The best reflectors for photography are an inexpensive solution to the problem of insufficient light – something photographers are always battling against. Whether you’re using natural light or bringing your own, a good reflector can be the perfect way to bounce diffuse and flattering light onto your subject, banishing harsh shadows for the perfect portrait look.
I’ve picked out a selection of what I think are the best photography reflectors you can buy right now. Portable, collapsible and inexpensive, these reflectors make for a simple addition to any kitbag. Many are sold as 5-in-1 or even 8-in-1 – this means you can switch around the color to create different quality of light, from simple white to a warm sunset gold.
Read on to see my picks, and scroll to the bottom of this page for a more detailed explainer on photographic reflectors and how to use them. And for more options for controlling your lighting, see our guides to the best softboxes and best flashguns.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight.
The Quick List
Reflectors don’t have to be circles or rectangles – this triangular design is easy to hold and balance, and you get lots of surfaces.
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This no-frills set is generally available at a low price and brings you all the basic options you could want from a reflector.
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It’s not the cheapest and you only get two surfaces per set, but the build standard and the quality of light you get are superb.
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Typically available at a bargain price, this set is only suitable for small subjects, but it’s easy to hold and easy to pack down.
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The frame in this set comes apart so you can pack it down to a much smaller size than other reflectors – perfect for trips.
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No assistant? This kit includes a convenient stand as well as a good-quality 5-in-1 reflector, so you have everything you need to start.
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Best reflectors for photography
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Best reflector overall
✅ If you want as much color versatility as possible, as this Manfrotto kit contains eight different reflector shades.
✅ If you want something easy to handle, as the triangular shape and handle is easier to use than a traditional circular shape.
❌ If you're on a budget, as there are definitely cheaper reflector options out there.
Lastolite (now owned by Manfrotto) is credited with developing the very first pop-up circular reflector, but Manfrotto’s TriFlip offers a different approach. Large-diameter round panels can be unwieldy to handle, but this panel’s triangular shape makes it more manageable, while still maintaining plenty of surface area. A single handle is all it takes to maintain a good grip, and the handle is nice and chunky.
This particular 8-in-1 kit is available in 45cm and 75cm sizes, with the latter being a more versatile size for portraiture. A larger 120cm Trigrip version is also available and is a better bet for full-length shots, but only comes in 2-in-1 variants.
With eight surface options, the TriFlip is ready to create almost any lighting look. The bare panel is a two-stop diffuser, but two reversible covers add seven surface options, including White, Silver, Softsilver (whiter silver), Gold, Sunlite (silvery gold), Sunfire (darker gold) and Black surfaces.
Best budget reflector
✅ If you're on an ultra-tight budget, as this Godox reflector is one of the most affordable options on the market.
✅ If you want something that packs down well.
❌ If you want a reflector with a handle, like Manfrotto's 8-in-1.
The Godox reflectors might not have handles like Manfrotto’s handy triangular shape, but they'll still do the job and they're among the cheapest in this shortlist. The Godox 5-in-1 reflector disc includes a gold, silver, black, white and translucent options; if you prefer, you can opt for an alternative version with a softer gold side.
Like all collapsible reflectors, this one springs out with ease and can be packed away into a carry case. It has a steel frame that makes it very sturdy and it packs down to just a third of its maximum size, making it convenient for traveling with. The lack of a handle shouldn't be too much of a concern – if anything, it just makes it less bulky to take on location.
Best premium reflector
✅ If you want a large reflector for professional portraiture, from a reputable photographic brand name.
✅ If you want a high-quality warm-light reflector – the Sunsilver option is excellent in this regard.
❌ If you want multiple color options in one reflector – you have to buy the different colors separately, and costs rack up.
Profoto has become synonymous with professional, high-end lighting. While it's pretty difficult to make a reflector stand out, Profoto has done its best. This collapsible reflector comes in two sizes: a large 120cm version, best for small groups, or a medium 80cm version, best for singular portraits. Often smaller reflectors are easier to manage – especially if you're shooting with no assistance on location – as they're lighter to hold and the wind won't catch them as easily.
Although several color options are available, you can only buy them as double-sided reflectors, which means you'll have to buy multiple reflectors if you want to achieve different effects. Your options are Silver/White, Sunsilver (light gold)/White, Gold/White, Black/White, and a translucent diffuser. If you only buy one, I’d go for the Sunsilver/White option, as its pale gold side adds some warmth to your sitter without producing an unflatteringly yellow reflection, which can happen with a conventional gold surface.
Best small reflector
✅ If you want something ultra-portable – the smallest version of this reflector can fold down to 38cm.
✅ If you want lots of color options, as the 5-in-1 design makes it easy to switch between covers.
❌ If you need a big surface for expansive group shots, as there are larger reflector options available.
Some photographers argue that collapsible reflectors are so simple that, for occasional hobbyist use, it’s difficult to justify splashing out on a premium product over a budget model. This 5-in-1 reflector from Selens is not only affordable, but it comes with reversible colored covers to shoot every scenario.
