Just when you thought the basic 5-in-1 reflector couldn't get any better, Westcott has announced their new 10-in-1 Omega Reflector. The unique design of the Omega allows you to use it like a ring light, a gobo and a flag rather than just your boring old traditional reflector. At 38 x 45 inches, the Omega offers your typical black, white, silver, gold and 1-stop diffusion surfaces. However, what makes the Omega stand out is its removable center frame on each surface that allows you to shoot through the reflector!
Portrait and wedding photographers will find this 2:3 ratio opening in the centre of the frame very handy. For example: using the sun as a hair light, shooting through the opening allows the Omega to reflect most of that natural light back onto your subject, providing a nice fill. If you prefer to use strobes, then the Omega allows you to create a two-light setup with only one strobe, which translates into less gear to haul around!
Gold and 1-Stop Diffusion Panel with Center Removed
The Omega folds down to 14 x 14 inches (1/3 of its size) and comes with a carrying case and shoulder strap for easy portability. Westcott is also providing two suction cups with hooks to allow you to get creative in mounting it to windows, walls and other smooth surfaces. With the interesting catch lights that the Omega can produce, it’s certainly a must-have in any portrait / wedding photographer’s field kit.
If you are ready to get the Omega reflector, head on over to B&H to make your pre-order!
[via Westcott]
SONOFA...You don't know how often I thought about cutting a hole in my 5-in-1 to do exactly this!!
I'm trying to find a place with this in stock. Two photoshoots coming up that I'd LOVE to use this with. This looks brilliant.
Saw this demo'd at Jerry Ghionis' How-to-Wow workshop. He definitely got impressive results straight out of the camera! I usually don't like the ring light look, but this is big enough to give it a great quality of light.
its sill the same amount of equipment for the similar look of a two light setup, just a large reflector that you have to move around instead of a strobe. I would say its more cumbersome to move around a floppy reflector than a flash head on a stand
A flash head with no modifier? Um, sorry dude.
even a 3x4 softbox would have a more solid atachment to the head/stand than a flimsy floppy 38x45" reflector held on by 2 small clips at the bottom
To an extent, if you chose to set it up that way. Also its cheaper, lighter, and some people prefer to shoot available light. Besides I use a reflector all the time in the studio. Its way easier when all you need is a little bounce.
I saw this at the 'How to Wow' tour as well. Gerry pulled it right out of the bag, grabbed a flash and an assistant then boom - perfectly lit subject with a nice rim lighting. Also, in reference to other posts, advantage is that you don't even need a light at all. Use the silver side, place the subject between you and the sun then boom - perfectly lit subject with nice rim light.
I've been doing this with foam core for a while now. This seems pretty cool!
I absolutely love it when an extremely simple piece of gear can turn everything upside down.
I cut a hole in a white poster board a while back after seeing Hurley's light setup for head shots. I should have pulled an Amazon and patented it!
Don't see why some people are complaining, it's not like they priced it differently, and this is just ANOTHER feature for some of the best light modifiers for the price.
Time to stab that old reflector of mine!! Looks like a nice thing to have around!