Your thoughts on reflectors

[mjs1973]

Steve's response in my thread about using flash for ourdoor portraits, has peaked my interest in a set of reflectors. I'm thinking that a 5 in 1 set is the way to go, and that I would like, white, silver, gold, black and translucent. I have looked at B&H and the prices for these colors range from $60-$80, and I know nothing about them, other that what each color is designed for. My biggest question is quality. Is this another case of get the best that you can afford, or isn't there much differance in the brands for these? What is the differance, performance wise, between the $60 Normans, and the $80 Photoflex?

[Peter_AUS]

Photoflex is the best quality I have seen, if you can get one that has suttle gold and not the harsh gold that would be better. 42" would be a good size to get as well.

[another view]

The Photoflex is very well made, and is still flat after having it for a year or two. If it's not flat then the whole reflector won't reflect light into your subject (if it's curved, light will reflect at a different angle).

This is the kit that I bought from B&H - a stand is nice to have, so that you don't have to find someone to hold it for you. Of course this won't work too well outside on a windy day! It's a 32" but 42" might be better (but it's maybe a little big to fit inside a camera bag - they fold to 1/3 of their diameter).

Since I bought it, I saw another reflector holder boom arm which I think is probably better - it uses small clips that grip the ring around the reflector but I can't remember who makes it.