Umbrellas for AB

hey all and hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.....!!
Question...have a little bit of funds and gift card for B&H. I think that I need 2 umbrellas for my AB800's. Why? cause on my last shoot, in unexpectedly went into their house and my Octabox and PLM were way to big!
So, I do not know what the best size for indoor and some outdoor would be and if I should get Bounce or Shoot through?
I am looking for soft lighting with decent spread. I appreciate the incite and help in advance!

Curious to see the input of those who have experience with AB800s and various modifiers. I just got my first AB800 and the giant softbox. Once it was set up, my thought was, "ZOUNDS! This thing is massive!" Not a tight-quarters setup...

My only umbrellas are for my speedlights, and they're only 32". WAY too small.

I wonder about the PLM system made by Paul C Buff. Seem to be much thinner. Anyone have experience with those? Can also double as umbrellas, so there's some nice utility there as well.

I own two Westcott 45" white satin umbrellas with a removable black cover, that I use for my AB800's. You can partially remove the black cover (when using as a shoot through), to feather your light.

I also like the fact that the umbrella shaft is solid. It won't crush from repeated use. The quality of materials and workmanship is also excellent.

They make a collapsible version, if smaller space or portability is needed.

Here's the link: http://www.fjwestcott.​com …l=products&head​=umbrellas

B&H sells it for less ($29.45):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_White_​Satin.html

If you need a bigger umbrella, they also make a 60".

puggle wrote in post #11539170
I own two Westcott 45" white satin umbrellas with a removable black cover, that I use for my AB800's. You can partially remove the black cover (when using as a shoot through), to feather your light.

I also like the fact that the umbrella shaft is solid. It won't crush from repeated use. The quality of materials and workmanship is also excellent.

They make a collapsible version, if smaller space or portability is needed.

Here's the link: http://www.fjwestcott.​com …l=products&head​=umbrellas

B&H sells it for less ($29.45):
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Umbrella_White_​Satin.html

If you need a bigger umbrella, they also make a 60".

i think you may have nailed it here. It does look like a solid piece for a good price! SO you mainly use as a bounce umbrella?

Another option is the Photek Softlighter II softbox-type umbrellas, either the 46" or the 60" (or maybe both).

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …rella_Softlight​er_II.html

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …rella_Softlight​er_II.html

Not only can they be used as a regular reflective or shoot-thru umbrella but they can also be used as a "brollybox" (umbrella softbox).

Another vote for the Photek Softlighter II.

thanks for the added input. The Photek look very good as well. I was hoping to get 2 mid size umbrellas for around 100.00....or a tad more. I want to use these on my Soccer teams outside next season as well as be able to use inside for a families.

I have 46" softliter, very nice. There is Steve Kaesar (spellings?) special (similar design) of two for $40 something.

bobbyz wrote in post #11541254
I have 46" softliter, very nice. There is Steve Kaesar (spellings?) special (similar design) of two for $40 something.

I think this is what you are referring to. http://www.skaeser.com …DIFIERS:SOFTBOX​+UMBRELLAS

leeport wrote in post #11541373
I think this is what you are referring to. http://www.skaeser.com …DIFIERS:SOFTBOX​+UMBRELLAS

these look decent as well....but I kinda am limited to B&H right now....w/my gift card.