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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Best Quality Umbrellas?
Jim Colburn, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 1:18 AM on 08.27.11 |
->> I've just bought a Westcott "60 inch" umbrella that only measures 50 inches across AND I'm not too impressed with the construction so it's going back.
Now the PhotoFlex 45 inch umbrella that I own measures 43 inches across (not too bad) so does anyone here know if the 60 inch Photoflex comes closer to the 60 inch mark?
I'd also like an umbrella with fiberglass ribbing instead of Westcott's metal rib as I'd fell them less likely to bend or break.
Any suggestions on a good quality 55-60 inch white-with-black-backing photo umbrella? I don't mind paying a bit more for a better quality unit.
TIA |
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Anthony Gruppuso, Photographer
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Stephen Brashear, Photographer, Assistant
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 10:34 AM on 08.27.11 |
| ->> Jim - the Paul Buff PLM umbrellas have plastic or fiberglass ribbing and lots of them. I got my first one just a few days ago. I haven't been a big fan of Buff lighting modifiers in the past, but these are nice. I only wish I had gotten a silver version instead of white version. The 64-inch model is 54 inches across the face. I'm not sure why umbrellas are measured on the arc instead of the face. |
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Dave Prelosky, Photographer
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Lower Burrell | Pa | US | Posted: 12:12 PM on 08.27.11 |
| ->> Stephen - I'll go with an explanation that involves a bit of locker room humor. Photographers - generally men - want their "tools" to be a bit larger. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 4:00 PM on 08.27.11 |
->> I can't say enough good things about the Buff PLM.
I use it with both my speedlites and my Dynalites. I have the first gen 64-inch silver. Construction is pretty good especially for the price (and if it is available which has been an issue since they started selling them).
It is versatile ---with a front diffuser accessory to soften the light. If you get the white version a black front cover converts it to a shoot - through / "lantern" type mod. |
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Robert Hanashiro, Photographer
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Los Angeles | CA | | Posted: 4:10 PM on 08.27.11 |
->> Forgot to add ...the silver PLM produces a much harder edged light than the white version even with the front diffuser.
If I want a really soft light I'll use a large softbox.
I would describe the type of light produced by the silver PLM closer to what a beauty dish does. |
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Dave Einsel, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Houston | TX | United States | Posted: 5:39 PM on 08.27.11 |
->> I have several PhotoFlex 60"ers that I have used on and off for many years. The construction of the earlier ones was more robust than the ones I bought later but they are still very nice. However, I have never taken a tape measure to them so I cannot say they are exactly 60". I do keep them in the cardboard tubes they came in so that might contribute to there longevity.
I've played with the Buff 86" PLM and it is pretty cool but a monster to handle. I was also fairly impressed with the construction. |
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David Scott, Photographer
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Portland | OR | US | Posted: 11:51 PM on 08.27.11 |
->> I won't buy another Westcott product ever. Everything I've purchased broke within a year. All of my Photoflex stuff has lasted an incredibly long time on mostly location work. I'm going to try that PCB monster soon!
-- Dave |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 3:56 AM on 08.28.11 |
| ->> You will never get any smoother or classier light than the Fred Astaire 36" model. |
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Sam Morris, Photographer
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Henderson (Las Vegas) | NV | USA | Posted: 11:30 AM on 08.28.11 |
->> Sorry, I meant Gene Kelly.
For a real recommendation, I have had a pair of Photek Softlighter for around 15 years. I love the versatility of them, they can be an umbrella or softbox, and the quality of light they produce. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 2:07 PM on 08.29.11 |
| ->> Thanks to all. I'm going to go for a 60 inch Photoflex and see how that works out. The Buff PLM looks interesting though, particularly with their new "speedring" version. I just need something light and simple at the moment. |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Omaha | NE | USA | Posted: 8:29 PM on 09.01.11 |
| ->> Got the 60 inch Photoflex and I'm much happier with it over the Westcott. For one thing it measures 57 inches across the front instead of the Westcott's 50 inches. The construction is better, with fiberglass ribs instead of thin metal ones. A much better umbrella IMO. |
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