Westcott 301 Photo Basics 40-Inch 5-in-1 Reflector

by F.J. Westcott Co.

• Silver increases the specular highlights and yields a high-contrast image. Its perfect for video, product shots and B&W photography.
• Gold produces a natural, golden fill that is great for sunsets or indoor portraits.
• White produces an even, neutral-colored bounce light that works beautifully as a fill light source
• Black is used as a flag to block light or can be used to subtract light
• Translucent fabric is used to diffuse light, producing a broad light source and a soft, wraparound effect

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 13.5 x 1 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000NFIW98
• Item model number: 301
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (150 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #11 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Lighting > Lighting Controls & Modifiers > Reflectors
  • #96 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Photo Studio
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

The Photo Basics 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Kit is versatile in the field and in the studio, providing shadow-lightening detail in your subject, using available, or studio lighting. It contains a translucent white disc, which is perfect for softening direct sunlight, or lights without diffusion. Use the removable, reversible zippered slipcover to reflect light into shadow areas of your subject. The cover consists of the following colors: silver, gold, white and black. This 42" reflector is perfect for 3/4 length portraits, and medium still-life setups. It folds down to 1/3 its open size, and comes with a carry case. We suggest the purchase of a pivoting arm and stand, to hold the disc where needed -- especially if you are working without an assistant.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 108 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Does what it says December 24, 2008

By Sir Coogs A Lot

Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm not sure why someone would rate this reflector low because "it's too big" since in the 21st century I would hope that people have figured out the concept of measuring length and it's not the fault of the reflector if they don't understand that 40 is bigger than 32, but truth be told, this is a nice large reflector and I am glad for it.

If you do portraits, you want to make sure you cover the shadows and with a smaller one it's a little harder to aim. I also like that the translucent part of this is big enough to cover a whole person without standing too close to them. Also the large size lets you use this as a background for a headshot or closeup.

The zipper IS kind of weird but pretty much all 5-in-1 reflectors are a little fussy when it comes to sliding the different reflectors in and this is not something you can do when you're in a hurry. you need a place to lay down the reflector and slide in the middle part and close the zipper. If this is a problem for you, it might be better to buy dedicated reflectors or a 2-in-1 type thing, but overall if you're on a budget, this product works well if you are patient.

FYI, I just use a tripod or light stand and home depot clips to hold this together and not the one that is sold for it.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great product, does everything I need. June 24, 2008

By Ryan Koehler

Let's face it, this is a reflector. It really does everything I could ask out of it. It is solid and well made. The slip is easily reversed and I noticed no problems with the zipper, as I had read in other comments. I say that this is a very nice product. The reflectors give a nice bounce and the diffuser works great outdoors, or even as diffusion in front of my studio lights. I think this is a great price and I would recommend it. The only other thing I would say is that being a bigger piece, you really are going to want someone to hold it for you, as it may prove difficult to shoot and hold, but you can always lean it against stuff or get a good c-stand. But I like the size, because it gives you a good surface area for bounce and you can shape it any way you see fit. I have not come across any issues or regrets, it's a good choice.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice reflector August 15, 2007

By Slick Chick

Amazon Verified Purchase

I just received this today and am impressed with it. Very good value for the money. Folds down to a nice size and seems very large when open. I'd recommend this to someone who is looking for a decent reflector at a good price.