Flashpoint 16-Rib 86" Parabolic White Umbrella (7 Feet)

2013-12-09T19:00:00

A fine umbrella that seems to have crept up in price. Also it doesn't come with a case to put it in, like they said it did when I ordered it. The first one I bought did come with a case. The latest one I bought did not. A giant umbrella like this NEEDS a sleeve to go in. Now they want $40 for the sleeve. That's crazy. I'll make my own.

mj

2013-10-27T21:00:00

This is ridiculously easy to use, and for the price it is a no-brainer. It is translucent (I didn't know this when I bought it) and was going to return it for a Westcott with the black backing, but decided to keep it after trying it since it is more versatile and my strobe is powerful enough. The light, when close, is super soft and wraps around the subject as expected. I set this up with a studio light that has several inches of a slot to hold the umbrella, and had no issues with excessive bending. Using a simple umbrella mount could create the issues others noted do to the size of this thing. If you are using it indoors, the umbrella should last without issues. Caution: Shooting headshots directly in front of the umbrella puts you in the catchlight! This is easily remedied by moving the massive umbrella to the side. Using it directly from above for headshots (with other softboxes and/or reflectors) works surprisingly well. For the cost of a round of golf on a crummy public course, an amateur like me can produce quality work with this light modifier.

QuantGuy

2013-09-05T21:00:00

Works great, but is not as durable as the more expensive ones. However, for the price difference you can't beat it!

Beth D.

2013-08-23T21:00:00

It went on sale, so I jumped to try it out. I didn't see much use for this translucent version when these giant umbrellas first started dropping -at least in a standard usage. However, then I thought about keeping it around to use more as an Uncle Sam (sun buster), but for much cheaper. So far, I like it for this purpose. It provides 1 stop of diffusion, not too bad, and exposure is easilly balanced out with a reflector. I've also found it very useful to use as a shoot through -no strobe, and close in. The size can easilly shade the entire subject, while the arc provides nice contrast using only daylight. As with any umbrella, it's not good in wind. Duh. The construction is a bit lacking, and the top screw on the shaft was cracked upon arrival. The shaft is the same double-walled shaft used on Westcott versions, and should hold just fine in normal usage, especially if used in a casting-shade application, as you can choke up on the shaft all the way.

KURT L.

2013-08-19T21:00:00

Big, beautiful, super-soft light. The first one I bought had a black canvas protective sleeve. Unfortunately, the sleeve is no longer included. Waiting to hear back from customer service if I can purchase as an accessory...

LARRY G.

2013-03-25T21:00:00

A few notes - I use this with a single speedlight. I only use it indoors, and I use it for portrait work only. I was getting bored with the common 40-46" umbrellas and I'm not very fond of softboxes due to the setup / tear down time. So I figured I would give this beast a try. I knew it was 7 feet when I ordered it, but it is still somewhat of a shock opening an umbrella that is 1 foot larger than I am tall. It fold up super easy and very compact for something so large. The quality of the light is excellent. I was worried that a single speedlight would not work well but it does a great job. The light spreads very far and is very even. I have not tried it on a group larger than 4 so I'm not sure how wide it will go. One thing I have noticed is that it's heavy on the end compared to a small umbrella (I know - common sense). My light stand is able to hold it up but barely. To be more specific, it's not the actual stand, but the tilt mount that does not want to stay up. My next purchase will be a better mount.

joel22484

2013-03-18T21:00:00

Well priced and looks like this umbrella is excellent for the cost. I don't think it's real durable, but can pay for itself in one job. So, if you use it on a second job, it's more than paid for itself.

DAVID I.

2013-03-18T21:00:00

I love the size for the price and it does a nice job of spreading the light out evenly. However, it's very large and I would only use it indoors as it would catch even the slightest breeze. It's not the most solid umbrella, but for the size and price, it's a great deal.

ColonelSanderz

2013-03-18T21:00:00

This large umbrella is a fantastic light source. The big problem is it is not made to last very long. The metal pole is made of thin material and bends under the weight of the large umbrella.The price reflects the fact that this is an cheaply prepared product.but if you buy it and expect it not to last a long time it is a great light reflector.

westsideboy

2013-01-28T19:00:00

Very good product , does it job very well , price is very good wish it has case tho...

MICHAEL F.

2012-12-23T19:00:00

Does the job... Simple...

ColorfulDreams4U.com

2012-10-21T21:00:00

I use this for studio and location shoots. Just make sure you have a lighting assistant and sandbag this bad boy down. It drops a great quality of light with my Einstein 640. Great price to performance point.

MINH I.

2012-06-27T21:00:00

Because of it's size it can be a bit unweildy, but it does what it's supposed to. The only thing I would change is the curve of the parabola, the umbrella is a bit flat, spreading light all over the place, with more curve, it would focus more.

CHRIS H.

2012-06-24T21:00:00

Studio full length portrait use.

Steve

2012-06-24T21:00:00

My wife loves it. She's a semi-pro and had all types of lighting equipment until I bought her this huge umbrella reflector. Don't make the same mistake I did and do buy the tripod holder for the umbrella at the same time. I had to order it after we received the umbrella!

THOMAS F.

2012-06-24T21:00:00

Very lightweight (Tips come off the ribs easily, but they go back on just as easy). Gives a beautiful, soft light. You'd have to work to take a bad photograph with this.

JOSEPH B.

2012-06-03T21:00:00

The umbrella is great, big size for a big source of soft light. Pop it open and is ready to use. I noticed is a bit heavy and fragile. I myself would avoid using it outdoors, since it feels like a gust of wind can tear a weak spot or break a rod. I bought a second one just in case.

supermario

2012-04-25T21:00:00

Good diffuser specially on a high striking sun hours. It helps my subject be able to open their eyes in front of my lens. I just love using this umbrella.

Louie

2011-12-18T19:00:00

Perfect match to a Quantum X5d-R; single light set up.

MICHAEL B.

2011-08-31T21:00:00

Beautiful light, great for larger groups. Light is nice and even , no hot spots. Built well only con is its so big I wouldnt recommend using outdoors

paco

2010-11-20T19:00:00

I used to bring an Octobank on location this serves the same purpose

MB