Recommendations for umbrella kit

Trying to decide between the Lastolite kit (that includes a Manfrotto 6.75 foot stand and a 40" Lastolite umbrella) and a Stobist kit (that includes a 43" Westcott umbrella). Both include cases and mounting accessories.

Anybody have experience with either?

Both umbrellas are from reputable makers so you can pretty much consider that a wash. You dont say which stand is included in the second kit.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12154942
Both umbrellas are from reputable makers so you can pretty much consider that a wash. You dont say which stand is included in the second kit.

+1
and do you really need a bag for all that? whats the price difference between the two?

I don't "need" a bag. Just makes it more convenient for when I am taking all my gear to a shoot.
There is a price difference...the Lastolite is a bit more. But neither is relatively expensive.

I guess my question is whether or not it is recommended to go with Lastolite. I am generally more familiar with that brand from other gear (reflectors, etc.) so that's my inclination. And the Lastolite includes a Manfrotto stand...which is a brand I know of.
That is NOT to say the other kit isn't good! That's why I'm asking.

what manfrotto stand is it? every company does make stuff thats not worth it. (im not saying its crap but just might not be as stable as you think) and you can always make your own kit if you want specific items (bigger umbrella and manfrotto stand) how much do the two kits cost?

With no link to the second kit we are just guessing. Lastolite is good, but certainly not any better than westcott overall.

Second kit is Lomopro stand and umbrella swivel. Westcott umbrella. Lomopro case.
The stands are essentially the same (six to six and a half feet) in the two kits.

But, I think you may have helped refine my question, gonzogolf. That is, the kit is probably best judged by the umbrella as long as the stands are equivalent. So, are the stands the same or is it worth it to go for the Manfrotto?
Thanks!

sml wrote in post #12155344
Second kit is Lomopro stand and umbrella swivel. Westcott umbrella. Lomopro case.
The stands are essentially the same (six to six and a half feet) in the two kits.

But, I think you may have helped refine my question, gonzogolf. That is, the kit is probably best judged by the umbrella as long as the stands are equivalent. So, are the stands the same or is it worth it to go for the Manfrotto?
Thanks!

thats why i was asking what manfrotto stand it comes with. it might be a 6 foot stand but very unstable then you will certainly be disappointed when you get it.

Assuming the stands are equal I would go with the westcott as its a bigger umbrella. As for stands, I've got stands by several makers and have come to believe that apart from features (boom arm etc.) stands are stands. A strobist setup with a hotshoe flash isnt that heavy so pretty much any stand is going to hold it. In the wind, they all tip over unless properly weighted. I understand you want the best for your money, but they are simple devices.

Thanks!

I recently bought the Wescott 43" kit . It gets the job done, I can't say I'm overly impressed with it, but I'm not disappointed. Everything just seamed cheap...

You should see an increase in quality of the stand if you go with Manfrotto. If it were me, I would probably go with something different next time....

do you have any links for these kits? im looking for an umbrella setup as well

I only have a link for the Lastolite (Manfrotto) kit at B&H. The other kit was being "put together" by Midwest Photo by taking some of the elements of the based on the Strobist Kit #1.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_In_One_Umbrell​a_Kit.html

http://midwestphoto.or​g/ (See Strobist Kit #1)

Unless you are getting a great deal, and I never found midwest photo to be cheap, skip the kits and order the parts you want. You know all the components you need already.

there was another thread somewhere here where a guy put together his own kit kind of.

manfrotto stand, photoflex umbrella, and a flashzebra umbrella/hotshoe adapter for pretty cheap like around $100? Im sure there's a case that you could get for under $100 and save yourself some money