Rating of the best photo umbrellas for a photo studio in 2022

To get high-quality images, it is not enough to have professional equipment. For a modern photographer, it is also very important that the technique is compact, since in the bustle of work there is hardly an extra minute to assemble. A photo umbrella should be not only reliable, but also convenient, only in this case the process of taking pictures will be a joy.

Masters of their craft use photo umbrellas of various popular models. Among them there are both expensive and budget options. How to use photo umbrellas, what are they? Photo umbrellas will be discussed in this article.

Most amateur photographers, professionals and those who sell their pictures on specialized sites like to work with people and shoot in the “portrait” genre. Often photosets take place in nature away from the studio. For outdoor photography, any professional photographer simply needs to purchase a special white reflective umbrella, and it is also very important to work with a flash.

It is worth noting that in addition to white, there are other colors of umbrellas, for example, golden and silver plated.The photo umbrella is used for transmission and for reflection. The silvered version is used for reflection, it gives a somewhat hard light. A golden photo umbrella is used in cases where you need to give photos a warm light.

In addition, frosted photo umbrellas are on sale. They do not reflect as well and are mainly used to scatter light.

Softbox umbrella

A softbox umbrella (photo umbrella with a black back cover) is often used. For photographing objects with a glossy surface, a softbox should be preferred. With it, you can eliminate glare that spoils the photo. The main difference between a softbox umbrella and a standard photographic umbrella is the variety of shapes. There are square, round, narrow softboxes. The shape of the softbox is selected in accordance with the task set by the photographer. In the professional photography market, there are also softboxes made of plastic and fiberglass. Rigid softboxes are usually used for macro photography of subjects. The light from such an umbrella is reflected evenly and uniformly.

In addition, if a plastic umbrella gets dirty, it can be easily cleaned, unlike a cloth umbrella.If several people are participating in the shooting at once, it is best to use a softbox without curtains. An umbrella with curtains is used in cases where it is necessary to clearly control the spread of light. By removing the outer and inner diffuser, you can adjust the hardness of the light. Without a diffuser, the spot of light will become smaller, respectively, the light will become harder.

• Makes the light soft, while maintaining its direction;
• Clear direction of light;
• Wide range of sizes and shapes.

• Impressive weight due to the heavy fastening mechanism;
• High price.

translucent umbrella

Used to obtain softer lighting. A translucent umbrella scatters the light flux, which is created using a flash lamp, and attenuates it by half. The skylight umbrella can be positioned both close to the object and at a distance, the end result is two completely different lighting. But this only works within the studio, the light flux will pass through the umbrella and be reflected on the walls of the room, on the street there is little use for such an umbrella, filling the background light will not work. If there is only one translucent umbrella, you can try to make a softbox out of it by throwing a cover, but the result, of course, will be worse than with a real softbox.

Ordinary reflective umbrella

A photographic umbrella in appearance and design is not much different from the umbrella that is used in cloudy weather. But there is one big difference between them - the fabric of the photo umbrella can be removed and changed. Thanks to this “chip”, the photo umbrella is a real find for a good photographer. Such an umbrella is also ideal for beginners who are just learning the art of photography, because softboxes are more difficult to work with.

It is very important to pay attention to the size of the umbrella.A small umbrella gives a hard light. For those who work in the “portrait” genre, an umbrella with a diameter of just over 100 cm is ideal.

The advantages of this device include:

Light weight and compactness;

You can always and everywhere take such an umbrella with you, install it anywhere;

With the help of a flash and a photo umbrella, the photographer can “control” the light and shadows, change the contrast;

You can also buy an optional non-built-in flash.

How to choose a photo umbrella, what to look for when buying, how much does it cost?

Umbrella spokes and material

Knitting needles are made of metal and fiberglass. Metal spokes can withstand high temperatures, they are reliable in operation. An umbrella with metal spokes can be safely used with halogen lamps with a power of over 300 watts. Fiberglass needles are elastic, retain the shape of an umbrella for a long time, but are afraid of prolonged heating.

