Trying to find a fast open/close umbrella with Bowens fitting.

jknights

jknights

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Jonathan (JK)
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I recently saw a couple of different adverts for a fast set up parabolic reflector.
The adverts were on Instagram so I clipped a screenshot attached.

IMG_2324.jpeg

Literally you just bring the handles together to open it fully and undo a catch to close it.

Does anyone know where I can find/buy one in UK?
 
My first question is why?
You do realise that
a. These things aren't truly parabolic?
b. That they take up an enormous amount of space, giving little or nothing in return?
c. That we don't actually need softboxes of this design (you can call them reflectors if you wish)?

Karl Taylor made a very good video about them, trying to save people from wasting their money:)
 
THIS might be similar.
 
Thanks Garry, not really worried whether it is a simple umbrella or parabolic reflector but am interested in the easy open/close feature.
My softboxes need to be assembled spoke by spoke and yes there are only four spokes but are a complete PITA, then you need to mount it on the front of the studio light. They take up a lot of space if left assembled so easy up/down makes life easier.
 
Hi Jonathan,
I'd echo everything Garry said, plus this: parabolic reflectors only have special powers if you place a point light source (or as near as) at the focal point of the parabola, where a true parabolic reflector with smooth surface will reflect all of the light out of the front as parallel rays. Both of the examples seen so far in this thread have the light at the back. They are glorified soft boxes that just take up more room for no advantage whatsoever.

If you don't need parallel ("columnated") light (and almost nobody does) then just get a shallower softbox with the folding mechanism that you like.

Karl "Gordon Ramsey" Taylor's video about it
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM5ME4o79bE
 
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Oh and a central spoke with the flash head pointing into a traditional central spoked umbrella does not work for me.
 
Scooter said:
If you don't need parallel ("columnated") light (and almost nobody does) then just get a shallower softbox with the folding mechanism that you like.
Click to expand...
Sorry Owen, we posted near simultaneously.
Can you identify any that have any easy open/close option on a softbox or umbrella?
The easy open/close feature is my key need or want.
 
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Easy open softboxes..

www.essentialphoto.co.uk

Easy-Open Softboxes

Shop easy-open softboxes at EssentialPhoto & Video. Collapsible, lightweight softboxes with rapid setup for studio and location photography. Available in Bowens S, Godox, Elinchrom, Profoto, and Broncolor fittings. UK stock. Order before 3pm for same-day dispatch. Free delivery over £150.
www.essentialphoto.co.uk www.essentialphoto.co.uk
 
Watched the video.
Got to agree with Garry and Owen as well as Karl that the parabolic softbox is a complete waste of time and money.
 
There you go. Time, space and money saved:)
 
Gav. said:
Easy open softboxes..

www.essentialphoto.co.uk

Easy-Open Softboxes

Shop easy-open softboxes at EssentialPhoto & Video. Collapsible, lightweight softboxes with rapid setup for studio and location photography. Available in Bowens S, Godox, Elinchrom, Profoto, and Broncolor fittings. UK stock. Order before 3pm for same-day dispatch. Free delivery over £150.
www.essentialphoto.co.uk www.essentialphoto.co.uk
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link Gav.
This one is close to what I want but in reality is more or less what I have now but easier to put up.

105cm (41") 16-Sided Easy-Open Portable Collapsible Silver Interior Softbox​

SKU: D-180202
 
Garry Edwards said:
There you go. Time, space and money saved:)
Click to expand...
And looking at Gav's link it may be that I just have to put up with what I have and just accept the pain if I do not disassemble my softbox.
I wonder if I could induce Karl to move out of his studio.
 
Or search harder....
https://fb.watch/v
View: https://fb.watch/v/5tmTRx9-y/?fs=e


This or similar is what I want, now just need to find a UK source.
I want a 120cms softbox and 150x30cms striplight preferably with grids and diffusers.

Amazing how easily it comes together with a little help from others. Thanks all.
 
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Brentor said:
In the unlikely event that you are still considering a parabolic/octagonal softbox have a look at:

Neewer

Very easy to set up.
Click to expand...
Thanks but No, my experts Garry and Owen convinced me that I was being misled by Chinese marketing hype!
 
I realise that the conversation has moved on from parabolics but in case the info is useful.. I've done a fair few sums (I used to be a mathematician) & tested a few so-called 'parabolic' reflectors. I haven't tested any of the big stand-mounted Broncolor clones with adjustable arms.

Among those smaller modifiers, the only truly parabolic reflector I've found which puts the bulb in the right place is the Elinchrom Rotalux.

Some of the Neewer brollies are pretty close to being actually parabolic. Bear in mind that the focal point is a _lot_ further in than you might expect.

Even further off-topic, again in case anyone else stumbles across this.. most folk who use actual parabolics seem to use them in a slightly defocussed position, effectively turning them into a massive specular ringlight which aims inwards slightly. It's quite possible to bodge a suitable octabox to give a similar effect. I do it often.
 
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