Umbrellas, brolly boxes, EZ Softbox?

[Lani]

Looking at getting some more gear for a more portable setup, I have the elinchrom d-lite 4's with softboxes for inside.
But I am curious as to which option to go for outside, I have the SB600 and 900, with skport triggers, and will be using them down the track for wedding/outdoor portrait work.


Soooo, umbrellas... shoot through, reflective or the combo?
I know shoot through will give softer light but will that be effective enough outside if trying to balance ambient light?
Also is the 42 inch size the best option to go for?

Brollyboxes....anyone used them.
http://##############.com.au/store//...products_id=39

EZ softbox, more expensive but sound like a good quick set up option?
http://##############.com.au/store//...roducts_id=149

[JM Tran]

I use reflective brollies for big subjects or at a distant to create more light, and shoot through umbrellas for more close up subjects such as a solitary model and scene, instead of a large composition

I think you should have a few options on hand, as there is no ideal general purpose set up in my experience.

[Lani]

Thanks JM, makes sense.
what size is a good option for outdoors work? I am thinking too big may be impractical with wind etc?

[Jules]

You can get umbrellas with removable covers which allow you to choose shoot-through or reflective as the situation demands. If you're going to use them outdoors, make sure you have some solid lightstands and perhaps some sandbags to anchor them. You know how easily umbrellas can catch the wind!

[ehor]

Thanks JM, makes sense.
what size is a good option for outdoors work? I am thinking too big may be impractical with wind etc?

I'd get atleast 42" and go for one with removable cover so you can use it as reflective or shoot thru.

[JM Tran]

Thanks JM, makes sense.
what size is a good option for outdoors work? I am thinking too big may be impractical with wind etc?

my shoot through brolly is 42 inch

used with the 580EXII on wireless triggers

I bought this size because it can be used with the studio lights too in terms of size

dw too much about wind, a firm tripod combined with a bag of sand or 2 kilos of dumbells weigh it down quite well. For me I always have an assistant standing there holding and moving it so it never succumbs to wind and a smashed flash unit

[Lani]

Thanks for your input, Jules, JM and ehor.
Looks like the combo 42 inch might be the go.

[DzRbenson]

Im just going to bump this because im after the same kind of thing.

I want to be shooting indoors and outdoors, portraits and models, Looking at either a softbox or umbrella.

Was thinking this one, but maybe to small

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/prod5439.htm

any thoughts