Westcott4634 7-Feet White with Black Cover Parabolic Umbrella

As a professional photographer located in Southern California I own a lot of photography gadgets that help me in my business. Some are more fun and useful to work with than others and become mainstay's in my business while others end up at the bottom of a drawer or stuffed in a closet somewhere.After several months of ownership and several on location and studio photo shoots with the umbrella, I decided that it was time to post my review of this tool. Here are examples of my typical set ups using this umbrella. 1. In the studio, I use it with a 600w studio light triggered with Pocket Wizards and a couple of reflectors if needed. 2. On location, I have a flash bar that I mount from one to three Canon 580EX speed lights on triggers and reflectors if needed. One thing that everyone must know is that you need to own a large/heavy duty stand for this umbrella and a couple of sandbags.The umbrella does exactly what is designed to do, provide a very broad even light source that is amazingly soft light over a large area. On location shooting portraits or families it's usually the only lighting I will need. I sometimes shoot with the umbrella directly behind me and because the light source is so broad it does not cast a shadow on the subject. This is also true if the subject you're shooting is close to the background/backdrop, the light appears to come from all directions and envelopes the subject reducing or eliminating the need for a secondary flash.The materials and construction of the umbrella are pretty solid but if you take it outdoors you better make sure you secure it with sandbags or an assistant. The umbrella comes with its own carrying case and is packaged in a durable reusable tube, when not in use I keep mine stored in the tube. I have had great results with the umbrella and it is a very functional tool in my business. I will post additional reviews and links to pictures taken when using the umbrella if I can.

Holy crap, is this one of the best light shapers I've ever used/purchased. If you need a large, soft light source then this is what you want. The price is a steal, and the quality is MUCH better than other large format umbrellas that I've used in the past. Case in point, old metal umbrella broke the first time I used it. This one has fallen twice without any repercussions. Oh, and about the falling over thing - these umbrellas are HUGE, so that means even small winds (1mph) will turn this into a sail boat. This was the case even when using a very heavy c-stand and 3 sand bags. The only way to keep these things up outdoors reliably is by having your assistant stand on the base and hold it steady - even then this thing will get away from you in higher winds.Here's the thing though, I've used this with a SINGLE speedlite and it has produced stunning results. And, because it's so big, you can use this in bright sun as both a light source and as a flag for bright sunlight!

I got this in the mail yesterday and, despite reading all of the reviews, was shocked at how big it was. This thing is huge. Good luck using it with a normal bedroom height ceiling. Yes, you can do it, as my picture shows, but it is a beast. I have it set up with two YN560s and it puts out a ton of light. The photo I attached is at 1/128 power for both lights in a nearly dark room. With the size of the umbrella, it lights up everything with soft wrap around light. A great purchase and a good tool for portrait and group work. I know my example is not the best, but my dog was the only one I could get to volunteer to pose for me. Notice how at ISO 100, it still lightens up the entire surrounding.

I love my 7" Westscott umbrellas. I have this one and the white shoot through. Great portability, which is key for traveling and easy setup on location. Get a decent heavy duty umbrella mount for your light stand so it will hold and be stable, but an incredible light shaping tool at an incredible price.

This is a really cool modifier that puts out nice soft light but the umbrella is subject to breaking if handled roughly so take care as the spines are made of fiberglass to keep weight down and can break easily.

Like every 7' umbrella from every manufacturer, the light quality is great. It's a giant soft light source, making it easy to get great looks. The problem is in the durability. The center rod broke free from the top of the umbrella making it useless. I never took this umbrella out of my studio and don't treat my gear roughly, so this should last for years, but it did not. Looking through other reviews I'm seeing other people reporting the same issue. I'll be replacing this with an umbrella from another manufacturer.

This thing is enormous it provides a great soft light it is good construction. the frame is very solid. The umbrella is stitched to the frame and one came loose not a huge issue and it can happen I will repair it. It is a simple fix

This Parabolic produces beautiful soft light. I can't explain how much so. I find it to be very well made especially at this price point. I use it with a monolight strobe and at times 3 speedlights on a tri mount. I'm so happy I purchased this and now have it in my arsenal (which I expect to be using as often as I can). It's deeper then what the pics show and has a sense professionalism That I haven't seen with other umbrellas and most modifiers. I'm amazed I can buy this for $100 and not thousands. Thank you Westcott!