I have been looking at a few umbrella based softbox like products. One is a silver reflective umbrella with a while diffuser across the front. There is an opening on the front that the flash fits through. One advantage of this is the convenience of an umbrella while having soft controlled light. One advantage I would see is that I could move the light source higher in a room with 8 foot ceilings and aim it down at a steeper angle without needing a boom. I could get a pair of these in the 40" size for $30 online.
I'm also looking at the Paul Bluff PLM system. These are 16 rib parabolic umbrellas that come in either white or silver and have a variety of accessories. There are a couple of mounting options. You can either mount it like and umbrella with a shorter shaft than prior versions. Or you can get a speedring mount that centers the flash on axis. Seems like a better system and more versatile. Without the diffuser, it puts out a large light source that is 2 stops more efficient than a softbox. The 16 ribs make for a rounder source for the catchlight. I'm thinking of getting the silver 64" PLM and diffuser which is really 55" across the front.
Has anybody here worked with either product? The cheaper set is highly rated by previous buyers but I like the versatility and on axis positioning of the PLM. I thought either one would be convenient to take on the road to visit family during the holiday season this year.
I'm really split over getting the cheaper set of 2 for a price I don't have to think about to try out the concept vs the PLM that I see as a better product.
What would you do?
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