Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46"
The Photek Softlighter II 46" Umbrella takes light from your strobe head or monolight, reflects it into its white, silver, or gold panel, then softens it again with a diffuser on its way out.
This ultra soft umbrella includes one each gold and silver light enhancing discs. These light modifiers can alter the color of your light or give it more sparkle and contrast, as well as increasing light output by a half stop.
This 46" size is perfect for a 1 - 2 person head-to-waist shot, or 3x4 ft product setup. It will illuminate ~11 sq ft.
- Unique construction consisting of ten panels instead of the usual eight gives more reflective surface, more perfect circle of light - more flattering catch lights in the subject's eyes.
- The removable black nylon cover stops all stray and ricochet, enhancing total light control.
- With removal of its black cover and a reversal of direction, the Softlighter II becomes a "softbox" -- a shoot-through diffuser, providing light that can be used either as a main light source or as a flattering fill.
- Note: For mounting shoe mount flash units to the Softlighter II a shoe mount light stand/umbrella adapter is necessary. Shoe mount flash units must be set to Manual because the entire flash will be inside the umbrella (unless the flash unit is equipped with a remote sensor).
- Note: For strobe use only -- not for use with hot lights, or modeling lights over 250 watts.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 78 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (50)
- Easy to setup (46)
- Consistent (29)
- Reliable (26)
- Durable (10)
Cons
- Short lifespan (7)
Best Uses
- Portraits (54)
- Photography (33)
- Strobe lighting (33)
- Artificial lighting (25)
- Indoors (14)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (30), Semi-pro photographer (20), Photo enthusiast (18), Professional (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (39)
Most Liked Positive Review
Best modifier ever!
I purchased this product after seeing Annie Leibovitz using it for almost all of her photoshoot and I wanted to achieve similar lighting as hers. I did some research before purchasing it so see if...Read complete review
I purchased this product after seeing Annie Leibovitz using it for almost all of her photoshoot and I wanted to achieve similar lighting as hers. I did some research before purchasing it so see if I can use my current lights (Vivitar 285, 580EX II and Alienbees B800) with it because Annie uses a Profoto head which has a smaller diameter that can fit through the sock easily. Anyway, I found a few examples that people posted with their Softlighter II with their speedlites and a B800 and it helped me make a purchasing decision.I was pretty impressed with the item once I received it. It's very well constructed and the umbrella shaft can be made shorter by unscrewing from the main shaft attached to the umbrella. The diffusion material is also well made and has holes cut out with reinforced rings for hooking onto the tip of the ribs. I have seen in Annie's video that the diffusion material was also held onto the umbrella using clips but I don't think it's necessary.The umbrella can be used as a reflective umbrella as well and it comes with an extra silver piece to attach inside.Using this with my B800 was really easy but the sock could have been a bit wider to cover the large square body of the monolight. I didn't want the sock touching the modeling light or the flash tube and the only secure way that I found was to mount the standard reflector that came with the B800 to hold the sock back from coming in contact with the bulbs. It's sort of a frustrating process but the end result will assure you piece of mind.Using speedlites isn't a problem though. I can mount the Softlighter II on any umbrella bracket and angle the bracket so the speedlite is towards the center or parallel to the umbrella shaft and the sock covers the speedlite just right. However, I had to use an L bracket with my speedlite and the umbrella mount to achieve the desired angle needed to fit through the sock and point to the center of the umbrella. The L bracket can be purchased from any hardware store. I got mine from [...].Overall I am happy with the purchase and it's a lot cheaper than a softbox and it also folds easily into a small size that you can carry around in your hand, under arm, bags, case, etc.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great for the studio, but....
...not so great for the field, which was the purpose for purchasing 2 of them.
I do a lot of work in people's homes, and was hoping to use th...Read complete review
...not so great for the field, which was the purpose for purchasing 2 of them.
I do a lot of work in people's homes, and was hoping to use this with my speedlights to imitate the effects of a softbox (softness and spillage control) without the hassle of setting up a softbox: quick set-up and breakdown. I was also intrigued by being able to remove the umbrella shaft to get in close, as well as 10 ribs instead of 8 for a more rounded effect.
The reflectors are a real pain to get between the ribs to the top of the umbrella where Photek recommends they be placed, and require the use of a tiny clamp to keep them in place (not included by Photek). It will accept a speedlight on an umbrella mount, but you need to thread the diffuser through the shaft and over the flash/umbrella mount assembly before putting the diffuser on. It takes about 5 minutes to assemble and disassemble 1 umbrella for its intended purpose if you do not use the reflectors, which add about 1 f-stop.
