The Perfect Curved Reflector for Headshots? - Westcott Eyelighter 3 Unboxing and Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 มิ.ย. 2024
- Watch me unbox, setup and review the Westcott Eyelighter 3
So many photographers, especially headshot photographers like me, rely on a curved reflector for their headshots. There are now plenty of options out there ranging from $100 to $300, and the Eyelighter has always been at the top of that price range. In this latest update to their popular specialist tool, Westcott seems to have addressed the two biggest problems: the price and the difficulty of setup and breakdown. Westcott sent me one of these to review for the channel, so follow along as I tell you why I like a curved reflector, why I haven't been using the Westcott brand up until now, and why I might switch.
Check out the Eyelighter 3 Here:
www.fjwestcott.com/eyelighter...
Intro - 00:00
The Eyelighter It's Competitors and It's Problems - 01:05
What's New in the Eyelighter 3 - 02:45
Setup and Review - 03:29
Conclusions - 06:07
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Here is a link to my TH-cam video on how to use it:
• Frequency Separation f...
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Let me know if you have any questions about curved reflectors or have an experience you want to share.
This was a great review. First time viewer, and I love your energy. You earned a sub.
well thanks very much, appreciate you!
Thanks, Gary, for sharing all this great info! I LOVE my Eyelighter and I don’t even care about the set up and break down time because of the amazing results I get with it. But thanks to you, I’ll definitely be upgrading to the newest version! 🤗
I might by a second one to stay in the car! :)
Thank you Gary. I was shopping for an eyelighter and I'm glad I ran across this video. Now I am going to purchase the Westcott Eyelighter 3.
You will not regret it. Absolutely brilliant.
You and Peter are the man with headshots! Hope you are doing well!
Thank you, doing great!
Thanks for the review, Larry sent out a note that this was done. I have his very 1st model that I use as well as the Glow large curved softbox. Looking forward to getting this one as well 👍
So far I like it very much and the changes are definitely welcome
Thank you for this review! I bought the Westcott Eyeliner 3 at my local camera store!
Enjoy it!
Great review, Gary. I've been holding off on getting an eyelighter because all of my work is on location. I'll be getting this one and can't wait to finally have a decent reflector.
Very cool, enjoy!
Very helpful Gary. Your video helped sell me on this!
Honestly, it’s a great product :) enjoy!
Finally, one I can travel with, been using Larrys original one for many years and trust me you don't want to have to take this one apart & put back together again :-) like you, that one will never leave the studio again :-)
Yes absolutely
As always, spot on review. I have one of the other ones and the set up is a pain. Thanks
Not a problem! It's seriously a huge improvement.
I'm late to the party, but great review Gary. This has been on my list of items to get for a while and have been reluctant because of the set up and breakdown aspect of it. Now off to hit buy in my shopping cart. Thanks!
Go for it! It’s really an excellent upgrade
Awesome to the point video!
Thanks!
I too have the pain in ass to set up Eyelighter 2. I love Westcott and I am looking forward to getting the upgrade.
Honestly completely worth it
Great review. I have one of the other brands that's similar. Westcott's velcro fabrics and the clip on rod system looks to me to be a game changer. Switching out the fabrics and clipping the poles together are the hardest part of the set up.
It’s honestly a huge improvement.
I'm using the version made by Neewer and love it; especially the price and all that you get with it. Also loving the value of the GLOW modifiers compared to what I originally paid for the Westcott version.
I have the glow version and it stays set up at the studio. The Eyelighter 3 is in my go bag of location gear.
Great review Gary. We use the Neewer ones in our studios and I love the light. Only issue is the build time for on site shoots. This may well change that as long as I have space in the boardroom of course!!!
Honestly the build time is better, and the parts themselves are much more thoughtful and difficult to lose. Not so many little screws to roll away from you
Those are some game-changing changes. So happy to see this review. Thanks, Gary!
No problem!
I have the eyelighter II and only use it inside. I used a bounce reflector outside since it is so light and versatile to fill in the shadows.
Yeah, not sure about the Eyelighter outside, but I mostly shoot indoors myself.
I have the first version and use that for on location shoots all the time. I love the catch lights and the fill. Maybe its time for an upgrade!
Dude, totally worth it
Thanks Gary
Yes I have the older version and love the results but hate the setup time 20 mins for me .I will purchase the eyeliner 3 in the near future.
Thank you
Definitely worth the upgrade
Hey Gary, you're my new TH-cam hero! Wondering how feasible it is to get 3/4 length portraits (bottom crop at thighs) with the Eyelighter. Does it still work when lowered that far from the subjects face?
Sure does. It’s all about the placement and distance of the main light. If you need more oomph, switch to silver.
Thank for the video. I do have a glow brand and have used it for portraits and pet photography. Although I like it, I’ve found it too cumbersome to navigate in my little studio. Is there a smaller alternative? Other than regular reflector.
Neewer makes a curved reflector that is smaller, yes.
Thanks Gary
I have version 2 love it in studio
How are you liking those glow soft boxes
They mostly stay in the studio, but they are producing some great light at an affordable price. No complaints :)
Good video my friend.
thanks!
