Umbrella for Speedlite

So I want to try playing around with an umbrella for my 580EXii, both bounce and shoot through.

Any feedback on this particular one or other suggestions ?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_White_​Satin.html

Without going digging for mine, I think I went with the 60". But yeah, that style works fine.

Flash Zebra has a nice umbrella bracket if you need one.

I have that one and its great for speedlites. A good bracket and stand and you are good to go.

Thanks !!

The 60" convertible umbrella from B&H is surprisingly inexpensive.

I have the 32" and 45" Westcott posted. I got the 32" first and immediately realized I wanted a bigger one. I'll probably get the 60" next. Bigger is better as far as I'm concerned with umbrellas.

It makes little different what size or make you get. They all break eventually, and 20" looks pretty much the same as 40" in an image unless you get it super close to the subject. Photoflex is a decent brand, as is westcott.

tim wrote in post #14481505
It makes little different what size or make you get. They all break eventually, and 20" looks pretty much the same as 40" in an image unless you get it super close to the subject. Photoflex is a decent brand, as is westcott.

I disagree about the size. The light from my 45" is noticeably softer than from the 32". A larger modifier also lets you get it farther away from the subject when needed without its apparent size getting so small.

I've got two of what you linked to. One has the black pulled off permanently to other the black stays on permanently. The other modifier that is a great deal is the Photek Softlighter.

I really like this one: http://www.adorama.com​/LTU40BC.html

It's a good versatile size and a great mix of quality and price. You can take the back off and shoot through or put it on and do bounce umbrella.

People often see what they want to see, and they like to justify the money they spent and the opinions they posted. Think about the angles and distances, where light will fall.

tim wrote in post #14482086
People often see what they want to see, and they like to justify the money they spent and the opinions they posted. Think about the angles and distances, where light will fall.

One might wonder if you have considered that your logic may apply to you....

Using a larger umbrella is like moving the light closer. It makes a difference. I spent $10 on my 30" and $15 on my 42" so It's not like am out to justify my lost fortune!

Distance between the light and subject is really key. Most people put them so far away it doesn't matter if it's 10" or 50".

Seriously, try it and see. Take a shot with whatever umbrella you have, then at a different distance that would effective change the size a little. Make it fair, then post both for people to judge. I'd do it, but I don't care enough.

For weddings I use a square 18" soft box, direct off camera flash, or bounced if I'm indoors. Umbrellas are used rarely, they're too imposing for most places.

tim wrote in post #14482554
Distance between the light and subject is really key. Most people put them so far away it doesn't matter if it's 10" or 50".

Seriously, try it and see. Take a shot with whatever umbrella you have, then at a different distance that would effective change the size a little. Make it fair, then post both for people to judge. I'd do it, but I don't care enough.

For weddings I use a square 18" soft box, direct off camera flash, or bounced if I'm indoors. Umbrellas are used rarely, they're too imposing for most places.

What this mans says is true.

Many people get hung up on size with no regard to distance. There is a quality of light that having a modifier of a certain size placed at a sweet spot distance imparts on the subject.

With that said, spending under $100 on a couple of umbrellas and a light stand is a drop in the bucket to anybody seriously into lighting.

Get 46" and a 60" (or whatever) convertible umbrellas, read and experiment.