Location Reflector Review

Earlier in 2021 I wrote an overview of reflectors for photographers and video film makers for Amateur Photographer magazine in UK. The scope was limited due to space. Here I review in depth four of the reflectors included.

5-in-1 - Generic

 

Specification:
Open: 0.82m diameter
Surface Area: 0.53m2
Packed Size: 0.3 x 0.009 x 0.005m
Weight: 0.354 kg
RRP: £25.00 - £30.00
Rating: 4****

Relatively inexpensive. Great general purpose light control tool. Available from many manufacturers, sizes and shapes will vary, as does the quality of materials.

Easy to open and stow away. Folds away to 1/3 open size.

Can be mounted to a light stand with an A clamp or for more versatility a special articulated arm which are relatively expensive.

Reflective efficiency varies due to quality of surfaces and relative lack of tension in reflective surfaces. Gold surfaces can vary and give an over the top orange warm skin tone. The black surface is better used as a flag than a negative reflector as it’s quite shiny.

Changing reflective surfaces during a shoot can prove tricky - best to have two or three in difference configurations.

Various sizes available from 0.5m to 1.2 x 0.9m and larger.

Micro Mini - Sunbounce

Specification:
Open: 0.88 x 0.50m
Surface Area: 0.44m2
Packed Size: 0.76 x 0.011 x 0.011m
Weight: 0.686 kg
RRP: £130.00
Rating: 4****

Rating based on price, otherwise a great light control tool built to last with the large diameter tubular aluminium frame.

Set-up and break down are slow compared to a pop-up.

Built-in cross bar for ease of use, needs additional grip to mount to a light stand.

Excellent reflective efficiency due to tension of material - rectangle shape can be orientated vertical or horizontal depending on situation. Light can be aimed and feathered with ease.

Smallest in the Sunbounce range. Silver/white or silver gold surfaces give subtle spectral reflections.

TriGrip - Manfrotto Lastolite

 

Specification:
Open: 0.9 x 0.74 tapering to 0.37 m
Surface Area: 0.50m2
Packed Size: 0.36 x 0.005m
Weight: 0.52 kg
RRP: £79.00
Rating: 4****

Ideal for wedding and outdoor portrait photographers on the move where speed and convenience are paramount. Easy to open and stow away. Folds away to 1/3 open size.

 
Built-in handle for ease of use, needs addition grip gear to mount to a light stand. A Super Clamp and knuckle joint (shown) are a sound solution costing about the same as the specific mount sold for mounting to a light stand. I opt for the Super Clamp and knuckle joint as they have more than one specific use.

Excellent reflective efficiency due to tension of material. Light can be aimed and feathered with ease. Available in three sizes - 45 cm, 75 cm and 120 cm.

Halo Compact - Manfrotto Lastolite

Specification:
Open: 0.82m diameter
Surface Area: 00.53m2
Packed Size: 0.3 x 0.009 x 0.005m
Weight: 0.354 kg
RRP: £75.00
Rating: 4.5****

Overall best value for compact packed size, open surface area and handling. This is the reflector in my EDC (Every Day Carry) or go bag. Smallest size when packed - the size of a medium telephoto lens. Light weight, an ideal match for a Godox AD200 or AD300 as similar packed size.

Largest surface area open in use of the samples reviewed.

Built-in handle has 1/4in 20 TPI  female thread. A Super Clamp and articulated ball joint will add to versatility when mounted to a light stand.

Set-up and break down are slow compared to a pop-up as there are 12 clips to secure the reflector to the frame. The clips could be tricky for some to secure with gloved or cold hands. Care is needed as the clips can pinch skin!

Variety of reflective surfaces and diffusion available, including difflector which is a clever reflective and diffusion scrim giving a 3-in-1 from two surfaces. Excellent reflective efficiency due to tension of material. Light can be aimed and feathered with ease. Silver/white or silver gold surfaces give subtle specular reflections.

A larger size is available.

Relative packed size of the reviewed reflectors

Discloure

This post is not supported by any of the brands named herein. It is purely for education and informnation. I own the reflectors reviewed and have used them for a number of years.

Training

I offer one to one training for selected photographers, bespoke training for businesses who need to keep their photography in-house and establishing in-house studios with flash or low-energy LED continuous lighting.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements.

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