Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8')

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

I love Lastolite videos but this product is definitely an oversold. Had it two weeks and the material is very wrinkled. The metal bends quite easily and deforms - much more than any other diffuser. And even after watching the folding video several times - it is a struggle to put this monster away. It looks like it cost $5 to manufacture. On top of this I had to pay a small fortune for the vinyl runway which is also a rip-off!

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

I purchased this because I have limited space for placing lights for a high-key white background. The unit resolved that issue.

Set up was quick and relatively easy. Don't do it alone!

Results:
My photos come out just fine. Placing the lights at the sides is easier on space than lighting up my 9 ft. roll of white paper.

On the background itself:
I purchased the large version. It can tip easily so be sure to put it against a wall or something. There is some droop in the middle of each side and especially across the top --- which leaves more wrinkles in the surface. I almost deducted a star for this but realized that adding a half an f-stop more light in the background resolves the wrinkles easily enough. I experimented and found that moving my subjects forward 3.5 to 4 feet from the surface of the background avoided blowback. I did see between a 2/3 to 1 f-stop difference across the surface – regardless of the ratios --- but once you are at 1.5 to 2 stops above the key it really doesn't matter to the final result.

Putting it away:
Egad! This is where I deducted a star. The company really needs to do something more to help new users "get it." I read the instructions and watched multiple videos that explained how to put it away. I still had a VERY frustrating time and had to get help. Maybe it was so hard because I purchased the large version?

Suggestions:
I think it would help if the company marked the unit with places to put your hands and with arrows to show which direction to twist and fold. It would certainly help if the official video were in slow motion and had a voice-over explaining each hold, move, and twist. Finally, be sure to have a demonstration showing how to fold the LARGE version.

Use as a Large Softbox:
It worked great. I placed it on one side of the room, set the lights for f 11 at 10 feet (center of the space), sat on the floor in front of it, and shot active children with nice soft wrap-around light.

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

This is another homerun by Lastolite, watch the video with Cleghorn demonstrating the product...speaks for itself.

it is a little tippy sometimes, but I throw a couple of sandbags in each corner to keep it solid

It folds up into a big circle about 3 feet in DIA...fits into the trunk of my car easily.

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

Portraits look amazing and lighting is great

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

I purchased the HiLite 7x8 as a replacement for a 16ft white sweep...I wish I would have done it years ago...it works perfectly, you'll love it. This is ideal for a small studio!

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

This is the best for Hi Key photography. It's very easy to use and very portable. Folding it back takes getting used to but once you've got it, it's a cinch. Excellent product!!

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

Great for convenient high key. Needs additional support to prevent drooping on 8' side.

Comments about Lastolite HiLite Illuminated White Background (7 x 8'):

I always wanted the biggest soft box I could buy. I think I came close. This thing is so cool! One light inserted on one side meters exactly the same over the entire surface. Very reliable and even light. Perfect substitute for window light when the sun goes behind the clouds. Deeper than I expected.