Is this umbrella setup any good?

drabina · 10-21-2008, 09:24 AM

I have two shoe mounted flashes and wireless triggers for them. I would like to experiment with some portrait photography so I am buying backdrop paper and a stand. Next I would like to get some umbrellas and came across this setup:

link

I know that I can't expect decent quality from $70 setup but what do you guys think? Is it worth anything? I am probably going to use it once a year to shoot a portrait or two of my kid.

Thanks.

*dkittle* · 10-21-2008, 10:42 AM

I think inexpensive umbrella setups can actually work fairly well. The attached picture (hope attaching works, never tried it before) uses an on-axis umbrella-diffused flash to fill a shot light by sunlight from camera right. The umbrella was $15 second hand on a cheap stand (the cheapest stand in the store).

*maxwell1295* · 10-21-2008, 02:56 PM

I think it's a good setup. I really like the seller. They seem to carry a lot of the same stuff you see from other sellers, but for a lot less. I've bought quite a bit from them and have been pleased with the quality.

You may also want to look into one an Alzo Mini Softbox. Set up is easy and they put out a good amount of light if you have a powerful enough flash.

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/367688-post21.html

drabina · 10-23-2008, 06:09 AM

Thanks for replies. I think I am going to buy this setup as soon as I unload some of my unused photo gear. My only concern is that the stands are not air cushioned. B&H has similar set for $99 with air cushioned stands.

BBear · 10-23-2008, 07:11 AM

honestly,

I have bought the B&H kit for $100 and then I bought this same kit on ebay for $70, and here are the differences:

- Ebay kit has BETTER umbrella, like the tips wont come out. The B&H is freaking CHEAP brellas and they will fall apart faster.

- B&H Tripod is WAY better and more stable, longer base and air cushioned. Ebay stand is light, base is too narrow and not air cushioned.

- Mount bracket: the B&H at first i thought it was a bad design (right there where you place your flash) but after seeing the ebay kit, i was glad to have the B&H mounting brackets. The picture in your ebay post seems slightly different though... so they may have changed the design. The issue is this: you have to be able to tighten the flash to the bracket, the B&H has a very tiny screw (PIA but at least works) and the ebay has nothing, so the flash DOES SLIDE off the bracket!

Conclusion: if I'd need to buy another kit, i'd go with the B&H, simply because the umbrellas are the worst component and the cheapest thing to replace.

Hope it helps,

BB

drabina · 10-23-2008, 07:20 AM

BBear,

Thanks for the review. Very helpful.

I am thinking that I do not really need the air cushioning. My flashes are $20 old thyristor and I do not remember a single time I did not lock the tripod when using with my camera. Hopefully it will stay this way with the umbrella setup.

I have a question about locking the flash on the mount. Can't I use the round screw-lock that's built into the flash itself? I do not see why that wouldn't work.

Thanks.

**Peter Zack** · 10-23-2008, 07:23 AM

I'd agree with BBear. I started with these Ebay ones (and still use them a bit) but the heavier one's I added to my kit are much better, taller and stable. It's a fine starting point but the first thing I did with mine was replace the flash brackets with ones that tighten properly.

BBear · 10-23-2008, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by drabina

BBear,
I have a question about locking the flash on the mount. Can't I use the round screw-lock that's built into the flash itself? I do not see why that wouldn't work.

In my setup, I have the Cactus Wireless trigger... so the flash is TIGHT to the trigger... but the trigger is sitting LOOSE in the bracket.

The bracket has not means to tight anything to it... so it sucks!

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

It's a fine starting point but the first thing I did with mine was replace the flash brackets with ones that tighten properly.

I had to buy 2 flash brackets to replace the Ebay kit... actually.. i still havent receive this $hit! Thats the problem buying from the east... Both cost me around $40 for two brackets.. so yeah... next time i'd buy the B&H Impact Kit because the umbrellas are naturally something you always have to recycle... but brackets are supposed to last a long time!

drabina · 10-23-2008, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by BBear

In my setup, I have the Cactus Wireless trigger... so the flash is TIGHT to the trigger... but the trigger is sitting LOOSE in the bracket.

Very good point. Didn't think of that and I also will have to use the wireless trigger. I guess off to B&H I go...

*maxwell1295* · 10-23-2008, 05:54 PM

I bought these from the same eBay seller. They have the small set screw to hold the flash in place.

FREE SHIPPING ~ 2pcs Swivel Flash Mount Umbrella Holder - eBay (item 360089583900 end time Sep-19-08 12:44:53 PDT)

My guess is that they all buy the same brackets from the same overseas manufacturers.

zenimagery · 10-26-2008, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by dkittle

I think inexpensive umbrella setups can actually work fairly well. The attached picture (hope attaching works, never tried it before) uses an on-axis umbrella-diffused flash to fill a shot light by sunlight from camera right. The umbrella was $15 second hand on a cheap stand (the cheapest stand in the store).

who cares about the setup, who's the girl???? *rawr* hehe :P