The best umbrellas

Profoto300

One of the best photo umbrellas is the Profoto300 parabolic umbrella, which is included in the rating of the highest quality and most expensive photo umbrellas. It is large (about three meters in diameter). Parazont, as it is called by professionals, consists of twenty segments. With this umbrella, you can make the light brighter and more uniform. The flash lamp can be positioned in three different ways. Thanks to this feature, you can make the lighting even and focus with the help of light on those objects that you would like to highlight. It is also possible to carry out additional settings, which are carried out by moving the unit inside the holder.

The Parazont is made of super-strong material, you can easily work with it outside the studio, as it was originally designed for use in the process of intensive photography. The reflector features one of the latest Powerfold technologies. Now the installation process has ceased to be difficult and it is quite possible to cope with it alone. Parazont is convenient and compact, and, despite its impressive size, it has a small weight - only 17 kg, it is convenient to transport it.

• Soft, but at the same time, a clear light flux, during the shooting process, both the photographer and the person who poses can move freely;
• Super new Powerfold technology, which greatly simplifies the mounting process;
• Special design of flash lamp;
• Made from high quality and durable material.

• High price. Only true professionals in their field can afford to purchase such a parasonte for their studio;
• Dimensions. It is worth remembering that the diameter of the parazot of this model reaches three meters, respectively, the room must have high ceilings and enough space for installation.

Price: over 250,000 rubles

Softbox Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octa

One of the highest quality portable softboxes. Diameter 190 cm. Special folding system, thanks to which the device is assembled and disassembled in the shortest possible time. The lighting and color saturation are so perfect that many famous photographers use this softbox for their work. The light fixture is placed directly inside the umbrella and provides perfect dispersion and perfect light output.

• The special design of Elinchrom allows you to quickly install the umbrella;
• Compatible with lamps up to 650 watts;
• High-strength material that provides good lighting, thanks to which you get perfect pictures;
• There is an external and internal diffuser.

• Compatible with Elinchrom devices only.

Average price: 106,000 rubles

Octagonal softbox Dedolight PanAura 7

High-quality reflector with two diffusers. It is mainly used to create soft light. The light source is exactly at the focal point of the large reflector. Due to the special design of the umbrella, the light is distributed evenly.

• Double light output;
• Two lighting options;
• Soft uniform lighting;
• "Enveloping Light" provided by the diffuser;
• Large front diffuser.

• Not identified.

Average price: 86,000 rubles

Softbox Hensel 200

Another one of the high-end octaboxes, lightweight yet made from durable, impact-resistant fabric. All seams are neat and high quality. The softbox can be used daily. It is easily dismantled and assembled. Unique design that distributes light evenly. Two interchangeable diffusers that allow you to adjust the luminous flux, they can be replaced in a situation if they are dirty or out of order. This softbox provides perfect color reproduction. Softbox parameters: 60x60.

• Durable material;
• Compactness;
• Attractive design.

• Too small.

Average price: 17,000 rubles

Umbrella Prophoto deep silver S

Silvery parasont with a diameter of about 80 cm.The umbrella gives a rather contrasting light and shade pattern, as well as pronounced glare due to its silvery surface. The silvery surface gives more direct reflection, due to this the light is harder and more contrasting. At the same time, the light is quite soft. If the photographer wants to get a more contrast shot, accentuated highlights, but at the same time soft lighting, then it is better to use a silver umbrella. It is worth noting that the silver umbrella has the highest return among all types of umbrellas. It is also ideal for outdoor photography. The Prophoto deep silver umbrella has 16 fiberglass spokes.

• Precisely controls the shape and directs the light output;
• Light weight;
• Acceptable price;
• Made from heat resistant material;
• The metal parts of the umbrella have a special coating that protects the device from rust;
• The kit comes with a special bag that will protect the umbrella during storage and transportation.

• Not identified.

