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View Full Version : Lens tripod mount rings


DarkDTSHD
03-08-2008, 07:34 PM
Why do manufacturers include tripod mount rings on their zooms? Do any of you use them? I mean others, "more experienced" photographers, use tripods with ball heads. Mounting the camera body to a bracket that is coupled to a tripod quick release platforms.
kgosden
03-09-2008, 08:38 PM
On physically long and heavy lenses it is better to mount the camera/lens combo to the tripod nearer to the center of mass. This helps to prevent the weight of the lens from slowly pointing the camera towards the ground.
DarkDTSHD
03-09-2008, 08:50 PM
On physically long and heavy lenses it is better to mount the camera/lens combo to the tripod nearer to the center of mass. This helps to prevent the weight of the lens from slowly pointing the camera towards the ground.

That reasoning makes sense. And was what I was thinking would be the logic. BUT...I've seen Art Wolfe use a Canon 500mm on his Gitzo/Kirk ballhead with no problems. On his "Journey to the Edge" DVD's. Which is why I posted this thread.

I mean if you weren't using a ballhead...then I could definitely see the logic behind mounting the camera/lens on the tripod using the lens tripod mount.
kgosden
03-10-2008, 05:54 AM
Well, there is more to it. Ball heads come with different weight capacities. Bigger is more capable, as well as heavier and more expensive. Then there is the strain on the camera lens mount itself. Generally if the camera was being hand held you likely have one hand under the lens supporting it. The camera body lens mount is not really designed to support a large lens and big glass plate 1-2 feet long.
griptape
03-10-2008, 06:03 AM
It saves a little bit of stress on the connections of the body/lens also. There's really not THAT much holding the lens to the body when you mount it.
DarkDTSHD
03-10-2008, 08:04 AM
Well, there is more to it. Ball heads come with different weight capacities. Bigger is more capable, as well as heavier and more expensive. Then there is the strain on the camera lens mount itself. Generally if the camera was being hand held you likely have one hand under the lens supporting it. The camera body lens mount is not really designed to support a large lens and big glass plate 1-2 feet long.

That's probably why "pros" like Art Wolfe use ballheads/platforms to support his 1DM2/500mm lens.

The lens/camera ring doesn't seem all that useful. If the lens is less than a foot (e.g. 70-200, 100-300...etc.) we would likely be mounting the camera body directly to a monopod or hand holding it. Or I would. For my type of photography (e.g. travel, candid portraits, landscapes, action) I do not see myself needing something as HUGE as a 500mm or 600mm tele.

If I really needed 500 I could pickup a Sigma 50-500 which is I believe a 9" lens. Still handholdable. Though, I'ld likely use a monopod or tripod/ballhead most of the time.

Ok on to other things. Thanks for your posts guys.