Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector
by F.J. Westcott Co.
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List Price: Our Price: $39.90 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector
Customer Review: a must have item, especially for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I was feeling hesitant to purchase this product as there were some reviews stating that its zipper was weak and unreliable. I also thought that the price was a bit too low for it to be a quality product. I took the plunge anyway and bought it. What can I say?. I am completely satisfied with this purchase! It's well made and it comes with a nice carrying case. The zipper seems durable enough and hasn't given me an issue yet. I feel that as long as you are careful changing the cover, you shouldn't run into a problem with the zipper. as for its versatility, it is unmatched. I never knew how much of a difference a reflector can make. When using this for fill with a soft box, you can create portraits that rival that of a fashion magazine. I can't wait to start using this product for my outdoor portrait shoots. I still can't believe I got all this for less than thirty dollars. I told my wife last night that this was the best value photographic purchase I have made to date!.Customer Review: it just works
Summary: 4 Stars
i've used this reflector on 3 photo shoots and 3 workshops i've taught in the past month since i received the product. you get what you pay for if you go for the $10 reflectors that are also on this site, but i will gladly pay the price again for this version.
i will admit i am pretty careful with the zipper because of the other reviews i have read, but really if you think about how it works, you'll figure out how to use it CORRECTLY and avoid damage.
the size is perfect for lighting subjects fromt he waist up (since a bigger one is probably more affective for full body lighting)
the gold really warms up the subject, the silver reflects light beautifully, and i am a huge fan of the built in diffuser (it helps a lot in the california sun)
overall i'd recommend this product for sure, like i said if you use it CORRECTLY you shouldn't have trouble with the build either.
Customer Review: It does the job...
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this reflector kit after reading about the usefulness of using reflectors and how it improves the quality of photographs... I've tried it once so far and have found it to be very useful...
Pros:
(1) Light weight and compact size when folded
(2) It's size is very good, have used for a group photo of 5 people and it worked fine
Cons:
(1) Turning it inside out to change the colors from silver to gold (or vice versa) is a bit challeging when it come to closing the zipper
(2) Could be seen as over priced since you could perform the same function using the regular shades used in the car, but I wanted to get the professional look and I was willing to pay for it...
Note:
The stand in the product shot is sold separately. I knew that before hand, but thought it's important to mention this in case anyone is confused.
Customer Review: Excellent product for the price-Just be careful.
Summary: 5 Stars
This product has a few good things going for it. It does collapse into a small enough bundle to carry conveniently once you get used to folding it; the reflectors are fairly sturdy considering their flexibility. You can and should have a light stand that enables you to clamp the reflector/diffusor onto when it can't be hand held, and if you do the clamp won't rip it if you're careful. 40 inches is a good size all-around. Now, the only shortcoming -- and not necessarily one -- is that you have to be aware of what you're doing when you use this set. It isn't so durable that it can't be ripped, torn, stepped into, bent, etc. If you're used to fast paced photography shoots, just remember to not forget about this piece of equipment. If you stand on a sandbag, you don't have to worry about anything. If you stand on this thing, it will probably be D.O.A.Customer Review: A workhorse! Great, but some flaws.
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this with the light stand and reflector arm, so I will review all of them.
Reflector:
Good-Great and very usefull. I have put it to work in every single of my photo shoots.
Bad-The zipper. Worked great at first then after some use it would get caught on the lining almost tore it. Before I figures out a trick (I'll tell you in the following section) I could only zip it up part of the way.
Work-Around-If the zipper is giving you problems when you put the main piece into the reflector sleeve start pushing the main piece (diffuser) until it loses it's round shape. It makes it easier for the zipper to zip up.
Light Stand and Arm:
Good- They work well.
Bad- Plastic holders and segment screws are easy to break. YOU NEED A SAND BAG!!!!! (Unless you have an assistant with you or there is no wind)