Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite)
The Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite) is a versatile aluminum bracket that will fit on almost any light stand. It includes two removable, reversible studs with 1/4"-20 threads, to adapt to light stands with top studs smaller than the standard 5/8".
- Bracket tilts and swivels to make aiming the light or flash easy.
- Has a locking umbrella socket that will accept umbrella shafts up to 3/8" diameter.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 259 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (232)
- Attach securely (209)
- Long-lasting (147)
- Good power output (69)
- Good color value (30)
Cons
- Heavy (4)
Best Uses
- General purpose (175)
- Indoors (123)
- Outdoors (111)
- Outdoor events / games (84)
- Low light (60)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (98), Photo enthusiast (76), Pro photographer (53), Casual photographer (10), Experienced (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (127)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great umbrella mount - Metal & Sturdy!
I would highly recommend this umbrella mount - spend the extra $10 or so and get yourself a professional metal umbrella mount. If you're putting an expensive hot-shoe flash on your stand, don't skimp!...Read complete review
I would highly recommend this umbrella mount - spend the extra $10 or so and get yourself a professional metal umbrella mount. If you're putting an expensive hot-shoe flash on your stand, don't skimp! It's metal and holds your umbrella positions very well. Just remember that you will need a cold shoe mount for this umbrella mount - check my recommended items below for my suggestions for a complete umbrella kit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not the Best - Especially for Strobists
This is a solidly built umbrella adapter. A little heavier but much more solid, reliable and better designed than those cheap square plastic ones (Impact 3117, Photoflex AC-BSWCP, etc.).
This is a solidly built umbrella adapter. A little heavier but much more solid, reliable and better designed than those cheap square plastic ones (Impact 3117, Photoflex AC-BSWCP, etc.).
If you need an umbrella adapter with two female studs, such as for using with a studio light, than this, or the Photoflex AC-BALGS (which is less prone to slipping) are your best options. However, if you are going to mount a shoe mount flash (all you Strobists) on your adapter there is a potentially better (and cheaper) option available, the Photek SMA-1000.
While the center swivel on this adapter is more secure than the plastic umbrella adapters, one problem with this adapter is the center swivel hinges are flat metal and do not lock, which can be an issue if you have a heavy light or a big umbrella. The Photoflex doesn't lock either, but has a larger surface area to prevent slippage. The Photek has locking teeth which eliminates any chance of it slipping.
Another problem is that if you're going to mount a shoe mount flash you have to add a male stud plus a shoe mount (like the one that came with your flash, or the terrible ones like the Smith-Victor 701955 that come with the square umbrella adapters). This makes the whole unit more complicated than it needs to be and adds potential weak points by having to make sure the knob on the male spigot is tight, the shoe mount is securely fastened to the spigot, and the flash itself is securely attached to the shoe mount. The Photek eliminates two of those three weak points by having the shoe mount bolted directly on the adapter. It is much more secure, but if you have special requirements such as the ability to use your own custom shoe mount, or to reposition the show mount away from the umbrella than you'll have to stick with this adapter.
The Photek SMA-1000 (or very similar Calumet MF6929) is more compact, lighter (137g), just as solid, and has superior design such as locking teeth on the swivel. It also happens to be a lot cheaper, even if you already have a separate shoe mount to use with this adapter. Unless you need the shoe mount facing away from the umbrella I recommend it over this unit.
Reviewed by 259 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
1. I use it to mount a speedlite and 45" umbrella to a light stand and it holds everything securely.
2. The construction is strong and a little heavy, but I like heavy.
3. It costs a little bit more than some others, but it's safe to assume that it'll last a long time with daily use.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
- Not free
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
Does what I need it to. Great price. Very solid construction.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
Quality METAL product. Yes, it is more expensive than the plastic ones, but...when you're putting an umbrella and speedlight near a person or product don't you want that security that it will not fail!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I use them to mount Canon 580 EXII and 430 EXII flashes together with 45 inch white umbrellas and they handle that perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
Can't go wrong with Manfrotto!
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This product is made from Aluminum, and Brass. No plastic.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Complicated
Best Uses
- Indoors
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This is an okay adapter. I wish it would come with more directions on how to use all the bolts and screws it came with. I got it to work regardless although I did have one piece that I could not figure out what it screwed on to. It is a little loose on my stand but I think that is maybe due to the fact that I could have set it up wrong. I use a really heavy soft box on it and it seems to hold it up just enough for what I need. I will probably look for a less complicated swivel adapter next time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I travel light with two light stands a 3 speedlights. I have broken about 4-5 of the standard plastic adapters so I needed something that would last. So far, these are just the trick. The extra weight more than makes up for the durability. I plan to own these forever.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I love this umbrella/flash holder. It's made of metal and its heft is testament to its durable construction. It'll outlast western civilization and still be functioning for the alien lifeforms that take over our depleted and uninhabitable planet in the year 2012. Buy it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This adapter was to replace a cheaper one that used plastic threads for the umbrella screw. Much better, and well worth the money. Only complaint is the head on the screw that locks the flash adapter, uses a sliding piece of metal that usually is hard to deal with when trying to set everything up quickly. Not sure why they didn't use the same type of head used on the light stand side.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I use this to give some functionality to my portable LEDs. Very well made and fits all my stands.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I count on my tools. When it's reached for, I has to work. Adaptors that can join systems together or enhance the versatility of your go-to gear are invaluable. The Manfrotto 026 is durable, versatile, and reliable. Everything has to work together to attain a successful outcome. So many times, this little stand adapter has made the difference. There are two reasons I bought a new Manfrotto 026: It's a proven tool. And I lost one of them in Dallas (I think) and had to replace it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
The weight alone tells you this is no ordinary adapter. It is nice and sturdy. I don't have to worry about putting my expensive speedlites on here. The pull out handle take a little getting used to. The reversible studs just add to the sturdiness.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This works exactly as advertised. Great for studio or location shoots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
The best is all I can say.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Good Color Value
- Long-Lasting
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
Great piece of hard ware. Built out of metal, not cheap plastic
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This adapter hits just the right balance between reasonably light weight and sturdy support. The lever used to adjust the tilt is not too stiff to move easily but it holds position well when used with my large speed light and modest sized octobox.
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
This product was recommended to me by a professional photographer with many years of experience working with studio lighting. The build quality like anything else I have by Manfrotto is excellent and the bracket is extremely sturdy and yet versatile. Overall a good addition to any basic lighting rig.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
- Well made
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Low Light
- Night Time
- Outdoors
- Special Events
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
What can I say? Manfrotto is as good as it gets!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attach Securely
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Indoors
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite):
I use these for location shoots where i will use my speedlights with umbrellas.
They are very sturdy for this use and can handle being moved around while setup.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Related Accessories
- Price: $5.95
What's in the Box
- Reversible Male Stud (1/4"-20 & 3/8" screw thread)
- Reversible Female Stud (1/4"-20 & 3/8" female thread)
- 1-Year Warranty
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