Umbrella Recommendation?

[Peter De Smidt]

Anyone have an umbrella model that they particularly like? I will be using it both as a regular rain umbrella and for shielding my 4x5 under some conditions. It would be a good xtra if it could also be used to soften or bounce light, but that's secondary. [Edited to make my use clearer.]

[Frank Petronio]

I like these for general lighting umbrellas, they fold nice and compact and are versatile, well made: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/750900-REG/Dynalite_UCBW_40_Umbrella_40.html

A golf umbrella works well for shielding cameras... the handle makes life easier and they can be cheaper yet larger (like $12 instead of $44).

[Kevin Crisp]

Big golf umbrella does it for me.

[BrianShaw]

Big golf umbrella does it for me.

Ya, I'll bet... in a Burberry plaid, eh? :)

[SteveR]

Ahh geeze, I had my answer all ready until I read you want to use it as a rain umbrella! I guess a big, white golf umbrella would be the go. If it were lighting, I was going to give a rave review of the RedWing brollies I use every day, build & material quality is fantastic, they get used and abused everyday in studio and on the road... don't know about their weather-fastness though... :rolleyes:

[drew.saunders]

I picked up one of these about 12 years ago and, other than the fuzzy part of the hook and loop getting a little too fuzzy, it's still going strong:

http://www.gustbuster.com/

The wind resistance part is really nice, never again a blown-out umbrella, and they're well made and sturdy. The golf sized is probably what you want.