Review on Phottix Varos Pro M Flash Shoe Umbrella Holder (PH87199) - Multi-function Photography Accessory by Johnny Chambers

Pros: Beautifully finished quality product. Weighs 24.7 grams with a carabiner. The M and BG models weigh slightly more. The rated capacity of the S model is 25 kg (28 kg for the M models and 30 kg for the BG models). Phottix S is made of aluminum alloy. Adapter. 90 degrees on either side of vertical. The adapter has a lanyard opening to which you can attach the included carabiner. The carabiner allows you to hang items such as flashlight triggers (using a PC sync cable), counterweights and batteries on the adapter. . As far as I know, this is the only adapter with built-in functionality. The carabiner can be easily removed when not needed. - Umbrella socket (holder) in teardrop shape. - The screen mount is angled 8 degrees from horizontal to center the flash on the screen. - A good quality screw cold shoe comes with an adapter. - The plastic grip on the hot shoe screw allows for a good grip and makes tightening/loosening the hot screw easier. A spring-loaded clip makes it easy to remove the flash leg. The sleeve that attaches the Phottix S to the tripod has 2 attachment points: a screw-in bolt that holds the sleeve firmly in place and a trigger (or locking knob) that prevents the tube from falling off the adapter. This will prevent the adapter and flash from falling off the stand even if you forget to tighten the screw on the stand. The screw, you tighten on the umbrella stem and the screw on the hub are curved for maximum grip. This feature and the teardrop shape of the groove also minimizes damage to the canopy shaft which can be easily damaged (unlike pivots) - The knee on the adapter uses a ratchet system, reducing the chance of the canopy tipping over under weight. - Easy to tighten or loosen all 3 screw heads on the adapter - The socket for attaching the adapter to the tripod has a 1/4 or 5/8 internal thread. The Phottix S can be attached directly to some stands without a whistle, such as: B. the Lumopro LP605 or the Manfrotto Nano. Cold shoe with adapter. Often off-center. There is a plastic ring underneath the cold shoe that needs to be tightened onto the cold shoe to keep it in place. But the cold shoe can still move. On the M and BG models this is not a problem as the cold shoe screws into the sleeve which is then inserted into the adapter. I would give it 10/10 except for that issue. - It costs more than an entry-level adapter. ,