5 in 1 reflector OPINIONS

[jspekbb6]

any opinions on these reflectors? I like that it has all different colors, but has anyone used one of these? I'm imaging the different films go on with velcro, just curious if it's worth buying, I'm trying to get into photography, and in need of a good reflector to brighten my models face.

[toverman]

I was wondering the same thing. Maybe someone has some good advice on these.

The other quandary is that they often come in different sizes. The only thing I've heard is that a stiff breeze can send them flying, and using a stand with the flexible ones doesn't work well, especially in a breeze. You'll need an assistant.

[CaptainTom]

They work well if you know what to do with them.
They can reflect cold light, warm light, no light and be a diffuser or a gobo.
They have a zipper around the outside so they "nest" all together.

wind is always a problem with large, light weight "sail like" things. They are used in studio as well as outdoors.

Outdoor use requires an assistant unless you are some kind of three handed magician who can be in two places at once. I'll undoubtedly hear from people who use them outdoors by themselves all the time, but I'll believe it when I see it.

Tip no. 1
practice folding the big ones back up before you take them to a gig.
ask Tom Manchester about this...

[d2creative]

Good tool, imho. I like mine a lot.

I've used mine outside by myself on calm days. I use a light stand and boom that has clips on it made for holding one of these.

[LegacyPhotographic]

I agree with Tom completely... They are great, but dont expect to figure out how to use them 100% effectively your first time using them.

Right now I depend on my "Lovely Assistant" (my wife) to help me with using them, because I have yet to grow that 3rd hand Tom referenced.

From a financial standpoint, if you wanted to get used to them a little bit without spending a huge amount of money (since they are fairly expensive) use one of those silver lined auto-shades for your windshield. Might not get as good of results initially, but at least you can get the hang of it and decide if it would be worth you spending the money on.

Thats just my thought, but thats because I'm new to the business and have to think about every little cost like that.

[CaptainTom]

I've used the car windshield shade a few times. I especially like the one with little bunnies on the back !!

[LegacyPhotographic]

Glad I'm not alone!

[jspekbb6]

I have used these reflectors before with my photographer friend, he had a gold and silver one, I liked it. I just wasn't sure if the 5 in 1 was a good deal or something that will fall apart after 2 shoots. I think I will invest in it, because all my pictures the girl comes out dark in the face, and the car is REALLY bright... so thanks for the input everyone.

[Wes]

Love them. I have two - one is something like 36", and the other is around 12-15". I use an assistant, but I do have a refelctor holder that I can mount to a light stand. Problem is that if there is ANY wind whatsoever it'll take off - even if you have sandbags on the bottom of your light stand. As for colors, I've used pretty much all of them (silver, gold, white, diffused). Be careful in using the gold reflector (I tend to back WAY off when using this because it can make your subject appear overly warm - almost jaundiced).

As for folding them back up, I've found that they fold pretty much the same as a windshield sun shade. Hasn't been a problem.

[CaptainTom]

As for folding them back up, I've found that they fold pretty much the same as a windshield sun shade. Hasn't been a problem.

The 36 inch ones are easy, but try doing a 60 or 72 inch oblong reflector. It took two of us "pros" at least 20 minutes to figure it out the first time.

[frameworthy]

I was going to buy one of these one time, and at B&H, there were some with reviews that weren't as good. As with EVERYTHING, you get what you pay for. Some of them were excellent, some of them fell apart. Don't remember which ones, just check B&H.

As I said, I WAS going to buy one...I opted for some white foam board with aluminum foil adhered to the back (using spray adhesive). Put black duct tape around the edges to get a nice finished look. My only regret in this is not having the diffused, which I think would be nice.

I'll buy one...eventually.....

[Dobick]

If you get the holder/arm the diffuser can work great in a studio to give excellent results for a lightbox type of setup. Also with the support arm, you can work alone in the studio, as you can set it up where you want it, on a light stand, and then back away to do the shooting. As with most things, it is easier if you have a helping hand, but not essential when in the studio. Outdoors in the wind -- an assistant would almost be essential for a reflector.

I gotta agree with Tom on the 60 inch oblong ones. Even if you have folded them two or three times, it is still difficult for me.

And one more thing -- if you come across a zebra stripe, with the gold/silver interlaced in zigzag patterns, that will produce great results -- not too warm, and not too harsh. Really nice results with that.

[fivegrand]

I have two 42 inch round 5-in-1s, I like them both. One is by Impact and is slightly potato chip-shaped, one is by Interfit and is flat.

I've had them both for several years, they've been all over and have been beaten stupid, and show little if any signs of wear.

Like another above, I have a holder arm that clamps onto a light stand, but it's pretty unwieldy outdoors if there's any hint of breeze at all, and is most useful in the studio.

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

these are great I do not have on but I have used one... does that make sense...

also if I may object... if you are going to use it close to the model (subject) find a way to kick he light in from ABOVE... this is where the sun comes from... tricky yes but doable... I have seen some photogs use these... and it gives the eyes, a strange catch light... when they hold them low and kick light up... I know I know... the sometimes the purpose is to kick light into the face to get rid of those unsightly racoon eyes..

pointless observation but I think it might be a good tip as well...

not to mention Ed Pierce suggested this in his lighting seminar!!!

[fivegrand]

Originally Posted by PhotosbyHollyWood

if you are going to use it close to the model (subject) find a way to kick he light in from ABOVE... this is where the sun comes from...

Strongly disagree.

One of the main points of using a reflector is to fill the shadows caused by the sun - often times when the sun is very high - in order to light up the darkened raccoon eyes.