Review of the best reflectors for photography studio in 2024

A reflector, also known as a screen, reflector or light disc, is the key to successful photography and video filming, both studio and “open air” - in the open air. If you are a beginner photographer and are looking for inexpensive, but high-quality reflectors, then the rating of the best reflectors for a photo studio will come in handy, in which we will tell you:

• How to choose a model suitable for your goals, bypassing the study of the whole variety of studio equipment on the market;
• What are the best options available in the middle price segment;
• Popular models: their advantages and disadvantages.

We'll start with a small theoretical block that will help you understand why a reflector is needed and what benefits it provides.

Reflector functions

As you know, the key to a good photo is correctly exposed light. You can rely on natural light, but still, most photographers resort to a little trick and “embellish” it with additional light reflected from the reflector surface.

A reflector is absolutely essential when working in a studio in the evening, when the light of studio incandescent lamps is not enough, in order for the picture to turn out really interesting.

What is a light disc? This is a relatively rigid frame on which, in fact, a reflective material is stretched. It helps to use the light reflected from the main source (from the sun or when shooting with a flash) as a “spotlight” to highlight details in the shadows. Thus, the illumination of the frame is leveled. This technique is most relevant for portrait photography.

Types of reflectors

As noted earlier, the variety of reflectors on the market is impressive. And the classification can be built on a variety of grounds:

• By size: large, small, medium (portrait / full-height / intermediate);
• By shape: round, oval, triangular, rectangular;
• By color: white (salvation in bright sunlight, creates a light shadow on the model's face), black (when shooting glittering objects), gold (gives a warm shade and allows you to emphasize the model's tan), silver (for cloudy weather, with a cold undertone, with colors are more realistic in sunlight), as well as gold-plated and silver-plated, and, of course, combined;
• By the number of reflective surfaces (as a rule, options for 5-7 surfaces are common);
• On the frame: on a flexible hoop or rigid;
• By functionality: with replaceable panels or one static one, with or without a handle, folding or non-separable structures;
• For the price: the most simple, budgetary, quite expensive.

Everything will depend on what your selection criteria are.As a rule, beginner photographers choose the versatile option - a medium-sized and round reflector that is great for portraits. It will be difficult to use a large one, in the absence of proper skills and an assistant, so it is better not to create unnecessary difficulties for yourself, at first.

As for the color, you should take either a reflector with replaceable panels, or decide on the conditions in which your shooting will mainly take place - and choose a canvas of a certain color for them.

In general, only with a fair amount of practice, you will understand which reflector will be more convenient for you to work with when shooting with artificial lighting.

Average price of reflectors

The price range is quite large. The cost is influenced by several factors, among which the key ones are functionality, size, quality, fame and popularity of the manufacturer's brand.
Some are equipped with additional accessories or functions (for example, reflectors with an umbrella holder, curtains, filters) that you may not need in your work. Therefore, it may not be worth overpaying and choosing a more “modest” sample.

The simplest reflectors of the same color cost from 200 rubles. However, this is not very convenient, because by paying a little more, 900 rubles, you can get a complete set with 5 multi-colored interchangeable panels.

In order to understand where it is profitable to buy, we suggest you use the Yandex. Market. It contains offers from various stores in your area or with delivery from nearby major cities. It is convenient to compare prices of different sellers or even models by adding them “in comparison”.

In addition, before buying, we recommend that you read the reviews of the store where you plan to order the reflector. You shouldn't buy the cheapest option from a dubious seller, as you may have problems with warranty returns, shipping, and anything else. Choose a trusted provider with high user ratings. The price, as a rule, does not differ significantly and it is better to overpay 100-200 rubles, but save time, nerves and get a quality product on schedule.

Rating of quality reflectors

Consider the top 8 best models, their characteristics, pros and cons, how much each of them costs, and other points important for the future user. The popularity of models is based on user reviews left on a particular reflector and their key characteristics.

Reflector - diffuser Fujimi "FJ 702", 5 in 1, 60 cm

This versatile reflector is designed for both studio and field shooting. This is ensured by the presence of five interchangeable panels in various colors - from diffuse to gold. Its small size makes it suitable for portraits.

Complete set: carrying bag with clasp and handle, flexible frame and 5 interchangeable panels.

Cost - from 950 rubles.

• An affordable price even for a novice photographer;
• Lots of panels included;
• Compact carrying.

• Have not been found.

Reflector FST "RD052", 5 in 1, 90 * 120 cm

The reflector is suitable for both studio and outdoor photography. The shape is oval. He is one of the most popular models among photographers.

The panels in this case are also removable and are included in the kit. The following colors are presented: silver-gold, silver, white, black, translucent.

Cost - from 2 700 rubles.

• Convenient and lightweight;
• Popular model of good quality, reliable.

• Not the most budget option.

