Replacement foot for Nikon lens: The foot on my 70-200 is a bear to get off. Unusually tight! I've decided to replace the original foot and install an arca swiss style foot for quick...

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

The foot on my 70-200 is a bear to get off. Unusually tight! I've decided to replace the original foot and install an arca swiss style foot for quick R&R on both my tripod and monopod. I have looked at the Kirk and the RRS replacement foot and they are between $80 and $100.
I found this one on ebay and also on amazon for $40. I realize this one is an off brand, but sometimes you are just paying for the name only on some of these accessories. Has anyone purchased this brand and have any comments about it?

Thanks and looking forward to your input.

Fotasy L78 QR Quick Release Arca-Swiss Type Lens Plate for Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR Lens

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You mean this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Fotasy-L78-Arca-Swiss-70-200mm-Cleaning/dp/B005681P3W
http://www.pricegrabber.com/cameras/quick-release-tripod-systems++fotasy-fotasy-l78-qr-quick-release-arca-swiss-type-lens-plate-for-niko/m-889967379
http://shopping.yahoo.com/889967379-fotasy-l78-qr-quick-release-arca-swiss-type-lens-plate-for-nikon-70-200mm-f28-vr-lens-with-fotasy-premier-cleaning-cloth-black

amehta Loc: Boston

juicesqueezer wrote:

The foot on my 70-200 is a bear to get off. Unusu... (show quote)

If the question was, "will this work?" like whether it would work on off-brand Arca-Swiss clamps, one person could say "yes" and you'd be all set. The problem here, though, is that your question is, "will this fail?" One or two people saying it is working for them is not going to fail for you. If you asked the same question about RRS or Kirk equipment, I think you would get a lot more answers, which would give you more confidence in the consensus.

Photography is an expensive hobby, and it makes sense to find ways to save money when we can. One question is the risk of failure. Usually, it means we didn't get the shot we wanted. But sometimes it mean that $2000-$5000, depending on the body you're using with the lens. Is the cost savings of the foot worth that risk?

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Nikonian72 wrote:

You mean this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Fotasy-L78-Arca-Swiss-70-200mm-Cleaning/dp/B005681P3W
http://www.pricegrabber.com/cameras/quick-release-tripod-systems++fotasy-fotasy-l78-qr-quick-release-arca-swiss-type-lens-plate-for-niko/m-889967379
http://shopping.yahoo.com/889967379-fotasy-l78-qr-quick-release-arca-swiss-type-lens-plate-for-nikon-70-200mm-f28-vr-lens-with-fotasy-premier-cleaning-cloth-black

Yes Nikonian; do you know anything about this foot?

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

oops!

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

amehta wrote:

If the question was, "will this work?" l... (show quote)

Photography is an expensive hobby and yes, I was looking for a way to save a few bucks, but I don't want to risk damaging or worse, a high dollar lens and camera. Maybe I just need to cough up the higher price in the Kirk or RRS product. I was really wanting to see if anyone has actually tried this product and what they thought of it.
I did a review on a Sunwayphoto L plate for my Nikon. It worked, but access to the side panel was a problem, so sent it back. I did post my findings on this site to help others in their decision. Was hoping somebody did the same on this foot.
Thanks for the reply.

amehta Loc: Boston

juicesqueezer wrote:

quote=amehta If the question was, "will this... (show quote)

My answer sounded like me saying, "why bother asking?" but that's not what I meant, and I'm sorry it seemed like that.

Your post about the Sunwayphoto L plate is useful, because it answers the "Will this work?" question with "No", so others will stay away. If it had worked, you posting "Yes" would also be helpful to others.

I think the question here is, "Is this reliable?" If a bunch of people respond positively, that would be great. But if only a few respond positively, I would not be comfortable with it.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

juicesqueezer wrote:

Yes Nikonian; do you know anything about this foot?

No, but now you have a picture to share.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

amehta wrote:

I think the question here is, "Is this reliable?" If a bunch of people respond positively, that would be great. But if only a few respond positively, I would not be comfortable with it.

That is exactly what I was wanting to find out. Always nervous when a product is half the price of another.
I did not think you answer before was a negative one. I appreciate any and all answers to a question I post.
Thanks again.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Nikonian72 wrote:

No, but now you have a picture to share.

Thanks Nikonian; Guess I should have posted a photo of this product when I first asked the questions. That is the foot I was referring too.

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

juicesqueezer wrote:

The foot on my 70-200 is a bear to get off. Unusu... (show quote)

The Fotasy says "made of aluminum" while the Kirk says " made of 6061 aluminum". I would think the 6061 would be better but who knows?

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

naturepics43 wrote:

The Fotasy says "made of aluminum" while the Kirk says " made of 6061 aluminum". I would think the 6061 would be better but who knows?

Something to consider as well. Thanks