L newbie 70-200 IS (or other long lens) weight support issue?

[Snap Dragon]

Just got myself my 1st L lens, the EF 70-200 2.8L IS after reading all the rave reviews about it. Not particularly fond of the white color, and also the weight and size of it, but that part I already know and will probably get over... Let's see if this lens is as good as the reviews...

I just wanted some feedback from you guys since I'm a bit concerned about the weight of the lens being mounted on my 20D, more specifically, the stress it's causing on the lens mount. Seems like it's a whole lot of weight for the lens mount to support, with or without the collar and hood, assuming I'm only supporting it with the 20D's hand grip and no support on the lens. So I guess here's some of the things I wanted to find out from anyone out there that has this lens and body and has been using it for a while.

1. Do you have any 20D body structural issues caused by this setup?
2. How often do you hold the camera by the hand grip only and not supporting the lens, i.e., when you're reviewing pics using the LCD and have both hands working the body controls buttons, etc...
3. Do you always shoot using a tripod/monopod as support or are you handholding most of the time? I assume actually a lot of people bought this lens instead of the non-IS version so that they can handhold it and get decent pics...
4. How do you handle this setup so that you can comfortably zoom and focus? I find that since the lens is quite heavy and has a large diameter (I've got small hands...), it's somewhat awkward when trying to balance/hold the lens while at the same time, trying to work the zoom and focus... I actually found it easier to zoom/focus with a top-the-lens grip rather than the usual under-the-lens grip. Are you using the 20D's hand grip as the main support most of the time? Would be nice if someone can describe exactly what fingers go where...
5. Has anyone broke their camera's lens mount because of weight issues? Just curious ;)

Seems like some silly questions, but hope you guys will entertain them since I'm new to the L scene and there's a huge difference in weight as compare to something like my 50mm ;) It seems to me that if this is a major issue, Canon would include some disclaimer/blurb in their manual. Any tips on how to (physically) use this lens is welcome. And yes, I'm sure it would make a great self-defense tool.

Thanks in advance. Heading to the gym now to strengthen my hands/arms for this lens ;)

[Chucko]

These are good questions for a newcomer to monster lenses.

I have the older 80-200/2.8 L (no IS). Yes, it's heavy. On lenses this size and larger, I act as if I am mounting the camera on the lens, not the other way around.

When shooting, I always support the lens with my left hand under it. I would mount the lens - not the camera! - on a monopod or tripod if my subjects were stationary, but race cars tend not to be stationary during a race. The 70-200 IS version should work very well hand-held.

If you use a tripod or monopod, you should always support the lens by the tripod mount ring. Supporting the camera but not the lens is asking for trouble.

If I'm not actively shooting, I let the lens drop so it is hanging (nearly) straight down. When I'm carrying it on a strap, under my shoulder, I try to position it so that the camera is on my hip and the lens is pointed straight down if possible, or close to it. If I had to carry it on a monopod, I'd place the lens on my shoulder and hold the collapsed monopod with my hand, as I do with my 300/2.8 Tamron. Picture a big hammer or axe hanging on your shoulder and you've got the idea.

And yes, I have had lens mount issues with big teles. In fact, I have a Canon T90 in the shop right now because the lens mount is misaligned from years of toting big glass at the track. I had another T90 where the lens mount worked loose and had some slop - fortunately this is easily adjusted.

[cwphoto]

With lenses like this I take the attitude that the camera body is "along for the ride" with the lens, and handle accordingly.

When handling/transporting, I try and carry the setup by the lens rather than the body. I also try and not place undue stress on the lens mount when chimping by pointing the lens down. When carrying via the strap, the weight of the lens tends to evenly distribute the weight as well.

[cdifoto]

When previewing and playing with the controls, I rest the lens hood on my pants waist (ie let one of the hood's petals slip inside my pants while the rest are outside) or rest it on my thigh so there's little stress on the mount. I don't let it dangle from my neck...I carry the lens itself and let the body tag along.

[Snap Dragon]

Hummm, guess it wasn't too good of an idea to try and hold this setup up by the hand grip the other day, but seems like my mount is fine, and good thing that I ask you guys so I won't continue to do it... Another concern I had (which I should have asked before...) was the effect of having this lens on my 20D just having it hang pointed downwards for long term while I carry it around using the camera straps... But from the responses, sounds like that should be fine too.

Having a long heavy (relatively of course...) lens like this one is definitely a different ball game when it comes to transport and even usability for me. The resting-the-lens-hood-on-the-pants-waist idea is definitely something I never thought of. Probably will give that a try, though must make sure my belt is tight enough or else it can be quite embarassing ;)

Wonder why they don't put the strap eyelet on the lens like I've seen in the bigger telephotos... I guess this lens is not even close to being heavy when compared to those lens. Still, think it would help take the strain off the camera mount when being carried by the camera strap on the shoulder.

I'm sure I'll learn to enjoy this lens as I get use to it :)

Thanks everyone for your time and input.

[D70FAN]

Hummm, guess it wasn't too good of an idea to try and hold this setup up by the hand grip the other day, but seems like my mount is fine, and good thing that I ask you guys so I won't continue to do it... Another concern I had (which I should have asked before...) was the effect of having this lens on my 20D just having it hang pointed downwards for long term while I carry it around using the camera straps... But from the responses, sounds like that should be fine too.

Having a long heavy (relatively of course...) lens like this one is definitely a different ball game when it comes to transport and even usability for me. The resting-the-lens-hood-on-the-pants-waist idea is definitely something I never thought of. Probably will give that a try, though must make sure my belt is tight enough or else it can be quite embarassing ;)

Wonder why they don't put the strap eyelet on the lens like I've seen in the bigger telephotos... I guess this lens is not even close to being heavy when compared to those lens. Still, think it would help take the strain off the camera mount when being carried by the camera strap on the shoulder.

I'm sure I'll learn to enjoy this lens as I get use to it :)

Thanks everyone for your time and input.

Typically when I am shooting a lens with a collar (meaning heavy) it is attached to a monopod, and carried over my shoulder. The camera is not heavy enough to put any real strain on the mount, which is built to withstand a lot more weight than you think.

Once you get the hang of shooting with a monopod mounted lens, you will wonder why you carried that lug around your neck, and your shots will be free of shake-blurr as well.