10 Best Reflectors for Photography in 2023 (& Product Tips)

The best reflectors for photography give you more control over light. Light is the most important element in photos. But getting the perfect lighting isn’t easy. That’s why light reflectors are so useful for photographers. Whether you’re shooting food, product, or portrait photography, a reflector can be a game-changer.

The Neewer 5-in-1 circular reflector is the best light reflector for photographers. It’s a versatile piece of equipment with five different reflective surfaces. It’s lightweight and easy to transport. And it’s great value for money. Every photographer needs a reflector. And Neewer has the perfect option.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Reflectors For Photography

Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

Lastolite Halo Reflector

32″ Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector for Photo Studio

What Are the Best Reflectors for Photography?

The best reflectors for photography should help you achieve the perfect lighting for your photos. They can be used in photography studios. Or you can use them on location.

You can use them to redirect artificial lights. Or you can use a reflector to manipulate and enhance natural light.

Light reflectors are popular with portrait photographers. And they are an essential piece of equipment for food and product photographers.

They are useful for fine art photographers. And fashion photographers also use them all the time.

Light reflectors come in different shapes and sizes. So you have plenty of choices. But it can make finding the best light reflector difficult.

Think about what you’re shooting. And consider your photoshoot location. You have to think about how much light you have to manipulate. We’ll discuss this in more detail and provide tips in the FAQ section at the end.

First, here’s a brief list of the best reflectors for photography in the table below. Then keep scrolling to see all our reflector recommendations in more detail.

Our Top Choice

Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

5-in-1 design gives you creative options
Made of high-quality, durable materials
Easy to collapse and store
Lightweight and portable

Most Portable Reflector

Lastolite Halo Reflector

Reversible silver or white surface
Folds to a third of its original size
Collapsible and lightweight
Comes with a carry bag

Best Triangle Reflector

32″ Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector for Photo Studio

5-in-1 design for all your lighting needs
Versatile reflector that reflects, diffuses, absorbs light
High-quality materials make it a durable option
Lightweight and foldable for a portable design

Best Tabletop Reflector

Meking 3-in-1 Folding Photography Reflector

Three reflective surfaces of gold, silver and white
Easy set up and storage
Durable and long-lasting material
Compact and lightweight design

Best Small Reflector

NEEWER 19.6 Inch/50 Centimeter 5 in 1 Collapsible Multi Disc Reflector

5-in-1 design for great versatility
Durable construction for long-lasting use
Folds up to 7.5 inches for convenient storage
Collapsible and lightweight for easy transport

Best Curved Reflector

FUDESY Clamshell Curved Reflector

Used for lighting, diffusing and reflecting
Great value for a versatile piece of equipment
Made of high-quality materials for long-lasting use
Folds up to a small size for easy portability

Best Rectangle Reflector

BDDFOTO 24 x 35-inch 5-in-1 Reflector

5-in-1 design gives you creative control
Large reflective surface for max illumination
Folds down to a small size so it's easy to carry
Comes with a carrying bag for easy transportation

Best for Shooting on Location

Smallrig 32-inch Photography Reflector

5-in-1 design
Reflects and diffuses light
Handles on either side for more control
Portable and lightweight

Budget Pick

Soonpho Folding Light Reflector

Reflects and diffuses light for perfect shots
Easy to set up and fold
Sturdy and durable
Lightweight and portable

Best Reflector With Stand

Selens Photography Reflector Stand kit

Five reflective surfaces for more creative lighting options
Adjustable height and angle
Tripod stand included
Lightweight and portable

10 Best Light Reflectors for Photography

These are the best reflectors for photography. We’ve included different shapes and sizes. And there’s a reflector for every budget.

Every photographer needs a light reflector. And our list will help you find the best photography light reflector.

1. Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

Brand	Brand Newer
Type	Type Circular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 16.1 x 1.6 x 15.3 inches / 41 x 4 x 39 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold, and translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Foldable, includes carry case
Best For	Best For Portrait, fashion, headshot, and product photography

The Neewer 5-in-1 circular light reflector is the best in the business. With five reflective surfaces, it’s a versatile piece of equipment.

It’s lightweight and easy to use. And it folds down and has a carry case, which makes it a portable option. That means you can use it in the studio or on location.

You get white, black, gold, silver, and translucent surfaces in one reflector. Not only can it redirect and manipulate light. You can also use the surfaces to change the quality of the light. So this 5-in-1 reflector gives you excellent creative control.

When expanded, the reflector has a circumference of 43 inches (110 cm). The large surface area means it reflects plenty of light. This allows you to work with natural light. And you don’t need artificial lighting.

If you do use studio light, you only need to use one. The reflector is powerful enough to redirect light from another direction.

It’s a handy size to work with. You can use it handheld. Or an assistant can easily handle it while you take photos.

