Photoflex vs. Photogenic Umbreallas

[friskybongo]

I'm looking at two 60" umbrellas and would appreciate advice from those who have experience with either/both.<br /><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42512-REG/Photoflex_UM_RUT60_Convertible_Umbrella_60.html" target="_blank">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...brella_60.html</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/76946-REG/Photogenic_909317_Umbrella_Eclipse_White.html" target="_blank">http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...pse_White.html</a><br /><br />The Photoflex has fiberglass ribs which I've read are less prone to damage than the metal ribs of the Photogenic. But the Photogenic has a covering over the ribs to minimize the appearance of the ribs. I've also read that the Photogenic white is actually an off-white color.<br /><br />I'll be using this for portraits. How easy/hard is it to remove the black covering to convert both to shoot through mode? B&H has a $15 rebate on the Photoflex which expires today.<br /><br />Thanks All!

[peter_cohen]

<p>I have many Photoflex umbrellas, both with metal ribs and fiberglass. They all have removable black covers. I can say from experience that the fiberglass ribs are way more resistant to getting bent out of shape (they don't) than the metal when you have a light blow over outside. Removing the covers is a non-issue. Takes about 10 secs to get them off, a little more to put them back on.</p>

<p>The 60" is a great size. I routinely shoot groups of up to 30 people with two 60's and get uniform coverage.</p>

[friskybongo]

<p>Thanks Peter. Is the actual color really off-white as I read on one site?</p>

[AJG]

<p>I haven't used the Photoflex umbrellas, but I have used the Photogenic 60" for years. I have found them to be quite durable, and haven't had much of a problem with bent spokes. I did mange to wear one out after 10+ years, but that didn't seem unreasonable to me given the level of use.</p>

[hjoseph7]

<p>I have both but prefer my Photogenics.</p>

[henryp]

<blockquote>

<p>I have used the Photogenic 60" for years. I have found them to be quite durable, and haven't had much of a problem with bent spokes.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>My experience is identical.</p>

<p>Henry Posner<br /><strong>B&H Photo-Video</strong></p>

[peter_cohen]

<p>Regarding the white color, it looks pretty white to me. It's never been an issue for me.</p>

[michaelmowery]

<p>You splitting hairs over nothing. Work on your lighting and composition. Who cares if you can see the ribs of the umbrella or if the white is an off white when you have an amazing lit portrait. I used photogenic years ago and had problems with them with heavy use on location. Ribless umbrellas is just a gimmick to get you to buy them. I now use photek umbrellas when i use umbrellas. </p>

[friskybongo]

<p>Thanks all; you've given me some pointers to consider. Michael: I'm not sure if ribless is just a gimmick but you are correct - sometimes I get too caught up in the minutiae of things.</p>