Nikon 70-200 mm/2.8G AFS ED VR-I1 - What is the bracket attached to the bottom?
May 21, 2013 00:22:31 #
After debating this purchase for months (actually, probably longer), I got this lens and it arrived from BH today. It's much bigger and heavier than I thought, but more importantly, there aren't any instructions with it.
Is the L-shaped bracket on the lens designed for use with a tripod? I (sadly) can't figure out what this bracket does.
The lens seems so heavy. Does just screwing it into the camera really keep it on? Yikes! I am afraid to do anything until I learn more and need to get the '101' on using it...
Is the L-shaped bracket on the lens designed for use with a tripod? I (sadly) can't figure out what this bracket does.
The lens seems so heavy. Does just screwing it into the camera really keep it on? Yikes! I am afraid to do anything until I learn more and need to get the '101' on using it...
May 21, 2013 00:44:53 #
May 21, 2013 00:50:21 #
Yes, you connect the lens to the tripod. The lens is too heavy to handle an keep steady without using a tripod. And as GoofyNewfie you connect the camera to the lens. Good luck.
May 21, 2013 02:02:21 #
Hahaha, sorry.................... yes
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/jser1/JPEGImage23330260.jpg
And for carrying
http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/jser1/JPEGImage23330260.jpg
And for carrying
May 21, 2013 03:01:24 #
breck
Loc: Derbyshire UK
You can use this without a tripod it has VR,(vibration reduction) I have the older version with VR1 and have some really sharp hand held photos, it is a brilliant lens have fun
May 21, 2013 04:11:14 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
There is absolutely no reason a 1.5kg lens should not be hand holdable. I did it for years with the 80-200 2.8 on my F5 - 2.6kg total.
To suggest a tripod is REQUIRED is ridiculous - why the bleep would it have VR if you couldn't use it handheld?
To suggest a tripod is REQUIRED is ridiculous - why the bleep would it have VR if you couldn't use it handheld?
May 21, 2013 04:46:12 #
amanda303 wrote:
After debating this purchase for months (actually,... (show quote)
Amanda, as you can already see, there are differing opinions on "hand-holding" a lens such as your new Nikkor. One thinks it "must" go on a tripod, one has been hand-holding for years without problems. But neither of them is you. Only you can tell whether you can hand-hold it or not.
If you don't currently have a tripod, then you may well have that intention in the future. If and when you do, get an additional longer "quick-release plate" (you attach it to the tripod screw on your lens collar). Then you'll have the best of both worlds - easily attachable to a tripod and an excellent "aid to hand-holding" when and if necessary.
Long quick release plate on 70-200 lens
May 21, 2013 05:52:09 #
amanda303 wrote:
After debating this purchase for months (actually,... (show quote)
Yes, the L shaped bracket is where the tripod attachs as it is a balance point to keep the camera and lens steady and the tripod from tipping over due to to much weight on the front.
You can also use it as a hand hold when shooting hand held shots.
It should have a knob on the clamping ring ( L bracket) which allows you to loosen and rotate the camera and lens 360 deg. while attached to a tripod or even hand held shots.
Make sure you use a tripod sturdy enough to hold and support the camera and lens properly ( I have 2 tripods, 1 lightweight which is not suitable for my D3100 and the Sigma 150-500 and a good heavy duty one )
May 21, 2013 07:34:15 #
NormPR wrote:
The lens is too heavy to handle an keep steady without using a tripod.
I hand hold my 70-200 all the time.
May 21, 2013 07:53:38 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I hand hold my 70-200 all the time.
Some here may have physical limitations which prohibit or otherwise restrict them hand holding camera and lens, small hands, weak wrists or possibly just unsteady.
Personaly my left hand is bad due to a motorcycle accident when i was 18 and the right hand is due to a work related accident 14 yrs ago so I prefer to use a tripod whenever possible .
May 21, 2013 08:08:51 #
CurreyPhoto
Loc: Reddick, Florida
GoofyNewfie wrote:
I hand hold my 70-200 all the time.
I agree. This is a wonderful event lens, and you cannot shoot an event from a tripod. You must move with the action. Hold the camera in your right hand with the grip. Put your left hand under the lens on the zoom ring. Then bury your left elbow in your lower ribs for support. If you lift your left elbow away from your ribs, then you are supporting the camera/lens combination with your arms and hands and you will be shortly screaming for the tripod or at least the monopod. Also, use a good across the chest camera strap and let the camera hang from it while you are looking for the next shot. If you carry it in your hands between shots you may tire fast. My perspective on this is that of an old, skinny, weak man who shoots all day sometimes for three or four days in a row. My camera is a D3s and the lens is the 80-200 f2.8 now but was the 70-200 for the past several years. Try it, I think you'll like it.
May 21, 2013 09:07:40 #
Sheila
Loc: Arizona or New York
Have the same lens. Always attach this lens to the bracket NEVER the camera when you are using this lens. Always support the lens when you are carrying. As you note, this is a heavy lens and your camera can be damaged if you carry the camera without supporting the lens.
This is a wonderful lens to use in spite of the weight. I am an older female (almost 74) with small arthritic hands. I have a monopod that I use or try to find something to brace the camera and me if I absolutely cannot use a tripod. Sometimes I sit and brace my elbows on my legs or if I am on the ground use the ground with my elbows close in front of me to form a triangle. You can use this lens without a tripod but some of it depends on technique or your own strength.
I really, really like this lens and will everything I can to keep using it. In a post a while back, someone suggested lifting light weights every day to increase your strength.
This is a wonderful lens to use in spite of the weight. I am an older female (almost 74) with small arthritic hands. I have a monopod that I use or try to find something to brace the camera and me if I absolutely cannot use a tripod. Sometimes I sit and brace my elbows on my legs or if I am on the ground use the ground with my elbows close in front of me to form a triangle. You can use this lens without a tripod but some of it depends on technique or your own strength.
I really, really like this lens and will everything I can to keep using it. In a post a while back, someone suggested lifting light weights every day to increase your strength.
May 21, 2013 09:16:54 #
dooragdragon wrote:
Some here may have physical limitations which prohibit or otherwise restrict them hand holding camera and lens, small hands, weak wrists or possibly just unsteady.
Personaly my left hand is bad due to a motorcycle accident when i was 18 and the right hand is due to a work related accident 14 yrs ago so I prefer to use a tripod whenever possible .
Personaly my left hand is bad due to a motorcycle accident when i was 18 and the right hand is due to a work related accident 14 yrs ago so I prefer to use a tripod whenever possible .
Glad you have found a way to use it. As always, there are exceptions, but in normal circumstances it's not a tripod-only lens.
I shoot a lot of low light events where a tripod would be a handicap. It's heavy though.
May 21, 2013 09:17:33 #
dooragdragon wrote:
Yes, the L shaped bracket is where the tripod atta... (show quote)
I also have this lens in the Canon version and it has the same tripod collar. As pointed out here, loosen the locking nut while the lens is mounted directly to the tripod to change from a vertical position to horizontal. That way the center of gravity of the lens and camera is always over the center point of the tripod.
Handhold shots should be supported with one hand under the barrel of the lens. Big lens. Heavy lens, but always known as one of the best lenses.
Enjoy it.
May 21, 2013 15:28:44 #
FilmFanatic
Loc: Waikato, New Zealand
This is a good point - see people holding their camera badly all the time. With a lens like this, support the lens with your left hand and aim the camera with your right. I see people holding the camera body for grim death with both hands which is not only difficult but prone to wobbling around
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