The worst feature of its design is that the bottom portion of the removable shaft is 1-2 mm narrower in diameter than the top portion. If you want to use it as a simple bounce umbrella, you must place it closer to the flash head than you may want, because the bottom portion of the shaft it too narrow to be clamped into the umbrella mount adapter (I have several of different make, and it fits none of them). I cannot understand the need to have made this section narrower, and it fairly limits its use in this regard. The shaft appears to be solid and they screw firmly together, but one section is narrower than the other. That is really weak, Photek!
Great idea, very poor execution, but the light quality is nearly identical to a softbox, and in this regard, for the studio, it is a very cost-effective alternative. Just don't expect it to be very versatile. Would be ideal for a small studio.
Overall build quality is about on par with any moderately priced umbrella.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 78 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Great price
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoor Portraits
- Outdoors
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I bought both the Photek 46" SOFTLITER and the 36". My studio is narrow and I have been looking for a great light modifier to work with. I have bought many softboxes, umbrellas, and halos over the years but these Softliter II work much better at a fraction of the cost. Because my flash head goes in from the front it means I can move the Softliter right to the wall. Love it! The quality of construction was a pleasant surprise.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I love this modifier. I use it with both studio strobes and speed lights on location. It's light, and easy to manage. Plus, it puts out super soft, even light. Can't recommend this enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Amazing results
- Easy to set up
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
This is my first piece of soft light i have ever owned. After I saw Annie Leibovitz use it during the Keith Richards photo-shoot online. I wanted one, and it must say it was the best decision I ever made. It has since made me more money and compliments for my photos i have ever had. easy to use and set up (though the first time using the sleeve with my SB-900 was a bit tricky, but if you can put a pair of winter gloves on, you can figure it out in 30 secs. and the results are well worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
As I'm travelling a lot I always rent the EQ I need on site but wherever I go - this baby goes with me. That way I never have to worry whether the rental company has the right kind of soft boxes. I already got it with me! In my tripod bag! Amazing!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I have used Photek umbrellas a lot for portraits. It is like a smaller and portable Octabank, with soft diffused lighting. I love the quality of the light. The only surprise about this purchase is that there is no longer velcro straps to cling the diffuser to the umbrella as before. But, I have not had any issues with it so it is not a deterrent. The only other thing to keep in mind is to make sure that the diffuser is placed correctly over your light, as we have had incidents of the diffuser melting and burning once the light gets hot.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
Cons
- Tend to run out of stock
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
-Black back easy to remove
-Diffusion cover goes on quick once you know how to do it
-Great even light
-Silver and Gold discs are a great bonus, and a neat way to change the light without switching modifiers
-Not too heavy
-Goes up MUCH faster than a softbox or octobox.
-Removable shaft is a must
-These actually fit the Elinchrom 7mm holes as well as regular 8mm holes, (if you have quadras, get these, not the "7mm" ones.)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
This works great for doing in studio work when you don't have a true soft box. Have used it a couple of times now, both with good results. Solidly built, goes together very easily. With the two supplied inserts, gold and silver, this really helps you to get differant lighting setups. Highly reccomend to anyone just starting out and can't afford a true softbox.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
works great! easy to setup so i end up bringing it all the time. gives a nice diffused and even lighting
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I planned using this umbrella with a Speedlight, which is not what they are designed for, and how no one else has commented on using one.
The challenge came in how to mount the Speedlight (a Nikon SB-600 in my case) in such a way that 1) placed it central for access through the sock, and 2) so that the IR sensor was visible.
I achieved both through customising a piece of aluminium into an L, one leg screwing onto the top of an adaptor stud to fit into an Impact umbrella bracket. To the other leg of the L I screwed a flash shoe.
On the weekend I got to test it all out, and it worked perfectly - in fact so much so that I had to back the umbrella off to reduce the light intensity even in the Speedlight's lowest setting.
Initially I was unhappy with the way the silver/gold reflector fitted in, until I decided to insert it between the very top umbrella ribs and the fabric, rather than just under the brace ribs.
I am delighted with this umbrella and regard it exceptional value for money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Short Lifespan
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
The light is extremely soft and at a ridiculously good price point. Takes a little longer to setup than I would like and it feels a bit flimsy. I use this with both my Profoto system and LumaPro LP160s.
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
This is definitely a light modifier that should be on the top of anyone's list.It's got multipurpose - reflective umbrella, shoot through umbrella and the softlighterThe light is beautiful and has slight modifications that can be made with the gold and silver reflector discs that can be inserted inside the umbrella to change the overall light quality, reflector discs come with the 46" softlighter too!It's light, easy to pack and unpack. The umbrella is good quality. The only thing that seems fragile is the white soft diffusion fabric that wraps around the umbrella, that thing seem thin, fragile like silk.The shaft is removable which is a bonus for those who needs to move the light source close to the subject for softer lightEssentially all the great things you have been hearing about the softlighter is true. I should have bought this first. Before this I have owned and used shoot through, reflective umbrellas, and even the Westscott Softbox which is great too. Only thing to be concern about is if shooting outside, watch out for wind that can blow it over and may damage the umbrella. Also make sure you have a way to mount your speedlight or monolight onto the umbrella properly. I use speedlights and on a standard umbrella adapter it doesn't fit in. So I had to buy an extra adapter to turn the flash sideway so that it can insert into the opening hole properly.Great product, well done Photek[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I was looking for a large softbox and couldn't find anything where the quality and pricepoint merged nicely. I found that this softlighter was that great intersection of what I was looking for: a portable softbox of great quality and quick set-up.
