Choosing an umbrella.

[Robp412]

I've heard nothing but great reviews on this umbrella. It's extremely cheap so I'm wondering if anyone has any personal opinions or any recommendations...Here it is Impact | 45" Convertible Umbrella | UBBW45 | B&H Photo Video
Thanks
-Rob

 

[JerryPH]

IMHO umbrellas are replaceable items with a limited life duration, so I buy the cheapest ones becuase the best and cheapest ones all last and perform the same.

What is more important is kind of umbrella and match it to your needs:
- white for shoot through up close
- silver or gold for bounce and a brighter light at the cost of some small harshness at increased width/depths
- black covers with silver backing for free additional reflector
- for battery powered strobe use never larger than about 40-45 inches max

I've done tests and the $115US umbrella performed *identically* to my $15 ones. I buy the cheap ones and prefer to spend my money saved on other things. I have 2 silver ones and 4 white shoot through. This is all that I need.

 

[Robp412]

Thank you very much! I have 2 silvers coming for christmas and got them cheap. What I really wanted was white and your info was all I really needed. Ordering them now =] Thank you.
-Rob