Which reflectors?

I currently own a 430 ex ii flash that I am using to do various portraits. I'm eventually going to probably go with the calumet genesis 200 kit but for now would like to use a reflector with the flash in a single light set up. What I wanted to know is....what size reflectors do I need for this type of work and are there certain types of reflectors I should use?

you can get the 5 in 1 reflector. i have the 45" of that and i'm happy for what i use it for.

you can get a 5-in-1 reflector off eBay for under $21

Just wanted to know, does the build quality of a reflector affects the light quality?

I've never seen an instance of build quality affecting quality of light.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into the 5 in 1 reflectors.

Yes. If a collapsible reflector potato chips on you (as those with poorer build quality will do), it becomes practically worthless as a reflector. I've had zero problems with Photoflex reflectors warping, but I've had both eBay and even Westcott reflectors do that to me.

I personally prefer Reflectasol umbrella/reflectors. I've got half a dozen of them, mostly 36-inch square. They last forever and stay perfectly flat; they fold like umbrellas, so they're even more compact than the twistoflex collapsible style--it takes no fancy magician tricks to get them closed; the fabrics are interchangeable and dry-cleanable; a halfway decent seamstress can even make more fabric. Reflectasols are pricey new, but there are usually good deals on used Reflectasols on eBay (as I said, they last forever).

I've recently purchased a couple of Interfit panel reflectors that I also like quite a bit. Although they're "dismantlable" rather than foldable like Reflectasols, at least they assemble and dismantle quickly and quirklessly. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Panel_Reflector​_with.html

RDKirk wrote in post #8593310
Yes. If a collapsible reflector potato chips on you (as those with poorer build quality will do), it becomes practically worthless as a reflector. I've had zero problems with Photoflex reflectors warping, but I've had both eBay and even Westcott reflectors do that to me.

I personally prefer Reflectasol umbrella/reflectors. I've got half a dozen of them, mostly 36-inch square. They last forever and stay perfectly flat; they fold like umbrellas, so they're even more compact than the twistoflex collapsible style--it takes no fancy magician tricks to get them closed; the fabrics are interchangeable and dry-cleanable; a halfway decent seamstress can even make more fabric. Reflectasols are pricey new, but there are usually good deals on used Reflectasols on eBay (as I said, they last forever).

I've recently purchased a couple of Interfit panel reflectors that I also like quite a bit. Although they're "dismantlable" rather than foldable like Reflectasols, at least they assemble and dismantle quickly and quirklessly. http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Panel_Reflector​_with.html

Ahh yes I would agree. The build and construction can affect the light in wind and when making fine adjustments due to the flexing and warping.

I was referring strictly to the build quality which I was considering to be different than build.

If we're going to talk in terms of build and construction then you can take it a step further with reflectors like California Sunbounce and Lastolite SkyLite.

The Lastolite Tri-Grip 8-in-1's are a great option also...

phillip@PrettyUglyOnli​ne wrote in post #8592312
you can get a 5-in-1 reflector off eBay for under $21

yup, ordered 2 a little while ago.

Yep, Just won a bid for a 42 inch 5 in 1 on ebay for $9.99 = ). A local photography chain store wanted $89.00 for a 36 inch 2 in 1... Love ebay! cant wait for it to show up this week!

What I use is foam core board. Go down to your local arts/craft store and they sell big sheets of white foam coard board for about $5-6. It works great as a reflector, and I prefer the diffuse white reflection over the silver or gold reflection.

Ive used all type of reflectors - tri grip, round bottletop, foam core etc, and IMHO the best you can get is the california sunbounce system. Seriously Id buy 1000X of them over again.

Mini 3x4' is my personal choice for weddings, portraits etc.