580 ex II Umbrella size

What size umbrella do you recommend for a 580 exII (30", 32", or 45")? I am going to use it for portraits and general lighting. I know it is kinda a general ? but what is the optimal size? I have 2 580s and a 420 so any input would be appreciated. Thanks

The limitation isn't so much the flash, as it is your space and your typical shooting conditions. For example, outdoors, the 580 might not have enough juice to be used through a large umbrella. If you want softer light and won't be using it outdoors in bright conditions, get the bigger umbrella.

These are what I use and I really like them: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_Collap​sible.html

Being collapsible they are very compact when closed and easy to carry around. My portable lighting kit is 2 of them on mafrotto nano stands along with some speedlights and radio triggers. The whole kit fits in a jansport daypack.

Is a 30" to small and limiting? What about a silver and black umbrella should I go with the large 45 eclipse model?

I have two 100cm (guess its close to 40") shoot through umbrellas and 580ex II have enough power (so does the nikon SB 24). As somebody said before it depends where you use them, i mostly use them in evenings outside or inside, never in bright day light and this setup works for me.

Each size gives a different look in regards to how soft/harsh it is; you will find something around 30" very versatile, but then umberllas are cheap, so you may want to pick up a couple of differing sizes. I would pick up a 30" white/shoot through and a 30" silver and then go from there. After that you will begin to know if you want something softer.

For around $100 you could get a 30", a 48", and a 60".

i think umbrella size will also be determined by what you are shooting
a 30 inch may be ok for head and shoulder shots but full body shots or group shots would require at least a 45 inch umbrella

I would suggest you avoid the silver for a while. A simple white with a black cover in a couple of sizes as mentioned.

The silver umbrellas are not quite as versatile (can't shoot thru them). The light they produce is also quite different.

I've found the following thread pretty informative.

Shoot through or reflective?

Both. Are the eclipse umbrellas good. I was think of getting a 45 eclipse plus satin white (I believe it is like a convertable) and a 32 silver and black. Would this be a good combo to start with?

I'd go for the largest. If you don't want the full size, you can move the flash closer or zoom the head so that you don't light all the brollie.

krb wrote in post #8664044
These are what I use and I really like them: http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_Collap​sible.html

Being collapsible they are very compact when closed and easy to carry around. My portable lighting kit is 2 of them on mafrotto nano stands along with some speedlights and radio triggers. The whole kit fits in a jansport daypack.

+1 I used the same umbrellas. Very compact and good quality. Just becareful when shooting outdoors. Mines drop and damaged a bit.

Yes, the eclipse umbrellas are good. Don't get caught up in worrying about the brand or sizes to start with, just get a couple, play around with them and then go from there.

Vermin87 wrote in post #8664042
The limitation isn't so much the flash, as it is your space and your typical shooting conditions. For example, outdoors, the 580 might not have enough juice to be used through a large umbrella. If you want softer light and won't be using it outdoors in bright conditions, get the bigger umbrella.

Would it not be the thickness of the umbrella and not its size that limits how much light gets through?

But space is definitely a limitation. Mine is only about 30" but in my basement with somewhat low ceilings it limits how high I can put it up.