Rating of the best photo umbrellas for a photography studio in 2024

It is not enough to have professional equipment to get high quality images. For the modern photographer, it is also very important that the equipment be compact, since in the busy work there is hardly an extra minute to assemble. A photo umbrella should be not only reliable, but also convenient, only in this case the process of photography will be a joy.

Masters of their craft use photo umbrellas of various popular models. There are both expensive and budget options among them. How to use photo umbrellas, what are they? About photo umbrellas and will be discussed in this article.

Most photography enthusiasts, professionals and those who list their pictures for sale on specialized sites enjoy working with people and shooting in the portrait genre. Photosets often take place in nature, far from the studio. For shooting outdoors, any professional photographer simply needs to purchase a special reflective white umbrella, and it is also very important to work with flash.

It is worth noting that in addition to white, there are other colors of umbrellas, for example, golden and silvered. A photo umbrella is used for transmission and reflection. The silver plated version is used for reflection, it gives a somewhat harsh light. A golden umbrella is used when you want to give your photos a warm light.

In addition, matte photo umbrellas are on sale. They are less reflective and are mainly used to diffuse light.

Umbrella softbox

A softbox umbrella (a photo umbrella with a black back cover) is often used. For photographing objects with a glossy surface, you should give preference to the softbox. With its help, you can eliminate the glare that spoil the photo. The main difference between a softbox umbrella and a standard photographic umbrella is the variety of shapes. There are square, round, narrow softboxes. The shape of the softbox is selected in accordance with the task set by the photographer. In the professional photographic equipment market, there are also softboxes made of plastic and fiberglass. Hard softboxes are usually used for close-up photography of subjects. The light from such an umbrella is reflected evenly and uniformly.

Plus, if a plastic umbrella gets dirty, it can be easily cleaned, unlike a fabric umbrella. If several people are involved in the shooting, it is best to use a softbox without curtains. Umbrella with curtains is used when it is necessary to clearly control the spread of light. By removing the outer and inner diffuser, you can adjust the hardness of the light. Without a diffuser, the spot of light will become smaller, respectively, the light will become harder.

• Makes the light soft while maintaining its directionality;
• Clear direction of light;
• Wide range of sizes and shapes.

• Impressive weight due to the heavy fastening mechanism;
• High price.

Transparent umbrella

Used to obtain softer lighting. The translucent umbrella scatters the luminous flux generated by the flash lamp and attenuates it by half. The transparent umbrella can be positioned both close to the object and at a distance, the end result is two completely different lighting. But this only works within the studio, the luminous flux will pass through the umbrella and be reflected on the walls of the room, on the street there is little benefit from such an umbrella, filling the background light will not work. If there is only one translucent umbrella, you can try to make a softbox out of it by throwing on a cover, but the result, of course, will be worse than with a real softbox.

Regular umbrella for reflection

A photographic umbrella in appearance and design is not much different from the umbrella that is used in cloudy weather. But there is one big difference between them - the fabric of the photo umbrella can be removed and changed. Thanks to this "trick" the photo umbrella is a real find of a good photographer. An umbrella like this is also ideal for beginners who are just learning the art of photography, because softboxes are more difficult to work with.

It is very important to pay attention to the size of the umbrella. A small umbrella gives hard light. For those who work in the portrait genre, an umbrella with a diameter of just over 100 cm is ideal.

The advantages of this device include:

Light weight and compactness;

Such an umbrella can be taken with you anytime and anywhere, installed anywhere;

With the help of a flash and a photo umbrella, the photographer can “control” light and shadows, change the contrast;

You can also buy an optional non-built-in flash.

How to choose a photo umbrella, what to look for when buying, how much does it cost?

Umbrella needles and material

Knitting needles are available in metal and fiberglass. Metal knitting needles can withstand high temperatures and are reliable in operation. The umbrella with metal needles can be easily used with halogen lamps over 300W. Fiberglass needles are elastic, retain the shape of the umbrella for a long time, but are afraid of prolonged heating.

