Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 L USM Lens

[Malok]

Does anyone have the Canon EF 70-200mm F/4 L USM Lens? I am considering purchasing it, but I would first like to know if the lens tripod mount is a necessity. Can I use my camera on the tripod with this lens on or is it too heavy to do that regularly. The lens camera mount is sold as an option and is far from cheap.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Malok

[ssim]

My first reaction was that you need the tripod mount. I have the 70-200 f2.8 L IS and it is heavy enough that I wouldn't use it on a tripd with the camera mounted on the tripod.

So then I go and check the Canon website and find that my lens tips the toledos at 2.9lbs and the 70-200 f4 only comes in at 1.4, less than half.

[dtrayers]

You'd find that even though the lens is fairly lightweight and the camera can easily support the lens, the camera/lens combination will be front heavy, especially on a ball head.

I've found that with the tripod mount, the camera/lens combination is very well balanced and I can set a little pre-tension on the ball mount and it'll stay in any position I leave it in. If I used the camera mount, I'd have to almost lock the ball in position to keep it from falling forward.

I recommend the tripod mount, but save some money and get the BLACK (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=211436&is=REG) one. Ignore what B&H says about what lens it'll fit. It WILL fit the 70-200f/4L.