Lastolite Skylight panels

treeman

treeman

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Just wondered if anyone here has used them and what they thought of them?

I suppose I'm interested to hear how sturdy they are, especially for outdoor use. :)
 
Just watched the video from lastolite, certainly look like they could have there uses, however like most lastolite kit well overpriced, i wouldn't be surprised if someone on ebay comes up with something similar, for a fraction of the cost of lastolite.
 
TG. said:
i wouldn't be surprised if someone on ebay comes up with something similar, for a fraction of the cost of lastolite.
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I could imagine if you skimp on these they're likely to fall apart pretty quick, I could be wrong though. Actually I didn't think they were that expensive, especially compared to Photoflex and Sunbounce ones.

kokakaste2 said:
SunBounce is making similar product, but it costs a lot more than Lastolite. :(

http://www.sunbounce.com/products/diffusers
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Yeah, I've got a couple of their reflectors, and TBH really not worth it, they're not that quick to erect and the fabric damages quite easily.
 
Sunbounces are the mutt's nuts..... But damn you pay for it.

Check out the calumet reflector panel.
 
Hi,

I've got a medium skylite panel. It's sturdy and simple to use.

The panels attach securely to the aluminium frame using velcro on a stretchy lycra-like material, which ensures the panel is kept very taut - excellent. However, when you first construct the panel it takes a couple of goes to suss out a quick and efficient method of attaching the panel, as the velcro tries to hook onto anything and everything! :thinking: However, once you've sussed out a good method it becomes a simple matter.

I nearly bought Calumet's frame & panel system, but they appear to have stopped selling them (or they had at the time, I've not checked since). But it's a similar system employed by other manufacturers. They were cheaper, but the panels attach using a strip of elastic at each corner of the material which simply loops over the frame; which would be fine in a studio but I wonder how well they would perform outside in the wind. However, I'm sure you could 'MacGyver' a way to affix the panels more securely. Please note: I've never used this style of panel, it's just what I *think* might be a problem.

If you're buying the medium size, I'd highly recommend getting the 'Premium' kit over the standard kit. It additionally includes (saving around £75 if you bought the extras seperately):
  • Griphead - ideal for attaching the reflector to a light stand or pole.
  • Crossbar handle - which makes handholding the panel much easier, and is useful in combination with the griphead.
  • Carry bag - which is nice to have, to keep all the bits neatly packed together, but not essential.

However, if you always have an assistant to hold the reflector then the additional items may prove a little less useful.

Hope that offers a little help.

Cheers,
Tony
 
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Never tried the Lastolite versions, but have been using the PVC Photoflex frames and panels for the last 25 years Over the years I've had to replace the elastic cord in the frames (cheap from local camping supplier) and the panels now have thin spots on the crease lines where they've been folded/unfolded over the years, but they are still very useful - I did think of upgrading to the alloy frames, but due to cost, availability and need to get new panels I'd probably replace them with the Calumet version.

Paul
 
Thanks Tony, The most appealing feature is the frame is shock corded together, a big help when putting it together outdoors.

I was originally looking at the 2m square panel, with the aim of using it as a shoot through diffuser, and Calumet don't make one that big. Incidentally they do still sell the smaller sizes, but trying to find them on their site is impossible. You have to download the Calumet catalogue and find the product code, enter that and bingo!

Photoflex was my original choice, but trying to find stock in the UK is proving very hard, suppliers are quoting two weeks delivery.

Anyway its all academic now as I've abandoned the original idea, going back to the Octa box :bonk:
 
treeman said:
Incidentally they do still sell the smaller sizes, but trying to find them on their site is impossible. You have to download the Calumet catalogue and find the product code, enter that and bingo!
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Aha! That explains it then. When I was first interested, it was no problem finding all the bit 'n' pieces on their website; when I was interested in actually buying, virtually all the bits had apparently disappeared.

I ended up buying a Lastolite premium kit secondhand for half price, so no great loss and certainly no regrets.

Cheers,
Tony
 
some bits are even listed under 'traditional picture frames'....
 
calumet are fixing the section that the panels etc are under on their site :)
 
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