Are there big differences between quality of reflectors?

[Krunko]

I'm looking at getting a reflector. I see very cheap ones like the following on ebay.

http://tinyurl.com/2lgoe4

It's only $24 after shipping. I'm wondering if there is any real difference between getting a cheap one and say a higher priced on on BHphoto.com or Samy's. And if there, is what is it and what brand should I be looking for? Do some reflectors bounce softer light than others?

Thanks,
Chance

 

[moonlitnite]

Hi Chance,

My take is that the cheaper one's simply don't last very long. If you don't plan to use the reflector very much and are very careful, you could probably get by with a cheapie - heck, some folks even have good luck with auto windshield reflectors. Reflectors typically use a three-way twist and fold-up process to store it between jobs ; the low-end units won't last long with normal wear and tear. And of course, the cheapies or auto reflectors don't have the flexibility of two-sided reflectors.

For what it's worth, I have a Wescott 6-in-1 reflector (including diffusers) and a also carry a Botero green/blue screen.

Good luck, Michael

 

[agcohn]

There's a reason why foam core is so popular, because it is cheap, and it works.

White boards will be softer than silver reflectors.

 

[smithy]

I prefer to use foamcore...I even made my own reflecter using foamcore and a reflective material that you can buy at a artstore and just make your own.