Ditech reflector "RF5-6090", 5 in 1, 60 * 90 cm

This is an oval-shaped studio reflector that is also suitable for outdoor shooting. It is quite budgetary, especially considering that the set includes five interchangeable panels of different colors.

The cost is from 1,300 rubles.

• Copes with light reflection;
• Affordable cost;
• Good equipment.

• Like most inexpensive goods, the reflector is made in China and therefore has a pungent and nasty smell that does not fade for a long time.

Reflector Phottix “86496”, 5 in 1, 80 cm

This option differs from the previous ones in that it is equipped with handles that make it more convenient for the photographer or his assistant. The reflector also has five reflective surfaces. Suitable for product photography and portraits, for travel and studio photography.

Complete set: carrying case.

The cost is from 2,300 rubles.

• Equipped with comfortable handles;
• Compact and lightweight.

• You can get a reflector with similar characteristics for half the price.

Reflector Falcon "Eyes", 5 in 1, 107 cm

It is a folding round reflector with 5 interchangeable panels - white, silver, gold, sunny gold and diffuser. It can be used both in the studio and outdoors.

Ready for transportation, the reflector measures only 40 cm.

Complete set - carrying bag.

Cost - from 3,900 rubles.

• Famous brand;
• Reliable and high quality, lasts for many years;
• Folds up quickly;
• Compact case;
• A variety of reflective surfaces allow you to experiment with the degree of reflection.

• Not everyone can afford such a reflector;
• It used to cost three times cheaper;
• Due to its large size, a shooting assistant may be required;
• The grip of the cover is not strong, it breaks quickly.

Reflector Lumifor "LRF-80-GRIP", 5 in 1, 80 cm

This is a reversible reflector with handles suitable for aspiring creators and professionals for street and studio photography.

The set includes five colors - silver, gold, dense white and black, translucent, and a bag-case.

Cost - from 2,000 rubles.

• Folds easily and requires a minimum of space;
• Affordable price.

• Have not been found.

Reflector - diffuser Fujimi "FJSTR-70780", 7 in 1, 80 cm

It is a compact, round, foldable design that can be used for outdoor shooting or small studio space. It gives the best results when combined with additional light sources.

It has a very rich set: gold, silver, white, black, translucent, blue and green changeable colors, which allow you to use the reflector as a background chromakey when filming.

Cost - from 1900 rubles.

• Many tones in the set;
• Affordable cost;
• High quality.

• Have not been found.

Reflector Phottix "86492", 5 in 1, 120 cm

This triangular reflector has five reflective surfaces in silver, gold, matt white and transparent, black.

Suitable for studio and outdoor work. Ideal for portraits and close-ups.
Complete set: carrying case.

Cost - from 3 600 rubles.

• Reliability and quality of performance;
• Nice set of backgrounds;
• Compact small case.

• Quite high cost of the kit;
• It will be inconvenient to hold because of the large size, without the help of an assistant.

For convenience, a summary table will be presented below, which contains technical information on all previously considered options in our review. Perhaps the selection according to the parameters you require will allow you to quickly understand which model is better to buy.

Reflector name	Fujimi "FJ 702"	FST "RD052"	Ditech "RF5-6090"	Phottix "86496"	Falcon "Eyes"	Lumifor "LRF-80-GRIP"	Fujimi "FJSTR-70780"	Phottix “86492”
Reflector shape	round	oval	oval	round with handles	round	round with handles	round	triangular
Set	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	5 in 1	7 in 1	5 in 1
Diameter	60 cm	90 * 120cm	60 * 90cm	80 cm	107 cm	80 cm	80 cm	120 cm
Replaceable panels	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Colour	white, black, gold, silver, diffuse	white, black, silver-gold, silver, translucent	black, white transparent and white matt, silver, gold	gold, silver, white, black, translucent	white, silver, gold, sunny gold, diffuse	silver, matt white, white, gold, black	silver, gold, white, black, blue, green, translucent	silver, gold, black and 2 types of white
Mount	Velcro	Velcro	Velcro	Velcro	lightning	lightning	Velcro	Velcro
The cost	950 rubles	2 700 rubles	1,300 rubles	2 300 rubles	3 800 rubles	2,000 rubles	1 900 rubles	3 800 rubles

Let's summarize. The reflector is a fairly budget and compact accessory for photography or video shooting. It is vital for every photographer, especially those involved in creating portraits.

If you have just started to master this subtle art, do not skimp on a reflector, because it will help you rise to the next stage of creative development.

As you can understand, it is impossible to give an exact answer to the question of which company is better to choose a reflector. Each price segment has its own leader offering models with an optimal price-quality ratio. It is worth remembering that the best manufacturers also make mistakes, and the budget option may well turn out to be even better.

Therefore, if there is such an opportunity - before buying a light disc you like on the Internet, go to the photo accessories store, where your version is presented live, and make sure that it suits you.