70-200F4 Canon tripod collar ring?

[Bsmooth]

I've heard this, but is it true and has anyone tried it?

"While not a Digital Rebel-specific money saver, a few people may find this little secret handy. If you own a Canon 70-200mm f/4L, 300mm f/4L or 400mm f/5.6L Lens lens, you don't have to spend $120 for the white tripod ring (Canon Part: # 2889A002, "Canon Tripod Mount Ring A"). Instead, buy the black version (Canon Part #: 2888A002, "Tripod Mounting Ring A for 200mm f/2.8L II"). This part is identical to the white version (targeted at L lenses) but is painted black. Though not as asthetically pleasing, you do save $35!"

[malcolmx]

my lenses 70-200 and 100-400 came with the mount this is in uk did u buy these 2nd hand

[mr.photoguy]

In the US the 70-200 f4, doesn't come with a tripod collar ring.

[Bsmooth]

I realize the 70-200F4 doesn't come with a Collar ring ,but I was wondering If the 70-200F2.8 would fit the F4 or If anyone had tried it.I have the 70-200F4 and after hand holding it with a 1.4 extender I think i would do better with the lens and 20D on a tripod.B&H usually carries the collar ring for the F4 but there out of stock,but they do have the black one for the 2.8. Will It fit?

[RichardtheSane]

my lenses 70-200 and 100-400 came with the mount this is in uk did u buy these 2nd hand

In the UK the 70-200 F4 L does not come with the collar

Only the F2.8 does, maybe you have the 2.8?

[mr.photoguy]

hmm. I can't say if the 2.8 will fit. I thought the 2.8 was a fatter lense.
I wouldbn't be the one to say yes, and then it doesn't work.
You could always stop by bnh, and see. Then rattle can it white lol.

[glangston]

I talked to the guys at my local photo store, Samy's (a chain that has B&H prices) and they didn't seem anxious to sell me one. They said that the lens is not that heavy and mounting it by the camera on a tripod is pretty steady. The f/4 is quite a bit lighter than the 2.8. I'll maybe re-consider if pictures convince me.

[mr.photoguy]

I dunno about that. I mounted my 70-200 f4 on my tripod from the camera body, and I really would have felt more comfortable mounting it from the lens. . I think it is a better mounting position.

I intend to purchase it soon also, just not at the moment.

[roanjohn]

I don't have a ring for my 70-200 f4..........and I never felt the need for a ring around it. Its light and it balances very well with the camera attached to the tripod.

Ro1

[Persian-Rice]

I really doubt the collar from a f/2.8 will fit.
I have owned both and the f/2.8 non IS is much bigger and heavier then the f/4.

When I used the f/4 I mounted via the body and it was fine, mind you a strudy tripod might be what you need. With the f/2.8 I have to mount it using the lens, its just too big and heavy.

[gcogger]

The 70-200 f/4, 80-200 f/2.8, 200 f/8, 300 f/4 and 400 f/5.6 use "Tripod Ring A"
The 70-200 f/2.8, 100-400 L etc. use "Tripod Ring B"

So no, the collar from a 70-200 f/2.8 will NOT fit fit the f/4 lens.

[RichardtheSane]

I would just like to point out that I was not in any way suggesting the 2.8 collar would fit the lens, in fact I know it will not as the fitting is different.

I was suggesting malcolmx bought the F2.8 version which comes wiht a collar.

[HJMinard]

I use this ring (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=211436&is=REG) on my 70-200/4L. I agree that it's not necessary, but I definitely prefer the balance of the setup with the ring ... especially on my monopod. It fits the lens perfectly.

[hank1105]

Funny you bring this up, I just purchased the black collar ring for my 70-200 f/4 from B&H 2 days ago. Works like a champ, I believe I paid $89.00, still a good amount of money, but not as much as the white, play it looks cool, although I would have preferred the white.

[glangston]

I use this ring (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=211436&is=REG) on my 70-200/4L. I agree that it's not necessary, but I definitely prefer the balance of the setup with the ring ... especially on my monopod. It fits the lens perfectly.

I guess the ad is wrong. It states it "only works with the 70-200 f/2.8" whereas the white ring states it only works with "70-200 f/4 and a couple of other lenses." I believe you in that it works I'm just wondering why they make these claims. :rolleyes:

[HJMinard]

I guess the ad is wrong. It states it "only works with the 70-200 f/2.8" whereas the white ring states it only works with "70-200 f/4 and a couple of other lenses." I believe you in that it works I'm just wondering why they make these claims. :rolleyes:

Actually it states that it only works with the 200/2.8 prime lens ... not the 70-200 f/2.8. Check the name, however ... both are Canon Tripod Ring "A" ... the only difference is their color.

