Impact 7' Parabolic Umbrella (White/Black)

Excellent, well built, huge light. I use this with a monolight sometimes, but more often with a Neewer flash. Although I have the diffuser, sometimes I shoot without it. I think there was a review stating that a monolight would be needed to power this umbrella. That has not been my experience.Using the Neewer, and the umbrella light stand set 38 inches from subject's face: Full power = f8.0, 1/2 power = f5.6, 1/4 power = f4.0, 1/8 power = f2.8. Measured in an average size living room (one wall and ceiling white, three wooden panel walls, gray carpet floor) using a Sekonic L-308S set at ISO 100, and shutter speed 1/250.Seting the Neewer at 1/8 and measuring output across the plane of the umbrella's edge measures f7.1 in the center and f5.6 at close to the edge. That is 2/3 of a stop at the extremely demanding distance of zero, probably no more than the shot-to-shot variance of many strobes.I did another test using a Studio Pro F064-200 monolight. It has power levels 1-6 divided into tenths. Here is my result using the same setup as above (no diffuser): L6 = f13.0, L5=f9.0, L4=f6.3, L2=f3.6, L1=f2.2-2.8. Higher levels are repeatable but the lowest level varies 1/3 stop.Measuring light fall-off left to right: At the highest setting level F13 held to +- 18" left/right of the model's nose, fell 1/3 stop (f11.0) at +- 27" of model's nose. Excellent performance from an inexpensive umbrella and monolight.All the above measurements were done with the diffuser off. If you use the diffuser it will absorb at least a stop (maybe a bit more) of light. I have done head shots both with and without the diffuser using the Neewer. If you use a slow kit lens and the diffuser you will likely need to shoot the Neewer at highest power settings.The diffuser's main contribution seems to be taming hot spots. Only you can say whether that is worth giving up some brightness.Overall, I am happy with the umbrella and the diffuser. It is hard to see how any portrait photographer would be disappointed. I purchased and returned a larger (gigantic) umbrella before ordering this Impact 7' model, but it was not manageable in any standard sized room. This Impact 7' umbrella is the sweet spot.If I needed to shoot a large group several feet from the umbrella the moonlight would make its appearance. If I shot groups often, I would order a silver umbrella that would increase the light output, perhaps as much as two stops.

This is absolute value for your money. My work has improved 10x. Incredible umbrella, I can't recommend it more. My only issue, which is not an issue is the size, it's too big lol. if you have the room and the necessary support you should be good

The Impact 7 ft white umbrella is perfect! It's made well and solid. The stem is strong and not flimsy. The fabric material is strong. I doubt it will ever tear unless it falls on a sharp object. The joints is way better designed than a typical umbrella. But I wouldn't test it under strong winds lol! I have a couple of 7 ft umbrellas but my reason for getting this one was because I want a shallow umbrella not a deep parabolic one. Been looking for an octagon shallow softbox but they are hard to find and when I do find it, it's very expensive to purchase. So when I found this at this price, I jumped into action and got it!

If you need a modifier that replicates a window, this one will do it. I use it with a cheap strobe and it's so nice and even due to its size. Good quality - he ribs of the umbrella have plastic protectors and the material is thick and can easily withstand my clumsy fumbling and smashing.

My home studio is 15'x11' actual work area, so it is small. I use 7' paper backgrounds, or 5' cloth ones. Previously I have been using a Godox AD400 with the Glow EZLock 33.4 inch deep parabolic softbox. Unless I got the light placed just right the shadows on the background were just too distracting. I ordered the 7' white interior Impact reflecting umbrella on sale. WOW, what a difference that made in my model shoots, even tabletop items. The downside for me, is that the 8.5' ceiling keeps me from booming it overhead of people, but it works fine for objects on floor level in my cramped space. Others with a larger studio will not have this problem. I rate it 5 stars all-around!

Once I started shooting with this I never want to use my softboxes! It produces exceptionally soft light on your subjects and sets up in seconds. It IS huge and a little awkward to maneuver, and I don't recommend using this outdoors if there is anything more than a slight breeze (use sand bags regardless). It's basically a parachute...Build quality is great, no complaints there.

Great modifier size.. I use it with the diffuser cover with this white umbrella to make portraits ultra soft. The quality and detail of the umbrella is excellent. You can get by with covering a silver with the diffuser fabric, but it's not a magically soft as a white umbrella with white diffuser. I don't use these umbrellas for outside weddings with wind, but 5-10mph wind on a beefy stand won't hurt it.

Did exactly what it said it would. Spread the light evenly and softly!