Reflectors

Let me start off by saying that I don't mind spending the extra dollar on quality products, but won't if I don't have to.

I understand why one would spend top dollar for glass, strobes, etc. I know because I've already done so!

My question for you is, are all reflectors equal? That is, what difference am I going to see (besides build quality) if I choose to go with a cheap collapsible reflector versus an expensive name brand collapsible reflector. I want to pick up a good size 5-in-1 reflector for outdoor portraiture use. Can anyone recommend what size/brand I should be looking at? Links would be nice!

Thanks!

I got mine on eBay. Cheaply made, sure, but I don't know how much better a named brand jobby would really be. $15 vs $60...

Mine's just gold/silver though, not a 5-in-1.

This one might be worth a look:

http://cgi.ebay.com …em&rd=1&item=13​0240941600

Same seller as my smaller 2-sided.

cdifoto wrote in post #5999988
I got mine on eBay. Cheaply made, sure, but I don't know how much better a named brand jobby would really be. $15 vs $60...

Mine's just gold/silver though, not a 5-in-1.

That's the honest answer I was hoping for. Like I said, I have no problem with spending more money on something if it's worth it. But if I'm only going to be spending more money so I can have the name behind it, then no thanks!

I'm not specifically looking for a 5-in-1, but that's the first thing I saw on eBay.

Well here's what I have:

http://cgi.ebay.com …em&rd=1&item=35​0082472273

I didn't go with a 60" (or bigger) right off because I wasn't sure if I'd need, want, or be able to handle something that large. It's not made well, but it's not made poorly either. In other words, it works.

cdifoto wrote in post #6000047
Well here's what I have:

http://cgi.ebay.com …em&rd=1&item=35​0082472273

I didn't go with a 60" (or bigger) right off because I wasn't sure if I'd need, want, or be able to handle something that large. It's not made well, but it's not made poorly either. In other words, it works.

Do you find the 27"x47" is large enough for full body applications? Now having owned this one, would you consider getting a larger one?

I have no idea. I haven't had a chance to use it for that yet. So far my only real-world application has been blocking the sun from a client's eyes.

In all seriousness, I don't think it'd be big enough for that, unless it's a child, short adult or the adult is sitting/kneeling/crouc​hing, etc. If you can back away with the reflector a ways it might work when the sun is strong, but you need to be close most of the time with a reflector...especially if the sun isn't right behind the subject. I don't have enough experience with it to know all the limitations though - just theory. I'm just basing it on softboxes...generally you need the softbox to be as big as your subject, if not bigger. So if the person is 6' tall you need a 6' softbox. I presume it's the same with reflectors.

cdifoto wrote in post #6000137
I have no idea. I haven't had a chance to use it for that yet. So far my only real-world application has been blocking the sun from a client's eyes.

In all seriousness, I don't think it'd be big enough for that, unless it's a child, short adult or the adult is sitting/kneeling/crouc​hing, etc. If you can back away with the reflector a ways it might work when the sun is strong, but you need to be close most of the time with a reflector...especially if the sun isn't right behind the subject. I don't have enough experience with it to know all the limitations though - just theory.

By it, do you mean the 27x47 or the larger 40x60 reflector?

Sorry I meant the 27x47. I think you'd need the 60" or even bigger if you can get one. This is the one I have on my eBay "wishlist" for if/when I get into using reflectors frequently: http://cgi.ebay.com …em&rd=1&item=20​0216240085. Different seller though so I'm not 100% certain on the quality of it. I expect it's similar to the other one I do have.

Cdifoto - newbie question: In your reflector set up, how would you attach the reflector onto the tripod behind it? Just wondering if there would be a simple way I could attach one of thes to one of my light/umbrella stands without having to buy a bunch more hardware I'd have to lug around.

gracias

I never figured out a super simple & cheap way, so I bought a reflector holding arm and grip. He's got a combo listing here but I think it'd be cheaper to bid out since they almost always end at the opening bid and you'd pretty much just be paying the high shipping costs. In other words, you'd save about 10 bucks by being patient.

It's extra hardware but it's really not that heavy and it's a godsend. The grip itself weighs a little bit but it's not bad enough to prefer leaving it at home, in my opinion.

Thanks!

I've tried jerry-rigging with clips and stuff but it's a pain, so I'll probably purchase this.

I used elastic bands hot-glued to foam core back when I was using that stuff and it worked ok, but when I invest in proper equipment (no matter how inexpensive), I prefer to do things as designed. There's usually a reason for it. lol.

I use a 5-in-1 from Amvona.com - 40x60 was $45. I just checked and they don't seem to carry them any more....It's a nice size for the work I do.

IMO reflectors are all the same. The question is how EASY do you want it to paint your subject with the light? Sun Bounce are stretched on an aluminum frame and the ease of use that comes with it are remarkable.

Cheaper flimsy reflectors will suffice, but you will need an assitant and quite often you will have to fight to get it to reflect the proper light.

Heres a shot with a cheap $20.00 reflector

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