test shots with it and it seems to be fine. It does have a little weight to it, more than my black muslin. I plan to use it this weekend for senior pictures. I would expect it should work just fine.

Thanks for the heads up on putting it in the dryer. Wow! That's some major shrinkage! It must have something else other than polyester because polyester isn't known to shrink.

Jodi

[Tom Swaman]

Divegirl,

I believe that Diamond Cloth is 80% polyester and 20% cotton muslin. It is much more wrinkle free than most clothes, but I think the jury is still out on how sprayed paints stick to it when stuffed and/or folded. It is simply popular these days and you seem to have received an incredibly low price.

Regards,
Tom

[sonshine_rae]

Be sure and share your senior shoot with us.. whether here in this thread or just link to it from here so we can compare. I'm trying to decide if I want to try that backdrop or not..

Interesting comparision to Grandma's pants LOL!

[Divegirl]

Tom - I haven't thought of spray painting it. Actually, it frightens me to think I might ruin it. However, the concept is quite interesting. I've heard of such a thing on canvas but not specifically on "black" muslin. I might consider it for my old black muslin. Any examples you can share on black muslin? It doesn't seem like the black Diamond Cloth would be a good option for painting. I agree with you, it probably wouldn't stick. As for how cheap it is, they are still for sale on ebay. NEW BLACK 10x20 DIAMOND CLOTH BACKDROP BACKGROUND - eBay (item 360171065091 end time Jul-22-09 15:59:58 PDT)

I think it's basically Backdrop Outlet being the seller.

Sonshine_rae - What is it that makes you want to hold off? Is there a certain quality you're looking for in it?


-Jodi

[Tom Swaman]

Jodi,

I think you are correct about Backdrop Outlet as I believe that Diamond Cloth is their tredename.
I am ninety percent certain that backdrop outlet does have spray painted Diamond Cloth backdrops and they claim no problems exist. I still think the jury is out on this.
Jodi, I have been trying to find a particular backdrop for about three months. During that time, I think I have learned a whole lot about backdrops and the industry. For one thing, the majority of backdrop sellers know very little about what they sell today as they claim to have a custom operation, but they really do not. The majority of backdrops are now mass produced in China and in India. The China made backdrops are the cheaper of the two. The colors available are based strictly on marketing. Forexample, try to find a near true grass green and you will pull out your hair.
I do know that both Denny Manufacturing and Studio Dynamics does hand paint backgrounds and you pay for what you get. I also know that these two outfits and Owens-Originals are strictly reputable and top rated. The latter firm has basically stopped making most custom backdrops.
I wonder how much difference there is between Denny's Freedom Cloth and Backdrop Outlets Diamond cloth? I feel certain that in concept these must be near identical, but in quality and longevity, who knows.
I am curious, did you ever try a Photek Background-in-a-Bag? I realize their cloth wrinkles, but I am told that the wrinkles readily hang out with the help of a little sprayed water on the reverse side or a lightly used steamer. I am also told that these are above average in quality and their price is reasonable.

Happy Wednesday,
Tom