when to attach the lens to the tripod?
Nov 30, 2013 06:46:02 #
I was watching a video last night and in it. It was said that a long lens should be mounted on the tripod rather than the camera.
The reason being that the weight of a long lens could distort the camera body.
That actually asks more questions than it answers. What is a long lens, my longest lens is a 75-300mm sigma which I sometimes use with a tele-converter does that need mounting from the lens?
Non of my lenses have any obvious mounting points, so are they fine with just attaching to the camera and attaching the camera to the tripod?
The reason being that the weight of a long lens could distort the camera body.
That actually asks more questions than it answers. What is a long lens, my longest lens is a 75-300mm sigma which I sometimes use with a tele-converter does that need mounting from the lens?
Non of my lenses have any obvious mounting points, so are they fine with just attaching to the camera and attaching the camera to the tripod?
Nov 30, 2013 07:14:52 #
magicunicorn
Loc: Melbourne Australia
My canon Lens come with a tripod mount.. for both the 70-200 and the 100 - 400 i use it all the time ... I find it so easy to use easier than the camera tripod mount.
I also use the tripod mount to turn the camera from vertical to to landscape modes without removing from monopod or tripod
I also use the tripod mount to turn the camera from vertical to to landscape modes without removing from monopod or tripod
Nov 30, 2013 07:16:38 #
blackest wrote:
I was watching a video last night and in it. It wa... (show quote)
I figure if the lens has a tripod mount, it's because the manufacturer thinks it's necessary. Otherwise, I would use the mount on the camera.
Nov 30, 2013 07:30:41 #
My tripod came with 2 metal quick release plates, 1 which stays on the camera, and 1 stays attached to my Sigma 150-500mm that has a L bracket tripod mount attached.
My 70-300mm Tamron has no L bracket and I use it with a 2x teleconverter with no problems hand held as I use my left hand to adjust focus and zoom so my hand is supporting it all the time.
Pete
My 70-300mm Tamron has no L bracket and I use it with a 2x teleconverter with no problems hand held as I use my left hand to adjust focus and zoom so my hand is supporting it all the time.
Pete
Nov 30, 2013 08:10:25 #
blackest wrote:
I was watching a video last night and in it. It wa... (show quote)
It makes sense, that if you're using a long lens, it's best to also consider its weight. If its a heavy lens and you have your camera attached to your tripod, the lens is putting a lot of weight on the camera. As you move your tripod from place to place, the integrity of the bayonet connection could become a problem.
Rocky
Nov 30, 2013 08:13:32 #
It may depend partly on the camera body as, in general the more expensive cameras have more strength than lesser models. The lens weight also has a bearing as some lenses are light weight and some are much heavier. I'm sure you can order a mounting ring for the lens you have if you feel it needs one. One more point is that if mounted on the lens, the camera and lens combo will be more balanced and be more stable on the tripod translating into less camera shake.
Nov 30, 2013 08:15:40 #
blackest wrote:
I was watching a video last night and in it. It wa... (show quote)
If the manufacturer does not supply you with a tripod collar, they have determined it to be light enough that a collar is not necessary to balance the combination. If needed, it will be provided, or at least made available.
Nov 30, 2013 09:51:21 #
ROCKY JA wrote:
End of discussion.It makes sense, that if you're using a long lens, it's best to also consider its weight. If its a heavy lens and you have your camera attached to your tripod, the lens is putting a lot of weight on the camera. As you move your tripod from place to place, the integrity of the bayonet connection could become a problem.
Rocky
Rocky
Nov 30, 2013 10:34:32 #
Rongnongno wrote:
End of discussion.
I have never felt that carrying the camera while attached to the tripod was a good idea. I have several quick disconnect plates for my tripod.
As far as mounting the lens or the camera to the tripod. It is a matter of the weight and where the center of balance ends up. Usually I mount the lens to the tripod when the mount is available.
I have the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS lens that I purchased the optional lens mount ring. When I use a cropped body (Rebel) with this lens, I mount the lens on the tripod. If I use the same lens on my 5D MK III, I mount the camera to the tripod. This is my way of doing it and works for me.
Nov 30, 2013 12:44:47 #
blackest wrote:
I was watching a video last night and in it. It wa... (show quote)
I would like to have the camera with lens centered on tripod
Nov 30, 2013 13:04:05 #
mwsilvers
Loc: Central New Jersey
blackest wrote:
I was watching a video last night and in it. It wa... (show quote)
If the lens comes with a tripod mount you should use it rather than the cameras mount. Most heavy lenses come with one. Generally, if it doesn't come with one, or one is not available for a specific lens by the manufacturer you should be OK mounting directly to the camera.
Nov 30, 2013 15:28:22 #
Thanks guys I appreciate all the input, My camera is relatively heavy so I guess if its heavier than the lens it makes more sense to hang the lens from the camera rather than the other way round.
I did see a modified off flash bracket used to support the lens which might be an idea with some macro work.
I did see a modified off flash bracket used to support the lens which might be an idea with some macro work.
Nov 30, 2013 16:16:01 #
haroldross wrote:
I have never felt that carrying the camera while attached to the tripod was a good idea.
I have never felt that carrying the camera while attached to the tripod was a good idea.
Harold, I would agree.
But when you start using lenses that are 500mm and longer, that thinking goes right out the window.
Unless you are always parked next to your tripod, attaching, detaching and stowing big heavy lenses is a real pain in the a$$. Just removing a double hood is a pain.
Harold, just pick up the tripod and go!
SS
Nov 30, 2013 17:53:29 #
At one time the camera always supported the lens.
Since the big lenses came out, the lens now supports the camera, so it stands to reason that you want the tripod to support the lens.
It's all about center of gravity.
Since the big lenses came out, the lens now supports the camera, so it stands to reason that you want the tripod to support the lens.
It's all about center of gravity.
Nov 30, 2013 20:34:40 #
Bugfan
Loc: Toronto, Canada
I suppose there is probably a formula but I don't have one. To me a long lens that is also a heavy one goes on the tripod. For instance I do have one that extends about eighteen inches and weighs at least three and a half pounds. That one always goes on the tripod rather than the camera. I have other so called "long" lenses, or more accurately, telephotos, that only extend a short distance. These mount to the camera and the camera goes on the tripod instead.
There are two issues really. If the lens is lengthy and heavy there is always the risk that you may permanently distort your lens mount and if that happens, it can be every expensive to fix. The second issue is less threatening, you may simply briefly distort your mount temporarily which means your pictures might not be as sharp as they should be but at least when you remove the lens the mount returns to normal. Personally I don't like either risk.
So I do like others have suggested here, if the lens comes with a tripod mount that's what goes on the tripod unless I happen to be hand holding the lens.
There are two issues really. If the lens is lengthy and heavy there is always the risk that you may permanently distort your lens mount and if that happens, it can be every expensive to fix. The second issue is less threatening, you may simply briefly distort your mount temporarily which means your pictures might not be as sharp as they should be but at least when you remove the lens the mount returns to normal. Personally I don't like either risk.
So I do like others have suggested here, if the lens comes with a tripod mount that's what goes on the tripod unless I happen to be hand holding the lens.
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