Bill_de wrote:
Today's tripod feet seem like they are designed to be a carry handle without any attachments.
Although I usually switch to RRS, the last two lenses I got from Nikon had cushioned grips built into the tripod foot.
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The tripod foot of the Nikon 200-500 does not raise up enough from the lens (in my opinion) to allow it to be easily carried by that foot. The handle helps.