Thanks for the info! I still have issues with placement for best position of the eyes as the reflection shows up in the middle of the eyes. Suggestion?
Honestly it depends on the look you are trying to get. I have a few different videos on the channel where I am using it if you want to get a sense of my personal take. Best bet is play with it a bunch until you get a look you like. It's surprisingly versatile.
HI, great review! Does it come with the stand?
Unfortunately not, no. I use a Paul C. Buff mini light stand. Had it for years and it's perfect for this.
First timer here. Thank you for a comprehensive review on this product. I specifically asked about this brand in one of my photography groups. Those that own it gave it a glowing review. I'm still stuck on which tripod to get for this eyelighter. The Manfrotto on your website is pricey. Can you recommend another that won't break the bank?
Pretty much any short light stand will do. Pro master is a pretty affordable brand or any of the Glow or Flashpoint products from Adorama are affordable
I have the Neewer version I bought as an open box deal for like $70. As with a lot of the Neewer products, I had to replace a knob due to the build quality however, it’s worked well since. I have to say, I chuckled at the reading glasses comment given Tuesday’s podcast 😂
I look younger without them!
Thanks, Gary! I do location headshots (I don't have a studio). I've been using a sheet of white, foam core board in a holder on a light stand as my "eye lighter" reflector but I've always wanted to get a "real" one. Wescott's cost is still an issue (considering Neewer or Glow). I like the multiple covers with velcro, and the ease of changing them as well as the carry case. I'll have to save my Starbucks money and just go ahead and get the Wescott.🤣
I've honestly tried a few different ones and the version 3 is worth the money, especially if you shoot on location a lot. Thanks for watching!
Hi Gary, what lightstand do you recommend to hold the eyelighter3?
I use a short light stand from Paul C. Buff that works really well
@@GaryHughesOfficial Is that the stand you shot the video with? Don't see it on Paul C. Buff's website
Thank you. But I must have missed something. You compared it with products at half the price, but what about the end results? Does it giver you better looking photos than the others? Does it provide better, more even fill? Does it give you better catchlights?
No, largely the same results. The difference I think is in the build quality and now the engineering. I feel like the price is finally competitive for what you get :)
Hi Gary - I am currently using the Angler Mini CatchLight Reflector V2 (18" by 37") because I have very small studio in my den. I still use a reflector for fill light. I have noticed that in some of your videos that you do not use a reflector for a fill light (like in your Creative Live videos). Is that because the large size of the curved reflectors provides adequate fill on the shadow side of the face? Thanks again for all your educational videos - they are tremendously helpful!
Well that CL was 9 years ago, so I have changed a lot since then. My current gear list is on my education page hughesfioretti.com/education/
Thanks Gary!
No problem!
My concern is that the gold metalic may be tough getting flat, and if you don't, you could get weird highlights. Otherwise looks interesting.
Everything fits nicely and lays flat so far :)
I decided to by a curved reflector and went with the Eyelighter 3 mainly for the speed of set and of course the build quality. I don’t have a studio so all of my equipment has to be portable. Over the years the speed of set up has become more and more important. Also when you move things around a lot it needs to be a high build quality.
totally agree. The EYelighter 3 is the first curved reflector I actually take on location. I hope you enjoy it!
I just recently bought my first eye lighter. And I broke one of the pieces trying to put it together! 😂😂 I’m too scared to take it apart now that I have the replacement part.
This looks amazing!
Been using the Eyelighter 3 pretty heavily for a few months. It's holding up really well. THanks for watching!
@@GaryHughesOfficial I’m going to put it on my list! Thank you for the review. I’ll see you at imaging for your pre-con class! Looking forward to it!
See you there!
I have the GLOW one and works great for my needs, I use it for more beauty style shots, for headshots I have a 48in arched softbox with AD400 below (and key as well). I tend to like the look more as I can control it more so I gravitate there.
I have the Glow Arclight as well, it works well, for sure. The Eyelighter 3, though is a massive step forward in convenience. I might include it in more videos to show some details
@@GaryHughesOfficial How does the Glow Arclight vs Westcott V3 compare in size?
Some people argue that the material should be taut to reflect more light. On the new version, does the velcro hold the material taut enough?
Definitely, yes. Seems to reflect just as well as other versions
Even broken down it looks huge...Does this fit into a suitcase when flying? (I fly a lot for shoots and I am trying to reimagine my travel kit).
Great question. I think you could put it in a checkable suitcase if you separated the parts, but I use a long Photogenic bag and it fits nicely there with my gear. This is 100% my new travel reflector.
@@GaryHughesOfficial as someone based in the EU, I'm tempted to ask a US friend to bring it back in his suitcase, but very doubtful it will fit in a generic checkable suitcase. I don't suppose you could do a quick test and get back to me perchance?
$200 is honestly already pricey to me but given the excellent improvements of the 3rd model I'm willing to give it a chance. Having said that, the cheapest European option I can find is €240 from a French distributor and honestly at that price I'm highly inclined to simply accept the drawbacks of lesser knockoff models.
I am confident that taken into its component parts, it could fit easily into a large checked bag with room to spare. The only bit that doesn’t fold up is the center base. If you can get the width dimensions of that from the Westcott site, you’d know what your biggest piece is :)
I just got the selens version and I'm yet to test it
Enjoy!
@@GaryHughesOfficial and I will
been using the Neewer version. Pain in the butt to be honest. The issue tends to be the connecting rodes at either end of the curve. The screw heads which fit through the poles to ensure fabric is tight and poles are kept in place, are now slightly bent (no doubt due to the pressure). This makes the set up even more tricky and difficult. I cannot count the number of times I have caught my thumb on the rod as it eventually makes it through the second hole of the pole. Love the catchlight it gives, however hate the build.
I can not recommend the Westcott version enough for exactly these reasons. Great build quality, easy setup and breakdown, totally smokes any other version of a curved reflector I've ever used. It's worth the money. I keep my Glow version in the studio and never have to break it down while the Eyelighter 3 stays in my location kit.
Hi, what tripod are you using or do you recommend for it?
You can see my gear list including my tripod here hughesfioretti.com/education/
You once showed an app in one of your videos where you let people choose their favorite pics on your iPad. Whats the name of the app? And can you maybe make a video on your workflow with that from a technical perspective?
I use Canon Camera Connect and Capture One Pilot
@@GaryHughesOfficial thank you for the apps :)
No problem
Hey, Gary! I saw your viral video titled (Photographers Should Not Buy This Phone - iPhone 13 Mini Camera Review) which has 34K views. I liked this video a lot, after that I watched a lot of your videos and I think your video is addictive.
Glad to have you on board
@@GaryHughesOfficial You are very talented in your profession, but I'm sad cuz you are not getting the praise you deserve, I can see your talent. But why can't people see🙃
Kind of you to say. I’m working on getting more out there, not to worry. Nothing to be sad about!
ohh nice keep it up but Gary, today while I was browsing your TH-cam channel a couple of exciting ideas came to mind which can help you to go viral and that I wanna discuss with you:🤓
Great review! Unfortunately I can't use this in my studio at all as it's too big. It's the main reason I've never gotten the other versions. If I can get a larger space, then yeah, but for now I just use the posing table and put a reflector on that. I make it work :)
Yes, it's size is one of the best and worst things about it. If you have the space for it, it's really very cool.
A smaller size exist by Neewer on Amazon, I use it for on location shooting
How is the set up and breakdown?
Setup and breakdown is very fast, but it is not as big as this one. But for small office and corridor it’s perfect.
@@patrickdesrochers1341 I just looked that one up, it's still pretty large LOL
I can’t find the frequency separation session. Can you help me?
Links in the description of this video :)
What advantages does this have over using a strip box with a strobe?
Interesting question. For one, it’s just a different style, but the real advantage is the catch light mimicked the shape of the iris and can be more subtle than a strobe. Also, one less strobe to plug in, meter, charge, etc. Both are solid techniques, just different.
Strobe will give you more control over changing power but I prefer the catchlight this produces
If I don't have that much space, which is the most compact?
I think the Neewer version is pretty small
@@GaryHughesOfficial Too small to work well or just small?
No I think it probably works just fine. Not as easy to set up or break down though
yeah sure but what does it do doe?
It…adds fill light?
If you gotta ask then this product isn't for you.
A 42" long version would be much better. Additionally, the base fabric would be best if it was black on one side and white on the other with the extra fabric being zebra striped and silver.
Well okay, sounds like those would be cool options.
I’m looking for a flat version (no curve) of this like the sunbounce but at a reasonable price. Anyone know of one? If westcott makes one I’ll be first in line. This video almost had me sold though.
I don't know if Westcott makes anything flat, but I like these reflector panels from Adorama. They are really portable and versatile adorama.rfvk.net/Qy3Ax9
the cheetah bowflector is well built as well.
Good to know!
ooooh is that a blur knife?
If by that you mean that I use it so quickly and skillfully that it becomes a blur…then yes
@@GaryHughesOfficial oh I meant is that knife a Kershaw, model name: blur?
@@pagpapaitim It's a Kershaw, not sure the model though.
Lol I can’t get past the fact that the catchlights from these things make subjects eyes look like Mike Wazowski….
O)
once you see it.. you can’t unsee it!
lol, they can be intense, that’s for sure. Main reason I prefer the white fabric :)
I just had to Google it, lol. To be fair, I think that’s common in loads of animated eyes, he is just 60% eyeball
@@GaryHughesOfficial lol well I mean it makes the subjects eyeball into his body.. the eye lighter catch light is the mouth, and the key light becomes his one large eye…. So the entire eye with the catch light becomes him..
@@MrMom950 well thanks...now I will giggle every time.
Takes too long to set up for travel work
Have you set up the version 3? Because I travel with this everywhere now where I member took the older versions.
@@GaryHughesOfficial version 3??? It’s not the type of product I wanted to keep buying lol but if you want to trade I can give you my one time used original westcott