What reflector to choose?

Nikolai

In light of Matty's experience with reflectors I found this kit at amvona:
stand, arm and 5-in-1 reflecting/translusent discs, $102 + s/h.
Is this something worth a hundred bucks, or... ?:scratch

Are there better deals, better qualities, etc.? :dunno

What do you guys use (apart from windshield covers;-)?

Also: does it really matter: round or more rectangular?

Thanks! :thumb

wxwax

Dunno if you want wheels on your stand. More like a sandbag to hold it down.

I have basically that set-up, not that I use it much. It secures the reflector well.

I've seen a wedding photog use a body length, lozenge shape reflector. It sorta helped spread the light, but outdoors in the wind, it was a bit hit or miss.

saurora

I'm thinking it would be wise to bring along another body to hold one of these things outdoors. (I need someone to carry my lenses anyhow!) I can just imagine the wind kicking into it like a sail on a boat. Doesn't seem like it would be easy to do on your own. I have one on order though, in fact it should be arriving today. I think the small ones are for portraits, and then graduate up with the 36" or thereabouts being used for 3/4 length and the 42" and up for full body. Probably the bigger ones spread the light out more evenly and don't leave hot "spots" in your shot.

This is the one I ordered. Simple, but I didn't want to mess with covers, etc. Probably won't be using it that much.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AA5YR4/ref=sr_11_1/104-9019066-6961506?ie=UTF8

Nikolai

Thanks, Saurora!

saurora wrote:

This is the one I ordered. Simple, but I didn't want to mess with covers, etc. Probably won't be using it that much.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000AA5YR4/ref=sr_11_1/104-9019066-6961506?ie=UTF8

One thing I didn't quite get - do you get all 3 reflectors for $34, or just one?

Nikolai

Sid,

wxwax wrote:

Dunno if you want wheels on your stand. More like a sandbag to hold it down.

I have basically that set-up, not that I use it much. It secures the reflector well.

I've seen a wedding photog use a body length, lozenge shape reflector. It sorta helped spread the light, but outdoors in the wind, it was a bit hit or miss.

How much did you pay for yours if you don't mind me asking?

As to the wheels - I don't particularly care for them, but inside they may come handy.

And I do understand that I would need somebody else to hold it on the wind:-). I remember Matty's troubles:-)

saurora

The reflector came today. It is a 2-sided collapsible reflector with a zipper case. The one I ordered is gold on one side and a shimmery white on the other - no changing covers, you just flip it over. I felt those were the 2 colors I would probably use most. It seems very sturdy. The frame is close to 1/2 in thick, which surprised me. It is 42" and because the frame is so sturdy, it was slightly awkward to fold and close. 42" is a lot bigger than you suspect, it should do nicely for full length. I did notice one thing. Whenever you see an advertisement for one of these things there are creases in the fabric, no matter which distributor. When I hold the frame towards the light, I noticed the fabric was "weak" with small pin-holes lining the folds. I hope it doesn't fall apart eventually. Is this a design to allow small amounts of light through perhaps? Anyone?

wxwax

Nikolai wrote:

How much did you pay for yours if you don't mind me asking?

As to the wheels - I don't particularly care for them, but inside they may come handy.

And I do understand that I would need somebody else to hold it on the wind:-). I remember Matty's troubles:-)

I got mine used from Patch, I buy his cast-offs. The thing is so light that wheels are unnecessary.

And you're right, no good for outdoors, it's a sail. I was holding it for the pro and had my hands full.