Everyone's Jumping On The Parabolic Bandwagon

It was just a matter of time before everyone decided that a parabolic umbrella is not only a good idea, but far better than standard umbrellas for all kinds of reasons.

I just saw that Westcott now has 3 versions of a parabolic umbrella. All of them are 16 sided and 7' in size. (who knows how they are measuring).

White - #4632 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_PARABOLIC_UMBR​ELLA_.html

Silver - #4633 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_PARABOLIC_UMBR​ELLA_.html

White/Black - #4634 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_White_​Black.html

WHOOT WHOOT

Nice

I've used the PCB version with excellent results. Caution: On a slight wind, have someone holding it

kickmaster wrote in post #11980128
I've used the PCB version with excellent results. Caution: On a slight wind, have someone holding it

That's a sound tip.

TMR Design wrote in post #11979965
It was just a matter of time before everyone decided that a parabolic umbrella is not only a good idea, but far better than standard umbrellas for all kinds of reasons.

I just saw that Westcott now has 3 versions of a parabolic umbrella. All of them are 16 sided and 7' in size. (who knows how they are measuring).

White - #4632 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_PARABOLIC_UMBR​ELLA_.html

Silver - #4633 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_PARABOLIC_UMBR​ELLA_.html

White/Black - #4634 - http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_White_​Black.html

I'm just wondering if this is the same as the PCB PLM V1.

kickmaster wrote in post #11980128
I've used the PCB version with excellent results. Caution: On a slight wind, have someone holding it

It's still an umbrella and the wind is the enemy of the umbrella. Not even a parabola can change that.

well out of all of the new parabolics,i think the rime lite has the most potential and loks like a true parabolic

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ite&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

Oh, I completely forgot to mention that the guys at Westcott finally got smart and made the shaft so it tapers down to 7mm so it fits Elinchrom strobes without any doodads, cages or brackets.

I can't vouch for the strength of the shaft but according to Westcott, the rod has a double wall to add strength and it does not droop or bow like the PLM.

FJ LOVE wrote in post #11980229
well out of all of the new parabolics,i think the rime lite has the most potential and loks like a true parabolic

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ite&N=0&Initial​Search=yes

Agreed, but for a 7' parabolic that gives a solid alternative to the PLM for $100, I think it could be quite nice.

I think it may have great appeal for those that either don't like PCB products or don't care for the build, fit and materials of the PCB PLM.

you still have to consider that it doesn't place the strobe in the center,

that was the problem with the version 1 PLM, which i still have

FJ LOVE wrote in post #11980257
you still have to consider that it doesn't place the strobe in the center,

that was the problem with the version 1 PLM, which i still have

Absolutely, Martin. Don't get me wrong. I don't see this as a precision tool but for something like this, at this price, I'm not concerned about the math that makes it work optimally.

I'm just looking at it as a 7 foot, efficient light source, and in real world shooting I don't think people are going to know or care whether the light is properly focused. As long as it can be mounted to the strobe and it places the strobe roughly in the center, then I think it will be popular and quite useful.

After all, look at how many people use so many modifiers that don't properly place the light source within the modifier and they're all happy as clams... lolol

TMR Design wrote in post #11980304
I think it will be popular and quite useful.

the fact that everyone is making them , means they are popular, i kept my 86"PLM for use with my flash as it gives 1-1 output

TMR Design wrote in post #11980244
I think it may have great appeal for those that either don't like PCB products or don't care for the build, fit and materials of the PCB PLM.

You forgot to mention backorder wait times.

dave63 wrote in post #11980358
You forgot to mention backorder wait times.

I was trying not to go there Dave...

Interesting. I made a modified mount for my Acute RingFlash so it can act as a centered umbrella-based light source... I think the 1st $100 of my next B&H order may have just been spoken for ;>