New lightweight bodies and old heavy lenses: Does the weight of old, heavy lenses (e.g., Nikon AIS) pose a problem on the mounts of new lightweight DSLRs (e.g., D5000 series)? If so...

John Maher Loc: Northern Virginia

Does the weight of old, heavy lenses (e.g., Nikon AIS) pose a problem on the mounts of new lightweight DSLRs (e.g., D5000 series)? If so, is there a limit on length/weight where a collar would be advisable? My question is specifically for Nikon so does the answer vary with brand/mount.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

If both the camera and lens has a threaded mounting hole, could not a bracket be devised?

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I have found the small/lightweight bodies to feel unbalanced with larger lenses, and worse with older heavier lenses. I think the awkwardness of the combo would be worse than concerns for the mount. If it is that out-of-balance, you'd be on a tripod, as hand holding would probably make it very difficult to make a good shot. I sold my D3200 as it was a bit small for my hands, and felt very unbalanced with longer and older, heavier lenses. The small form factor caused hand/finger cramping when using with larger lenses, especially when out shooting for several hours. Otherwise, it was a good little camera.

I would not hang any of the large telephoto lenses on one of the little bodies and try to tripod mount the body, it couild strain the mount (maybe) and would be extremely nose heavy, not easy to work with, might even be prone to falling over easily. Anything large/long will be better with a tripod leg/collar, unless you have the arm strength and stability to overcome the awkward positioning, and even then would not be fun to use.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

John_F wrote:

If both the camera and lens has a threaded mounting hole, could not a bracket be devised?

I have a homemade bracket for one of those huge 650-1300 zooms, it works well, keeps it from drooping, but the lens works better as a wall ornament, or a telescope, than it does as a lens. A body to lens mount bracket is certainy a good way to balance the rig, and reduce strain, and can be bought cheaply, or fabricated from aluminum stock from the hardware store.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

John Maher wrote:

Does the weight of old, heavy lenses (e.g., Nikon AIS) pose a problem on the mounts of new lightweight DSLRs (e.g., D5000 series)? If so, is there a limit on length/weight where a collar would be advisable? My question is specifically for Nikon so does the answer vary with brand/mount.

Those lenses that would be hard on a mount, already come with a collar!

User ID

John_F wrote:

If both the camera and lens has a threaded
mounting hole, could not a bracket be devised?

In that case, why not just mount
to the tripod at the lens collar ?

OTOH if you mean to strengthen
the lens-to-body connection for
hand held use, thaz unnecessary.

.

User ID

speters wrote:

Those lenses that would be hard on a
mount, already come with a collar!

At least, they SHOULD ....

I use a 28-300. It came with a D610.
That camera can support it. If I had
a flimsier camera, I'd limit it to hand
held use ... which seems to be what
it's intended for anywho, being an all
in one type "travel lens" with VR.

.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

John Maher wrote:

Does the weight of old, heavy lenses (e.g., Nikon AIS) pose a problem on the mounts of new lightweight DSLRs (e.g., D5000 series)? If so, is there a limit on length/weight where a collar would be advisable? My question is specifically for Nikon so does the answer vary with brand/mount.

Manual is what you will get. And, if it were me, I would call the tech guys at Nikon to make sure.
1-800-645-6687

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

olemikey wrote:

I have found the small/lightweight bodies to feel unbalanced with larger lenses, and worse with older heavier lenses. I think the awkwardness of the combo would be worse than concerns for the mount.

Yeah. I used a70-300 on a Nikon 1 body with the adapter. It worked fine but jeez was it awkward.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

John Maher wrote:

Does the weight of old, heavy lenses (e.g., Nikon AIS) pose a problem on the mounts of new lightweight DSLRs (e.g., D5000 series)? If so, is there a limit on length/weight where a collar would be advisable? My question is specifically for Nikon so does the answer vary with brand/mount.

Most mounts are designed to support the weight of the camera. In usual circumstances the lens is supported by the mount. When big lenses are the subject the camera now attaches to the lens and is carried as such. When the lens moves the camera goes with it. Thus, the mount now supports the camera's weight. There are brackets on the market that support a lens and body together, Manfrotto is one name. That bracket then mounts on something, tripod, etc.

MauiMoto Loc: Hawaii

https://youtu.be/MWnL3PPMsXQ
Nikon mount is strong according to this guy.

User ID

MauiMoto wrote:

https://youtu.be/MWnL3PPMsXQ
Nikon mount is strong according to this guy.

That appears to be a utube url.
Utube = No cred.

.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

User ID wrote:

That appears to be a utube url.
Utube = No cred.

.

There’s a lot of good stuff on YouTube. There’s a lot of junk. You just need to do some research and find the good stuff.

MDI Mainer

SuperflyTNT wrote:

There’s a lot of good stuff on YouTube. There’s a lot of junk. You just need to do some research and find the good stuff.

Including lets not forget vids from B&H, Adorama, and various equipment manufacturers.

n3eg Loc: West coast USA

olemikey wrote:

I have a homemade bracket for one of those huge 650-1300 zooms...

I use one of those lenses with a micro four thirds mirrorless camera. "New light weight DSLR" ? Is that some kind of joke?