Seriously--Larson Reflectasols are far superior in every way than the various spring-loaded collapsibles.
1. They can open to be either reflectors or umbrellas--two tools in one.
2. As reflectors, they are FLAT, perfectly flat, utterly flat.
3. They don't need fancy magicians tricks to fold--they open and close like umbrellas.
4. They are far more compact when collapsed than any spring-loaded reflector
5. They have built-in arms to attach to light stands, and the arms can double as lean-to stands in the studio (the wind would blow them over outside).
6. The fabrics are interchangeable, removable, and dry-cleanable. Fabrics available: White, translucent, silver, super-silver, metallic, black, gold, super-gold, and any half-way decent seamstress can easily make them.
7. They're rugged and last forever--I've got Reflectasols that are nearly 30 years old.
The only problem is that they're pricey. But they're also frequently available on eBay, and because they last forever, they're excellent buys when used.
--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'
1. They can open to be either reflectors or umbrellas--two tools in one.
2. As reflectors, they are FLAT, perfectly flat, utterly flat.
3. They don't need fancy magicians tricks to fold--they open and close like umbrellas.
4. They are far more compact when collapsed than any spring-loaded reflector
5. They have built-in arms to attach to light stands, and the arms can double as lean-to stands in the studio (the wind would blow them over outside).
6. The fabrics are interchangeable, removable, and dry-cleanable. Fabrics available: White, translucent, silver, super-silver, metallic, black, gold, super-gold, and any half-way decent seamstress can easily make them.
7. They're rugged and last forever--I've got Reflectasols that are nearly 30 years old.
The only problem is that they're pricey. But they're also frequently available on eBay, and because they last forever, they're excellent buys when used.
--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'