12'x12' Butterfly Scrim with Stands Kit

Easy to setup and strike. Fabric seems high quality as well as the frame. Thanks for being here.

I’m very satisfied with my 12’x12’ butterfly frame and stands. I’ve used it in three shoots in two weeks since purchasing it. I’d recommend it, particularly for the price, but I do have some notes should Strobepro be interested in improving the product.

The PRO’s:
The stands alone are certainly worth the price. They’re massive and well built. I suspect I’ll be using them for many things in addition to holding the frame for as long as I’m able to shoot.

With some patience, caution, and awareness of the environment you’re in, the frame can actually be assembled and mounted to the stands by one person. You’ll need a large wall and plenty of floor space to do it. While I’ve done it, assembly is much more efficient with two people. I would not assemble it alone outdoors, however.

The inclusion of two rags - a silk and a reversible fill/ultra bounce on one side and black on the other is also a huge cost savings. I’ll likely pick up some other rags for this but the included rags are a great start.

The frame, while very large, is easily moved once mounted to the stands though raising the height of it requires some serious heft.

The CONS:

There aren’t many.

The large hinges on the four corners of the frame are fairly easily bent. One of these hinges won’t fully stay locked while in use. I’d love to see these larger hinges built a bit sturdier. They don’t prevent the frame from operating properly but I don’t see them lasting long with frequent use.

The smaller locks for the hinges along the sides of the frame are a bit finicky. I have to use a utility tool to tap them into place and to unlock them. Overall, the frame is light and easy to work with but I don’t see it withstanding the rigors of production like the stands will.

The handle to the head on the stands can be pulled out when it’s blocked from turning 360 degrees but it requires both hands to keep the shaft from turning, which can be tricky if you’re doing this with the frame mounted.

The brakes on the stand’s wheels work fine but they’re the only part of the stand that feels cheap to me.

Lastly, and this is picky for the price, the bag for the frame is cheaply made. It tears easily and the straps can’t support the weight of the frame. Mine ripped in a few places after just one use. I’d love to see an option for a more durable bag that could handle the demands of a grip truck.

Overall, this is a bargain and I’d recommend it with the note that you might expect the stands to long outlast the frame. Would love to see a second generation kit with some of the improvements suggested above. Break legs.

CV
www.violettephoto.com