Profoto

Profoto 100973 33" Shallow Translucent Umbrella (Small)

5.0 (3 reviews)

Beautifully soft, wraparound light from a modifier that weighs less than a lens cap and sets up in seconds.

$79.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Profoto 33" Shallow Translucent Umbrella is the kind of modifier that earns a permanent spot in your bag because it does one thing exceptionally well: it turns any hard light source into soft, diffused, wraparound illumination with minimal fuss. For portrait photographers, fashion shooters, and anyone who needs flattering light on skin, this umbrella produces a broad, even wash that smooths texture and wraps gently into shadow areas. The shallow profile spreads light wider than deep-dish alternatives, which makes it particularly effective in tight spaces where you need to fill a scene without harsh falloff. At 33 inches, it's sized for close-in work — think headshots, beauty, and editorial framing — where the source-to-subject ratio keeps the light quality genuinely soft.

Build quality reflects Profoto's professional-grade standards. The eight solid steel rods snap open cleanly and hold the canopy taut without wobble, and the translucent fabric maintains consistent diffusion characteristics across its surface. At just 0.7 lbs and folding down to 23 inches, it's one of the most packable modifiers in any lighting kit — a real advantage for location work where every ounce and inch of bag space matters. The included carrying bag protects the fabric from snags and keeps the umbrella organized alongside your other gear. This is not the modifier for lighting a full-length group portrait or overpowering harsh sunlight outdoors, but for close, controlled portrait work where light quality is everything, it delivers results that justify Profoto's price premium.

Key Features

Carrying Bag

Limited 1-Year Warranty

Specifications

Brand
Profoto
Model
100973
Diameter
33" (83.82 cm)
Type
Shallow Translucent
Number of Rods
8
Rod Material
Solid steel
Fold Length
23" (58.42 cm)
Shaft Diameter
0.31" (0.78 cm)
Weight
0.7 lbs (0.3 kg) excluding bag
Included Accessories
Carrying bag
Warranty
Limited 1-year

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • At 0.7 lbs with a 23-inch fold length, this umbrella adds virtually no weight or bulk to a location kit — you can toss it in a side pocket and forget it's there.
  • Translucent fabric produces a wide, wraparound diffusion that flatters skin tones and softens shadows beautifully for portrait and fashion work.
  • Eight solid steel rods maintain canopy shape consistently, preventing the uneven light spread you get from flimsy umbrella frames.
  • The shallow profile creates a broader light spread than deep umbrellas, making it forgiving to position in tight shooting spaces like small studios or hotel rooms.
  • Comes with a carrying bag that protects the fabric during transport — a small detail that extends the life of the modifier significantly.

👎 Cons

  • The 33-inch diameter limits effective coverage to head-and-shoulders framing; full-length subjects need a larger modifier or much closer placement.
  • No removable black backing means you cannot convert this to a reflective umbrella — it's shoot-through only, limiting its versatility compared to convertible designs.
  • The shallow canopy catches wind easily on outdoor shoots, requiring sandbags or an assistant to keep the stand stable.
  • At Profoto pricing, this umbrella costs several times more than comparable 33-inch translucent umbrellas from brands like Westcott or Impact.
  • The 0.31-inch shaft diameter is standard but thinner than some heavy-duty umbrella mounts expect, so check your bracket's clamp range before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any strobe or continuous light with a standard umbrella mount that accepts a 0.31" (7.8mm) shaft. That covers virtually all Profoto heads, plus most third-party monolights and speedlight brackets with umbrella receptacles.
The shallow profile produces a wider, more even spread of diffused light with softer falloff — ideal for wrapping light around a subject. A deep umbrella focuses the beam more tightly, and a reflective one bounces harder light. This translucent model shoots light through the fabric for the gentlest quality.
For head-and-shoulders portraits and tight editorial framing, 33 inches provides beautiful light quality when positioned close to the subject (2–4 feet away). For full-length portraits, you'll want to move it closer or step up to a larger modifier for even coverage.
Yes, and at 0.7 lbs it's one of the lightest modifiers you can pack. The 23-inch fold length fits easily in a gear bag. Just be mindful of wind — the shallow canopy can act as a sail on a light stand without a sandbag.
The eight solid steel rods are more rigid than fiberglass, which means they hold shape better under repeated open-close cycles. The trade-off is that steel rods can bend permanently if forced, whereas fiberglass flexes. For normal use and transport, the steel construction holds up well over time.