Umbrella to suit Sigma EF-500

blwnhr · 02-13-2008, 04:13 AM

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Please excuse my ignorance on this subject. I am starting to use flash more, especially in wireless. I have a Sigma EF-500 Super and was wondering if you can buy an umbrella that has the bracket to suit an external flash like this.

Basically I want to be able to mount the flash in the umbrella and fire it wirelessly. Is this something that is achievable?

If it is could people make suggestions of brands of umbrellas that allow this. Links would be greatly appreciated also. If you had links to Australian retailers I would be ecstatic.

Cheers, Adam.

blwnhr · 02-13-2008, 04:31 AM

I just found these on Ebay. Could someone who knows more than me give a critique please.

2.6m stand.

Umbrella bracket.

Soft white 110cm umbrella.

For $151 delivered is this a good option?

stewart_photo · 02-13-2008, 05:49 AM

The stand and bracket are just fine. In fact, that's similar to the bracket I use. However, that 43" umbrella is just too large and too white for portable flash units, eating up too much of the light these relatively low-powered sources can provide. Based on my experiences, I would recommend a 30-35" (75-90cm) silver or soft-silver umbrella instead. This will bounce more light (more efficient) and provide some directional control. You can always try larger umbrellas later. However, once you get used to the smaller ones, I suspect you'll keep coming back to them over the larger umbrellas.

By the way, in the first post you asked if wireless flash into umbrellas is achievable. Of course. My wireless location setup consists of three AF-540 FGZ flash units, two bounced into 30" silver umbrellas and the third used as a hairlight with a homemade snoot. I also use a tiny non-dedicated slave flash unit to provide a catchlight for the eyes.

stewart

blwnhr · 02-13-2008, 01:11 PM

Thankyou very much for that valuable advice Stewart.

There aren't any smaller umbrellas on eBay so I will visit my local camera store and find out how much they can do me one for.

Thanks again!

02-13-2008, 04:13 AM	#1
blwnhr Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 663	Umbrella to suit Sigma EF-500 Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Please excuse my ignorance on this subject. I am starting to use flash more, especially in wireless. I have a Sigma EF-500 Super and was wondering if you can buy an umbrella that has the bracket to suit an external flash like this. Basically I want to be able to mount the flash in the umbrella and fire it wirelessly. Is this something that is achievable? If it is could people make suggestions of brands of umbrellas that allow this. Links would be greatly appreciated also. If you had links to Australian retailers I would be ecstatic. Cheers, Adam.

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02-13-2008, 04:31 AM	#2
blwnhr Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 663 Original Poster	I just found these on Ebay. Could someone who knows more than me give a critique please. 2.6m stand. Umbrella bracket. Soft white 110cm umbrella. For $151 delivered is this a good option?

02-13-2008, 05:49 AM	#3
stewart_photo Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Heidelberg, Germany Posts: 1,864	The stand and bracket are just fine. In fact, that's similar to the bracket I use. However, that 43" umbrella is just too large and too white for portable flash units, eating up too much of the light these relatively low-powered sources can provide. Based on my experiences, I would recommend a 30-35" (75-90cm) silver or soft-silver umbrella instead. This will bounce more light (more efficient) and provide some directional control. You can always try larger umbrellas later. However, once you get used to the smaller ones, I suspect you'll keep coming back to them over the larger umbrellas. By the way, in the first post you asked if wireless flash into umbrellas is achievable. Of course. My wireless location setup consists of three AF-540 FGZ flash units, two bounced into 30" silver umbrellas and the third used as a hairlight with a homemade snoot. I also use a tiny non-dedicated slave flash unit to provide a catchlight for the eyes. stewart

02-13-2008, 01:11 PM	#4
blwnhr Veteran Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tasmania, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 663 Original Poster	Thankyou very much for that valuable advice Stewart. There aren't any smaller umbrellas on eBay so I will visit my local camera store and find out how much they can do me one for. Thanks again!