Cross Island Television Stands

Easy to put together, no instructions needed. Sturdy stands and cross bar.

The stands are very solid and, if used properly, they don't slip. Truthfully, we've never used the cross-bar... Instead we've draped cloths over the stands themselves and secured the other end to other objects to create a loose, draped fabric effect, as opposed to hanging a backdrop straight down from the cross-bar. So I can't say how good or bad the cross-bar is, but the rest of the kit is solid. The carrying case is a nice touch... No room for extra pieces, really, but it carries the 2 stands and the cross-bar very nicely.

I was totally impressed with the quality of the stands and the cross bar. Spend the money, it is worth it.

Compared to some of Sigma's previous efforts, this lens really stands out in one important way - it combines cross-frame sharpness wide open with beautifully smooth bokeh. No harshness here. Compared to my Lumix 50mm f/1.4 S Pro lens, the AF is not quite as quick or quiet, but only just. It's a substantial piece of glass but it delivers top-tier results for a 35mm lens.

I ordered this because I wanted a cheap portable kit that would be easy to transport and use on short notice. What I got was a great portable kit for a very reasonable price. The stands come with standard studs so they can be used to mount other items and actually go higher than 10 feet. They are also very sturdy and stable. The cross bar is in four 3 foot'ish long sections that take seconds to assemble. You can use 2, 3 or 4 sections to make a length that matches your backdrop accordingly. The holes at the ends of the cross bar are elongated more than enough to allow the height of each stand to be changed a considerable amount without binding the cross bar at the opposite stand. With my old system this was a huge issue. The included carrying bag is also very nice. Each of the stands and cross bar sections have their own pockets so nothing rubs together. A very nice feature for picky people like me that don't want things damaged during storage or transportation. This little cheap kit will be replacing my current system.

While I've been using conventional light stands to cross-light backgrounds, this stands provides the means to light the background evenly by placing it in the middle, behind the subject. Since you can use it with, or without, the extension pole, height is not an issue.

I have had background stands before and was expecting the same telescoping, whippy cross bar, but was pleasantly surprised to receive this system with solid, interlocking sections that offer a great deal of support. The individual compartments in the carry roll-up carry case is also a welcome addition.

It has two very sturdy stands on each end. The extension rods raise and lower smoothly. The cross bar is thick and supports my muslin backdrop without drooping. I was pleased and surprised by the quality of this stand; great value for the money.

This kit is a a great value for the price. Yes you can get stronger stands and a better cross bar, but not for this price. This comes complete and ready to use. The stands are certainly sturdy enough to do their job. The cross bar can be a little tricky since it telescopes out but does not lock so can sometimes be tricky to get through your roll of seamless, but not a major problem.

I have been shooting location portraits for years and always used a large muslin with two stands and a cross bar. The amount of time and energy saved on the first shoot with this device paid for itself. One stand, one clamp and snap of the wrist and it is up and ready. There are other companies that make similar products for less money, they they are ugly...awful looking. The Savage has a nice hand painted and subtle look my clients rely on from me. Great product.