The best umbrellas

Profoto300

One of the best photo umbrellas is the Profoto300 parabolic umbrella, which is included in the rating of the highest quality and most expensive photo umbrellas. It is large (about three meters in diameter). Parazont, as professionals call it, consists of twenty segments. With this umbrella, you can make the light brighter and more even. The flash tube can be positioned in three different ways. Thanks to this feature, you can make the illumination even and accentuate the objects that you would like to highlight with the help of light. You can also make additional settings, which are carried out by moving the unit inside the holder.

The parasont is made of super-durable material, you can safely work with it outside the studio, as it was originally designed for use in the process of intensive photography. The reflector features one of the latest Powerfold technologies. Now the editing process has ceased to be complicated and it is quite possible to cope with it alone. The parasont is comfortable and compact, and, despite its impressive size, has a small weight - only 17 kg, it is easy to transport.

• Soft, but at the same time, clear light flux, during the filming process, both the photographer and the person who is posing can move freely;
• Super new Powerfold technology that greatly simplifies the mounting process;
• Special design of the flash tube;
• Made of high quality and durable material.

• High price. Only true professionals in their field can afford to purchase such a parazone in their studio;
• Dimensions. It is worth remembering that the diameter of the parazone of this model reaches three meters, respectively, the room should have high ceilings and enough space for installation.

Price: over 250,000 rubles

Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octa Softbox

One of the highest quality portable softboxes. Diameter 190 cm. A special folding system, thanks to which the device is assembled and disassembled in the shortest possible time. Lighting and color saturation are so perfect that many eminent photographers use this softbox for their work. The light fixture is placed directly inside the umbrella and provides perfect diffusion and ideal luminous flux.

• The special Elinchrom design allows you to quickly install the umbrella;
• Compatible with lamps up to 650 watts;
• Highly durable material that provides good light for perfect shots;
• External and internal diffuser available.

• Compatible only with Elinchrom devices.

Average price: 106,000 rubles

Dedolight PanAura 7 Octagonal Softbox

High quality reflector with two diffusers. Used primarily to create soft light. The light source is exactly at the focal point of the large reflector. Thanks to the special design of the umbrella, the light is evenly distributed.

• Double light output;
• Two lighting options;
• Soft uniform illumination;
• The “enveloping light” provided by the diffuser;
• Large frontal diffuser.

• Not identified.

Average price: 86,000 rubles

Hensel softbox 200

Another of the high-end octaboxes, lightweight, yet made of durable fabric that is resistant to external influences. All seams are made accurately and efficiently. The softbox can be used daily. It is easily dismantled and assembled. Unique design that distributes light evenly. Two replaceable diffusers that allow you to adjust the luminous flux, they can be replaced in a situation if they are dirty or out of order. This softbox provides perfect color reproduction. Softbox parameters: 60x60.

• Durable material;
• Compactness;
• Attractive design.

• Too small.

Average price: 17,000 rubles

Umbrella Prophoto deep silver S

A silver parazone with a diameter of about 80 cm. The umbrella gives a rather contrasting cut-off pattern, as well as pronounced glare, thanks to its silvery surface. The silvery surface gives more direct reflection, due to which the light is harder and more contrasting. At the same time, the light is quite soft. If the photographer wants a more contrasting shot, accentuated highlights, but at the same time soft lighting, then it is better to use a silver umbrella. It is worth noting that the silver umbrella has the highest recoil of all types of umbrellas. It is also ideal for outdoor photography. The Prophoto deep silver umbrella has 16 fiberglass spokes.

• Precisely controls the shape and directs the light flux;
• Light weight;
• Acceptable price;
• Made of heat resistant material;
• The metal parts of the umbrella have a special coating that protects the device from rust;
• The set includes a special bag that will protect the umbrella during storage and transportation.

• Not identified.