It is also very versatile with a removable diffusion material, gold, and silver reflective inserts. So, you have a silver-white reflective umbrella and huge softbox in one for just over $50.
Set up is quick and simple and it does the job very well. It is great for turning a small flash into a large source of light with it's 1662 sq. inches of surface. The diffusion sock kills about 2/3stop of light, so adjust accordingly.
I'm going to get a second one because it is so easy to use, well built, affordable, and the light quality is surprising.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I'd been following all of the reports on this product with great interest and a bit of confusion. Some people online say that this version with the regular shaft works with Elinchroms (with some limitations) and others say that you do indeed need the version with the 7" shaft.
At this price I decided to take one for the team and find out. The short answer is, it DOES NOT FIT AT ALL with the Elinchrom Ranger QUADRA heads. It doesn't even fit up to the first shaft extension as some have suggested. It may work with the Quadra Reflector Adapter but it was backordered so I can't say that I've tried it.
BUT, having used it on another lighting kit I can say that the set-up, flexibility and light quality is excellent. It's not the most robust modifer that I've ever seen but for on location it's excellent. If it breaks in a couple of years I'll just buy another one. In the meantime I like it enough that I'll buy the 60" version with the 7mm shaft when they're back in stock.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Artificial Lighting
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
- Weddings
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
Very soft light. You don't need a softbox if you have this.
The shaft fits into Elinchroms smaller diameter umbrella hole (if it did not, then you would not be able to mount it on an Elinchrom because of the offset from the center of the umbrella)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Great Value
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill light
- Main light
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
- Weddings
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I use the softlighter ii for editorial and commercial portrait shooting, primarily as a main light though it is great as a wide fill source. Mostly use the light with nikon speedlights but it works even better with a monobloc like an alienbee or the alike.
It is super easy to setup and tear down, beautiful light quality and very light to.carry. Definitely get this one with the removable shaft otherwise you might poke some eyes out!
Only drawback is I don't know how prone to tearing the diffusion material will be over time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I have a couple of 42 inch umbrellas - a white shoot reflective/shoot thru and a silver one. I use both of these for event photography and was looking for an affordable softbox that I could use with my SB800s. The Softlighter more than came through for me. It provides beautiful light with surprisingly little loss of light as compared with my other umbrellas. Moreover, I found that at 46 inches, that it's coverage was exactly what I needed. It is very easy to set up. If you use speedlights like I do, then the easiest solution to positioning the light is to point the speedlight in the vertical position, mount it on a ball head, and then flip it horizontal. That will allow you to position it exactly in the middle of the Softlighter where it belongs. With this setup, I can shoot at 1/2 power, ISO 400 at f6.3- f7 and get terrific lighting with even coverage on my group shots, not to mention portraits.
Very nice
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I have the 60 inch version and it is great. This one is even better. One Speed Light fills this with wonderfully soft, creamy light that makes anyone look great. Easy to set up in no time at all. Highly recommend for location portraits or really any use where you want nice soft light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
This produces really nice, soft light. Set up and break down is very easy. The removable shaft is a fantastic idea to get closer to the subject.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent
- Easy To Setup
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fragile
Best Uses
- Photography
- Portraits
- Strobe Lighting
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
I've heard lots of good things about the Softlighter umbrella. Famous photographer Annie Leibovitz uses them too!
Bought the 46" size because its a good compromise between the larger and smallest model.
It takes 5 minutes to set up and folded down takes no less space than an umbrella its size.
Love the soft diffused light it gives! Am thinking of ordering the smallest model for travel use!
Ive only had it for 2 weeks so only time will tell regarding its durability. It is still an umbrella so best to anchor down your light stands with sand bags if you intend to use it on the outdoors.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Price
Cons
- A little trick to setup
Best Uses
- Photography
Comments about Photek Umbrella - Softlighter II - 46":
Really nice piece of equipment at a terrific price compared to other light modifiers and especially to octoboxes.
Only complaint would be the sock opening is a little small for my reflector and you can't put a grid on it. That's about it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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What's in the Box
- 46" White Umbrella
- Diffuser
- Black Nylon Cover
- Gold Panel Insert
- Silver Panel Insert
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