Umbrellas soften, broaden, and diminish the light output of any tungsten or flash light source. Umbrellas with a white interior will soften and weaken light more than an umbrella with a silver lining. A white umbrella without a black backing may also be used as a makeshift softbox, although the use of the light will not be as efficient as with a lightbox.
Choosing umbrella size is determined by the size of the subject, and the strength of the light supply being used. Choosing an umbrella surface is as subjective as choosing a paint and brush.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Great umbrella
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for...Read complete review
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for one person. This one covers quite a large area and I absolutely love it. I´ve used it outside and inside and I absolutely love the results. It gives a smooth soft lighting and the build quality is quite good. Very good umbrella. I haven´t discovered any downside yet.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent umbrella
I use this with 400 dlite. The black removable cover is good and the umbrella look strong enough. But my bad luck, first time when I received it was broken by UPS. I ...Read complete review
I use this with 400 dlite. The black removable cover is good and the umbrella look strong enough. But my bad luck, first time when I received it was broken by UPS. I returned that. The next one I got had one of support connection broken. I use it as it is. I can live with that until the Octo.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 105 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Nice and sturdy. Removable black side. Great umbrella for the cash. A little bulky.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I use the 60" Westcott umbrella to photograph groups of people or for portraits. The goal of course is to get a big source of light to wrap around the subject. I've only used it with my speedlights (SB-900/910), and would love to try it with two speedlights at once in order to take advantage of this huge modifier. I doubt I'll ever try to use it outside though! You may want to consider getting a parabolic instead depending on your uses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
The umbrella works fine, I've only used it twice. You do have to be careful opening and closing it, I think if you do it to fast you will bend the product.The cover that holds the umbrella ripped already after just one use........
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
For photography. Does what it supposed to do and is good value.
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Works as it's supposed to. Was going to order the impact version, but it was out of stock.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Nice and large - this size is about as big as you can get without getting into the parabolic designs. This is large enough to shoot full body or small group shots. I like the flexibility that the convertible cover offers too.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Huge umbrella.
Great value.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Works great. It is huge. Love the removable Black Cover; it can be called a semi removable black cover, as well, because it can be used as a flag. Great value, three modifiers in one low price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I am using this in my home studio to bounce and shoot through, with great results. It is also perfect for location work, being full collapsible and easy to transport. It has helped me improve my flash photography even in the short time I have had it. Highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
For use with my Nikon Speedlight, both as a reflector and shoot-thru light modifier. The removable black backing is very easy to remove and re-attach. A real good bang for the buck.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I used this umbrella on most photoshoots I do, and Is versatile, has great coverage and the removable black cover is a Plus since you can use it as a shoot through. Real sturdy material and come pack in a nice see through bag. So far I have done 3 photo shoots on location with it and is hasn't given me any problems. Very satisfied with this product, I know umbrellas are replaceable and this will be the one im sticking with when it breaks.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Very useful convertible umbrella. No complaints although it could be more portable. It's pretty long, but what would you expect.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Great umbrella at a great price
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I would give it no stars if possible. I have probably used this umbrella 10 to 15 times and have had two of the cross-ribs come apart from the main support ribs and one of the caps to attach the black backing fall off and get lost. I am careful and gentile with my equipment, so it was not user abuse. I do not recall if I have ever written a review here, but I was upset enough after the second cross-rib broke that I had to say something. Westcott has lost my further business. It was really unfortunate, becuase this umbrella casts nice light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
So far, I have used this umbrella for a few child portriats and I tried it out on some product shots. Softens the light very nicely.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Awesome!!! No complaints
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Love to be able to adjust lighting simply by pulling the black layer back in certain areas.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I have a small photography business that I started a while back. Since I only live in an apartment, this umbrella fits just right and gives me the quality photos I have been looking for.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Built in quality is not the best but it is a good umbrella overall.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for one person. This one covers quite a large area and I absolutely love it. I´ve used it outside and inside and I absolutely love the results. It gives a smooth soft lighting and the build quality is quite good. Very good umbrella. I haven´t discovered any downside yet.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Great umbrella