It weighs next to nothing. So you can use it for long periods without fatigue. Or you can also use it with a tripod and reflector holder or a light stand with a clamp.

From its expanded size, it folds down to 15 inches (35 cm). And when folded down, it fits into its handy carry case. The case also has a handle. So you can attach it to your camera bag.

It’s useful and portable. And the price is excellent. You won’t regret buying the Neewer 5-in-1 reflector.

2. Lastolite Halo Reflector

Brand	Brand Lastolite
Type	Type Circular
Material	Material Aluminum / Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 2.7 x 2.7 x 11 inches / 7 x 7 x 28 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White and silver
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Collapsible ring, carry case, ergonomic handle
Best For	Best For Traveling and location shooting

The Lastolite Halo is the best reflector for photography if you shoot on location. With stow-away dimensions of 2.7 x 2.7 x 11 inches (7 x 7 x 28 cm), it’s easy to take anywhere.

It also has a large surface area when expanded. And this makes it a powerful light reflector for location shooting.

When expanded, it gives you a 32.2-inch (82) cm circumference. It’s a big area for reflecting light. So you get more luminosity and brighter shots.

It also means you can use it for full-length body shots. That’s ideal for environmental portraits or fashion photos.

The Halo reflector has two reflective surfaces of white and silver. The white side gives you light similar to the original light used. The silver surface gives the light more dazzle. It’s colder and more metallic but can make your images pop.

The aluminum ring is collapsible. So the reflective nylon surface can be folded away. Plus, the reflector comes with a handy carry case.

The whole set is compact and easy to carry. So it fits nicely in your camera backpack. The Halo reflector is the most portable light reflector for photography on our list.

3. Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector

Brand	Brand Selens
Type	Type Triangular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 31.4 x 29 inches / 80 x 74 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold, translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Foldable, carry case included, user handle
Best For	Best For More lighting control

The Selens 5-in-1 triangle reflector gives you terrific lighting control. With a triangular shape and a useful handle at one end, it’s easy to control reflected light.

It’s lightweight. So you can use them for long periods. It has a big surface area for excellent illumination. And it folds down to a portable size.

As a 5-in-1 reflector set, you get white, black, gold, silver, and translucent surfaces. So you have fantastic creative options. They bring diverse lighting effects to your photos.

The handle at one end also gives you more physical control. And since it weighs so little, you can hold it in one hand. But it gives you a large surface area when expanded. So you have excellent levels of illumination.

You can bring more light into your images without using a camera flash. (Read our articles on Canon flashes and Nikon flashes.)

This Selens reflector is also portable. It folds away and fits into the handy carry case. And when folded away, it measures only 11.8 x 11.8 inches (30 x 30 cm).

It’s great for portraits in the studio or wedding photography on location. And the price is also excellent.

4. Meking 3-in-1 Folding Photography Reflector

Brand	Brand Meking
Type	Type Foldable Rectangles
Material	Material Cardboard
Dimensions	Dimensions 17 x 12 inches / 43.2 x 30.5 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Weighs 13.7 oz / 389 g
Best For	Best For Food, product, and tabletop photography

The Meking 3-in-1 folding photography reflector is the best light reflector for tabletop photography. It has a super-simple design. Yet it’s incredibly effective.

It’s lightweight and portable. It’s free-standing in vertical or horizontal orientation. And it’s affordable for any photographer. Plus, you get three reflective surfaces to work with—white, black, and silver.

The white gives you a bright fill light. The black side reduces reflective light and glare and highlights contours. And the silver side is extra reflective, giving you sharp light.

This 3-in-1 folding reflector by Meking is free-standing. So you don’t need a separate stand. And you can use it in vertical or horizontal orientation. This gives you different lighting angles. And it allows for more shot variety.

This reflector weighs next to nothing. And it folds down to fit in any camera bag. You can even take it with you in a messenger bag.

Along with a good food photography tripod, it can revolutionize your product or food photography. So it is a must-have item if you work in those industries. And it costs very little.

5. Neewer 5-in-1 Light Reflector

Brand	Brand NEEWER
Type	Type Circular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 7.5 x 7.5 x 2 inches / 19 x 19 x 5 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold, translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Foldable, carry case included
Best For	Best For Photographers who want smaller, round reflectors, location shooting

The Neewer 119.6-inch 5-in-1 light reflector is similar to the option in our number one position. You get the same five reflective surfaces to work with. But this photo reflector is smaller and easier to manage.

You can still use it in the photography studio. But the smaller size makes it even better for location shooting.

The total circumference is 15.7 inches (40 cm) when expanded. While this is significantly smaller than the previous Neewer reflector, it still gives good lighting options.

It’s perfect for tightly framed portraits. And it’s a great tool for lighting small products and individual plates of food.

It folds into the carry case, which is easy to transport. So it fits into most camera bags. Plus, it’s lightweight. So it won’t weigh you down.

