Review of the best reflectors for a photo studio in 2022

A reflector, also known as a screen, reflector or light disk, is the key to successful photo and video shooting, both in the studio and in the open air. If you are a novice photographer and are looking for inexpensive, but high-quality reflectors, then the rating of the best reflectors for a photo studio will come in handy, in which we will tell you:

• How to choose a model that suits your goals, bypassing the study of the whole variety of studio equipment on the market;
• What are the best options in the middle price segment;
• Popular models: their advantages and disadvantages.

And we will start with a small theoretical block that will help you understand why a reflector is needed and what advantages it provides.

Reflector functions

As you know, the key to a good photo is the right light. You can rely on natural light, but still, most photographers resort to a little trick and "embellish" it with additional light reflected from the surface of the reflector.

A reflector is absolutely necessary when working in the studio in the evening, when the light of studio incandescent lamps is not enough to make the picture really interesting.

What is a light disk? This is a relatively rigid frame, on which, in fact, a reflective material is stretched. It helps to use the light reflected from the main source (from the sun or when shooting with flash) as a “keylight”, to highlight details located in the shadows. Thus, the illumination of the frame is leveled. This technique is most relevant for portrait photography.

Types of reflectors

As noted earlier, the variety of reflectors on sale is impressive. A classification can be built on a variety of grounds:

• By size: large, small, medium (portrait / full-height / intermediate);
• Shape: round, oval, triangular, rectangular;
• By color: white (salvation in bright sunlight, create a slight shadow on the face of the model), black (when shooting glare objects), gold (give a warm tint and allow you to emphasize the tan of the model), silver (for cloudy weather, with a cold undertone, when in sunlight, the colors are more realistic), as well as gold-plated and silver-plated, and, of course, combined;
• By the number of reflective surfaces (as a rule, options for 5-7 surfaces are common);
• By frame: on a flexible hoop or rigid;
• By functionality: with removable panels or one static one, with or without a handle, folding or non-separable structures;
• By price: the simplest, budget, quite expensive.

Everything will depend on what your selection criteria are. As a rule, novice photographers choose a universal option - a medium-sized and round reflector, which is great for shooting portraits. It will be difficult to use a lot, in the absence of proper skills and an assistant, so it is better not to create unnecessary difficulties for yourself at first.

As for color, you should either take a reflector with interchangeable panels, or decide on the conditions in which your shooting will mainly take place - and choose a canvas of a certain color for them.

In general, only after a fair amount of practice, you will understand which reflector will be more convenient for you to work with when shooting with artificial lighting.

Average price of reflectors

The price difference is quite large. The cost is influenced by several factors, among which the key ones are the functionality, size, quality, fame and popularity of the manufacturer's brand.
Some are equipped with additional accessories or functions (for example, reflectors with an umbrella holder, curtains, filters) that you may not need in your work. Therefore, it may not be worth overpaying and choosing a more “modest” sample.

The simplest reflectors of the same color cost from 200 rubles. However, this is not very convenient, because by paying a little more, 900 rubles, you can get a complete set with 5 multi-colored interchangeable panels.

In order to understand where it is profitable to buy, we suggest you use the Yandex. Market. There are offers from various stores in your area or with delivery from nearby major cities. It is convenient to compare prices of different sellers or even models by adding them “in comparison”.

In addition, before buying, we recommend that you read the reviews on the store where you plan to order a reflector. You should not buy the cheapest option from a dubious seller, as there may be problems with warranty returns, shipping, and anything else. Choose a trusted provider with high user ratings. The price, as a rule, does not differ significantly and it is better to overpay 100-200 rubles, but save time, nerves and get a quality product on schedule.

Rating of quality reflectors

Consider the top 8 best models, their characteristics, pros and cons, how much each of them costs, and other important points for the future user. The popularity of models is based on user reviews left on a particular reflector, and their key characteristics.

Reflector - diffuser Fujimi “FJ 702”, 5 in 1, 60 cm

This versatile reflector is designed for both studio and outdoor use.This is ensured by the presence in the kit of five interchangeable panels of various colors - from diffuse to gold. The small size makes it suitable for portraits.

Contents: carrying bag with clasp and handle, flexible frame and 5 interchangeable panels.

The cost is from 950 rubles.

• Affordable price even for a beginner photographer;
• Lots of panels included
• Compact carry.

• Were not found.

Reflector FST “RD052”, 5 in 1, 90*120 cm

The reflector is suitable for both studio and outdoor shooting. The shape is oval. He is one of the most popular models among photographers.

The panels in this case are also interchangeable and are included. The following colors are presented: silver-gold, silver, white, black, translucent.

The cost is from 2,700 rubles.

• Convenient and lightweight;
• Popular model of good quality, reliable.

• Not the most budget option.

