Big lenses on little cameras: a problem or not?
Apr 24, 2024 17:17:14 #
dsnoke
Loc: North Georgia, USA
I recently acquired a Sony a6700 to replace a Nikon D7500 I destroyed. The new camera is significantly smaller and lighter that the old one. If I choose to use a Sony 200-600 mm lens on the a6700, I'm putting 4.5 lbs on a mount that weighs a lot less. Since the big lens has a tripod foot on a collar, that should not be a problem if I use a monopod or tripod. So far so good. However, I would like to get a good macro lens, and those tend to be big and heavy also. So I wonder, if I put, for example, a 105 mm macro lens on that A6700, can I get a tripod foot, or will I have the a6700 body on a support with the lens hanging off the front? I fear that will bend or otherwise affect the lens mount. Or am I worrying unnecessarily?
Apr 24, 2024 17:27:21 #
There's a risk. But, look at both the camera throat and the lens mount. If both are metal, you have a lessened risk. Overall, you're overthinking the risk.
Apr 24, 2024 17:51:34 #
Apr 24, 2024 17:58:15 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Lens manufacturers pretty much have this figured out. If a lens is large/heavy enough that is poses a threat to the camera mount, they almost always come with a separate tripod mount. Usually a 105 macro is not that heavy that you need to worry about it.
Apr 24, 2024 17:58:48 #
Apr 24, 2024 21:59:09 #
IDguy wrote:
You just need to support the lens and let the camera hang on it.
That is what I did with the new OM System 150mm-600mm (300mm-1200mm FF Equivalent). It weighs 4.8 pounds and has a tripod collar. I hold it by the collar with the OM1M2 body attached. The body with the battery weighs 1.27 pounds. Works like a charm! HTH! Linda S.
Apr 24, 2024 22:11:46 #
IDguy wrote:
You just need to support the lens and let the camera hang on it.
Kinda hard with the camera on a tripod (no foot on the lens)?
Apr 25, 2024 00:58:38 #
dsnoke wrote:
I recently acquired a Sony a6700 to replace a Niko... (show quote)
I have a Sony a6500, which in terms of size and construction, is virtually the same as the a6700 (well close enough) and I have both a long lens (400mm) with a tripod mount, and a heavy macro lens (f2.8, 60mm), and have had no problems.
Apr 25, 2024 06:28:09 #
Take the camera and lens to a strength testing lab and have them tell you the yield strength of the camera mount. It will be a noble gesture for you to then report that the camera denigrated by adding an imaginary 100# lens.
I converted a small body Nikon 1 N1 to do IR, it has interchangeable lenses and have an adapter for older Nikon big body heavy lenses, I never gave it a thought it would tear the front of the camera apart supporting the large lens. Typically with a large lens because it has a large hold to surface, we support the lens with the left hand and fire the camera with the right. I think you worry too much.... take a tranquilizer and enjoy photography
dsnoke, "Sony a6700 to replace a Nikon D7500 I destroyed.".. HOW?
I converted a small body Nikon 1 N1 to do IR, it has interchangeable lenses and have an adapter for older Nikon big body heavy lenses, I never gave it a thought it would tear the front of the camera apart supporting the large lens. Typically with a large lens because it has a large hold to surface, we support the lens with the left hand and fire the camera with the right. I think you worry too much.... take a tranquilizer and enjoy photography
dsnoke, "Sony a6700 to replace a Nikon D7500 I destroyed.".. HOW?
Apr 25, 2024 06:32:05 #
Sometimes third-party manufacturers produce an arca Swiss lens collar for your specific lens. I did that for a Nikon 300 PF and it works well.
Apr 25, 2024 06:57:10 #
Jeffcs
Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Ok so I own Sony gear
I’ve never had a problem with the mounts camera or lens
I own A1 and A6600 lenses including the 90 and the 200-600mm
Sony and other manufacturers know the mounts hold up well under normal circumstances
I’ve never had a problem with the mounts camera or lens
I own A1 and A6600 lenses including the 90 and the 200-600mm
Sony and other manufacturers know the mounts hold up well under normal circumstances
Apr 25, 2024 07:33:32 #
dsnoke wrote:
I recently acquired a Sony a6700 to replace a Niko... (show quote)
My Canon RP with a Canon RF 100-500 hung on it there is no problem handheld.
When I mount the RP/Lens on a tripod I use the lens foot to support both with no problem.
As CHG_CANON said, "Overall, you're overthinking the risk.", so enjoy your over-engineered Sony (Canon, Nikon, etc.) equipment, and . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
Edit: CHG_CANON Quote
Apr 25, 2024 07:33:59 #
w00dy4012
Loc: Thalia, East Virginia
dsnoke wrote:
I recently acquired a Sony a6700 to replace a Niko... (show quote)
If you attach your strap to the lugs on the lens instead of the camera there should be no problem. I've had the 200-600 for 4 or 5 years and use it just about every day; its never pulled the lens mount off a camera.
Apr 25, 2024 07:52:06 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
dsnoke wrote:
I recently acquired a Sony a6700 to replace a Niko... (show quote)
I own a Sony a1 and a9, for my long lenses like the 200-600 I mount the vertical grip that helps to balance out the outfit. I also hand hold the lens just behind the lens hood, this too helps stabilize the lens.
You really should be able to hand hold the 105 macro without an issue, it is not heavy or big for a macro. I would not put a tripod foot on the macro, too cumbersome. I reverse the tripod foot on the 200-600 so it is easier to handle hand held.
I am 76 years young and have no issues hand holding my equipment, I also own the Sony 600 f4 and hand hold that without issue.
I find a tripod and monopod slow me down in wildlife photography. Below is an image taken of three Cattle Egret chicks and mom, hand held, at a 100 yards, with the 600mm f4.
I find my minimum shutter speed to be greater than 1/2500 sec. that way it helps hand holding and for birds in flight.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
Apr 25, 2024 09:52:55 #
Orphoto wrote:
Lens manufacturers pretty much have this figured out. If a lens is large/heavy enough that is poses a threat to the camera mount, they almost always come with a separate tripod mount. Usually a 105 macro is not that heavy that you need to worry about it.
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