California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4')

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

perfect for fill light indoors and most important outdoor's !
light weight, solid and of good size.
5 stars if it would be a bit cheaper...

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

At first I was a little skeptical about how much better this would work (especially at a [$] price tag) than a normal reflector. Let me tell you, even if the quality of the fabric didn't surpass all my expectations, the ease of use and ergonomics of the aluminum frame would make everything worth it!

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

I do lighting and grip for indy video productions and need to have a versatile, lightweight and reliable solution for reflecting light. Here are the problems I hoped the sunbounce mini would solve:

Circular reflectors shimmer in any wind, so much so that I've never found the silver side to be useful for video work. The holding position on the outside of the disk can also lead to unwanted wiggles even when held tightly.

Poly and foam boards are all but impossible to wrangle in the wind. They are bulky to transport.

California sunbounce stuff is expensive. For years i've said "yeah, right" when i've seen the price. I had a music video with a decent budget recently and when the sunbounce went on sale I bit the bullet and ordered the 3x4 and 4x6 models. I live in New Zealand and without any chance to test them out beforehand it was a very expensive gamble.

I didn't like the price, but I love the reflectors. After a few shoots I've absorbed the price and am very happy to have the sunbounces in my kit.

The main feature here is the tension. The reflector fabric has elastic edges that you must put quite a bit of tension into in order to assemble the frame. (a lot of tension. You have to have a bit of strength to assemble the frame.) This tension holds the fabric taut, which eliminates the "micro wiggles" and shimmers of a round reflector. The two cross bars give you a unique ability to really dig in and grip the reflector in extreme wind. During one shoot it was all I could do to keep from lifting off like a kite, but i was still able to do a silver fill for a shot that would have been a bust otherwise.

Its close to the light quality of a bead board, it weighs almost nothing, its easier to grip than any other reflector I've used and packs down to a very compact and portable size.

My one concern is that the two unsupported edges are under a bit less tension than the rest of the frame and as the elastic ages I wonder if they will sag a bit.

Switching between the two sides requires releasing the tension, flipping the bars over and re-tensioning the frame. If you struggle to tension the frame in the first place, you would probably find changing fabrics frustrating enough you might resist doing it when needed. For speed we sometimes would just flip the reflector around and bounce with the handles towards the talent. Its really ideal to have the handles acting as handles though.

Overall, I'm happy. Each time i've used one on set, the crew has crowded around like the dawn of man sequence from 2001. It is a testament to how unique the design is that everyone is so curious.

Its not voodoo or magic. Its 4 aluminum tubes, some shiny/white fabric with elastic on the edges. Its really hard to justify the price if you look at materials. However, there really isn't any other reflector on the market that compares (in my opinion.) The other options are cheaper but less useful when it comes time to pull out a portable reflector. If you look at the versatility and function, the choice seems to be this reflector... or a compromise.

The 4x6 i'll review as basically the same, with the main difference being that the size requires 2 people to hold it in strong south pacific winds. (which are often hard to stand up in even without holding a sail.)

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Once I applied the reflector material onto the frame, it was nice and solid without any weak spots. Mounting it to a light stand with the optional Enterprise grip head was easy and placing it where you want is a snap! It gives a nice and even reflection. For one or two subjects, it makes things easier so you don't have to worry about a second fill light and figuring out ratios etc. Eager to use it outdoors when the weather improves. I can see getting some more in the future. I used to use Lightform light panels, but they wobble etc. These also give a very professional look!

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

So light weight but strong, easy to travel with

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

This reflector is portable and very easy to assemble and set up. The rigid frame provides excellent points to either hold the reflector or clamp it to a stand. No more flimsy reflectors bending and flopping in the breeze. You can't go wrong with this reflector!!

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

great reflector I can use this in studio or outdoors. great background for tight shot with a little post work.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

I use it for moving light on location, mainly.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Awesome bounce lighting whether off of natural light or flash. Very handy when you need that extra fill but don't have the equipment that you need. The size is also good for blocking out hot spots in your shots. Breaks down easily and sets up just as quick. Very portable.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Have not had it for very long, but certainly looks sturdy. It was a little hard to put together, as the material need to be stretched in order to fix the aluminium bars. So I can't imagine changing the sides very often. Design is very good, plenty of ways to grip it and potentially clamp it to something. It is being used for video work.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Give me the extra natural, soft, balance light I need. Great also to bounce your flash light. Easy to setup and super light.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

I use this product for outdoor video interviews. It can lock into a C-stand w/ arm and can hold itself with no flopping! also great for bouncing light from a flash.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Great product, bounces more light than convencional reflectors, easy to transport and to assemble.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

I've been meaning to buy this for at least a year now, however the price in Australia is just too expensive. Luckily I was at B&H while traveling through to the Eddie Adams Workshop (2010) where I just couldn't say no.

Absolute highlight was while on Assignment at Eddie Adams, Al Bello (Getty sports photographer) held the sunbounce and within seconds said in his New York accent *I've got to buy one of these!*

I'd like to think I influenced one of the best sports photographers in the world to make the purchase but really it's the gorgeous light it reflects.

Absolutely stunning, everyone should own one, and it's small & light enough that airlines won't blink an eye at having it in the cabin.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

I am a professional photographer and most of my work is on location and this reflector is very light, does it job pretty well and is giving me the results that I want, is very easy to use and I Recommended this product to all Photographers.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

Just received my Mini Sun Bounce silver/white. I had been wanting to replace a Larson bright silver with a reflector that could be more precise. I have been using Sun-Bounce products for several years and was glad to add this product to my arsenal. I would give this 5 stars on quality of light but 4 stars only because it is not very fast to put together.

Comments about California Sunbounce Mini Sun-Bounce Kit - Silver/White Screen (3x4'):

This has been great! Very impressed, but at this price it should be awesome. Put together time about 5 minutes, tear down and back in the bag in about 3. Holds up strong in wind, and so light you forget you have it.