Center rod failed, just like many other reviewers have mentioned
Like every 7' umbrella from every manufacturer, the light quality is great. It's a giant soft light source, making it easy to get great looks. The problem is in the durability. The center rod broke free from the top of the umbrella making it useless. I never took this umbrella out of my studio and don't treat my gear roughly, so this should last for years, but it did not. Looking through other reviews I'm seeing other people reporting the same issue. I'll be replacing this with an umbrella from another manufacturer.
G
Ginny
★★★★★
Rod Snapped
The metal rod snapped off right where the umbrella locks open and of course it happened 5 minutes before a session. Now I have a 7' umbrella that I cannot close and that is unusable. Only positive is that it was fairly inexpensive but it's still $100 waisted. I'd recommend a carbon fiber rod umbrella that won't snap in half over the aluminum ones.
Scott Scherer
★★★★★
Westcott build quality is very good
It’s well built. The light is beautiful. I love it.
J
Jamie M.
★★★★★
An excellent product!
I needed this umbrella for a model casting call shoot I did with The Gap. The results were pristine. This was a last minute purchase that I couldn't be happier with. Perfect size - great to only need one light in front, even on group shots!
donte tidwell
★★★★★
Five Stars
love it. creates a really soft window light look
billross77
★★★★★
Good luck using it with a normal bedroom height ceiling
I got this in the mail yesterday and, despite reading all of the reviews, was shocked at how big it was. This thing is huge. Good luck using it with a normal bedroom height ceiling. Yes, you can do it, as my picture shows, but it is a beast. I have it set up with two YN560s and it puts out a ton of light. The photo I attached is at 1/128 power for both lights in a nearly dark room. With the size of the umbrella, it lights up everything with soft wrap around light. A great purchase and a good tool for portrait and group work. I know my example is not the best, but my dog was the only one I could get to volunteer to pose for me. Notice how at ISO 100, it still lightens up the entire surrounding.