Reflector Ditech “RF5-6090”, 5 in 1, 60*90 cm

This is an oval-shaped studio reflector, which is also suitable for location shooting. It is quite budgetary, especially considering that it comes with five interchangeable panels of different colors.

The cost is from 1,300 rubles.

• Excellent light reflection performance.
• Affordable cost;
• Good equipment.

• Like most inexpensive products, the reflector is made in China and therefore has a sharp and nasty smell that does not disappear for a long time.

Reflector Phottix “86496”, 5 in 1, 80 cm

This option differs from the previous ones in that it is equipped with handles that make it more convenient for the work of the photographer or his assistant. The reflector also has five reflective surfaces. Suitable for subject shooting and portraits, for outdoor and studio photos.

Complete set: carrying case.

The cost is from 2,300 rubles.

• Equipped with comfortable handles;
• Compact and lightweight.

• You can buy a reflector with similar characteristics for half the price.

Reflector Falcon “Eyes”, 5 in 1, 107 cm

This is a folding round reflector with 5 interchangeable panels - white, silver, gold, sunny gold and diffuser. It can be used both in the studio and outdoors.

Ready for transport, the reflector measures only 40 cm.

Complete set - carrying bag.

The cost is from 3,900 rubles.

• Famous brand;
• Reliable and high quality, enough for many years;
• Quickly develops;
• Compact case;
• A variety of reflective surfaces allow you to experiment with the degree of reflection.

• Not everyone is able to afford such a reflector;
• It used to be three times cheaper;
• Due to the rather large size, an assistant may be required when shooting;
• Not strong handle of the cover, quickly breaks.

Reflector Lumifor “LRF-80-GRIP”, 5 in 1, 80 cm

This is a dual-sided reflector with handles, suitable for beginners and professionals for street and studio photography.

The kit comes with five colors - silver, gold, dense white and black, translucent, and a bag-case.

The cost is from 2,000 rubles.

• Easy to fold and requires minimal space;
• Affordable price.

• Were not found.

Reflector - diffuser Fujimi “FJSTR-70780”, 7 in 1, 80 cm

It's a compact, round, foldable design that can be used for both street and small studio space. It gives the best result when combined with additional light sources.

It has a very rich package: gold, silver, white, black, translucent, blue and green interchangeable colors that allow you to use the reflector as a chroma key background when shooting video.

The cost is from 1900 rubles.

• Many tones in the set;
• Affordable cost;
• High quality.

• Were not found.

Reflector Phottix “86492”, 5 in 1, 120 cm

This triangular reflector has five reflective surfaces in silver, gold, matt white and clear black.

Suitable for studio and outdoor work. Ideal for portrait photography and close-ups of subjects.
Complete set: a cover for transportation.

The cost is from 3,600 rubles.

• Reliability and quality of workmanship;
• Good set of backgrounds;
• Compact small case.

• Relatively high cost of the kit;
• It will be inconvenient to hold due to the large size, without the help of an assistant.

For convenience, a summary table will be presented below, which contains technical information on all previously considered options in our review. Perhaps the selection according to the parameters you require will allow you to quickly understand which model is better to buy.

Reflector name	Fujimi "FJ 702"	FST "RD052"	Ditech "RF5-6090"	Phottix "86496"	Falcon Eyes	Lumifor "LRF-80-GRIP"	Fujimi "FJSTR-70780"	Phottix "86492"
Reflector shape	round	oval	oval	round with handles	round	round with handles	round	triangular
Set	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	7 in 1	5 in 1
Diameter	60 cm	90*120 cm	60* 90 cm	80 cm	107 cm	80 cm	80 cm	120 cm
Replacement panels	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Color	white, black, gold, silver, diffuse	white, black, silver gold, silver, translucent	black, white transparent and white matt, silver, gold	gold, silver, white, black, translucent	white, silver, gold, sunny gold, diffuse	silver, matt white, translucent white, gold, black	silver, gold, white, black, blue, green, translucent	silver, gold, black and 2 kinds of white
Fastening	Velcro	Velcro	Velcro	Velcro	lightning	lightning	Velcro	Velcro
Price	950 rubles	2 700 rubles	1 300 rubles	2 300 rubles	3 800 rubles	2 000 rubles	1 900 rubles	3 800 rubles

Let's summarize. A reflector is a fairly budget and compact accessory for photography or video shooting. It is vital for every photographer, especially those involved in the creation of portraits.

If you have just begun to master this subtle art, do not skimp on a reflector, because it will help you rise to the next level of creative development.

As you can understand, it is impossible to give an exact answer to the question of which company is better to choose a reflector. Each price segment has its own leader, offering models with the best value for money.At the same time, it is worth remembering that the best manufacturers also make mistakes, and the budget option may well turn out to be even better.

Therefore, if there is such an opportunity, before buying a light disk you like on the Internet, go to a photo accessories store where your version is presented live and make sure that it suits you.