Beauty Dish suggestions for outdoor strobe use

I figured it's time to take a break from "what lens should i use" and "what settings should i use" threads with something different

This is pretty much a question for Mike or Bryan but if anyone else has input then I'd gladly welcome it.

I currently have an E640+VML combo that I've been using for outdoor formals; bare w/ reflector. I'm looking to use a beauty dish in order to soften the light just a bit without using umbrellas or softboxes that will fly off in the wind.

Any suggestions on a good white BD for the AB/WL mount? I'm currently choosing between a Kacey and PCB beauty dish.


Kacey ($187 shipped with AB/WL mount) http://photos.smugmug.​com/photos/504393533_W​v7i5-XL.jpg
PCB ($110 shipped) http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/22hobd-w.php

- Kacey costs more; but how much better is it? I'm sure the quality of light is similar but I'm more concerned about durability. Is the PCB beauty dish really weak and easy to deform? What about the Kacey?

- Carrying options; what bag to use? PCB looks like it will fit my needs and is way cheaper than the Kacey. I wonder if they are interchangeable... I'm also open to any alternative bag that you'd recommend.

Kacey (85$) http://photos.smugmug.​com/photos/945280134_g​Q2LT-X2.jpg
PCB (30$) http://www.paulcbuff.c​om/hobd-bag.php

Hope you guys can help. Thanks!

I thought you are a DIY kinda Guy MJ... Why buy a BD when you can just buy a Salad Bowl . j/k
I want to pick one up as well. Thanks for your post!

emdzey01 wrote in post #14806362
Is the PCB beauty dish really weak and easy to deform? What about the Kacey?

- Carrying options; what bag to use? PCB looks like it will fit my needs and is way cheaper than the Kacey. I wonder if they are interchangeable... I'm also open to any alternative bag that you'd recommend.

I have never used a Kacey one, but my PCB one gets used and abused and still looks pretty much like new. I don't have a carrying bag for it or anything, though that could help me cut down potential glare in the back of the car while heading to a shoot
it mostly gets beat up because, well, it's an awfully akward thing to pack into the car honestly so it gets banged around.
but they are handy out in the field

Im using a PCB white dish. comes with a sock. I think they are 79.00... got 2 for the price of 1 Kacey. Both work the same as far as i can tell. Tried the kacey as well. Im often usig 2 strobes when im outside so i went the cheaper route. PCB's are metal

I bought the Kacey after working a little with the PCB. Kacey is more expensive, but they were out of stock.

I like the Kacey more for a few reasons. One, the plastic and the shape makes it easier to carry around. Second, and this is the biggest one, due to its shape, you can do much more with pointing the dish up or down, where with the PCB you dont have much flexibility there.

I dont have a bag, but my next purchase concerning the dish is going to be a grid.

Can't help with the PCB but I have a Kacey and I have been very pleased with it. I keep it in the box it was shipped in which I don't recommend. Don't be cheap like me, get a case.
I would say the Kacey's quality is high compared to the relative cost. I have no complaints and if ever I was to lose it I would not hesitate to buy another.

So... which one did you pick up MJ?

Getting a PCB dish; if i'm not satisfied i'll just ship it back to PCB and get a Kacey instead.

I know this thread is old, but I just picked up a PCB. love it.

I just use an umbrella with a speedlight....

PCB Einstein plus Mola 22inch dish. I love it

Isn't 22" a bit toooo big to carry around? I have not compare but thinking that the 18" would be much less bulky. Are there much difference in lighting quality between them? I want to own one to shoot where I can't use umbrella (outdoor, photobooth...)