At 60cm it’s relatively small compared to some reflectors, but that means you can just about hold it in one hand and shoot at the same time. If you need to shoot larger groups, it also comes in 80cm and 110cm versions. This small reflector folds down to just 38cm, so it’s great for traveling.
Best reflector for travel
✅ If you want something both portable and high-quality, as the collapsible aluminium frame makes this reflector easy to transport.
✅ You want something customizable – once you've bought the frame, you can choose which surfaces to buy.
❌ If you want something super-straightforward and quick to set up – the 12-clip design can be a bit fiddly.
While a standard pop-up reflector usually collapses down to around one third its open diameter, the HaloCompact packs into a carry case just 27 x 6.5 x 6.5cm and weighs a mere 335g, yet opens up to a very versatile 82cm diameter. The detachable fabric is available with silver/white reflector surfaces, or there’s a 2-stop diffuser version; the fabrics can be bought separately, so you only need to buy one frame.
The remarkable space-saving design is thanks to Manfrotto’s RapidExoframe collapsible lightweight aluminum frame, which quickly slots together like a tent pole. The fabric then simply clips to the frame. The collapsible frame features a handle that incorporates a ¼” thread to attach the panel to a tripod head.
In reality, the 12 clips can be a little fiddly and stiff to attach, especially when tensioning the fabric with the last couple of clips. It gets easier with practice, but will never be as effortless as a conventional pop-up design. That said, most people will only open and collapse a reflector once during a shoot, so the extra set-up time is negligible, and no other medium-sized reflector we’ve seen packs down as small.
Best reflector with a stand
✅ If you're working solo – the Neewer 5-in-1 comes with its own stand, meaning you don't need a second pair of hands.
❌ If you don't like round reflectors – you may prefer the triangular shape offered by Manfrotto.
If you need something not too demanding, that'll pack down well and get to your location without causing too much stress, the Neewer 5-in-1 fits the bill. It's a pretty no-fuss, no-frills reflector, but the Neewer name means you are getting value for money. You have five options for the quality of its surface area, allowing you to take control of your light in a number of different ways. For the photographer who just needs a reliable reflector that works, this is a solid choice.
The best part is that the Neewer 5-in-1 comes as a kit, so you also get a stand and a useful carrying bag for the reflector. The stand is a godsend if you are shooting without an assistant to hold the reflector in the right position, or if working in a small studio.
How to choose the best reflector
Reflectors are simply simple accessories on the whole, but there are still some points of distinction you need to consider before you make your buying choice. Most reflectors use covers to offer a selection of different-colored surfaces – see below. You also need to choose the most appropriate size – 80cm is generally fine for portraits and headshots, but you’ll need 100cm or wider to distribute the light to suit small groups or full-length shots. Also consider whether an integrated handle would help you keep the reflector steady if you expect to be shooting without an assistant.
FAQs
What does a reflector do in photography?
A reflector bounces light towards your subject – as the name implies, it reflects it. This might be natural light from the sun, or it might be light you've created via a flashgun or LED. In either case, a reflector is a simple an inexpensive means of getting a little more light onto your subject, reducing deep shadows. By its nature, reflector light tends to be quite soft and diffuse – which is all to the good for portraiture.
Which type of photography reflector should I use?
When using a reflector, you'll usually have a number of colour options, each of which will be useful for different shooting applications. Here are the main types of reflector you're likely to use:
White: A white reflector gives a soft natural look and is one of the most popular choices for reflecting light.
Silver: Silver reflectors are great when shooting in dull, grey conditions as silver reflects more light. In bright sunlight, it'll be too harsh.
Gold: Go for gold when shooting at sunset to maintain a warm look. Use sparingly, as it’s easy to make your model look too bronzed.
Sunfire: a combination that combines strips of gold and silver reflector to give you a compromise between the two filter types.
Black: A black ‘reflector’ doesn’t reflect at all - it simply shields (or flags) light from your sitter to create a more dramatic, contrasty feel.
Diffuser: A multi-surface reflector will usually be based around a translucent diffuser panel - this is great for softening direct light. This diffuser can then converted into a reflector by adding a zip-on cover, with various surface colors available.
Where is best to place a photography reflector?
Naturally this is somewhat situation-dependent, but the most common use for a reflector is placed on the opposite side of a subject relative to your source of light. So if you were shooting a portrait with flash coming from the subject's left side, you would ideally place the reflector on their right side, so as to boost the light levels on the side that isn't getting the full burst of flash, reducing harsh shadows.
How we test reflectors
When we look at accessories like reflectors for photography, we assess how easy they are to use, the quality of the materials used to make them, and the value for money they offer. We look at how many different color options a reflector offers, whether it is easy or difficult to set up and pack down, and we look to make realistic assessments about which type of photographer it would and wouldn't be useful to. We also supplement our own testing experience by looking at online customer reviews to get a sense of how the wider photography community has found the product in question. Learn more about how we test and review at Digital Camera World.
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