Which Light Should You Buy (Photography 2020)

Is this expensive light modifier worth the hype? It's a head to head comparison between the Elinchrom LItemotiv parabolic softbox and the Impact 7' Parabolic Umbrella. Keeping everything the same, which light is better when factoring quality and price. Can you create gorgeous high-end light with an $100 umbrella? Let's see.

LIGHT MODIFIERS COMPARED-

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[VIDDTHEDESIGNER]

that extra $1100 difference is whats going to motivate and inspire you to shoot better pictures,

[dominicwroblewski]

I would suggest using the same diffusion material on both light modifiers. Then shoot with out the diffusion material.

[jasonbodden]

You add the diffuser to large umbrellas BEFORE you mount them to your light stand. The Impact shouldn't have lost any points for you not knowing lol. And no, I don't think it's a way better light just because it's over $1000 more than the Impact. Both are pretty sweet. Would I pay $1400 US for a modifier ever? Hell no. I don't think it's worth that at all but I don't crap on people for their purchase choices. The Elinchrom produces gorgeous light. No question about it but the Impact is absolutely fine. To each their own. I definitely respect that you really love your Litemotiv. I knew from the onset of the video that you'd prefer it even before you began lol.

[robertruffo]

The Ellinchrom has a look that is extremely pleasing The thing is, even if it is just 10 percent better (I think it's more than that) when you do high end shoots with high end models, you just use whatever is best.

[mroblige]

You'd be surprised what you can do with a $20 speedlight, two ms300, a $100 7' impact parabolic umbrella+diffuser, and a starter camera and 50mm lens ❤️❤️❤️💘💘💘

[jasonbodden]

And I just noticed that when you brought the exposure down on the Impact image to try to equate it with the Elinchrom you went darker than the Elinchrom picture. That makes a big difference to how highlights and shadows look.

[sols]

Get the umbrella for 60 bucks no question I promise it’s the same. I suggest putting the diffuser on while it’s off the stand on the floor way easier. 60 You can’t go wrong I have the white interior one even softer with almost no harsh highlights.

[bp-blackshark]

Sorry, but that comparison is like to compare oranges with apples. The Impact umbrella is smaller, and with putting the diffuser on, you did make the umbrella even smaller (look at the surface from the diffuser...its hanging, not stretched...it is looking like, as you did something wrong with the diffuser).
Next point: you cant center the lightsource on an umbrella like on a dedicated indirect softbox with an centered mount for the lightsource. The lightsource on an umbrella will always be out of center...except you would use a ringlight. And this will affect the focuspoint from this lightshaper. Even if you use a diffuser on the frontside. You will not get an symetrical falloff on the diffuser.
Since both lightshapers have a little bit different size and geometry, you cant put them on the same distance from your model and expect the same result. With a smaller lightsource, you have to come closer, because the focuspoint is closer. Also the geometry - how round and deep the lightshaper is - . and also the position from the lightsource compared to the reflective surface will affect the reflection and so the focuspoint, which will change the quality from the light in a certain distance.
Honestly, in this video, i think you did make the Impact umbrella as bad as possible, to justify the Elinchrom Octabox...maybe unintentionally, but you don´t like the umbrella...thats for sure, lol.

Yes, my comment is a little bit late, but today, this video did pop up for me ...you know: youtube :)

[rickjbradbury]

The results are very close and for the most part in a lot of lines of work the client won't care.

Where you may get a client seeing the difference is higher end editors / art directors and retouches but those and other Parabolic umbrellas are great for the price. I own a 7ft once and callit my poor mans 7ft octa.

Thank you for the comparison Gia.

[MDgunship]

Just a suggestion, drape the diffuser over the opening end of the Impact umbrella and then open it. Its set up in a

[adedoyinakinbi]

The impact is a deep umbrella which will definitely increase the contrast and quite small in size compared to the elinchrom which is shallow and bigger. You can try getting a shallow reflective umbrella that’s the same size with the elinchrom.

[MojoPetra]

Subscribed with happiness!Yes Elinchrom is Elichrom and it is so much better

[ShirtlessMenNetwork]

Thank you for taking the time to produce this comparison video. As I looked at the closeups of the model in the side-by-sides, I wondered if the quality of light from the Impact umbrella might've been even more similar, perhaps even indistinguishable, if it were moved closer to the center of the model's face as the Elinchrom softbox was. The catch lights in her eyes from the umbrella were significantly farther to her left (camera-right), resting more in the iris areas of her eyes than the pupils. This seems to have been the cause of the more distinct shadows, as they were considerably longer than those cast by the Elinchrom.

I would be curious to see the results of using identical placement of both light modifiers in relation to the model's position. My hunch is that the Impact umbrella will prove to be much more of a neck-and-neck contender. :)

[andrewthompson]

I started with the Impact 7' years ago and then maybe 2 years back was able to find a deal on a used Elinchrom indirect. In my opinion they are night and day difference in quality but that is not to say the 7' impact is a bad buy. Cant beat it for the price!

[alfonsosangiao]

I never used an indirect ... but im using for my headshots the deep octa (big one) and .... OMG ! I have no idea why. and I don't know how to explain neither.... but just the skin have a texture and a colour that are just beautiful!!! a big improvement in my light
(i shoot also with elinchrom flashes)

[familyvalues]

Looks like the impact is silver based on what I can see. My guess is if you used the 100 dollar 7 foot westcott white backing umbrella then added the diffusion layer it would be even closer than the impact (or if impact has white as well it should be the same logic). Thanks for comparing, as I will never buy a 1400 dollar modifier to know myself ;-)

[stine_jensen]

I actually love the look of the Elinchrom much more. Way more even distribution and better colour.

[darwin-nunez]

Great video I am actually looking at the westport version.

[Robert-ughx]

Elinchrom is out of my budget, If I was a working pro photographer instead of a hobby Elinchrom would be my first choice

[kertywillis]

Thank you. I’ve been looking for a video like this