which umbrella flash kit? - DPChallenge Forums

11/10/2010 04:16:52 PM · #1

Hi All,

I want to invest in a umbrella flash kit...not sure which brand is good? I want something that would last and not fall apart on me. Thanks guys!!!

Message edited by author 2010-11-10 16:17:13.

11/10/2010 04:25:54 PM · #2

Are you looking for a set to use with speedlights, or are you wanting studio lights?

11/10/2010 04:28:09 PM · #3

with my nikon SB900.

11/10/2010 04:52:03 PM · #4

So speedlights. I have a couple of inexpensive umbrellas from Adorama, their store brand. One of them has a spot where it's ripped the attachment thread from the frame. Can't complain for a $20 umbrella, however. That's the one with the removable covering, so that I can use it as a shoot-through, so it's gotten heavier handling. The second one without the removable cover is holding up just fine.

I believe Westcott is considered a good make for lighting equipment, though I don't own any of their stuff.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

11/10/2010 05:12:36 PM · #5

thanks!!!

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

11/10/2010 05:17:33 PM · #6

Get a nice heavy duty stand and you may also look into the westcott apollo 28" lightbox. I have gotten some really nice results with that. Of course you will need a radio trigger as well.

spiritualspatula

11/10/2010 09:40:27 PM · #7

I've got two Westcott umbrellas that I've been happy with. I don't use them all that often just because I don't shoot all that many portraits, but they're super compact and work well. I've got these. The stand I have seems to be decent... it's a Manfrotto 8ft compact, but they don't make it anymore. I think this is the closest thing now. Anyway, the one I have is light/compact ENOUGH, but still pretty substantial and sturdy.
If you'll be shooting outside at all, you might consider using some tent stakes, paracord, and some of these to guy it out. It works great, and it takes an amazingly small amount of breeze to make that SB900 hit the ground, even without an umbrella.

ETA: One sorta iffy aspect of those umbrellas is how the black portion attaches to the umbrella frame. While I've had no issues, it's what looks to be a weakpoint to me. It's just sorta fiddly.

Message edited by author 2010-11-10 21:41:28.

11/10/2010 09:57:33 PM · #8

I have a related question that perhaps someone can answer. I want to add a softbox to my lighting gear, but I am confused about what to get for use with a speedlight versus a studio strobe. Many of the descriptions I run across are not clear. Is there just a different type of mounting used with the same softboxes?

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

11/10/2010 10:16:45 PM · #9

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

In general, there a lot of variations when you consider studio strobes: most have a brand unique "speedring" that mounts to their strobe. Many generic softboxes can be fitted with specific speedrings to match them to your strobes.

There are also speedlight-specific softboxes, as well, with special hot shoe mounts, etc.

There are also "brolly boxes" -- softboxes with umbrella shafts, which can mount with either strobes or speedlights on stands (with umbrella mount adapters). I think an example of this is the Westcott Apollo series. You might take a look at those if you want to be able to use the softbox with both types of lighting. I have not used them, so cannot personally recommend them (but I know Zack Arias uses them, for example). If you only use speedlights, you might prefer to get a softbox specifically designed for them. One thing about the Apollo that I don't care for is that the entire light goes INSIDE the box. So if you need to tweek the settings, not quite as easily accessed....

spiritualspatula

11/10/2010 10:20:02 PM · #10

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

You're dead on, Steve. Studio softboxes are going to use a speedring, which is going to be proprietary. There are some ways to mount flashes to them though- This thread has directions on how to make your own bracket for a speedlight-to-speedring approach.

Also, remember with speedlights and softboxes that you're going to lose a lot of oomph because of the size of the surface as you size them up. Depending upon how big you want to go, Lumiquest did just come out with the new LTp softbox, but realistically this isn't all that big. Here's some more good reading on softboxes w/ speedlights and speedrings, as well.

ETA: Damn you

chromeydome! ;)

Message edited by author 2010-11-10 22:21:56.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

11/10/2010 10:48:40 PM · #11

Thanks guys, I'll be reading up those links.

Yandrosxx

Apple iPhone 5

11/10/2010 11:17:43 PM · #12

Softliter II. Love it. So versatile. Not just an umbrella.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

11/11/2010 12:06:25 AM · #13

I actually own one of the lumiquest softboxes--I made the mistake of ordering one for myself, simultaneously ordering one as a Christmas gift for my brother.... I got mine, found it to be utterly useless, annoying, and without any redeeming virtues. I basically apologized to my brother as he opened the gift--for the expletives it would induce with use...

At any kind of distance it makes only the most miniscule of difference (only if you pixel peep) in the Quality of the lighting, but it sure makes a big difference in the quantity of light... I did use it in a "macro" situation, and it does act more like a softbox in that instance, if its relative size to the subject is larger. But I put it down and have never used it since.

