Large reflectors

I'm looking for a large reflector the two main ones I find in the UK is California Sunbounce and Lastolite Panelite. It goes without saying that the Sunbounce range is pretty top of the range and prices reflect this

So for a 6x4 panel what do people recommend and what scrims/surfaces to use.

Currently I use a 1m reflector primarily with the silver/white side as the gold is often too strong for my taste, It's a simple 1m 5-1 but I need something bigger for natural light work and also for full length coverage. Cost isn't a major issue as I'm looking for options to test and consider.

Thanks!

Faolan wrote in post #10178544
I'm looking for a large reflector the two main ones I find in the UK is California Sunbounce and Lastolite Panelite. It goes without saying that the Sunbounce range is pretty top of the range and prices reflect this

Their designs are smart, eventhough it dosent always live up to the hype, the fabrics iv used on the CSB frame is sub standard compared to lastolite.

Faolan wrote in post #10178544
So for a 6x4 panel what do people recommend and what scrims/surfaces to use.

Lastolite, CSB, Scrimjim, Chimera all very similar designs (aluminium tubing)

I use all the lastolite panels, and they never failed me.

As for what kind of fabrics to use, well that depends enirely on what you want to achive.

Faolan wrote in post #10178544
Currently I use a 1m reflector primarily with the silver/white side as the gold is often too strong for my taste, It's a simple 1m 5-1 but I need something bigger for natural light work and also for full length coverage. Cost isn't a major issue as I'm looking for options to test and consider.

Thanks!

If money is no issue spring for either CSB, Chimera, lastolite and try them out, preferably if you can get them locally.

Thanks Paul, I can't seem to find a UK dealer for Chimaera which is a pain as some of their modifiers are interesting, who's CBS?

Sorry meant CSB (as in calfornia sun bounce)

Might try to ask TFC who stocks the chimera frames in the UK, or at least can order them for you.

Kindest

MR do little wrote in post #10178574
Sorry meant CSB (as in calfornia sun bounce)

Might try to ask TFC who stocks the chimera frames in the UK, or at least can order them for you.

Kindest

If you're in the UK, check out Calumet's panels. They are much cheaper and so far for me they'd been very durable.

Here's my review: http://mr-chompers.blogspot.com/​2010/01/lightpanelrevi​ew.html

Yes the calumet is a alternative if your on a budget (and if your dont plan on taking them on location), iv used one as well before i got the lastolite skylites. Similar products are also available on ebay.

They simply dont compare to panels like Lastolite, chimera, CSB, which of course is reflected on the price tag.

So while they a cheaper they are also of inferior quality and limited in use.

MR do little wrote in post #10178714
Yes the calumet is a alternative if your on a budget (and if your dont plan on taking them on location), iv used one as well before i got the lastolite skylites. Similar products are also available on ebay.

They simply dont compare to panels like Lastolite, chimera, CSB, which of course is reflected on the price tag.

So while they a cheaper they are also of inferior quality and limited in use.

It's possible the other products are better built, but there is nothing flimsy about the Calumet panels and I have used them on location, so not really sure what you're on about.

The difference in price between 2 panels and the fabrics to outfit them is about 1/3 the cost of Lastolite and about 1/4 the cost of Chimera panels.

You make it sound like they are cardboard and will fall apart, and that's simply not the case. For anyone who doesn't operate in Hurricane gale winds with 500kg sandbags on their C-stands they'll do fine.

poopinmymouth wrote in post #10179105
It's possible the other products are better built, but there is nothing flimsy about the Calumet panels and I have used them on location, so not really sure what you're on about.

The difference in price between 2 panels and the fabrics to outfit them is about 1/3 the cost of Lastolite and about 1/4 the cost of Chimera panels.

You make it sound like they are cardboard and will fall apart, and that's simply not the case. For anyone who doesn't operate in Hurricane gale winds with 500kg sandbags on their C-stands they'll do fine.

Its possible ?

The reason i very quickly ditched the calumet frame is because its not build for location shooting.

Frame:
While its aluminum it has plastic joints and you need to match it up to the profiles in the tubing, which makes it slower to setup. Even when setup the frame isnt as sturdy as the lastolite.


Fabric:
Poor quality in comparison, its generic ripstop nylon that can be found on ebay. The fabric isnt secured enough to keep it stretched which makes it unsuitable for location shooting.


In this case you get what you pay for.

They are fine for anyone who dont need a high quality scrim/reflector to use on location and dont mind that the fabric is hanging loose.

MR do little wrote in post #10179280
Its possible ?

The reason i very quickly ditched the calumet frame is because its not build for location shooting.

Frame:
While its aluminum it has plastic joints and you need to match it up to the profiles in the tubing, which makes it slower to setup. Even when setup the frame isnt as sturdy as the lastolite.


Fabric:
Poor quality in comparison, its generic ripstop nylon that can be found on ebay. The fabric isnt secured enough to keep it stretched which makes it unsuitable for location shooting.


In this case you get what you pay for.

They are fine for anyone who dont need a high quality scrim/reflector to use on location and dont mind that the fabric is hanging loose.

The german ones must be different then because my corners are also aluminum.

You buy the cheap clips that allow you to lock two frames together, and you can use those same clips to clamp the fabric on if you need a tighter fit. I prefer the elastic loop only fabric to velcro because it's much much faster to assemble, and I can always add the clips.

It comes down to he said she said, but I have used them on location fine and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to someone on a budget.

I have the 4x6 PRO CSB with Zebra fabric. As MDL has stated the lastolite is comparable and cheaper. I have yet to use the Lastolite version, but the CSB is fantastic and hasn't give me any issues thus far. With the exception of barely fitting back in its own case, of course.

I also use the Lastolite Skylite and it is exceptionally well built. Yes, it's a little on the pricey side, but I won't need to buy another reflector again, and it is very sturdy even with a little wind.

Speaking of large reflectors. I recently saw a video (although I can't remember where) of a photographer shooting in the studio with a very shiny silver reflector (not textured, very smooth and highly specular) and the reflector material went edge to edge with no border for mounting. I couldn't see the frame and for all I know it was a DIY but based on the studio and the rest of the gear my guess is that it's not a DIY and it was purchased.

I wish I could find out what it was that they were using. Obviously a design like that would not lend itself to location work but for the studio I see that design as a benefit.

Robert, like this?

http://www.larson-ent.com …FLECTOR__SUPER_​SILVER.htm

Seems quite nice for studio work. I have seen some photovision videos where they were using these.

Hey Bobby.

Cool!! I think that might be the one. Thanks for finding that, and yes, it was in a Photovision video that I saw it.

Nice things with these reflectasols is they open/fold like an umbrella. Very sturdy from what I hear as some folks have them for 20 yrs.