I don't know why they make these claims ... I guess just to sell more of the expensive white rings. (Don't buy that white paint for your ceiling ... you'd have to take out a second mortgage.)

[cspratt]

Any idea where I can get the 70-200L F/4 tripod collar in Canada?

Chris. Spratt
Victoria, BC

[MrChad]

The key is a good ball head or pro quality tripod head. My 75-300 IS was quite a heavy lens for it's size, easily on par with 70-200 f4L, but it held fine provided you have a good tripod head. The f2.8L's are another story, mount one of those on the Drebel with the grip and flash (maybe with bracket) you need a serious head combo. The big L's will easily torque the Drebel lens mount.

I thought $100 was a bit expensive for the tripod ring myself until I saw the ring quality of the my 70-200 f2.8L, it's quite a nice unit. As nicely crafted as my Manfrotto mono-pod head IMO.

[rklepper]

The black tripod collar for the 200 f2.8L prime does fit the 70-200 f4L, but not the 70-200 f2.8L. Hope this helps.

[Tsmith]

The black tripod collar for the 200 f2.8L prime does fit the 70-200 f4L, but not the 70-200 f2.8L. Hope this helps.

Yep he's correct as I have one at $30 cheaper than the white model. I think the black ring looks better IMO.

[tiha]

I've just received ring A(W) for my 70-200F4. Ring is quite expensive but I can tell that it is very well build (all metal) and lens with it balances much better on light tripod as one I have (Velbon MAXi 347GB). Pity it doesn't have strap lugs – not important on 70-200 but can be useful with larger lenses. IMHO white ring looks better than black. Is it worth $30 more it's another question...

[jojohohanon]

Couldn't you just use a "mount extender"? I'm sure that's not the proper term for it... I mean a piece of metal that you attach to the bottom of the body, and then attach that to the tripod, thus pushing the body back and putting the tripod mount closer to the center of gravity.

While not as sturdy as a lens mount, it should be better balanced than mounting the body on the tripod directly.

[rent]

i have both the 300 f/4L IS and the 70-200 f/4L. i can't seem to be able to put the ring that came with the 300 on the 70-200. did i miss something?

-alex

The 70-200 f/4, 80-200 f/2.8, 200 f/8, 300 f/4 and 400 f/5.6 use "Tripod Ring A"
The 70-200 f/2.8, 100-400 L etc. use "Tripod Ring B"

So no, the collar from a 70-200 f/2.8 will NOT fit fit the f/4 lens.

[CoolToolGuy]

Couldn't you just use a "mount extender"? I'm sure that's not the proper term for it... I mean a piece of metal that you attach to the bottom of the body, and then attach that to the tripod, thus pushing the body back and putting the tripod mount closer to the center of gravity.

While not as sturdy as a lens mount, it should be better balanced than mounting the body on the tripod directly.

True, but balance is not the only issue. Mounting the tripod to the body, even with such a device, puts all of the weight of the lens on the body's lens mount. That is not a huge issue with the 700-200 f4L, but its really not the best solution.

Have Fun,

[paulhillion]

i have both the 300 f/4L IS and the 70-200 f/4L. i can't seem to be able to put the ring that came with the 300 on the 70-200. did i miss something?

-alex
As I have the 70-200 f/4 & I've just ordered the 300 f/4L IS I too would be interested in hearing whether the 300's ring would fit the 70-200?

Thanks.

[reewik]

Any shots to show the difference.. I know silly that looks matter but heh lets see them...

[sharky]

I talked to the guys at my local photo store, Samy's (a chain that has B&H prices) and they didn't seem anxious to sell me one. They said that the lens is not that heavy and mounting it by the camera on a tripod is pretty steady. The f/4 is quite a bit lighter than the 2.8. I'll maybe re-consider if pictures convince me.

I had the same experience - the sales staff of a local camera store were determined to turn me off buying a tripod ring for my 70-200 f4. It was really quite bizzare - one salesman was almost getting aggressive about it. I ended up walking out and ordering one from interstate.

Two things to consider (from my point of view):

1) The white ring is more aesthetically pleasing, and this might translate to a higher resale visit if you ever decide to sell the lens.

2) While I agree the lens is light enough that it probably doesn't stress the mount too much when on a pod, the real advantage of the ring is the ability to quickly move from landscape to portrait fraiming with the twist of the knob on the side of the ring. This is great on a tripod, but unbelievably useful on a monopod!