AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

I recently purchased the Nikon 70-200 2.8 FL ED and right from the first shot I am totally impressed. This lens is everything reviewers say it is, simply awesome. Its one flaw is the location of the focus ring being right where most of us hold the lens, which can lead to unintentionally moving it, resulting in out of focus shots. The zoom ring is further out on the barrel. Workarounds I have heard of include 1) adjust hold to further out on barrel, 2) put gaffer tape on focus ring so it doesn't move, 3) use tripod foot to rest in palm. For me, 1) adjusting hold feels cumbersome, 2) I'd like to avoid gaffer taping in case I need to adjust focus manually, and 3) using the tripod foot is not that comfortable and doesn't work when you switch to vertical.

I've only had the lens a few days and the best I have come up with so far is to use the tripod foot along with a bike glove that is fingerless and has padding in the palm which makes it more comfortable to hold. When switching to vertical I adjust my hold further out the barrel. I was wondering if any hoggers have this lens and how they work around this shortcoming.

btw, I'm a hobbyist and shoot with a D7200. This lens is a big step up for me. A friend let me borrow his and I was hooked on it :)

Thanks,

Alan

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Consider some type of pistol grip. Here’s one, a Google search should bring up some others:
https://www.amazon.com/Photography-Cinema-pistol-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0073Z49AM
Edit: “... using the tripod foot is not that comfortable and doesn't work when you switch to vertical.”
This makes no sense. The tripod ring can be rotated.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have had this lens since it was first released and I completely understand what you are saying. Over time, I have become comfortable holding it and I suspect you will as well. At first I was not too happy with Nikon for swapping the focus and zoom ring, but once again, with time, it has become my new normal. It's just such a good lens and I do find having the zoom ring up front very useful. It is now rare for me that I accidentally 'bump' the focus ring. I like your glove idea, but not for the present weather here. It's a superior lens. Best of luck.

AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

I thought about a pistol grip, but its almost impossible to adjust zoom while using it.

Thanks,

Alan

AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

Thanks cjc2. I'll keep experimenting with it. Its definitely not going back! Its just too good a lens. I will make it work for me :)

Thanks,

Alan

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

I always hold my lenses with my hand as far out on the lens as possible, tends to steady the lens better. That is why Nikon put the zoom ring out on the end. Try it, you'll like it.

AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

If you're shooting an event and switching back and forth between vertical and horizontal it takes too much time to loosen the ring, rotate and re-tighten it. Leaving it loose is not an option. I'm going to try adjusting my hold. I suspect I'll get used to it quicker than I originally thought. Thanks for your input.

Regards,

Alan

geezer76 Loc: Prineville, Oregon

geezer76 Loc: Prineville, Oregon

Hi Alan, I have the new AF-S 70-200 f/2.8E and love it as well. I use the tripod foot for my hold and shoot Hunter/Jumper horse events and it is the best lens I have ever had for this type of shooting. I too was surprised at the new location for the zoom, but did not take long to adjust. So far have not accidently caused a problem with touching the focus ring. Good luck, you will get use to it!!

AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

Thanks Bill. I will give it a try.

Alan

AlanW Loc: Upstate NY

Thanks geezer, I appreciate the response.

Alan

Hammer Loc: London UK

Have you tried altering the mode of the focus ring from M/A to A/M. This will result in the need for a lot of movement of the focus ring before any alteration in focus.

See if it works for you.

jm76237

I’ve had mine about 5 months and at first it drove me crazy. As I got more and more use to it, I like now like the ease of tweaking the focus. I think if I had the choice of flipping it back, I’d stick with it the way it is.

This is without a doubt the sharpest lens I have. I have the 24-70 and the 79-200 is much sharper. Rarely use my primes anymore.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Alan,
I have a grip that attaches to the tripod foot. I'll try to attach a photo. Why? Thought you'd never ask. Because the grip is round and easier to grasp. It can also serve as a carry handle. The other main reason is that handholding the lens with this attached raises the lens enough so it's easier to steady my elbow on my hip and get a steadier hold. I use it on my 200-500 with good results.

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

So do I. But, I leave the handle up, easier to carry, and when I bring the lens up, I like to have my left arm under the lens.