Fotodiox Pro 60in Parabolic White Reflective Umbrella - 16-Rib Black/White Photographic Umbrella

A larger 'brella source has bee on my todo list. Umbrellas are a fantastic modifier that pack up small and can be used to great effect. How does this one perform?Size60" is in the larger class of umbrellas, it will wrap around your subject, or spread a wider field than a smaller umbrella. Umbrellas aren't the best for controlling light spill, which can be important for situations involving a background which is close to your subject, so keep that in mind when considering this vs a softbox with a grid(controls spill far better)ConstructionFeels great, i love the fiberglass rods instead of metal. My two areas of concern are the little rivets, and the white fabric. The rivets looks like fairly typical umbrella rivets which may be just fine, but only time and use will tell their longevity(See photos). The white fabric looks quite nice, and i like the amount of reflectivity, but i'm curious/concerned about what the material actually is. Another white umbrella of mine uses a fabric, while this one looks to be some painted on/non fabric material(see photo with thumb). It seems reasonably durable, but once again, only time will tell how it holds up, especially to hot tungsten lights.WeightIt's a pretty heavy umbrella. My smaller lights such as the lowel tota, don't like it very much, i had to tighten the crap out of the nut on it to be sure the umbrella doesn't pull it all down. I also tried it on the  LimoStudio High Quality 4 Socket Photo Bulb Adapter - Converts 1 Socket into 4 - Use for Standard Socket Flourescent Bulbs, AGG882-A  and i didn't like how that sat at all, so i used a  CowboyStudio Umbrella Mount Bracket with Swivel Tilt Bracket for Nikon and Canon 430EX E580EX SB600 SB800 SB900  which holds it just fine.On more typical monolights however, like my flashpoint dg400, it's totally fine.CaseDecent enough storage sleeve, i just wish they put another loop on the other end so i could attach a shoulder strap to it.OverallI'm pleased, i do a lot of sit down interviews, and this umbrella rarely doesn't impress/cause a positive reaction to the client(clients love big productions)

After one of my cheapo ($25) 60-inch umbrellas snapped in the wind as part of a dual-strobe setup, I decided to go with the more expensive Fotodiox umbrella due to 1. The thicker black backing 2. The parabolic shape to help control the spread of light and 3. The seemingly hardier construction.Compared to my remaining cheap umbrella, the Fotodiox umbrellas have significantly less spill into the rest of the room, and they reflect 2.5x the amount of light, as measured with some test shots on a static subject.I have had good luck with Fotodiox products before, and this umbrella adds to that list. The included carrying bag for each umbrella is a nice touch as well. So far both have held up great even in moderate winds (~10mph).My most recent shoot using these umbrellas had two positioned with six gelled speedlights firing into them all at full power to overpower a backlighting sun for a large group portrait. If it wasn't for the high reflectance (i.e. if I still had the cheapo umbrellas), I would have been completely unable to provide adequate fill light given my shooting parameters.

Stating the obvious, these are nice big umbrellas and create great soft lighting over a fairly large area. The Quality is good with one comment. I found a piece of hardware on the ground one day. It took a while to realize that it was the nut/end-cap that goes on the tip of the umbrella. Fortunately I had kept it rather than throwing it away. I was at a friends studio and noticed that he has the same umbrella's and one of his was missing that same end-cap/nut. SO....when you get yours, make sure the nut is on tight. I do recommend these to anyone looking for a big umbrella.

Excellent product for the price; nice soft diffused light out of the bounced with iner material; the only recommendation I would do to the manufacturer is to make the center pole a bit longer; although it fits just fine in my Bowens mount Led light; other than that I recommended; Fiber glass ribs it much much better than metal.

This umbrella really has improved my image quality. I get much better coverage with groups of 6 or less. I do a deal of event printing and this umbrella is my ace in the hole. Yea, the 7ft umbrella would distribute more light however I like the size and portability of this one.. Its like the perfect middleweight champ. The quality is great. I am going to purchase another one.

Good product especially for the price! Great value. And allows the light to wrap around the subjects or models without a shinny glare. Great for portraits. Decent for models or high end fashion (but would suggest a silver umbrella for fashion and high end shoots.

Build quality: Turned out to be a strong umbrella. It fell with a heavy xplor 600 and took no damage. Its rubbed up on branches etc and comes out ok I love the quality and temperature that comes from it.No weird colors like some umbrellas. Will buy another.

Perfect size for wedding family portraits, I had purchased the 7 foot shoot through from Impact but it was a bit too big, although sometimes I will use both umbrellas (white bounce with shoot through) on a flash bracket that allows it. This setup gives me the softest light ever if used that way.