Westcott Umbrella Review

So many people in forums asking about what studio equipment and modifiers to use. Since I am new at this stuff I decided to help those with some information on this product. I bought most of my gear from BHPhoto.com. I find it reliable and shipping to me is reasonable and fast. Two days from order to delivery. Price is $25.

There are many, many umbrellas to choose from. And even more price ranges. I chose the Westcott brand as something reliable and affordable for me. My other choice was Impact. Below the pictures are my descriptions of each. This is the White shoot through with Black backing.

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You have the umbrella adapter upside down on the light stand

Franko515 wrote in post #4702646
You have the umbrella adapter upside down on the light stand

Also, do you have one of those brass insert (spigots) screwed to the lightstand (and inside the umbrella adapter)?

If so, remove it and just jam the the light stand directly into the umbrella adapter. No need for the insert with a light stand.

That insert is to convert a tripod for lightstand use.

If you do not have the insert in the bottom of the lightstand, then never mind.

Enjoy! Lon

It is upside down. Flip it over so the umbrella and light are mounted on the same segment of the adapter.That way the umbrella pivots with the flash head and also puts the light closer to the center of the umbrella.

Thanks guys. I did read somewhere about the Impacts coming in the package backwards. I will fix it and take another photo. What about the rest of the review? Works well, I know I should put some samples up soon also.

How is the construction of the frame and mechanism? Quality of light is really not an issue from umbrella to umbrella. For me it's about design and overall quality and durability.

TMR Design wrote in post #4706926
How is the construction of the frame and mechanism? Quality of light is really not an issue from umbrella to umbrella. For me it's about design and overall quality and durability.

I have a couple Westcott umbrellas. Construction-wise, they are a good step above the ones that Paul C. Buff sells. It's been a long time since I worked with a Larson so I can't compare them. I do remember the Larsons were really well made. (I have a friend still using a pair of Larson white umbrellas that are more than 20 years old! They're a little yellow with age but are still working well.)

Michael

Thanks Micheal,

I've heard excellent things about the Larson umbrellas. Originally, when I got my first B800 I got a white/silver umbrella with it. It's ok. Construction is alright and although I have not put it to the test in terms of durability I have heard from others that it's not great.

I currently use Photoflex (when I do use umbrellas) and find them to be or good quality and construction.

Ive got one and love mine. I use it with the Nano Bogen stand for an ultra portable single lighting kit. I even have a little 22" bag that holds it all together!

Just a tiny tidbit: according to Strobist site, the silver umbrella would be ideal because it would maximize the light output of the relatively weak flash head. Otherwise, the white shoot through is a multi-purpose umbrella sacrificing just a bit of light.

ebann wrote in post #4707337
Just a tiny tidbit: according to Strobist site, the silver umbrella would be ideal because it would maximize the light output of the relatively weak flash head. Otherwise, the white shoot through is a multi-purpose umbrella sacrificing just a bit of light.

I own both and can def confirm that tidbit.

Well... yes and no.

The better comparison would be a silver bounce to a white bounce, not silver bounce to white shoot through.

Yes, the silver gives you greater efficiency with a weak flash but the difference is not as much as some think it is. The silver bounce will also increase specularity and for me, it's not a great main light source, but an excellent fill source when used at camera position and not too close to the subject. My reason is that I don't want two specular light sources on my subject. That's a preference.

I've done extensive testing but sometime when you have nothing to do, take a light meter and take some measurements using a white bounce and a silver bounce. For my taste, I'd rather sacrifice a small amount of efficiency for the softer, more diffused light returning from the white umbrella.

I'm actually ordering both Unfortunately B&H is out of the white/shoot-thru... that should say something!

Oh they are sold out already? I was gonna order another one for my second light. Well I am off to order a Amvona Softbox.

I want to see if I can rent a light kit from somewhere to compare brands.

MPEX (Midwest Photo Exchange) has them in stock. I ordered one today.