The average price of this umbrella: 13,000 rubles

Production: Sweden

Umbrella Falcone Eyes UB-48

This softbox umbrella differs from other skylight umbrellas in that it has a silver reflector inside. This allows you to concentrate the power of the device more and save all the light reflected by the umbrella. Due to its deep hemisphere shape, it is able to fill the room in which the shooting is carried out with soft, uniform light.

There is a hole in the middle of the umbrella, the size of which is adjustable with Velcro. You can put a flash in it. In order for the flash to fit snugly, the hole should be tightened with a string.This umbrella can spot any softbox and fits any fixture. Mobile and quickly folds, unlike other softboxes that take up a lot of space even when folded. This umbrella has a diameter of 122 cm.

• Combines the capabilities of a translucent umbrella and softbox;
• Can be used with any flash;
• Compactness;
• Mobility;
• Anti-corrosion coating;
• Material with high wear resistance (polyester).
• Flaws:
  • Not identified.

Average price: 3000 rubles

Umbrella and softbox by Phottix

Umbrella black, silver, reflective, 80 cm in diameter. Umbrella combined white, clearance-reflection. Despite the modest package, even skilled photographers will like it.

The rectangular Phottix softbox is the perfect choice for portrait photography. It is easily attached to the flash with an elastic band. Used for studio shooting. The diffuser softens the flash output and distributes the light better. Makes shadow borders softer. The outer side of the device is covered with a white cloth, which plays the role of a light diffuser. The inside of the softbox reflects light with a silver finish. The outer side is made of black fabric. Thanks to the elastic fastening, the diffuser on the flash is installed in a matter of seconds. The design is universal and compatible with various types of flashes.

• Easy to install;
• Dual diffuser for better dispersion
• Versatility.

• Not identified.

Average price: softbox 600 rubles, umbrella 2000 rubles

Parabolic Umbrella GreenBean Deep silver

This is a deep parabolic umbrella and is also rounder than a standard photo umbrella. 16 spokes give it a perfect circle shape. The depth of the umbrella allows you to more accurately focus the light. The diameter is 130 cm, which allows you to illuminate a fairly large area, as well as create volumetric lighting around the object. The silver coating on the inner surface gives a more contrasty picture and hard light. The umbrella folds easily and stows away in the case. With it it is convenient both to travel, and to work indoors.

• Deep shape to better focus and model light;
• Ease of use;
• Ease of transportation.

• Not identified.

Average price: 4500 rubles

Phottix Easy-up HD Softbox Umbrella with Grid

This softbox has the shape of a rectangle and is a diffuser with a grid of fabric. Its dimensions: 60x90cm, it folds in the same way as an ordinary umbrella. Such a softbox can be used together with an on-camera flash and a compact studio light. Thanks to the closed design, the chance of glare in the photo is reduced. The silver reflector fabric provides even light and also softens shadows. The grille provides a directed light beam with a smooth transition from the center to the edge. The device folds easily in seconds. Photographers who often work outside the studio will appreciate the portability and compactness of this firm's softbox. The umbrella is made of polyester.

• Versatility. Compatible with any flash;
• Compactness;
• Closed design;
• The grating helps create a smooth light and shade transition.

• Not identified.

Average price: 4300 rubles

Outcome

There is no unequivocal answer to the question of which company's photographic umbrella is better. Beginners should start by using budget models. If such an umbrella fails, it will not be a pity to change it for a new one. Do not forget that the main goal of a newly minted photographer is to learn how to work with studio light. The umbrella can be easily disassembled and transported, quickly set up for work.

A softbox has a number of advantages over an umbrella, but working with them requires certain knowledge, they are heavier and take more time to prepare them for work, in addition, softboxes are much more expensive than ordinary photographic umbrellas. Professionals who use powerful flashes and work in large indoor areas may want to consider purchasing quality softboxes or parabolic umbrellas. But even despite the expansion of the range of accessories, experienced photographers often continue to use cheap umbrellas for transmission and reflection, combine them, getting new colors, shapes and shadows.