Question For Anyone Using Photogenic Eclipse Umbrellas

I very much want to replace the umbrellas I have. They work fine but I'm endlessly bothered by seeing the skeleton of the umbrella in my catch lights. I don't like it on the main light and can't stand it in the fill source.

Recently I've been using softboxes and octaboxes for my main light. I still like the coverage and light from an umbrella being used as fill but want to get rid of those darn spokes and ribs in the catch light.

I keep looking at Photogenic Eclipse umbrellas because they boast that there is a mask in the umbrella so the spokes are not visible. I'd love to believe that but figured that I would get input from those that own and use them, but also I would like to see an image of a strobe bounced in to the umbrella with full coverage so I can see how smooth it is and how transparent the guts of the umbrella are.

Also, if you've got head shots or closeups where you can see the catch lights in the eyes I'd like to see them.

I have no personal experience with the Photogenic umbrellas, but unless the spokes are translucent, there will be some shadows cast by them even if they're covered, if the umbrella is used as shoot-through. (I do realize that this is stating the obvious ). For bounce they should work very well.

Rudi wrote in post #5709112
I have no personal experience with the Photogenic umbrellas, but unless the spokes are translucent, there will be some shadows cast by them even if they're covered, if the umbrella is used as shoot-through. (I do realize that this is stating the obvious ). For bounce they should work very well.

Hi Rudi,

I really don't think that the catch light will be perfectly round with no sign of spokes and I didn't mean to sound that naive

I'm trying to get a feel for how much that reflection is reduced by that second outer layer of white translucent material.

I wonder why they don't have a silver lining in front of the spokes. It would be more specular but would certainly eliminate the reflection.

I'm curious to see what others say.

TMR Design wrote in post #5709194
Hi Rudi,

I really don't think that the catch light will be perfectly round with no sign of spokes and I didn't mean to sound that naive

I've read enough of your posts to realize that, Robert! I just wasn't sure how much you dislike those spokes in the catchlights, plus I figured it won't hurt to mention it in this thread, you know... for others who might be looking for a perfect solution (I don't think umbrellas offer that in this case).

TMR Design wrote in post #5709015
I very much want to replace the umbrellas I have. They work fine but I'm endlessly bothered by seeing the skeleton of the umbrella in my catch lights. I don't like it on the main light and can't stand it in the fill source.

Recently I've been using softboxes and octaboxes for my main light. I still like the coverage and light from an umbrella being used as fill but want to get rid of those darn spokes and ribs in the catch light.

I keep looking at Photogenic Eclipse umbrellas because they boast that there is a mask in the umbrella so the spokes are not visible. I'd love to believe that but figured that I would get input from those that own and use them, but also I would like to see an image of a strobe bounced in to the umbrella with full coverage so I can see how smooth it is and how transparent the guts of the umbrella are.

Also, if you've got head shots or closeups where you can see the catch lights in the eyes I'd like to see them.

I use the Eclipse umbrellas, and you can definitely see a segmented catch light in a reflective subject. The problem is that the umbrella is not truly curved in a uniform fashion but is a segmented reflector. Even though the spokes are hidden by fabric, the reflected light is not totally uniform as it would be with a softbox-like diffuser panel over the whole umbrella.

Rudi wrote in post #5709255
I've read enough of your posts to realize that, Robert! I just wasn't sure how much you dislike those spokes in the catchlights, plus I figured it won't hurt to mention it in this thread, you know... for others who might be looking for a perfect solution (I don't think umbrellas offer that in this case).

I know man

SkipD wrote in post #5709375
I use the Eclipse umbrellas, and you can definitely see a segmented catch light in a reflective subject. The problem is that the umbrella is not truly curved in a uniform fashion but is a segmented reflector. Even though the spokes are hidden by fabric, the reflected light is not totally uniform as it would be with a softbox-like diffuser panel over the whole umbrella.

Thanks Skip. So the reality is that it reduces the definition of the spokes but they are still present in the reflection?

How about this? Let me hijack my own thread.

For anyone experienced with many brands, sizes, design of umbrellas.

Is there one that definitively gives more even light with very little of the objectionable spokes, etc. ??

I'm not looking for an umbrella solution that offers what an octabox will do but I am looking for an upgrade to my umbrellas to give me something more pleasing when I do choose to do a quick set up or that's all I have with me and want to do a portrait.

I've already tried a Softlighter and as much as I love the quality of light, I could see my light stand and the spokes of the umbrella in the catch light.

I'll try and get some samples for you, Robert. I have two of the the satin white umbrellas. As long as you don't use them in shoot-thru mode you should be okay spoke-wise, but as discussed above, will appear segmented.

For the next best thing, a Softlighter might work well. Not quite a softbox, not quite an umbrella - just somewhere in between.

Thanks Mike. I completely forgot that you were using Eclipse umbrellas. I'd love to see a sample.

Robert,

I have been using (and learning with) the 60" & 32" eclipse umbrellas. You can see some portrait results on my flickr page here. I am happy with the results.

EDIT: I just double checked and I apologize, only the 60" is an eclipse in that series.

Peace
Mark

Thanks Mark,

Those catch lights look good to me. I zoomed in pretty far and although and I'm not seeing anything undesirable.

Do'h

just double checked myself and see that only the 60" main is an eclipse.

I apologize and have corrected my previous post.

Peace
Mark

Not a problem Mark. Thanks again.

I am using a 42" Photogenic Eclipse and have very good results with it. It is well made and the design works just fine. I use it for fill light in conjuction with a 3'x4' softbox on my main strobe and have no problems at all. It is my favorite umbrella.