Nikon Umbrella Kit

When I took the Small Flash Workshop at Algonquin College I was introduced to a simple umbrella kit, made by Nikon, that was portable and very useful for off-camera flashes. The Nikon 46" umbrella kit was really awesome and was the main thing from that weekend that really caught my eye (in terms of things I wanted to purchase). I have been mulling it over since then as at $189.99, it wasn't something I wanted to purchase without at least some thought. I was planning on purchasing it before Christmas as a early present to myself, and to help with a semi-assignment I have with some family over the holidays, but hadn't gotten around to it just yet. This past weekend there was a large Nikon sale on at Henry's and the price of this decreased to $169.99. I figured there was no better time than a sale to get the item I wanted.
I brought it home and set it up and am very happy with it thus far. The kit includes a 46" umbrella, a sturdy light stand, a light tight fixture and a carrying case.
The umbrella itself can be converted from the black one shown in the image above (found through Google) to a translucent white one you can shoot through.
The light tight fixture is used to secure both the umbrella and your light (or flash unit) in place. You are able to use equipment with different sized screws (or screw holes) with the different connections that come with the kit.
The carrying case is very nice and looks quite durable. It also has some really convenient pockets inside in which you can store any necessary accessories.
I am finding that with a few quick turns of the knobs, you can secure your equipment in place quite nicely and be ready for shooting.