Average price of this umbrella: 13,000 rubles

Production: Sweden

Sunshade Falcone Eyes UB-48

This softbox umbrella differs from other transmission umbrellas in that it has a silver reflector inside. This allows you to more concentrate the power of the device and retain all the light reflected by the umbrella. Due to its deep hemisphere shape, it is able to fill the shooting room with soft, uniform light.

In the middle of the umbrella there is a hole, the size of which is adjustable with Velcro. You can put a flash in it. To ensure that the flash fits snugly, the hole must be tightened with a cord. This umbrella can be seen by any softbox and will match any device. Mobile and folds quickly, unlike other softboxes that take up a lot of space even when folded. The diameter of this model's umbrella is 122 cm.

• Combines the capabilities of a translucent umbrella and a softbox;
• Can be used with any flash;
• Compactness;
• Mobility;
• Anti-corrosion coating;
• High wear resistance material (polyester).
• Disadvantages:
  • Not identified.

Average price: 3000 rubles

Umbrella and softbox by Phottix

The umbrella is black, silver, reflective, 80 cm in diameter. The umbrella is combined in white, light-reflection. Despite the modest configuration, even skilled photographers will like it.

The Phottix rectangular softbox is the perfect choice for portraits. It can be easily attached to the flash with an elastic band. Used for studio shooting. A diffuser softens the flash output and distributes light better. Softens shadow borders. The outside of the device is covered with a white cloth, which acts as a light diffuser. The inside of the softbox reflects light thanks to its silver finish. The outer side is made of black fabric. Thanks to the elastic mount, the flash diffuser can be installed in a matter of seconds. The design is versatile and compatible with various types of flash units.

• Easy to install;
• Double diffuser for better diffusion;
• Versatility.

• Not identified.

Average price: softbox 600 rubles, umbrella 2000 rubles

Parabolic Umbrella GreenBean Deep silver

It is a deep parabolic umbrella and is also rounder than a standard photo umbrella. 16 spokes give it a perfect circle. The depth of the umbrella allows for more accurate focusing of the light. The diameter is 130 cm, which allows you to illuminate a large enough area, as well as create volumetric lighting around the object. The silver coating on the inner surface gives a more contrasting picture and hard light. The umbrella is easily folded and stowed away in the cover. It is convenient for both traveling and working indoors.

• Deep shape for better focusing and modeling of light;
• Ease of use;
• Ease of transportation.

• Not identified.

Average price: 4500 rubles

Phottix Easy-up HD softbox umbrella with grill

This softbox is rectangular in shape and features a diffuser with a grating made of matter. Its parameters: 60x90cm, it folds in the same way as a regular umbrella. This softbox can be used in conjunction with an on-camera flash flash or a compact studio light. Thanks to the closed design, the likelihood of glare in the photo is reduced. The silver reflector fabric provides even light and softens shadows. The grille provides a directed light flux with a smooth transition from the center to the edge. The device folds down easily in seconds. Photographers who often work outside the studio will appreciate the portability and compactness of this softbox. The umbrella is made of polyester.

• Versatility. Combines with any flash;
• Compactness;
• Closed design;
• The grille helps create a smooth cut-off.

• Not identified.

Average price: 4300 rubles

Outcome

There is no unambiguous answer to the question of which photographic umbrella is better. Beginners should start by using budget models. If such an umbrella fails, it will not be a pity to change it to a new one. Do not forget that the main goal of a newly minted photographer is to learn how to work with studio lighting. The umbrella can be easily disassembled and transported, quickly set up for work.

A softbox has a number of advantages over an umbrella, but certain knowledge is required to work with them, they are heavier and take more time to prepare them for work, in addition, softboxes are much more expensive than ordinary photographic umbrellas. Professionals using high-powered flashes and working in large areas may consider purchasing quality softboxes or parabolic umbrellas.But even despite the expansion of the range of accessories, experienced photographers often continue to use cheap umbrellas for light and reflection, combine them, getting new colors, shapes and shadows.