On the other hand, I have a small umbrella that can be used as a shoot thru or relflectively, and it really makes a difference, folds compactly, and opens to about a 20-23 inch diameter. Used with one of those justin clamps and a speedlight, it really works pretty well.

BTW, more toward the umbrella question of the OP, westcott makes some umbrellas that collapse down like those small rain umbrellas that fit in your pocket, bag, briefcase, etc. A nice portable option. The westcott 60 inch umbrellas are general purpose, inexpensive, with a nice quality of light.

I favor "convertible umbrellas" that allow me to use it as a shoot thru or reflective (with a removeable outer black cover). In smaller spaces (living rooms, etc.) shoot thru umbrellas can throw a lot of light back, out the open end, that reflects of walls, ceilings. If those wall have any color, you can get a noticeable effect in the image. In those cases, I prefer to use the "japanese lantern" style of umbrellas (where the "open" side of the umbrella is covered with a black cloth, so light only escapes thru the shoot-thru portion of the umbrella.

And, you may really want to consider some Paul Buff PLM (Parabolic Light Modifer) parabolic umbrellas. I LOVE mine, and seldom use any of the above described umbrellas now that I have the PLMs. Really a beautiful light.

Message edited by author 2010-11-11 00:09:16.

MattO

Nikon D4

11/11/2010 12:34:15 AM · #14

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

I use a Brolly box I bought from Alien Bee back when they still made them(they have been discontinued) and I wish I could buy more. They are great with speedlights, simply because you don't waste too much light like you do with a standard umbrella.

All of those are single 580EXII flash through a large brolly. When on location I take two with me, I also use them in the "studio" when I need to shoot white background the black back keeps the light from hitting my subject(s) I use softboxes on my AB strobes now and the brollys on the speedlights. I have two Westcott umbrellas that never get used.

chromeydome

Nikon D7000

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

11/11/2010 01:37:39 AM · #15

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
I have a related question that perhaps someone can answer. I want to add a softbox to my lighting gear, but I am confused about what to get for use with a speedlight versus a studio strobe. Many of the descriptions I run across are not clear. Is there just a different type of mounting used with the same softboxes?

I use a Brolly box I bought from Alien Bee back when they still made them(they have been discontinued) and I wish I could buy more. They are great with speedlights, simply because you don't waste too much light like you do with a standard umbrella.

All of those are single 580EXII flash through a large brolly. When on location I take two with me, I also use them in the "studio" when I need to shoot white background the black back keeps the light from hitting my subject(s) I use softboxes on my AB strobes now and the brollys on the speedlights. I have two Westcott umbrellas that never get used.

The new PLMs have available accessories to convert them into brolly box softliter style units. So I now have an 86" silver PLM with the white front cover--a six foot across (86" is the arc distance) round softbox. For about 100 bucks. Compared to a 6-7 foot octabox that would cost upwards of 700 bucks + (and would only be an octa--I end up with the soft light and the parabolic for the low price).

Plus, they also sell the modifiers to turn white PLMs into large japanese lantern style shoot thru units, too. 51, 64, and 86 sizes. I love these suckers, and will seldom use any other umbrella again. They have a ring mount that will center them up on the Paul Buff lights, but also a standard umbrella shaft, so you can use them with other lights, too.

For speedlight, the 51 plus the various mods would seriously be worth considering.

atupdate

Pentax K-R

11/11/2010 09:15:29 AM · #16

I bought this cheap Brolly Box Kit from ebay.

Here is a tutorial on a Horizontal Flash Bracket I made to use with them.

The same tutorial is buried in the DPC Strobist Thread.

Tim

11/11/2010 11:10:57 AM · #17

thanks for all ur help guys!!!

michaelmonn

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

11/11/2010 03:54:52 PM · #18

just thought id add a few things that i found recently and use personally

first Chromey i was in the same position as you only months ago. i have not yet bought this but it seems to be the most reasonably priced mod that will allow you to use your speedlight in normal softboxes

//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/13825-REG/Chimera_2630_Speed_Ring_for_Large.html#reviews

secondly, i used to use westcott umbrellas but recently gave Creative Light a chance. they are a bit more expensive but DAMN they are so much better! the fabric is VERY sturdy the ribs are reinforced, the tube is SOLID. it is everything that ive ever wanted in umbrella form. i will now only ever buy CL umbrellas. i have their smallest one (25"?) and i really like how they scale down the length of the tube with the diameter of the umbrella. the 25" is short enough to fit in most small backpacks and laptop shoulder bags.

trust me, after breaking a few umbrellas, the extra 7 bucks is worth it.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/639252-REG/Creative_Light_100867.html

here is the larger 41" white reflective umbrella. it is substantially more expensive than westcott umbrellas but again. i really believe that they are worth it.

//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/639262-REG/Creative_Light_100866.html