Reflectors

M Powered wrote in post #6001341
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.

What are the cheap ones stretched over then? Mine stays in place on the arm and doesn't seem flimsy to me, although I've never even touched a Sun Bounce or any other brand.

Are there cheaper ones to that yet?

Go to the automotive section at Wal-Mart and look at the collapsible sunscreens you put in the windsheild. You can usually find gold and silver ones and they are pretty cheap.

tmonatr wrote in post #6001480
Go to the automotive section at Wal-Mart and look at the collapsible sunscreens you put in the windsheild. You can usually find gold and silver ones and they are pretty cheap.

I'd rather not use one of those when I'm getting good money for a session. It's bad enough when I roll up in my old-ass van!

cdifoto wrote in post #6001493
I'd rather not use one of those when I'm getting good money for a session. It's bad enough when I roll up in my old-ass van!

What would REALLY be great is to let them watch you pull it off the windshield, then say "Let's take some pictures!"
Just curious, does your metallic gold start to flake after a while? I have a 45 inch JTL gold/white reflector I have had for about a year. Really like it, but the gold is starting to flake a little. Actually , it should help make the light softer, but it's kinda messy when I unfold it.

tmonatr wrote in post #6001544
What would REALLY be great is to let them watch you pull it off the windshield, then say "Let's take some pictures!"

I need to try that.

tmonatr wrote in post #6001544
Just curious, does your metallic gold start to flake after a while? I have a 45 inch JTL gold/white reflector I have had for about a year. Really like it, but the gold is starting to flake a little. Actually , it should help make the light softer, but it's kinda messy when I unfold it.

I've only had mine for about a month so I can't comment on this yet, and I'll have forgotten all about this thread and/or have been banned by the time it applies.

cdifoto wrote in post #6001356
What are the cheap ones stretched over then? Mine stays in place on the arm and doesn't seem flimsy to me, although I've never even touched a Sun Bounce or any other brand.

Are there cheaper ones to that yet?

For me my definition of cheap vs expensive would be how it performs against the wind. The Sunbounce is stretched over a frame so it stays put and has handles in the back.

M Powered wrote in post #6001663
For me my definition of cheap vs expensive would be how it performs against the wind. The Sunbounce is stretched over a frame so it stays put and has handles in the back.

Gotcha. That means most reflectors would be cheap, by your definition.

cdifoto wrote in post #6001678
Gotcha. That means most reflectors would be cheap, by your definition.

Yup! but some are cheaper than others

M Powered wrote in post #6002149
Yup! but some are cheaper than others

Yeah but not many are in the $500 range.

I use a 54 inch 5n1 reflector. I generally place the reflector against my knee so I can control the light, or have an assistant hold it while I take the photo!

M Powered wrote in post #6001341
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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Do you have a link to this reflector?

v35skyline wrote in post #6000128
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?

Only for children and midgets. If you want to do full body shots this is what you should be considering along with a stand (if you don't have an assistant) http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …flector_White_S​ilver.html

The California Sun bounce are great devices and built more like the quality of a sail on a wind surfer than like a collapsable reflector. If you have an assistant to help out they even have great places to for them to grab onto the device- top notch devices but not something that the average photographer shooting solo is going to need.

I bought a large white piece of foam core board for indoor shoots. Nice and sturdy, easy to clamp to spare light stands!

I agree with Rich! Rather than paying $30 on eBay, I'd rather spend an extra $50 and get known quality for a large reflector - either Lastolite or Photoflex, something like that (Westcott are a little dearer). You are buying a collapsible reflector, so it's gotta reflect light AND keep its shape for years to come (and not rip, etc). Inside the studio, I'm just as happy to use a large sheet of foamcore, but that doesn't travel too well...

I agree Rudi...

White foam core produces some of the nicest and softest light. Too bad it doesn't travel well or endure the weather and environment.