Finally, it’s an absolute bargain at its current price. This Neewer 119.6-inch 5-in-1 light reflector is perfect for photographers wanting a small handheld reflector.

6. FUDESY Clamshell Curved Reflector

Brand	Brand FUDESY
Type	Type Clamshell / Curved
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 67 x 24 inches / 170 x 61 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Adjustable angles, Velcro attachments, carry case included
Best For	Best For Studio photography and large products

The FUDESY Clamshell is the best curved reflector for photography. It has a massive surface area, giving you excellent illumination. And the curved surface gives you even lighting from many angles.

It’s one reflector that can replace many flat reflectors. So it’s an ideal curved reflector to have in your photography studio.

It gives you a wider light spread than flat reflectors. This means the light is reflected at different angles. So it gives you better lighting all around your subject.

The FUDESY curved reflector gives you four reflective surfaces to work with. You get white, black, silver, and gold for excellent lighting control.

This curved reflector is a large piece of equipment. So it’s best to have a stand or a tripod to hold it. (Read our article on the best heavy-duty tripods). This means it’s difficult to work with on location.

But it does fold down and fits into a useful carry case. So you can easily take it with you from shoot to shoot.

7. BDDFOTO 5-in-1 Reflector

Brand	Brand BDDFOTO
Type	Type Rectangular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 24 x 35 inches / 61 x 89 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold, translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Foldable, carry case included
Best For	Best For Photographers wanting a rectangular reflector

The BDDFOTO 5-in-1 is the best reflector if you want a rectangular one. It gives you a large surface area with powerful reflective qualities.

You get five reflective surfaces. And it’s a portable option that folds down to a much smaller size. It’s another bargain photographers can’t afford to miss.

With five reflective surfaces, it’s ideal for creative photographers. You can change the mood of your images in seconds. (Check our Creative Photography Cookbook and Creative Portrait Concepts e-books for tips.)

Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to use. It folds down and fits into the 12.2-inch (31 cm) case. So it’s popular with location shooters like wedding photographers.

This 5-in-1 reflector by BDDFOTO offers excellent value. You get a lot of illumination and creative options from one simple piece of equipment. It’s a small price to pay for this level of lighting control.

8. SmallRig 32-inch Photography Reflector

Brand	Brand Smallrig
Type	Type Circular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 31.5 x 31.5 x 0.4 inches / 80 x 80 x 1 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold, translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Two handles, foldable, carry case included
Best For	Best For Precision lighting control

The SmallRig 32-inch photo reflector offers incredible lighting control. One of the unique selling points of this reflector is its handles.

You have one handle on either side of the ring, giving you excellent control. So it allows you to get the perfect lighting for every shot.

And it’s another 5-in-1 set. This means you get varied reflective surfaces that give you even more lighting control.

It’s also lightweight. So you won’t feel any fatigue during long photoshoots. But this medium-sized reflector ring bounces plenty of light your way.

The 32-inch photography reflector by SmallRig folds down to a convenient size. And it has a carry case, making it easy to transport when traveling to shoots.

It is a bit pricier than other reflectors on this list. But the build quality justifies the higher price.

9. Soonpho Folding Light Reflector

Brand	Brand Soonpho
Type	Type Folding Rectangular
Material	Material Carboard
Dimensions	Dimensions 17 x 12 inches / 43.2 x 30.5 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, silver, gold
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Foldable, lightweight
Best For	Best For Produce and food photography

The Soonpho folding light reflector is perfect for product and food photography. It’s a free-standing light reflector that can be used vertically or horizontally.

It has four reflective surfaces you can use. It’s small and lightweight. And it’s an absolute bargain. There’s no reason not to have one in your gear bag.

You get white, black, silver, and gold surfaces. And each color gives you a different lighting effect in your photography.

It measures 17 x 12 inches (43.2 x 30.5 cm), ideal for tabletop photography. And it’s the perfect size for shooting focused products or food photography.

This Soonpho light reflector couldn’t be more simple. But it will transform your photo results. It’s a small price to pay for more professional results.

10. Selens Photography Reflector with Stand

Brand	Brand Selens
Type	Type Circular
Material	Material Nylon
Dimensions	Dimensions 43 x 43 x 0.5 inches / 110 x 110 x 2 cm
Surface Colors	Surface Colors White, black, gold, silver, translucent
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Comes with stand and carry case
Best For	Best For Studio photography

The Selens photography reflector is another 5-in-1 reflector for photography. It gives you white, black, gold, silver, and translucent surfaces. And it folds into its carry case.

The difference here is that this reflector comes with a tripod stand. The light reflector can be used by hand. And it even has two handles on either side of the ring. But the tripod gives you even more stability.

It also means you can work without an assistant. The tripod has a maximum height of 6.6 ft (2 m). This gives you plenty of positioning options. And it folds down to 27.5 inches (70 cm).

