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Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 8mm Shaft (46")

BH #PHSL5000FG • MFR #SL-5000-FG
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Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 8mm Shaft (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 8mm Shaft 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 8mm Shaft 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 8mm shaft, but an optional 7mm shaft is available for lights that require it.

UPC: 811761010081

Photek SoftLighter 46" Specs

Size
46" / 116.8 cm
Interior Color
White
Exterior
Black
Shaft Diameter
8 mm
Folded Size
L: 29.5" / L: 74.9 cm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.7 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
30.6 x 3.6 x 3.5"

Photek SoftLighter 46" Reviews

Illumination

By William
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-07

Being absolutely delighted that I received my latest Photek umbrella in 2 days here in S. FL. Having purchased the 70” several years ago and being very pleased with the quality of light, my latest acquisition being the 54”, which is perfect for studio portraits or on location. All around, very pleased!

Great quality of light, great coverage, great removable pole

By Richard James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-03-12

Photek sure does make a great product. Yes it's more pricey than some umbrellas, but it comes with everything you need for a great light light source, and the main reason i got it.. you can remove the the pole. A standard umbrella pole is annoying to work with, and it's needlessly in the way when you want to achieve a certain look by having the light close to the subject. Setup/breakdown is simple quick and easy, the grommets on the sock diffuser are way easier to work with than velcro or elastic socks. The insertable 'gels' are great too for temperature adjustments. Great product, very pleased.

See any errors on this page?

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

With the removable portion of the shaft actually ...

With the removable portion of the shaft actually removed, what is the folded down/closed length of the umbrella?
Asked by: EL
The folded length is 29.5".
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2020-03-19

Is it possible to use a continuous light with the ...

Is it possible to use a continuous light with the Softligther II, or will it catch in flames? I have a Smallrig RC120D.
Asked by: Cdric
Yes, almost all light shaping tools can be used with continues light such as the smallRig RC 120D daylight.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-03-29

hi, is the gold or silver inserts included in ...

hi, is the gold or silver inserts included in this?
Asked by: Milk
The Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 8mm Shaft (46") includes both the gold and silver inserts.
Answered by: Rachael B
Date published: 2024-12-28

How are these measured, across the front from one ...

How are these measured, across the front from one tip across to another? Or are they measured across the back which includes the arc of the umbrella, like the Impact umbrellas are measured?
Asked by: James
It measures 46" across the front tip to tip.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2019-04-11
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