Best Portable (and Packable) Reflectors on the Market!
You would think by now I would own a reflector! I actually used to but it got lost in a storage unit! Moving every year, while being somewhat adventurous, has taken a toll on not only my life but on my gear, too! But I’m back in the market for a new reflector since I have been hired to shoot a model out of state and want to take one with me but I don’t want a large cumbersome one. I want one I can fold up and throw in my suitcase! And I want a few options as far as reflective quality, so I jumped on the internet and also asked a few friends and thought it would be a great idea to share with you what feedback I got! I use reflectors mainly in available lighting situations like the photograph below. This was shot on a boat in the middle of the Persian Gulf in Dubai for Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. We obviously didn’t need strobes, but we did need a little fill here and there, so a reflector was perfect for the job! I rarely use them in a studio but there have been times when I will use foam core to bounce light back in. But when you’re outdoors, it’s great to have that bonce fill to help you and the sun achieve great results! Keep reading to discover what I found while researching to replace my old reflector!
The first person I reached out to was my friend and 1st assistant for, like, the last 11 years or so, Tyler Mitchell. Tyler suggested Adorama’s Exclusive Glow 5 in 1 42” Reflector! This nifty reflector is priced really reasonably at $34.95 and gives you 5 reflective surface options: transparent, white, gold, silver, and black. It also comes in 22” and 32” and those smaller sizes will also cost a bit less too! I like 42” inches because it bounces a good amount of light for the clothing! And at that price, if it lasts a few years, you’ve gotten your money’s worth!
For a pricier option but made to last, The Sunbounce Sun Mover, Circular Collapsible Disc Reflector, Zebra / White Seamless 32" is a really great option! But keep in mind, you buy each reflector on its own, it does not come with the kit like Adorama’s Exclusive Glow featured above. But Robert Trawick swears by this reflector and I chose this particular color combo of Zebra/White because the warmth it adds is truly beautiful, especially at magic hour! P.S. Your assistant is going to love the handles! Built to last, priced higher but the quality is key here!
Although it’s on back-order, I did read some great reviews on the Photoflex DL32 MULTI MultiDisc Five-In-One Reflector! Photoflex is a great company, I’ve been using them since I started out 40 years so they’re tried and tested by me! But the only reason I would go with Adorama’s Exclusive Glow 5 in 1 is that I love that they include a black piece because you know that I love SUBTRACTING the light!! But other than that, the price is basically the same and it has great reviews on the internet!
Now for some fun stuff! Watch Jim Felder demonstrate how to fold your popup reflector! That’s right, Jim is going to walk you through how to fold these pesky little flexible things cuz if you don’t have the knack down, it can lead so some comical moments! Trust me, we’ve all been there! Thanks for the video, Jim! Hey also you guys should know about Jim Felder’s and Robert Trawick’s AWESOME podcast called FotoFacts! I’m even on there when they interviewed me last year! Check it out HERE!
We would love to hear from you! What reflectors do you like, and why?! Please comment below and share this post!!