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Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 7mm and 8mm Shafts (46")

BH #PHSL5000FGS • MFR #SL-5000-FGS
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Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 7mm and 8mm Shafts (46")
Key Features
  • Diffuser Turns Umbrella into a Softbox
  • Fiberglass Frame
  • 10 Panels Instead of 8
  • Removable Black Backing
An umbrella that can be quickly transformed into a softbox, the 46" SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 7mm and 8mm Shafts from Photek is built on a redesigned classic umbrella with a fiberglass frame and white reflective fabric that is free from contaminates that might add an unwanted color cast to your light output. The unique modifier includes a diffuser that fits tightly over the open side of the umbrella and accepts flash heads 7.25" or less in diameter - instant softbox! The combination of the light bouncing off the umbrella and through the diffuser yields a soft, flattering quality of light and since closer is softer, a portion of the shaft is removable so that you can work closer to your subject.
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Photek SoftLighter 46" Overview

An umbrella that can be quickly transformed into a softbox, the 46" SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 7mm and 8mm Shafts from Photek is built on a redesigned classic umbrella with a fiberglass frame and white reflective fabric that is free from contaminates that might add an unwanted color cast to your light output. The unique modifier includes a diffuser that fits tightly over the open side of the umbrella and accepts flash heads 7.25" or less in diameter - instant softbox! The combination of the light bouncing off the umbrella and through the diffuser yields a soft, flattering quality of light and since closer is softer, a portion of the shaft is removable so that you can work closer to your subject.

The SoftLighter's 10 panel construction (instead of the usual 8) gives the fabric tighter support that results in more controllable output and refined circular catchlights in the eyes of your subjects. The umbrella's black backing is removable allowing you to shoot through the translucent white fabric for snappier contrast. This SoftLighter umbrella ships with a removable 7mm shaft for lights that require it, but an 8mm shaft is also included to give options to the user.

UPC: 811761011743

Photek SoftLighter 46" Specs

Item Type
1x 46" Convertible Umbrella with Softbox Diffuser Cover
 • Color: White Translucent Umbrella + Black Interior/Exterior Removable Cover
Shaft Diameter
7 mm, 8 mm
Number of Rods
10
Materials
Fabric, Fiberglass
Folded Size
29.5" / 75 cm (Length)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.95 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
30.5 x 3.8 x 3.7"

Photek SoftLighter 46" Reviews

Softlighter is great but received used

By Jim
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-30

The Softlighter I received works great, but the one I received looks used. It has a dirty (moldy) hole in the case and there was debris throughout the umbrella. It was complete, however. For those who aren't sure, my came with the gold and silver inner reflectors.

** Update to previous review

By Harry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-04-22

Last time I reviewed this Light modifier I gave it '3' rating because even with my AlienBees 320 I could not get sufficient light on the subject. Not sure what i was doing wrong but I decided to test this a gain 3 years later and had no problems. It could have been I was blocking the light somehow by improper placemnt ? It works fine now ! Beautiful diffused light at 1/2 power with subject 15 feet away with my AB's. No shadows whatsoever on the background which is only about 2-3 behind the subject. ISO 320 @ f5.6.

See any errors on this page?

question

Will this work with the Interfit Honey Badger, which has a flange?
Asked by: Darryl
While you can use the umbrella with the Honey Badger monolight, the diffusion cover will not fit the outer flange of this light.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2019-08-08

will this work with a speedlight?

will this work with a speedlight?
Asked by: victor
While this umbrella can work with a speed light, there is an alternate diffuser such as the Photek Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit w/o Umbrella (46") B&H # PHHSD5000, which has a shallower opening. https://bhpho.to/2LdXa7X
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2024-10-21

question

Can this version also be used with monolights?
Asked by: Paolo
This is a standard Photek Softlighter umbrella, so it can still be switched between a monolight and a shoe mount flash.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2019-07-29

Will the 8mm shaft work for the Profoto B1?

Will the 8mm shaft work for the Profoto B1?
Asked by: Dan
Yes
Answered by: Gareth
Date published: 2023-03-29

Will this SoftLighter work well with a Godox ...

Will this SoftLighter work well with a Godox AD200?
Asked by: Timothy
Yes they work together
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2023-11-10

How many stops of light do you lose with the ...

How many stops of light do you lose with the diffuser on?
Asked by: Scott
About one
Answered by: Matt
Date published: 2021-09-01

question

I have a Godox AD600 strobe. Do I need a certain reflector to use with this modifier?
Asked by: Anonymous
You do not need a certain reflector. You will get good results from the AD600 if you use it barebulb.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2019-10-03

question

Another question about the 46 softlighter... what light stand do you recommend using to support the weight of the light?
Asked by: Sharon
Either a 40 in c-stand or a master stand when used indoors.
Answered by: Guillaume
Date published: 2023-03-29
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