Review: PRESSLite VerteX Bounce Card System
01.12.09
I don’t recall where I first saw mention of the PRESSLite VerteX bounce card system, but I remember being intrigued. I think it was about 2 weeks ago, and I was so intrigued, I ordered one immediately. Two days later I had a box in my mailbox, the VerteX had arrived.
The box contained 10 pieces total, 4 of which are reflective cards (2 white, 2 mirrored). Putting it together was very easy, and I didn’t need the included instruction sheet. When putting it together, I did leave the protective film on one side of the mirrored cards so that they would be all good if I ever needed to flip over and use them. I’d say it took me a total of maybe 5 minutes to put this item together.
Then I had to figure out what to shoot. I wanted a simple scenario where I could show the effects of angling the cards, the card holder bracket, and also a control for what it looks like without any bounce. I settled on a small table in a corner, shooting downward with the flash on top of my camera. The photo at left is my control case. Throughout this series of test shots, please feel free to click on a thumbnail to see the larger photo.
This is test 1, with flash pointed up, both white cards facing object in “flat” configuration.
Test 2, with flash pointed up, both white cards angled inward and facing object.
Test 3, with flash pointed up, both mirror cards facing object in “flat” configuration.
Test 4, with flash pointed up, both mirror cards angled inward and facing object.
Test 5, with flash pointed up, Vertex bracket at 45 degree left angle, one white card directed to object.
Test 6, with flash pointed up, Vertex bracket at 45 degree left angle, one mirror card directed to object.
Test 7, with flash pointed up, Vertex bracket at 90 degree left angle, one mirror card directed to object.
Test 8, with flash pointed up, Vertex bracket at 90 degree left angle, one white card directed to object.
Clearly I was not in a very creative mode when I was doing these tests, but I do think they accurately portray a small segment of what the VerteX is capable of. I can see a wide range of applications for this, particularly in my fledgling real estate photography business. As I continue to add more strobes and lighting types to my repertoire, I can see the VerteX playing an ever increasing role in helping me move light around. And I will have to get more creative with my tests to really show it’s potential. If you have a test you want to see done with the VerteX, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Tags: bounce, card, flash, light, presslite, reflect, strobist, system, test, vertex, white