5 in 1 reflector vs double sided?

[allan wells]

i'm going to buy a reflector, i know bigger is better but i can fit a 32" in my backpack, i can't fit a 42".. can a 32" do a decent job waist up on a person or is it only good for shoulder/headshots? and regarding my topic, the 5 in 1's cost nearly twice as much as a double sided reflector, those of you who've bought one, are there one or two shades you find yourself most of the time? i was debating between a white/gold or silver/gold..

[lmulderi]

I bought the 5 in 1 for its versatility. I would rather have just one reflector to do everything I need (even if I don't use certain sides that much) rather than having to buy another someday down the line. The other bonus to the 5 in 1 is that I can take the cover off and shoot a flash through it similar to an umbrella for my makeshift studio shots.

[allan wells]

anyone else?

[Titus213]

I just bought a 5-in-1 from www.Amvona.com and it seems just fine. I've used it a couple of times and it works as expected. I got the 40x60 but it doesn't have to go in my backpack. They do have smaller sizes and they are not expensive. I paid $45 plus ship. And as mentioned, the use of the uncovered unit makes it a scrim...very useful on sunny days.

[lmulderi]

I also was going to mention that mine is a 42" (I think) and will fit fine in a backpack when in its case.

[allan wells]

what kind of backpack do you use? i was at the store and tried to fit a 42" in my backpack and there was no chance, the 32" just fit.

[Cristnotchrist]

I spent 25 dollars on the 41" Promaster 5 in 1 kit and it seems to be very well worth the money. I havent gotten to really test all the surfaces yet but I definitely will this week. I would much rather have the versatility of this unit than a single double sided reflector.

It slips in my backpack pretty easily (along with all my other business) and I even brought it to florida with me because it easily fit against the side of my duffel bag.

[lmulderi]

I have a regular old Da Kine backpack... the 42" reflector will fold down to something like 13" or so which is plenty small for any backpack I can think of though.

[ghaleon109]

I like the 5 in 1 because of the translucent core part. I only really used the white and soft gold sides of the reflector though...

They're pricy, and I liked mine while I had it, but I eventually took it back as I'm just going to get 2 reflectors instead of the single 5 in one since I only use 3 of the "sides"

[disneydork06]

well, I think the smaller one you want will be fine for like headshots...I have the 42in 5-1. I love it. works well. I tend to tie it to my camera bag since it doesn't fit in it. but you kinda want more surface area to reflect if you want to light your model. sometimes the light is not as direct as you want. having a bigger surface area helps gather more light...anyways, good luck! :-)

[allan wells]

shooting throught the 5 in 1 with no cover, would that work as well as shooting through an equally sized shoot through umbrella?

[TMR Design]

A 32" reflector will do just fine for what you're describing. 5-in-1 vs. a double sided is preference. I know a lot of people that buy a 5-in-1 and realize that they only use 2 of them. If you don't need it then don't get extra things that you won't use.

[Tareq]

I have that 5 in 1 Imapct reflector 42".
I think it helps me just fine, and i keep it open all the time in my studio as i don't move anywhere to fold it.

[Walczak Photo]

Personally, I just use those sun reflectors for car windows that cost a buck at the dollar stores...they do a really decent job and will fold up and go anywhere :D. I looked at those 5in1's and thought they were a gimmicky waste of money. I'm sure there are folks who like them, but I really couldn't see the point unless you have a very specific use for one and you -know- you're going to use it for what it is.

Just my $.02...
Jim

[Lotto]

I have a Photoflex 32" gold/white, good quality and stays on the reflector arm well.

[tenoverthenose]

Not to mix this up more...

I recently purchased a Lastolite trip grip reflector and find it much more useful than my original round reflector. With this, I can easily hold it and use it for fill while taking the photo.. The frame is much stiffer (reflector stays flatter) than my Promaster 5 in 1.

[hawk911]

Personally, I just use those sun reflectors for car windows that cost a buck at the dollar stores...they do a really decent job and will fold up and go anywhere :D. I looked at those 5in1's and thought they were a gimmicky waste of money. I'm sure there are folks who like them, but I really couldn't see the point unless you have a very specific use for one and you -know- you're going to use it for what it is.

Just my $.02...
Jim

I've done the same, but with this type, you can only reflect or block the light, not diffuse it like you can with the translucent version. I'm going to get one of that style when I have some funds.

[allan wells]

well i still have no idea what to get :) anyone ever compare shooting through the reflector vs shooting through an equally sized umbrella?

[TMR Design]

HI Allan,

If you're referring to shooting through a white translucent reflector compared to a shoot through umbrella then yes, I have done that. They are completely different animals and not really a great comparison.

A translucent reflector is nothing more than a round (or oval) diffusion panel. Shooting though it will soften and diffuse the light but with no enclosure of any kind it becomes a VERY inefficient light modifier.

Since there is no enclosure your catchlight will not have the definition that it would from an enclosed light box or bank. Additionally, there will be a great deal of spill which could prove to be problematic for subject to background isolation.

An umbrella, on the other hand will contain and direct the light, making it more efficient and giving you more precision with a defined catchlight. Depending on you're lighting you may see more or less of the umbrella spokes, which some people don't want or like, but given the choice of an efficient light source with spokes that can be pp'ed out or a very inefficient light source with little control I would select the umbrella.

[allan wells]

HI Allan,

If you're referring to shooting through a white translucent reflector compared to a shoot through umbrella then yes, I have done that. They are completely different animals and not really a great comparison.

A translucent reflector is nothing more than a round (or oval) diffusion panel. Shooting though it will soften and diffuse the light but with no enclosure of any kind it becomes a VERY inefficient light modifier.

Since there is no enclosure your catchlight will not have the definition that it would from an enclosed light box or bank. Additionally, there will be a great deal of spill which could prove to be problematic for subject to background isolation.

An umbrella, on the other hand will contain and direct the light, making it more efficient and giving you more precision with a defined catchlight. Depending on you're lighting you may see more or less of the umbrella spokes, which some people don't want or like, but given the choice of an efficient light source with spokes that can be pp'ed out or a very inefficient light source with little control I would select the umbrella.

what makes the umbrella contain and direct the light (when shooting through it, not bouncing off it) vs shooting through the reflector? is it just its shape?

also still not sure whether to get gold/white or silver/white if i don't bother with a 5 in 1..

[allan wells]

well i ordered white/soft gold, figured it would be a good compromise, thanks everyone

[TMR Design]

Hi Allan,

The umbrella's parabolic-like shape does absolutely contain and direct the light. You'll find that any partially or completely enclosed light source will be more efficient than just firing light through a flat diffusion panel. There is a slight differential between bounce and shoot through but both direct and contain in the same way.

Reflector color is a personal thing but there are some basic guidelines that most people tend to follow.

A white reflector is usually the least specular, allowing the light to bounce back on to the subject without an actual image reflection. Silver and gold are somewhat mirror-like in that they will reflect the light and a mirror image reflection. Using white will give you light and silver, for instance, will give you more contrast with greater specularity. Gold has the same effect but with gold you have to be careful due to the bronze or yellow glow it can add, especially to lighter skin. Soft gold is usually a mix of silver and gold. It will give you that added specularity with greater contrast, with the added bronze or yellow/gold tint. Typically the gold and soft gold look better on dark skin.

White and soft gold will work well, although you my find at some point that you want to add a silver one.