Westcott 7 Feet Silver Parabolic Umbrella

2025-05-01T12:15:18

I used the previous model for several years. However, the clasp has been changed that holds the umbrella when fully extended. The change would be wonderful if it worked, but the new clasp relies on the tension of a small sprint to stay deployed with no physical wedge to force the center to stay on the center pole. The moment that small spring is overwhelmed, the umbrella completely collapses. Mine would only stay extended a few seconds before failing. I suspect other umbrellas might do better, but that spring is going to wear down and the umbrella will be completely unusable without a bungee cord to use as a back up.

Jeremy R.

2024-11-14T17:45:11

Great options for modifying your light. I use these regularly at every photoshoot I have. I wish the middle rod wasn't so light as I have already had to replace 2 umbrellas.

JAMES J.

2024-07-26T11:07:10

Great umbrella i use this in my studio and clients homes all the time to add just that perfect amount of soft light to photos in a dim room!

Cameron G.

2023-12-27T01:49:16

Very good for large groups

Aby P.

2023-06-12T07:12:26

Why I purchase an umbrella? I am lazy and I got tired of fighting to assemble the conventional meduim and large dish reflectors. Bending rods, taking so much time to build and take apart. If I needed to work out that much I would hit the gym. Great idea, if you are only going to that once and put it away but not so great if you shoot on location and don't have any time to waste. That and they are expensive. Why did I purchase particular umbrella kit? I never shoot without a backup and the large diameter provides a wrap around light source. The large size results in a nice single light source and next to no shadows behind the subject. Reflection on glasses is also reduced quite a bit and with just a slight turn of the head nearly gone. Good for single and small group shots. Disadvantages? The size which give you great wrap around lighting need a high ceiling. Typical indoor ceilings are around eight feet. This does not allow me much flexibility and pretty much have to use it as is straight on. Which has worked out so far, except when I want to bring the umbrella and shoot down on the subject, like for kids and babies on the floor. Recommendations? Take note of the size and the use of a stand, given your ceiling in your shooting location(s). Also this umbrella is strictly indoors. Any wind will knock it over. That and someone walking into it. Hence the need for a backup, which is provided in the kit. I have the pull over diffusion screen but so far have not required, as the umbrella provides a soft enough light for me. But would recommend it since it might be necessary for the silver finish umbrella.

Donald F.

2023-05-09T09:26:16

Excellent results. Gives a smooth lighting, especially when taking group shots. Strong build quality.

ABY P.

2022-10-20T19:12:39

Love 7 feet umbrella, beautiful light, I use it a lot. The umbrella is convenient both in the studio and when shooting at the client's location. I also recommend purchasing a diffuser for softer light. This is the second umbrella, the first one was accidentally broken by very active children who turned the stand upside down by accident. Everything went well, no one was hurt and even the lamp was saved, but several of the spokes of the umbrella and the base of the umbrella caved in. I couldn't fix the damage. It was only once in five years of using the umbrella that something broke. I bought the same umbrella. Love it.

NATALIA I.

2022-05-10T06:28:07

Bought this kit. These umbrellas are more fragile then they should be. 1 broke after being used twice. I have Cheetahstand and Buff PLM umbrellas which are way above the the build and quality wise.

Janice B.

2022-03-28T08:11:33

Really great product - especially for the price.

Charlie C.

2022-01-04T10:18:31

Exactly what I was looking for!

CRAIG B.

2021-06-14T08:56:06

Very glad I went for this one and not cheaper ones. The material is pretty sturdy and durable. I can definitely see getting lots of years of use out of this umbrella.

Wilfredo M.

2021-03-09T12:47:10

I love this thing. Its easy and portable.!

Casey M.

2021-02-09T08:44:05

Excellent design and materials. Creates large soft lighting. I absolutely love it. In fact, I now own three.

REGGIE W.

2020-11-16T18:10:39

Great quality product

Marco M.

2020-07-14T21:55:35

You know what this is and yes its totally worth the cost.

ERIC D.

2020-07-05T08:30:13

I have other Westcott Umbrellas but this was a needed addition. It gives me a look when I’m shooting portraits or just need something that will cover almost everything.

SCOTT R.

2020-02-02T07:23:51

This is my go to umbrella for the subjects when I am shooting indoors and that I am only using a single light source. I do not think I would take it outdoors without assistants holding it down.

Donald F.

2020-02-02T07:10:11

Easy to setup. Still learning to master them. Love the soft light for small group shots. Lucky for me I have a day job.

Donald F.

2019-08-26T08:24:13

Great umbrella. It's big to be manage by one person ,however with the stand it's great for outdoors.

Carmen S.

2019-08-11T08:49:34

As others have said, this is a great modifier and gives beautiful softness, especially with the optional diffuser. The problem is the shaft and it's weakness. I have gone through 4 of these umbrellas and the slightest puff of wind will knock them over, even when the stand is weighted with three bags full of river rock and the stand legs (Manfrotto Master stand) spread as far apart as possible. If you have a studio, they are fine, but the shaft still flexes terribly under the weight of this umbrella. Unfortunately, after spending $ on these and having them all break, I cannot recommend them for ANY outdoor work. Better to get a large modifier that has a Bowens mount.

Charles D.

2019-05-21T10:46:04

Real nice and soft light. Umbrella is sturdy and fits well in my Alien bee b1600

Phil M.

2019-04-17T08:26:08

I would have given this 5 stars but the only problem I have with this is the case it came in. The umbrella is fantastic however the case is way too thin for how heavy this umbrella is. The case is very poorly constructed. The whole top portion of it is shredded because the stitching came apart so easily and I’ve only used it once.

JENIFER F.

2019-03-30T13:16:52

I love the items that I got but I wish the box wasn't already open.

Cierra T.

2019-03-22T18:29:27

When it comes to spreading light evenly for full-length portraits this is one of the best ways I have been able to achieve it. I find it a little more time setting up, but once it is in a position you can shoot individuals or small groups. This is great on location for special events (black tie, wedding & birthday). I would recommend to family & friends.

MARLON S.

2019-01-06T07:26:47

These are awesome... Beautiful interesting light and a great sun scrim for those of us who shoot by ourselves mostly

Victor P.

2018-12-19T12:18:23

amazing light modifier, would buy it again . i would recommend this product from beginner to pro photographer

Kire M.

2018-12-17T13:13:40

I'm impressed with the quality of this product. If you are a photographer I tell you you need this! I also purchased a Impact 7' Parabolic Umbrella Diffuser with it and it fits perfectly.

ARMAN K.

2018-12-11T17:21:34

This is my biggest light modifier so far and I love working with it in my Studio as well as outdoors. The umbrellas are fast to open and ready to use and so easy to bring on location. I use them with both of my Elinchromes, as well as my speedlights.

Alieta S.

2018-05-22T03:27:01

These are BIG and pretty useful but they can be a bit harsh. Thy are a wind sail outside. That being said they are great for umbrellas and easy to tote and setup.

RONALD D.

2018-02-28T07:40:35

Loved the quality of light this umbrella created. Brought my imagery to another level. I bought this with the white cover. For the price, I wish I had bought this sooner. I can't believe what a difference this made for my studio. I will use this for every session from now on.

LESLIE C.