[3 lb (1.4 kg)] As a Parabolix user in the past I was very curious to try this Para. Besides the obvious deployment speed (30x faster?) the light produced by the Para is also different. Absolutely no hot spot in the middle if flooded. I'm not sure if that's the material, shape or just the wrinkles in the Parabolix preventing it to match the Para, but you definitely get what you pay for. Here is a comparison: Parabolix 45 vs Para 133, both fitted with a Profoto Pro head. The Para delivers exceptional light that requires very little or no work in post, which is impressive.

[2.15 lb] I absolutely love it. I have seen the para before at B&H and fotocare; also on the field with photographers as talented as Benjamin Von Wong, who is one of Broncolor's embassadors. Always been impressed by the outstanding results and the versatility. I rented one unit for a commissioned job that you can search as the New Guinea Snake Charmer.Hope you like it. The reason I chose the Para 133 was its versatility and performance specially in situations in which the subject is not absolutely still. The Para 133 has to be the easiest light shaper to set up that I have ever used. It takes less than a minute to be ready to start shooting. This new version HR is designed to withstand the higher temperatures when using continuous light sources like HMI lights. I am very impressed with the quality of the newer construction and the 2 different materials found inside the reflective area, which really provides a combination of soft and hard light. This is the reason of the nickname the 3D light The Para 133 HR can be focused and defocused via the focusing shaft, which is much thicker and sturdy than the one found on the Para 88. In my case this is a blessing because I am using it to mount Broncolor's Siros 800 L monolights as opposed to lighter head lights used with the powerpacks like the Move L1200 or the Scoros. It doesn't bend or move at all once mounted on the Broncolor Para adpter part # 33.489.00. After watching Karl Taylor Beauty Lighting Comparison Tests in which the Para 133 was the absolute winner and using this newer version myself, I can say that this is one the best investments I have made.

[2.15 lb] I chose the Para 177 as the biggest Para I could comfortably maneuver in my studio. Easy crank open set-up and take-down makes this large Para manageable in studio or on location. It's big enough to stand in front of while shooting and get beautiful light fall-off around the edges of the subjects with no fill reflector required. I often add a hair light but that's it - perfect lighting.

Coming from Parabolix I noticed the absence of a hot spot in the center with the Para 177 in the defocused (fully extended) position. See the Para 133 Reflector Kit review by Oleg here at B&H to see a photo comparison of the Parabolix vs the Broncolor catch lights. I am also using Profoto Pro light head with excellent results.

Machining, fit, and finish of the Para 177 are exceptional. As with all Broncolor Para's, the unique light quality and the versatility of going from a focused more specular light to a soft even defocused ring light effect is outstanding.

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] This reflector helps crest beautiful light.
It’s also very durable, well made.

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] Look... A picture is worth 5,000 words in this case! This modifier can only produce gorgeous light. Effortless to use. Many looks from a single modifier.

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] One of the problems with most light modifiers that have parabolic in their name is that they are not. This has some implications for how they work as light shapers. The unique thing about a parabolic reflector is that of you place a light at the ficus, it will be reflected in parallel lines. One immediate consequence is that the inverse square law no longer applies and the light will travel very far and stay bright.
You can test if a reflector is parabolic by using a small bright flashlight at the focus point and shine it over the surface of the reflector. If it is parabolic, the reflected light should remain within the diameter of the reflector no matter where it hits the reflecting surface. Alternatively, put a modeling light on and position the flash head at the focus point and check the reflected patch on the wall. If you move the para closer or further away, the size of the patch should not change since the light coming out is coming out in parallel lines and the circle should not get bigger or small as the distance from the wall is changed.
The Broncolor Para 133 is exactly what is on the box: parabolic!
Of course, considering the fact that I can buy a small car for the same price, it absolutely should be what it says it is! Highly recommended for the lighting effects it can create.

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] Being able to purchase the Diffuser separately is extremely helpful as we are a rental studio and I often need multiple panels as well many get lost from time to time. Thank you guys

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] Easy to set up and use. Great case for carrying in the field - everything is there. I use this for head and shoulder shots and even full body portraits outdoors and in studio. The way it shapes the face and features of the subject is unmatched - and all with a singles source. Mostly shooting defocused but zooming as needed when farther away from the subject or for a more dramatic effect.

Quality is excellent so far on the 133. My other Para is a 177 where some of the stitching came undone at the plastic mounts near the outer tips after very few uses. I was able to stitch it back together in those two spots myself after receiving zero response from customer service. I have enquired 4-5 times to Broncolor with other questions and never received a response. For that reason I will stay away from Broncolor for anything other than basic reflectors and soft boxes.

[3 lb (1.4 kg)] I have never had a beauty lighting modifier that was so simple to use, forgiving, and beautiful. I can't really describe it in a way that gives it justice. Because it's parabolic you can stand in front of it and not worry about shadows. I plan to buy 2 or three other sizes of the Bron Paras in the near future.

[2.15 lb] Peerless light output. Excellent build quality, easy setup and teardown.


Not sure what that other reviewer's deficiency is, but the Siros lights work with the Para series just fine... you can even find countless images with Siros lights attached to paras.