I just had an epiphany

[FlipsidE]

Ya know, from time to time, I find that, while taking pictures, the weight of the camera ends up on the lens as I'm tryin to adjust some setting or get the right angle or what have you. I was fairly concerned, until today, that I could be very well damaging the lens mount on the camera.

But, then it hit me like a ton of bricks about five minutes ago. What about those situations where the camera is mounted on a tripod via a lens ring not the camera base. And, then I thought about...what if it's a timer shot (so as not to shake the camera) and the entire rig was pointed doward somewhat. I thought for a second and realized that this is the exact same kind of situation that happens to me from time to time when the cam is handheld.

It just hit me that that lens mount (both on the lens and especially on the camera) would have to be built to stand up to a good bit of different pressures from different angles...and it'd have to be built pretty solidly.

I know this is a random epiphany, but I had to share.

FlipsidE

[pradeep1]

Metal lens mounts can handle a good deal of weight and stress. But you should still support the setup by the lens if you are using an especially heavy lens.

Plastic lens mounts are not as good, but they are still usable.

[Motorsports Photo]

Plastic lens mounts are not as good, but they are still usable.

Know anyone that had a problem with one?? Ever had one wear out??

My wife never had problems with her rebel XS, and I have never heard of any trouble. I think the plastic mount is more than adequate for the life of the camera. The only advantage of the metal mount is it can be replaced if you REALLY screw it up!

-Pete

[cmM]

long heavy lenses have all metal mounts

you'll find plastc mounts on lenses like 50mm etc... weight is not really a concern in those cases

[JonK]

Pretty sure my 50mm has metal mount...

[cmM]

Pretty sure my 50mm has metal mount...
If you have the 50mm f/1.4, then yes. The 50mm f/1.8 MkII has plastic mount (the older MkI had metal mount)

[OviV]

Since we are on the subject, how safe is it for me to carry my 20D with Sigma 70-200 2.8 (~3 lbs) mounted hanging from my neck. I tend to do this alot when shooting baseball games and I wonder if this is safe.

Ovi

[samdring]

Since we are on the subject, how safe is it for me to carry my 20D with Sigma 70-200 2.8 (~3 lbs) mounted hanging from my neck. I tend to do this alot when shooting baseball games and I wonder if this is safe.

Ovi
Probable not safe when shooting baseball - cricket should, however, be OK ;)

seriously, though, I reckon the mounts are well made - remember that photo of the 1200? How much weight is either side of the fulcrum?

[Pyromaniac]

I'd think that Canon or any camera manufacturer would make the mount rings strong enough to support the weight of the lens. I can't see the camera ever being to heavy for the lens to support. and up to probably 400mm the camera should probably be able to support the lens with out much trouble and thats also probably the reason why the bigger lenses have a mount on the lens is to take the stress off the mounts when it's on a tripod or monopod.