Umbrellas

[blue_max]

I am looking to buy some umbrellas for use with speedlites. They are hopefully going to soften the effect giving a nice natural controllable light (correct me if I'm barking up the wrong tree here!).

I have found a supplier on Ebay and they can supply various colourways.

Translucent white. Siver white. Black silver. Black white. Also gold, but that is self-explanatory and I don't require the warming effect.

Can anyone give me a quick-guide answer to what the different ones should be used for please. They come up to 42inch and I figure biggest is best.

I have the speedlites and stands (but need to get the brackets to hold the brollies), so don't want to gear up with studio strobes. I hope to have more versatility with the speedlites.

All advice much appreciated.

Thanks all.

Graham

[SkipD]

Shoot-through umbrellas waste a tremendous amount of light. In my opinion, the best is a satin white with a black cover. Shoot in reflected mode with the cover on. I like the Photogenic "Eclipse" series for an economical but decent quality umbrella, and use 45" and 60" versions.

[tim]

Photogenic work, silver is most efficient, 60 inch is too big for a speedlite IMHO.

[SkipD]

Photogenic work, silver is most efficient, 60 inch is too big for a speedlite IMHO.I agree with both your statements, Tim.

While the silver is more efficient, the satin white gives a softer light.

I use my 60" umbrellas with my 640WS studio lights. They probably are a bit big for Speedlites, but might still be worth trying.

[blue_max]

Great stuff already - thanks.

So, the 42" is not too small then. That helps as these are quite cheap.

What effect does the backing have though. eg white with silver back or black back?

It's becoming clearer!

Graham

[Atomic79]

The black is usually removeable to allow the umbrella to be turned around and shot through like a softbox. Very inefficent though because you could loose almost two stops depending on material, but it's there if you need it. The satin white with black cover produces a little softer light, while the silver has a little more contrast and also tends to reflect more light so you use less power.

Forgot stand brackets:
From B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=298709&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)

[blue_max]

The black is usually removeable to allow the umbrella to be turned around and shot through like a softbox. Very inefficent though because you could loose almost two stops depending on material, but it's there if you need it. The satin white with black cover produces a little softer light, while the silver has a little more contrast and also tends to reflect more light so you use less power.

Very helpful answer, just what I was looking for. Thank you.

Graham