PhottixVaros Pro S Multi-Function Flash Shoe Umbrella Holder (PH87200)

Imagine my surprise when I installed this on my Padat stand and realized the knobs and safety catch are all lined up exactly as they are specifically to fit between the folded legs of their smallest travel light stand, the Padat 200.As long as it’s turned so the carabiner is vertically aligned with the center column knobs, it will fit between the legs when folded up for travel. Why would you do this? Because it saves you about 4” in total collapsed length and the combined kit will still fit in the travel bag that came with your Padat stand.So, some of you may be wondering, “why the carabiner?” but were afraid to ask out of fear of “looking dumb.” It’s a valid question and the answer is so you can tie the stand down to your bag or backpack.DO NOT hang a bag from the carabiner. You’ll break the stand that way. Ideally, you place your bag over one of the legs, two if possible, attach a bungee or tie-down strap from the bag to the carabiner, then tighten the strap until it’s snug. If any part of your bag starts to lift off the ground, loosen the strap. It should just be snug. The point is to give the center column more resilience and resistance to swaying; this is especially effective if you’re using an umbrella or softbox outdoors and there’s a breeze. Tying it down to your bag from the top of the column will effectively help control the swaying.If you don’t have a bag, use a big-ass rock or the sandbag you’re using to hold down a leg.You can also tie it down to one of the legs. While it will help prevent the column from swaying, you’ll need to add weight to the legs to prevent the whole unit from moving in a breeze. Again, don’t over-tighten the tie-down strap… you’re just bracing it and not building a recurve bow.Ok, one gripe: the small version is “clicky,” with pronounced detents. This irks me as I’m unable to angle the light at the exact angle I want it, at times. As I don’t see any visible teeth on the unit, I may disassemble it to see if I can remove the detent without affecting the grip on the elbow. At least it holds my heavier, Bowens softboxes without slowly drooping but it’s still limiting and others have found ways to offer a clickless joint without slippage.Despite that minor gripe, this is a solid piece of kit for anyone who depends on the Padat stands.

I have purchased more than a few light stand to umbrella/flash units in the pastand find them useful for rigging not just flash-umbrella-softbox combinationsbut also to hold cards, flags, and other lighting modifiers.This Phottix Varos is absolutely the *BEST* variant of this genre - even betterthan the Manfrotto parts (which are also all metal) that I have ever used.The thing I do like about the Manfrotto part (http://amzn.to/2fmzDkI) are the"knobs" which they use which are also metal and possess more leverage.However - the Phottix has a detent pin which is a confidence engendering featurewhen you put an expensive flash and receiver on a stand.I have been shooting for longer than I care to admit and have experienced only a couple of"events" that did not need to have happened due to gear failure.The quality of my grip/lighting gear is a close second to my camera and lenses: everythingon my shoot is part of a critical supply chain. Buying anything of lesser quality will result inloss of time, loss of face, loss of gear (due to an accident), or loss of a photographic opportunity.I like the design, feel, utility, and weight of this product and will keep it in my basic kit from now on.

My favorite umbrella holder. Lot of features compared to other brands. I've researched a variety of umbrella holders and came across the Phottix Varos Pro series. The Phottix accommodates 7mm-10mm umbrellas for use with a variety of umbrella brands. The teardrop shaped 8 degree angled slot centers flash output to the center of the umbrella. There is an elongated curved insert over the umbrella clamp to mate the umbrella shaft to ensure maximum tension and prevents damage. Other umbrella holders just have bolt head contact against the umbrella shaft which nicks and dents umbrella shafts. The tilting mechanism is notched and supports a lot of weight even at 180 degrees. There is a unique release button to keep bottom lug secured. There is a hanging hole with carabiner for counter weights, wire ties, battery packs, etc. The anodized aluminum cold shoe is adjustable and rotatable. I have both the Small (S) which the hot shoe is threaded to the holder and is 1/2" shorter and the Medium (M) which has the hot shoe threaded to a spigot, so you can have a Speedlite attached and quickly remove the spigot leaving the Speedlite attached to the cold shoe. The body finish is bead blasted cast aluminum and a little reflective not as smooth or matte as the product photos. I wish this comes in matte black. This is one of the best designs at a reasonable price. One of the best all metal umbrella holders.

Even though i haven't used it in shoots, i just received it today but just the time i spent handling it, messing around with it and assemble it on the stand with the umbrella and lights, was over all sturdy as i expected!!To be honest, i felt it is the most sturdy part of the whole set up now!!!It is all Metal part from the knobs, and the lock feature is cool too!The rotational part, it is not as easy, it has this gears helping securing every position it is on.I had to buy one stronger after the purchase of a newer and bigger umbrella! Got an 46' inch umbrella and although it might not look huge, it really needs something sturdy to hold it without falling to any slight of movement...The previous was slowly making the umbrella falling down...

A reall first class product that importantly has a really strong grip. exactly what I needed will be buying more!

This is great, robust and worth paying the extra for. It says 'pro'!

This fits my expectation for a reliable quality handy tool while working.

I already have two. Well made. Would buy one more.