Godox UB-165W Parabolic Umbrella Review

It’s been less than two years since I began studying lighting for video and photography, and during that time, I’ve tested a wide range of LED lights — now the industry standard for video work.

Among all the techniques I’ve explored, book lighting stands out as one of the most effective for achieving a soft, natural look without harsh hotspots. Interestingly, a white umbrella — essentially a bounce combined with diffusion — is one of the few tools that comes remarkably close to replicating the aesthetic of a book light.

In this review, we’ll explore why a large umbrella may actually be a smarter and more versatile choice than a softbox or skylite panel for natural-looking light and why the Godox UB-165W could be your best weapon on set.

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Why an umbrella?

An umbrella is a light modifier that’s significantly easier to carry and set up than a softbox or skylite panel. It works much like a regular rain umbrella — quick to open, quick to fold, and compact enough to travel with ease.

Unlike a softbox, which primarily scatters and pushes light through diffusion material (often resulting in a more direct and sourcy quality), an umbrella bounces and softens light in a broader, more natural way.

While skylite panels and book lights offer beautiful results, they typically require two sturdy light stands and a fair amount of time to assemble and break down — making them less practical for fast-paced or mobile setups.

The goal is to bounce or bounce and diffuse the light on a large enough surface while being nimble.

Is the large 165cm size necessary?

It all comes down to your specific needs. Generally, the larger the light source, the softer and more flattering the light — which also means you can position it farther from your subject while still maintaining a pleasing quality.

The trade-off, however, is that larger modifiers require significantly more output to compete with sunlight — unless you’re using strobes, like I do. Even a light breeze can make it difficult to keep it stable.

But if, like me, you’re aiming for the most natural and high-quality results, then bigger is definitely better.

Why using a white instead of shoot through or a silver umbrella?

Once again, it all comes down to personal preference. Silver provides stronger contrast and a more punchy look, which you can tone down with diffusion.

It’s arguably the most versatile type of umbrella. That said, I personally find silver reflectors a bit unnatural — they often remind me of the harshness of flash photography.

After all, in cinema, bounce lighting typically relies on white fabric or unbleached muslin for a softer, more natural feel. In fashion photography, however, some may still prefer the more dramatic and punchy look that a silver umbrella provides.

Why buying the brand Godox?

My first experience was with a large deep umbrella from Profoto, which I found to be nearly perfect. I’ve always appreciated Profoto for their reliability, performance, and excellent color accuracy.

But the real question is: are they worth the price? After all, they often cost five to ten times more than comparable products from Godox.

The answer really depends on your priorities. If you’re highly critical about color fidelity and overall build quality — and want to convey a premium, high-end feel to your clients — then Profoto might justify the price difference. But if, like me, you’re mainly focused on the final results, you can absolutely make it work with Godox gear.

For me, the ability to bounce and diffuse light while maintaining control over spill is essential. A shoot-through umbrella can be a great option—especially if you’re working in a large space and can manage the effects of the inverse square law.

The DPU-165T Diffuser

I can’t say for certain how much the diffuser truly softens the light, but it definitely helps reduce harsh edges and specular highlights, while also slightly warming the overall color temperature.

It also seems to focus the light beams, making it easier to control and shape with minimal spill. I’m genuinely surprised by how much control you can achieve given its size. I was honestly expecting it to look very dull and flat.

The build quality

The build quality is good for the price. While it may not match the level of the Profoto Deep Umbrella, it feels sturdy enough, and the inner white fabric appears to be of decent quality.

The only minor drawback for me was the black stitching used on the Velcro attachment. Personally, I think white thread would have been a more fitting and cohesive choice.

What are the pros?

A 165 cm umbrella can create beautifully soft, natural-looking light, whether used up close or from a bit of a distance. It’s also highly versatile — by adjusting the umbrella’s distance from the light source, you can change the effective size of the light, allowing you to mimic smaller, more contrasty setups when needed.

What are the cons?

It’s straightforward — this is a massive umbrella, and it simply won’t fit in every space. The only reason I opted for such a large size is because we already have 60cm, 90cm, and 120cm softboxes in our kit.

To put the size into perspective, imagine a friend who’s about 165 cm tall—that’s roughly the same height as my wife. Now picture moving around a half-sphere of that size; it’s quite large and not the easiest thing to maneuver.

With something this big, you’ll need plenty of room to set it up, and it’s not the most practical option for tight spaces. Moving it around can be tricky, and you’re likely to bump into walls or ceilings.

Attaching the diffusion was a bit tricky. In my experience, the easiest method is to remove the umbrella from the light, close it, put the diffusion then reopen it — this helps lock the diffusion securely into place.

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Verdict

8.2 out of 10.

The Godox UB-165W Parabolic Umbrella offers excellent value for money. While its build quality may not quite match that of Profoto’s counterparts, it performs reliably and gets the job done.

If brand prestige isn’t a priority for you and you’re confident in your post-processing skills, this umbrella from Godox is definitely worth considering.

Given its size, this modifier isn’t for everyone. For someone purchasing their first light modifier, I’d probably recommend something smaller. However, if your goal is to achieve the softest possible shadows or a natural-looking light from just two feet away, this might be one of the best options available.