best constructed umbrella for studio: I do a lot of remote shooting where I set up a backdrop and lights/umbrellas... I have found that the Westcott brand constantly has the struts...

canon Lee

I do a lot of remote shooting where I set up a backdrop and lights/umbrellas... I have found that the Westcott brand constantly has the struts break. Any suggestion of another brand that is constructed better?

Strange

Profoto

Leitz Loc: Solms

A Google search turned up a good lot of umbrellas, unfortunately nothing for clutz proof.

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

I like the Photek softlighter

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

canon Lee wrote:

I do a lot of remote shooting where I set up a backdrop and lights/umbrellas... I have found that the Westcott brand constantly has the struts break. Any suggestion of another brand that is constructed better?

Same experience with Westcott as you..
Will take a look at the ProPhoto.
I've used their studio lighting when I was assisting and it's top notch stuff.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

canon Lee wrote:

I do a lot of remote shooting where I set up a backdrop and lights/umbrellas... I have found that the Westcott brand constantly has the struts break. Any suggestion of another brand that is constructed better?

I am still using the same PhotoFlex umbrellas I bought in the 1980's. I don't even know if they still make umbrellas today. Still; have all 4 soft boxes I bought back then as well and except for a few oddly bent struts they are just fine as well.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Same experience with Westcott as you..
Will take a look at the ProPhoto.
I've used their studio lighting when I was assisting and it's top notch stuff.

I have that problem with everything I've ever used. I just keep repairing them using a bicycle spoke and small zip ties!!

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Profoto is probably one of the top in quality. But tops in price too.

Best,
Todd Ferguson
Harrisburg, NC

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

Build them yourself. This will give you complete control over the quality of materials and construction.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

MT Shooter wrote:

I am still using the same PhotoFlex umbrellas I bought in the 1980's. I don't even know if they still make umbrellas today. Still; have all 4 soft boxes I bought back then as well and except for a few oddly bent struts they are just fine as well.

I also have a couple PhotoFlex umbrellas which I have used a lot and they are holding up fine. And they are around the same price as the Westcotts.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

SharpShooter wrote:

I have that problem with everything I've ever used. I just keep repairing them using a bicycle spoke and small zip ties!!

Do you lace it cross 3 or radial?
(After 26 years, I'm getting a new mountain bike for Christmas! )

PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

Most umbrellas are doomed to self destruct, even if you try to handle them gingerly. As a result, I find it best to get cheaper ones, because they last about as long. Away from the delicate world of the umbrella, also look into the world of Mola.

http://mola-light.com/mola-softlights/

DVZ Loc: Littleton CO

I have found PhotoFlex to be very durable over years of use. I have a couple of Westcott 60" umbrellas which measures 50" around the circumference where as the PhotoFlex 60" measures 60".

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Do they break from opening and closing, or after getting knocked over? Sandbags or water weights add stability to light stands when on location, but nothing will save you from wind gusts outdoors.

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

Do they break from opening and closing, or after getting knocked over? Sandbags or water weights add stability to light stands when on location, but nothing will save you from wind gusts outdoors.