umbrella vs umbrella-box

[err99]

Does anyone here have both? Has there been a comparison test? I couldn't find a thread on this. The two products I'm interested in are the Photogenic Eclipse 45" (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42526-REG/Photogenic_909201_Umbrella_Eclipse_White_.html) and the Steve Kaeser 40" Umbrella Softbox (http://www.skaeser.com/servlet/the-607/40%22-UMBRELLA-SOFTBOX-REFLECTIVE/Detail). Also, I hope there's a reflective lining inside the umbrella-box.

[Wilt]

In terms of size (softness of light) the Photogenic has a very slight advantage if the flash is mounted to FILL the umbrella surface with light. Of course, the filling issue exists for the Kaeser product as well.

The Kaeser product has the advantage of better light control, for less spillage to bounce from ceilings and walls and reflection to the subject in an uncontrolled manner.

[err99]

... if the flash is mounted to FILL the umbrella surface with light.

Are you talking about shoot-through or bounced?

[Wilt]

Are you talking about shoot-through or bounced?


BOTH... If the source does not fill the modifier directly (and it does not use secondary diffusion or reflection), the apparent size of the light is limited to the area which is filled by light!

[err99]

I was planning on using a speedlite. Would setting it up at 24mm do the trick, do I need the wide angle flap or should I use a stofen?

[Wilt]

I was planning on using a speedlite. Would setting it up at 24mm do the trick, do I need the wide angle flap or should I use a stofen?

a. It depends upon your flash and how far you mount it!
b. Don't forget the coverage with speedlight is a RECTANGLE...wider than it is tall...so it is inherently a bad output to effectively fill an umbrella without spilling out in one axis!