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for...Read complete review
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for one person. This one covers quite a large area and I absolutely love it. I´ve used it outside and inside and I absolutely love the results. It gives a smooth soft lighting and the build quality is quite good. Very good umbrella. I haven´t discovered any downside yet.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Decent umbrella
I use this with 400 dlite. The black removable cover is good and the umbrella look strong enough. But my bad luck, first time when I received it was broken by UPS. I ...Read complete review
I use this with 400 dlite. The black removable cover is good and the umbrella look strong enough. But my bad luck, first time when I received it was broken by UPS. I returned that. The next one I got had one of support connection broken. I use it as it is. I can live with that until the Octo.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 105 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Nice and sturdy. Removable black side. Great umbrella for the cash. A little bulky.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I use the 60" Westcott umbrella to photograph groups of people or for portraits. The goal of course is to get a big source of light to wrap around the subject. I've only used it with my speedlights (SB-900/910), and would love to try it with two speedlights at once in order to take advantage of this huge modifier. I doubt I'll ever try to use it outside though! You may want to consider getting a parabolic instead depending on your uses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
The umbrella works fine, I've only used it twice. You do have to be careful opening and closing it, I think if you do it to fast you will bend the product.The cover that holds the umbrella ripped already after just one use........
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
For photography. Does what it supposed to do and is good value.
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Works as it's supposed to. Was going to order the impact version, but it was out of stock.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Nice and large - this size is about as big as you can get without getting into the parabolic designs. This is large enough to shoot full body or small group shots. I like the flexibility that the convertible cover offers too.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Huge umbrella.
Great value.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Works great. It is huge. Love the removable Black Cover; it can be called a semi removable black cover, as well, because it can be used as a flag. Great value, three modifiers in one low price.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I am using this in my home studio to bounce and shoot through, with great results. It is also perfect for location work, being full collapsible and easy to transport. It has helped me improve my flash photography even in the short time I have had it. Highly recommended.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
For use with my Nikon Speedlight, both as a reflector and shoot-thru light modifier. The removable black backing is very easy to remove and re-attach. A real good bang for the buck.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I used this umbrella on most photoshoots I do, and Is versatile, has great coverage and the removable black cover is a Plus since you can use it as a shoot through. Real sturdy material and come pack in a nice see through bag. So far I have done 3 photo shoots on location with it and is hasn't given me any problems. Very satisfied with this product, I know umbrellas are replaceable and this will be the one im sticking with when it breaks.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Very useful convertible umbrella. No complaints although it could be more portable. It's pretty long, but what would you expect.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Great umbrella at a great price
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I would give it no stars if possible. I have probably used this umbrella 10 to 15 times and have had two of the cross-ribs come apart from the main support ribs and one of the caps to attach the black backing fall off and get lost. I am careful and gentile with my equipment, so it was not user abuse. I do not recall if I have ever written a review here, but I was upset enough after the second cross-rib broke that I had to say something. Westcott has lost my further business. It was really unfortunate, becuase this umbrella casts nice light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
So far, I have used this umbrella for a few child portriats and I tried it out on some product shots. Softens the light very nicely.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Awesome!!! No complaints
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Love to be able to adjust lighting simply by pulling the black layer back in certain areas.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I have a small photography business that I started a while back. Since I only live in an apartment, this umbrella fits just right and gives me the quality photos I have been looking for.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
Built in quality is not the best but it is a good umbrella overall.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Westcott Umbrella - White Satin- Black Cover-60":
I bought this large umbrella to be able to photograph groups (maybe 2-4 persons) and this one does it really well. I only had a small umbrella which was only good enough for one person. This one covers quite a large area and I absolutely love it. I´ve used it outside and inside and I absolutely love the results. It gives a smooth soft lighting and the build quality is quite good. Very good umbrella. I haven´t discovered any downside yet.