Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60"

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

While I will say - you think 60" is the perfect size.. it is BIG.. maybe it's just me, but I didn't fully think about how HUGE this thing is - so do keep that in mind if you need instant portability! Having said that, while it can be a bit much to move it around (especially through doors) without take a couple minutes to tear down/put back up (which isn't always a luxury you have in some event/wedding situations) - the size truly is a blessing when it comes to it's main function - giving you BEAUTIFUL light that looks like your subject is standing right by a window! We have already used ours quite a bit (one of those cases of buying the right thing at the right time because quite a few instances have REALLY called for this thing). LOVE IT!!! Absolutely worth the purchase and it has made our flash game jump ahead by light years!

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

I really like this product. I also have softboxes. This si my second Photex softlighter. I like it a lot more than the light I get by using the Alien Bees softboxes

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Light produced by modifier was awesome, setup was easy. Came with it's own bag which was a nice surprise. You have to baby a bit because it is a bit fragile, the umbrella is so big that the splines are fragile for its size. I would buy another to have on hand just in case. But for the price the light was exceptional. This would be a 5 star if it were not for the lack of ruggedness.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

I bought this umbrella because the cheaper one I bought on [*] got destroyed on a windy shoot outside. Also the colour of the light was a bit colder than this Photek. The Photek Umbrella has great colour reduction. The construction is a bit flimsy due to the size of the umbrella. Great for studio photography but wouldn't try to use it outdoors. Beautiful light quality even without the white diffusion.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

this unmbrella is very easy to setup, provides a very even light.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

The light from this is really beautiful! However, the whole thing is kind of huge and awkward. Once I put this on an alienbee and a c-stand + boom combo, it is hard to maneuver. I will buy one more though.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Setup takes some getting used to, but once you try it a few times, it's quite easy. Comes in it's own sleeve so it'll fit nicely into your stand bag without snagging on anything.

The diffuser goes on very easily and the light is wonderfully soft. I've only used it as an umbrella box so I can't comment on the shoot through / reflective properties.

If you're using a boom, make sure to get a proper one otherwise your strobe/head + 60" may be too heavy. It's a big load.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

The build quality is something to be desired but the output is amazing!

Very soft light, easy to get close to your subject with the right arms and stands.

Fantastic price but it comes with the downside of being pretty fragile.

Highly recommended!

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Used with studio strobes.

Produces a very nice, soft light. Can be a bit unwieldy to setup due to its size, though not difficult, just takes some time.

Easy to carry, packs into a long drawstring slipcase for transport, with the diffuser tucked into a side pocket.

Studio strobes are a little too big for the central "sock", meaning a visible dark spot in the catch lights.

Its sheer size means it can easily catch the wind, making it suitable for indoors use, or with very heavy lightstands.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

This photek is unique in that the light gets bounced into an umbrella before getting diffused and hitting your subject. This is probably my number one used light modifier and makes a really soft light. I do wish that it was more durable, or that a company like Chimera which makes really durable products, would make this, as I'd buy it in a heartbeat! I already need to replace mine after a year, but it seems to be the only light modifier of this design with a flat front. I would recommend it, but you will definitely be replacing it if you use it, as it will wear out quickly with regular use.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Very nice light. I use this both with my Profoto strobes and my Nikon SB-900 speedlights and it works great. It was actually very easy and quick to setup. I can set this up in under 2 minutes. It takes a slight bit of fiddling to get the Nikon speed light inside, but no big deal. It's a huge surface are so I would be careful about setting it up outside if there is a wind. You need to use this with some sort of radio trigger, no TTL. If you use TTL or CLS alot then maybe look at the 24" McNally Lastolite softbox. Great price for this piece of gear.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Makes really pretty light, and easier for me to set up than a large soft box. With smaller girl hands the large soft boxes are hard for me to put together, so this works much better for me. And above all, makes really pretty, soft lighting. It does seem a bit more fragile than a large soft box because the umbrella is so large that I can see how the bars could get bent or broken easily. But for the cost and ease of use, well worth it. Also, it does take a couple minutes more to set up than a soft box.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

This umbrella is great for environmental portraits, as it is light and portable. It's kind of an ordeal to get it all set up, given the diffusion attachment, but the results are nice. Just be very careful when opening the umbrella, as the stays could easily catch and bend or snap.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Easy to set up and break down, and creates beautiful soft light. It's compact and portable, and I like the versatility of the product.
The only downside is that it's VERY fragile and tends to break easily. Wish it were more sturdy.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

A lot of different companies make light modifiers similar to the Photek and I've used nearly all of them. In my opinion nothing compares to this one. Every other one that I've found has a very distinct Fall off causing strange sharp lines on the edge of the frames. The fall off on this is a nice soft gradient. Did I mention this makes a GORGEOUS light? 60" is a MASSIVE light source and it to have that size modifier travel as easily as this one does is incredible.

If I'm lighting something, this thing is on one of the lights nearly 90% of the time. Seriously, just buy one.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Very wonderful light modifier, It is lightweight which is good, but you have to be careful handling it. All in all I am extremely happy with it.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Used for Portraits. It's BIG so you need room to make it work. Outside you need will heavy sandbags. If there is any wind you will have problems. That said it works on my Speedlights, you need to turn up the power in strobist mode, and with the Monoblocks. It gives great soft light and lets you get really close to your subject. Take off the diffuser and you have 60 inches of silver reflective umbrella to use. One umbrella used many ways a bargin for the cost!

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

If there was one modifier I had to choose this would be the one, great value for the cost.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

Haven't had a chance to use it much yet, but works great. A nice soft light, amazingly compact and lightweight.

Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 60":

The light quality is beautiful and soft, the removable shaft is a must and works well.... I can see why people have reviewed that the umbrella arms break, you must be very careful opening and closing as they seem fragile. One thing, and this is a little thing, I don't like the appearance of the sock like opening for your flash, the knit is yellowish and doesn't have a professional appearance. But they are easy to assemble and use, for the price they can't be perfect!