Umbrella - white or translucent?

[me100finn]

I am racking my brain to get a couple larger 60" umbrellas and I keep seeing white or translucent used in the description (such as the case with Elinchrom umbrellas). What is the difference?

I just may give the Photogenic Eclipse with the black cover as a first try. I see nice reviews based on the interior panel that covers the ribs. But, I am not sure what the fabric is on this one. Since it has that additional panel I would assume it cannot and is not used as a shoot thru.

[57hardtop]

I just ordered the 45" Photogenic Eclipse w/black cover last night from B&H...the reviews there looked good, and one of them is from a member here on the forum (Justin_Thyme). I basically bought it based on his review (now that's trust baby ;))...and for around 30 bucks, what's to lose? It can always be used for some kind of light diffusion/reflection if it's not good enough for the main diffuser/reflector.

[me100finn]

I think I am going to give the 60" eclipse a try. I'd rather have the bigger light than be not enough with the 45".

As the secondary larger umbrella, I will give the Wescott 45" with cover a whirl. I have a set of Wescott reflectors and like the feel of them.

Cover or no cover.... how do you determine that (during use, not purchasing)??

[57hardtop]

You leave the cover on when using as a reflector, take the cover off to shoot thru

[me100finn]

Oh, that was such a dumb question now that I read it. Duh. Thanks. I feel pretty confident this choice is good. I dont want to invest more - havent had a greater need yet, so this will fit nicely.

Always would love to hear more if someone can chime in.... [back to my original query] the whole fabric issue seems so odd to me for some reason. I get the difference between white and silver and other colors. But within the white - is there a preference between a satin or a nylon fabric? Are these terms just used per manufacturer and not necessarily anything else? I thought maybe one allows more light through vs another....

[57hardtop]

I just glanced at it this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=642570)...may have some good info in it

[me100finn]

That just hurt my head to read... sigh. Not sure I could glean anything from that technical thread. How do they do that?

[57hardtop]

That just hurt my head to read... sigh

:lol:

hang in there...it'll start to make a little sense after awhile...unfortunately for me, I am lacking in the patience department, so I get frustrated (sooner or later) and then I just start experimenting till I get something I like...not very scientific, but what the hell, I'm taking photos instead of reading about taking them ;)

[Titus213]

Have you looked at the Photek Softlighter II?

[57hardtop]

That looks very interesting Dave...is it sorta like a reversed brolly box? The description says it's for strobes...can this be used with flashes (speedlites)?

[bobbyz]

That looks very interesting Dave...is it sorta like a reversed brolly box? The description says it's for strobes...can this be used with flashes (speedlites)?

yes.

[Titus213]

I've used it primarily with a strobe but it will work with a speedlite too. The diffuser panel has an elastic sock in the center that goes around the reflector for strobes or the speedlite. The umbrella can be used with or without the diffuser panel, and as a shoot-thru or regular umbrella.

[Brett]

+1 for the Softliter. Great versatility.