Photography discussions are full of desert island scenarios; "if you had to choose a single lens or if you had to choose a single light..." Well if you had to choose a single light shaping tool, you might do well to pick the white diffusion Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella.
First of all it's a really big, broad light source that wraps light around your subject yielding clean highlights and rich open shadows. But due to the special shape of the umbrella there's a unique mix of soft enveloping light with the kind of crisp detail you only get from reflectors. This umbrella has a unique design structurally as well. The shaft is double walled for strength, but it tapers to 7 mm to fit Elinchrom and other European flash heads. Instead of bendable metal, the 16 inner ribs are made of durable fiberglass.
This white diffusion is the softest version of the parabolic umbrella. Used in standard bounce mode, some of the light escapes through the material, slightly raising the ambient light level and lowering contrast while most of it is directed towards your subject. If you want a harder light, turn the umbrella around and aim the convex side at your subject and punch your light source through it. In both modes you can vary the light quality and output by changing the light-to-umbrella distance along the shaft.
You can also use this umbrella as a scrim over your subject to diffuse harsh light sources like the sun in situations like fashion catalog work outdoors or at the beach. Any way you use it, with the Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella less is definitely more.
| Dimensions |
Open (Diameter): 7.25' (2.2 m) Collapsed size (H x W): 43.6 x 3" (111 x 8.2 cm) |
| Material | White diffusion |
| Weight | 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) |
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Reviewed by 7 customers
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
Just used this umbrella as a one light shoot on a white cyc. Great light quality and coverage. make sure you have a heavy umbrella mount and stand.
well made 7 foot umbrella.
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
This umbrella diffuses the light on my subjects as beautifully as a softbox. It gives great coverage. Just be sure to use a strong light stand, a strong umbrella adapter, and sandbag to handle the weight of it. Otherwise, you might see a slight bend in your lightweight light stand, which can be a bit unnerving.
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
This shoot through umbrella is better in most circumstances for bringing the light closer to the subject than the reflection umbrella for a an ethereal quality of light.
Highly Recommended.
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
NICE AND EVEN SOFT LIGHT
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
The Parabolic umbrella is the best there os and the best there ever will be, at least for right now. It will be very and I mean very difficult for Westcott to out do this one. I bought all three umbrellas as I wanted to be one of very few amateur photographers in my area to have them. Am I showing off, you bet ya, and I also know how to use them. My experience with B&H is by far the best experience I have ever had with any online ordering company. again if you want a professional look and professional shots. Than this 7' footer is for you.
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
It may not look as cool as a Broncolor but it sure provides a great value at a much, much, much more attractive price point. Love the shoot-thru capability of it.
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Comments about Westcott 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White Diffusion):
Very portable. Big & Soft. Easy to use.
Displaying reviews 1-7