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

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 umbrella mount is positioned at an 8 degree angle to the horizontal to flash on the umbrella. - The adapter comes with a good quality cold shoe. - Spring-loaded clip allows easy release of flash foot. - The sleeve that attaches the Phottix S to the stand has 2 attachment points: a screw-in screw that holds the sleeve firmly in place and a trigger (or locking button) that stops the sleeve. fall 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 bent for maximum grip. This feature and the teardrop shape of the groove also minimize damage to the umbrella shaft, which is easily damaged (unlike the sleeve). The knee on the adapter uses a ratchet system, reducing the possibility of the canopy tipping over under load. .-Easily tighten or loosen all 3 screw heads on the adapter.-The sleeve that attaches the adapter to the tripod has a 1/4" or 5/8" female thread.-Phottix S can be attached directly to some tripods without a to use spigot, like Lumopro LP605 or Manfrotto Nano. Cons: Difficult to fit the cold shoe to the 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. , but this is not a beginner's adapter! Well designed adapter, excellent quality and well priced for what you get.