Review: Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit (18 x 24″)

Bending the light to your will is the difference between a good photographer and a better photographer. Shaping the light to make a person or product look more inviting is accomplished by understanding light and knowing how to use tools to make that happen.

This is the 18 x 24 inch scrim kit from Impact, plus accessories, the Grip Head and 40 inch Grip Arm.

Pros

• Lots of combinations of flags, scrims and screens
• Multiple sizes for tweaking small spaces
• Versatility
• Price

Cons

• Weight: Kit is 13 pounds, each frame 1 lb 10 oz
• Length of time to assemble/disassemble pieces

Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit (18 x 24″) — Technical Specifications

• 5 x Open-Ended Flag Frames
• 1 x Single Black Net, 1/2-Stop
• 1 x Double Black Net, 1-Stop
• 1 x Black Light Blocker
• 1 x Silk, 1-Stop / 1 x Silk, 2-Stop
• 1 x Single Net Dot, 1/2-Stop (6″)
• 1 x Black Light Blocker Dot (6″)
• 1 x Single Net Finger 1/2-Stop (4 x 14″)
• 1 x Black Light Blocker Finger (4 x 14″)
• Carry Case with Handles & Compartments

Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit (18 x 24″) — Ergonomics and build quality

While the kit is versatile in its possibilities it is a bit unwieldy to initially work with. The frames for the scrim material are heavy. You need to use care while assembling the five flags. Once each is put together they are solid. While this unit is portable I would not take them apart unless I needed to move to another location.

With each piece weighing over a pound and a half you should use the recommended heavy duty Grip Head. The Grip Head is powerful and easy to use with a large handle. It gives you easy leverage to set the frames in place so there is no slippage. The Grip Head is not included in the kit but I highly recommend getting a couple. They will come in handy holding many different studio tools over and above the Scrim Kit.

Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit (18 x 24″) — In the field

This set of tools is designed for studio use only. There is even a warning that the set is for controlled areas. Bad weather and winds can be dangerous. The weight and wind surface make them unstable in a windy environment.

I like the variety of the flag materials. The 18×24 inch size works well for tabletop studies and commercial product work. They can also control sections of a larger set. If you want complete control on a larger set Impact also make a 24×36 inch kit which would be great for creative head shots and larger products and sets.

You can see the difference light modifiers can make in shaping the light to your needs. Check the highlights and the softness verses a straight light. Making a light source larger in relation to the subject gives nicer reflections.

Impact PortaFrame Scrim Flag Kit (18 x 24″) — Recommendations for working with the kit

The Impact PortaFrame will need additional supports and controls. Impact recommends their stands, like the Heavy Duty Air Cushioned Pro Light Stand (9.5′) or the Turtle Base C-Stand Kit.

I worked with my own light stands but I added the KCP 200 Grip Head. If you work with light stands make sure the flag or scrim is extended over one of the three legs, or even better, work with your stands sandbagged.

One other piece with which I worked was a 40 inch Grip arm. Found that to be helpful when hanging my Savage 53 inch paper backgrounds. Much easier to change colors verses a regular background stand.

By the way, the product I chose to use in this image is a chocolate port from Trentadue Winery and is amazing as a desert wine!

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob