Lighting is a photographer’s best friend. This crucial element can either make or break a shot. As such, professional photographers and hobbyists alike invest in a reflector to amplify the beauty of the image. Reflectors can either diffuse, bounce, or flag both natural and artificial light. They are often a photographer’s best solution when outdoor lighting is dimmed with grey clouds, or if a flashgun hits the subject with excessive direct lighting.
In short: reflectors help to reduce contrast between an image’s shadows and highlights by reflecting soft light onto the darker portions of your photograph (diffusion), bouncing existing ambient/natural light into harsh shadow areas on your subject (bouncing), or blocking some of that same ambient/natural light from hitting certain parts of it in order to create brighter spots elsewhere (flagging). For more information, see our article on how to use a reflector.
Want to take your photos from good to great? Then you need the best reflectors for photography! Our top picks will help illuminate dark areas, eliminate shadows, and produce natural-looking light. What’s more, they are easy to use, affordable, lightweight, and portable!
Best Photography Reflectors: At a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the reflectors we cover in this guide, along with what makes each one stand out.
- Phottix EasyHold 5-in-1 – Affordable, collapsible option for casual shooters
- Neewer 5-in-1 Multi-Disc – Versatile and budget-friendly all-rounder
- V Flat World Foldable V-Flat – Large studio-grade panels for full-body lighting
- Lastolite TriFlip 8:1 Kit – Eight surfaces in a triangular grip design
- Selens 5-in-1 Handle Reflector – Dual-grip design for solo photographers
- Godox Collapsible 5-in-1 – Durable steel-framed build at a great price
- Fotocreat 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector – Compact triangular shape for headshots
- Profoto Collapsible Reflector – Premium build quality for heavy professional use
- Lastolite HaloCompact – Ultra-portable pole-frame design that fits in a camera bag
- How to Choose the Right Reflector – Key factors to consider before buying
- Frequently Asked Questions – Common reflector questions answered
Phottix EasyHold 5-in-1 Reflector
If you enjoy occasional shoots outdoors or at events and need something simple and reliable, the Phottix EasyHold 5-in-1 reflector is a great starting point. The built-in handles make it easier to position than many traditional disc reflectors, especially when you’re working without an assistant. It’s a solid entry-level option for photographers who want light control without a big investment.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Collapsible and lightweight
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with five surface covers: white, silver, gold, black, and translucent
- Available in three sizes (diameter): 120 cm/47″ (great for group photographs), 107 cm/42″, and 80 cm/32″ (ideal for close-up shots)
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Flimsy against winds
- Comparably weaker build quality when compared to other reflectors
- Handles aren’t optimized for a secure grip
Neewer 5-in-1 Multi-Disc Reflector
The Neewer 5-in-1 Multi Disc Reflector offers versatility and portability for studio or outdoor photography. It’s one of the most popular budget reflectors on the market, and for good reason. The zippered cover system makes swapping between surfaces quick and intuitive, so you can adapt to changing light conditions without fumbling around on set.
Why You Should Buy It:
- It has a single translucent panel for light diffusion
- The form-fitting material case features silver and gold panels that convert to black or white panels
- Built with a single grip for better control
- 43″ (110 cm) in size when unfolded
- Comes with a carry bag that folds the reflector into a 15.7″ panel
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Hard to control against strong winds, which is a common issue with lightweight disc reflectors in general
Foldable V Flats by V Flat World
V-Flats are large light reflectors most commonly used in studio photography. Unlike the smaller disc reflectors on this list, V-Flats provide a massive 40″ x 80″ reflective surface per side, making them ideal for full-body portraits, product photography, and creating blown-out white backdrops. They can also be taken on location with foldable V-Flats like the ones made by V Flat World.
The V-Flat is white on one side to reflect, and black on the opposite side to block and/or subtract light. The hinged design offers a variety of positions, allowing you to create a self-standing “V” shape that wraps light around your subject beautifully. V Flat World currently offers the original foldable version (7 lbs, folds to 40″ x 40″ x 2″) as well as the updated V-Flat 2.0 (12 lbs) with a magnetic closure system and improved durability.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Massive reflective surface area perfect for full-body and group shots
- Dual-sided design (white/black) handles both fill light and light subtraction
- Self-standing hinged design requires no additional support
- Folds to a compact 40″ x 40″ for transport and comes with a carry bag
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Significantly more expensive than disc reflectors
- Only available in black/white (no silver, gold, or translucent options)
- Large folded size may not fit in all vehicles or camera bags
Lastolite TriFlip 8:1 Kit
The Lastolite TriFlip 8:1 Kit (now sold under the Manfrotto brand) is an interesting pick for photographers who are looking for color versatility. It features seven reflective surfaces plus a translucent diffuser base, giving you a total of eight lighting options in a single kit. The triangular grip design makes it possible to hold the reflector and operate your camera simultaneously, which is a huge advantage for solo shooters. It ditches the typical round shape in favor of a triangular look, which makes it unique from other reflectors on the market today.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Seven reflective color options: Silver, White, Soft Silver, Sunlite, Gold, Sunfire, and Black
- Bare panel is a 2-stop diffuser
- Comfortable padded grip designed for one-handed use
- Easy to handle, especially when shooting without an assistant
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Relatively expensive compared to other similar reflectors
- Some color variations (like Sunlite and Soft Silver) are closely similar and may not justify the premium for casual users
Selens 5-in-1 Handle Reflector
If you’re looking for a quick and easy lighting solution, the Selens 5-in-1 Handle Reflector is a strong contender. This reflector provides five different types of reflective material that allows photographers to modify their light source easily on location so they can achieve the desired effects in their images without having to carry around multiple pieces of equipment. The dual-handle design is the standout feature here, giving you much better directional control than single-grip or no-grip alternatives.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Its 43″ frame folds down into a compact 15″ panel
- It has a carry case with a built-in loop so you can attach it to a camera backpack
- Two grip handles for better control and positioning
- Total lighting control as panels can bounce, diffuse, or subtract light
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Not ideal for group shots due to its 43″ size; consider a larger reflector for multiple subjects
Godox Collapsible 5-in-1 Reflector Disc
The Godox Collapsible 5-in-1 Reflector Disc is your all-around reflector companion that boasts a stronger build than many other items in this list. This steel-framed collapsible panel provides you with essential lighting modifications and offers quick snap functionality for easy setup. If you’ve had cheaper reflectors fall apart on you after a few months of regular use, the Godox’s reinforced frame is a welcome upgrade.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Strong and durable steel-framed build
- Great value for your money
- Provides the standard five color variations: silver, gold, black, translucent, and white
Why You Should Not Buy It:
- Simple design without handles or unique features to differentiate it from similarly priced competitors
Fotocreat 5-in-1 Handle Triangle Reflector
A photographer who needs a compact option and usually captures headshots or solo portraits should consider the Fotocreat 5-in-1 Handle Triangle Reflector. Its unique triangular shape allows a subject to hold it themselves, which is perfect for under-chin fill light during beauty or headshot sessions. The compact 32″ size also makes it easy to bring along to any shoot without adding much bulk to your gear bag.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Optimized grip for single-handed use
- Compact size at 32″
- Perfect for headshots or solo-subject images where under-chin fill is needed
Why You Shouldn’t Buy It:
- Triangular shape limits the coverage area, making it unsuitable for half-body or full-body work
Profoto Collapsible Reflector
The Profoto Collapsible Reflector is a premium option built for photographers who need a reflector that will take some serious wear and tear. It’s available in both Large (120 cm/47″) and Medium (80 cm/33″) sizes. Unlike other items on this list, Profoto sells each color combination as a separate 2-in-1 reflector rather than bundling everything into a single 5-in-1 kit. You can choose from five combinations: Silver/White, SunSilver/White, Gold/White, Black/White, and Translucent. The build quality is noticeably superior to budget reflectors, with sturdy fabrics and a strong metal frame that folds smoothly and lasts through years of regular use.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Exceptionally durable build with sturdy fabrics and a strong metal frame
- Two ergonomic handles for comfortable, precise positioning
- Five color combination options to suit different shooting scenarios
Why You Shouldn’t Buy It:
- Each color combination is sold separately, so building a full collection gets expensive
- Handles are shorter than some competitors, which can limit positioning flexibility
- Significantly more expensive than 5-in-1 alternatives that include all surfaces in one package
Lastolite HaloCompact
The HaloCompact by Lastolite (now under Manfrotto) is an ideal reflector for those who want maximum portability. Rather than the traditional pop-up steel rim found in most reflectors, the HaloCompact uses a unique RapidExoframe system: lightweight aluminum poles that slot together and clip onto the reflector fabric, similar to assembling a tent. When broken down, the entire kit packs into a carry case measuring just 2.5″ x 10.5″ x 2.5″ and weighing under one pound. That’s small enough to clip onto your belt or tuck inside a camera bag. The frame also features 1/4″-20 threads so you can mount it on a light stand or clamp when you need hands-free positioning.
Why You Should Buy It:
- Ultra-compact packed size easily fits inside any camera bag or clips to a belt via the included carabiner
- Lightweight aluminum frame is rigid when assembled, unlike floppy pop-up reflectors
- Features 1/4″-20 threads for mounting on stands and clamps
Why You Shouldn’t Buy It:
- Assembly takes longer than a standard pop-up reflector (you need to slot poles together and clip on the fabric)
- Color options are limited: silver/white reflector, sunlite/soft silver reflector, or a 2-stop diffuser (each sold separately)
How to Choose the Right Reflector
Before you go ahead and purchase a reflector, there are five crucial aspects that you should consider: color, size, type, material, and shape. Taking a few minutes to think through what you actually need will help you avoid spending money on a reflector that doesn’t suit your shooting style.
Color
Each reflector color produces a different quality of light. White provides a soft, neutral fill that works well in most scenarios. Silver bounces more light with higher contrast, making it great for overcast days. Gold adds warmth and is popular for sunset portraits or when you want that golden-hour glow. Black isn’t technically a reflector; it absorbs light to deepen shadows and add dimension. Translucent panels work as diffusers when held between the light source and your subject, softening harsh sunlight.
Size
Smaller reflectors (24″-32″) are great for headshots and product photography. Mid-size reflectors (42″-43″) are the most versatile and work well for individual portraits. If you regularly shoot groups or full-body images, consider a larger 47″+ reflector or a V-Flat for maximum coverage.
Shape and Grip
Round reflectors are the most common and versatile. Triangular reflectors like the Lastolite TriFlip and Fotocreat are easier to hold with one hand and great for under-chin fill. Handles make a significant difference when you’re shooting solo, so pay close attention to the grip design if you often work without an assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Photography Reflectors
What color reflector is best for portrait photography?
For most portrait work, white and silver are the go-to choices. White produces a soft, natural-looking fill that flatters most skin tones, while silver provides a brighter, more contrasty bounce that works well on overcast days or when you need extra punch. Gold reflectors add warmth and work beautifully during golden hour or sunset sessions, but they can produce an unnatural color cast when used in neutral daylight.
What size reflector do I need?
The ideal size depends on your subject. For headshots and close-up portraits, a 32″ reflector is usually plenty. For half-body and three-quarter portraits, a 42″-43″ reflector offers the best balance of coverage and portability. If you regularly photograph groups or full-body images, look at 47″+ options or V-Flats for adequate light spread.
Can I use a reflector without an assistant?
Absolutely. Reflectors with built-in handles, like the Lastolite TriFlip and Selens 5-in-1, are specifically designed for solo use. You can also mount many reflectors on light stands using clamps or dedicated reflector holders. For under-chin fill during headshot sessions, triangular reflectors can even be held by the subject themselves.
What is the difference between a 5-in-1 reflector and a V-Flat?
A 5-in-1 reflector is a compact, collapsible disc that typically includes silver, gold, white, black, and translucent surfaces. They’re portable and affordable, making them ideal for on-location work. A V-Flat is a much larger, rigid panel (usually 40″ x 80″) that’s primarily used in studio settings. V-Flats provide significantly more surface area for wrapping light around a subject, but they’re less portable and only come in black and white.
How do I use a reflector in windy conditions?
Wind is the biggest challenge when using reflectors outdoors. Smaller reflectors are easier to manage in breezy conditions, and models with handles give you a more secure grip. You can also use a reflector holder arm attached to a weighted light stand to keep things steady. In strong winds, consider switching to a smaller, triangular reflector or having an assistant brace the reflector with both hands.
Conclusion
Every reflector on this list serves a slightly different purpose, so the best choice for you really depends on how and where you shoot. If you want maximum versatility on a budget, a 5-in-1 disc from Neewer or Godox will cover most situations. If you frequently shoot solo, the handled options from Selens or the Lastolite TriFlip are worth the extra investment. Studio photographers will love the V-Flat World panels for their sheer coverage, while travel and on-location shooters should seriously consider the ultra-compact Lastolite HaloCompact. And if you want the best build quality money can buy and don’t mind investing in individual color panels, Profoto’s collapsible reflectors are hard to beat for durability and feel.
