should i buy Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper LUSTER (11.7x16.5 Inches reviews

Great print results BUT the 11.7 x 16.5 size which is a common size overseas makes it impossible to find a decent portfolio or even affordable sheet protectors. Currently Amazon has one set of A3 protectors selling at 25 for a 10 pack. That's nuts. Your only option then is to cut the paper (not always a clean result with luster) or buy an oversized book that leaves your prints swimming. These photo papers are absolutely the best when it comes to quality printing that you want to last! I tried an experiment on the premium luster paper by setting a water glass that was sweating on a photograph I had printed and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. I then removed the glass, blotted the water up and let it dry. When it was completely dry there was barely any sign of a water ring...infact I had to really examine the paper to see the tiny mark that was left behind. Item was as describes. The paper absorbs the ink very well and yields beautiful photos. Very satisfied customer. This paper is all you need to present your photos in their "best light" It is not harsh like a true glossy and it is not dull and flat like a mat paper. This paper adds luster and luminosity to your work and really makes the photos POP. Great print results BUT the 11.7 x 16.5 size which is a common size overseas makes it impossible to find a decent portfolio or even affordable sheet protectors. Currently Amazon has one set of A3 protectors selling at 25 for a 10 pack. That's nuts. Your only option then is to cut the paper (not always a clean result with luster) or buy an oversized book that leaves your prints swimming. Fairly recently I began using this paper in the 8.5 x 11 standard size. What really makes this paper great, besides the outstanding color, is the fact that you don't see the "infamous" glare on areas where no ink is used when using ultra brite inks on glossy paper. In a few weeks I'll receive my new Epson 3880 with Ultrachrome K3 ink. I am so anxious to print large format on this paper.

Now... my general complaint about inkjet paper, at least from Epson. What is it with these guys having such oddball print sizes for PHOTO papers? Standard PHOTO print sizes today are from 8 x 10 to 11 x 14, 12 x 18, 16 x 20 and 20 x 24!! Epson apparently thinks everyone cuts their own mats... or that everyone can afford to have custom sized mats made! FORTUNATELY, I DO actually cut my own mats.... but most of my customers don't! Most people have to rely on pre-cut mats and frames. There ain'ta no pre-cut mats with an 11.7" x 16.5" or 13" x 19" opening!! Also, the portfolio I use to display my prints is made for 11 x 14 prints. I know that THIS size can be cut down to 11 x 14, but why should we have to do that?? So what possessed them to manufacture these off the wall PHOTO paper sizes??? I see no problems with 17 x 22, since that is the largest size print this printer uses (among Epson pre cut papers). And most people who pay $175 and up for fine art prints of this size probably won't mind going to Aaron Brothers or Michaels to have custom made mats. Anyway, again, I do love their paper. This is an excellent all around paper for Epson Photo printers. I use this paper on a regular basis and have been very satisfied. Superb paper. And the size is a perfect fit for an out-of-the-camera image from the D300. I am not a pro, but I do print on Crane and Hahnemuehle papers as well. Matted and behind glass, this Epson paper certainly holds its own. What I really like (as I buy another batch today) is that by simply enlarging the native image width to 10" from the native 9.4" and letting the length increase proportionally one gets a perfect center fit with a nice white border.
Also, this paper's Premium ICC Profile provided by Epson for my Epson Photo R2400 gives me picture-perfect output from Photoshop CS3, even better than using the expensive ImagePrint RIP program. (I think ImagePrint does better with non-Epson papers).
If you have a D300 and want perfect images in a convenient size for display or for giving to friends, this is it. I have printed on this paper with an Epson 3800 and 4000, and the print quality is great. Even black and white looks fantastic, and there is a minimal amount of bronzing. If you can afford Silver Rag, go with that, but this paper is very nice.These photo papers are absolutely the best when it comes to quality printing that you want to last! I tried an experiment on the premium luster paper by setting a water glass that was sweating on a photograph I had printed and let it sit for 10 minutes or so. I then removed the glass, blotted the water up and let it dry. When it was completely dry there was barely any sign of a water ring...infact I had to really examine the paper to see the tiny mark that was left behind. Beautiful printing surface, but should be a true 11 x 17, or better yet, if they're going to exceed 11 to make it 11.7, why not 17.7 the other way?