This photography reflector also folds down. And when folded, it fits into the carry case. This takes the size down to 14 inches (36 cm). So with the stand, it isn’t the most portable reflector option.

But you can still take it from photoshoot to photoshoot. And the Selens photography reflector set is the best if you want a stand included.

FAQs About the Best Reflectors for Photography

The best reflectors for photographers revolutionize the way you work. But finding the best reflector isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions.

What Types of Photographers Use Reflectors?

Light reflectors are a common tool in photography. They allow you to manipulate light, which is useful for many kinds of photographers.

They are frequently used in portraits. And the way they help you achieve even lighting on the subject is ideal if you’re trying to make a profit from portraits.

Reflectors are also essential equipment for fashion photographers. And they use them in the studio or on location to illuminate the models and clothes.

Food and product photography are two more disciplines that use light reflectors. They are exactly what you need to make edible images. They give you more control over your lighting. And you can use them to manipulate natural or artificial light.

A photographer taking pictures in nature with a Newer reflector strapped to his backpack — Our top choice, the collapsible, lightweight, and portable Neewer 5-in-1 circular reflector

How Do You Use Light Reflectors?

You use light reflectors to reflect light onto your subject. And you can use them to balance light in a portrait, giving you an even shine. This removes hard shadows on the face.

You can place a reflector off to the side of your subject’s face. You can position it below to give the subject more lift. Or you can place it above to give an overhead lighting effect.

You can also use reflectors on or beside a tabletop when shooting food or products. Again, you use the reflectors to remove unwanted shadows.

You can get even lighting right across the shot without additional lighting. Tabletop reflectors are perfect for this type of photography. Or you can position a larger reflector next to the table using a tripod or stand.

Read our guide about using a photography reflector for perfect lighting.

Why Use Different Reflective Surfaces?

Each reflector surface gives you a different quality of light. That’s why multi-surface reflectors give you so much creative control.

A white surface reflects the same light. So similar light will bounce back if you’re using white artificial light. And you get a natural tone if you use it with natural light.

A black side, by contrast, reduces light. This highlights contrasts and accentuates contours.

A silver surface gives you a cold, almost metallic reflection. A gold reflector gives you a warm, yellowish glow. And a translucent option reflects very little light, giving you a more subtle lighting effect.

Selecting the right surface is about understanding the atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a bright or harsh atmosphere? Do you want soft illumination? Or do you want a hearth-like warmth?

What Size Reflector Do I Need?

The reflector size you need depends on what and where you’re shooting. What type of photography are you going to shoot?

You only need a small reflector for tightly cropped portraits. But it’s best to have a large reflector for shooting wider environmental shots.

Snapping small products only requires a small reflector. But bigger products, like cars, need larger reflectors.

Where you’re shooting is also important. You want large light reflectors if you’re working in a studio. And you can even have reflectors on stands.

You might also incorporate them into your photography backdrops. But you’ll need something more portable if you’re shooting on location.

Smaller reflectors are more portable. And foldable ones can even fit in your camera bag.

Conclusion: The Best Reflectors for Photography

After you start using a light reflector, you won’t know how you ever worked without one. They redefine the parameters of your photography. And they bring new life into your work. That’s why finding the best light reflector for photography is so important.

The Neewer 5-in-1 circular light reflector is the best reflector for photographers. With five reflective surfaces, it gives you fantastic creative control. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and portable. And the price is more than reasonable. It’s a must-have for creative photographers.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Reflectors For Photography

Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

Lastolite Halo Reflector

32″ Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector for Photo Studio

What Are the Best Reflectors for Photography?

10 Best Light Reflectors for Photography

1. Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

1. Neewer 5-in-1 Circular Light Reflector

2. Lastolite Halo Reflector

2. Lastolite Halo Reflector

3. Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector

3. Selens 5-in-1 Triangle Reflector

4. Meking 3-in-1 Folding Photography Reflector

4. Meking 3-in-1 Folding Photography Reflector

5. Neewer 5-in-1 Light Reflector

5. Neewer 5-in-1 Light Reflector

6. FUDESY Clamshell Curved Reflector

6. FUDESY Clamshell Curved Reflector

7. BDDFOTO 5-in-1 Reflector

7. BDDFOTO 5-in-1 Reflector

8. SmallRig 32-inch Photography Reflector

8. SmallRig 32-inch Photography Reflector

9. Soonpho Folding Light Reflector

9. Soonpho Folding Light Reflector

10. Selens Photography Reflector with Stand

10. Selens Photography Reflector with Stand

FAQs About the Best Reflectors for Photography

What Types of Photographers Use Reflectors?

How Do You Use Light Reflectors?

Why Use Different Reflective Surfaces?

What Size Reflector Do I Need?

Conclusion: The Best Reflectors for Photography

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