I've got a beast (80-200/2.8 L)! Now I need help with a tripod mount!

[CyberPet]

OK, I got the lens my friend is selling me (he's letting me play with it before I pay, a whole new concept!) and it's a BEAST! I really need to learn to handle a lens so heavy as this.

Since i have the Canon 350D I might have to get a vertical grip since it feels like I'm almost cramping trying to hold the camera in my right hand and the lens in the left. But most parts it's also due to inexperience.

Anyway... anyone know where one might find a tripod mount for this lens, it didn't come with one and I'm thinking I probably need one in those situations where I can't up the ISO enough to keep a decent shutterspeed when shooting in 200 mm.

So does anyone know where I can find one? Preferably cheap of course, but if not, just point me in the right direction. If there's several choices, let me know!

Thanks in advance! :D

[gcogger]

You shouldn't have problems with the right hand - the left takes practically all the weight, and the right just provides the control.

As to the tripod mount, you want the Canon Tripod Ring A. It's the same size for the following lenses:
200/2.8L (NOT the 70-200)
300/4L (not IS)
400/5.6L
80-200/2.8L
70-200/4L
but some of them are white, some black. The cheapest, if buying new, is probably the one for the 200mm f/2.8 (the fixed lens, not the zoom), since it's black.

[Andy_T]

The cheapest, if buying new, is probably the one for the 200mm f/2.8 (the fixed lens, not the zoom), since it's black.

Well, so is the 80-200/2.8 :D

Congratulations on getting a great lens!

I would reconsider getting the grip ... when I mount my BIG lens (Russian manual focus 300/4.5 lens), I basically hold the lens with my left hand and just put my right hand on the shutter ... not much holding such a beast by the camera.

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberPet]

Aah, it's a ring you attach to it. GREAT!

Well, I might have to use the lens indoors, so a monopod might be handy. Are those Canon Tripod Ring A expensive? I don't really care about color, so it could be white, black, blue, green or pink!

[CyberPet]

Just had to post two pictures of the 350D with the Canon 80-200/2.8 L, so you guys know what lens we're talking about. Maybe I should put on the cool hood too, so it looks really long. :D

http://www.bazazz.com/pics/DSCN7034.jpg

http://www.bazazz.com/pics/DSCN7036.jpg

[Big Hands]

The black one is about $90 and the white one is about $120 if you shop around.

It would be excellent for holding that rig on either a tripod or monopod. They are expensive, but once you have one, you will be happy you do. Much better balance, control and comfort.

[CyberPet]

Big Hand, oh... even better that the black one is cheaper! :)

I too agree that it probably needs a support, it's not always you get perfect lighting conditions and can handhold it steady.

Got any good suggestions on where one might find one cheap, that doesn't charge an arm and a leg for shipping?

[Big Hands]

Many people use the black one on the white lenses as it doesn't look that out of place especially if your tripod or monopod is black.

They can occasionally be found at the buy and sell forum here, at fred miranda dot com and even at evilbay. Diligent checking may pay off, but don't expect to get one dirt cheap as they are extremely desired in the used market. I will warn you that if you see one discounted $10 to $20 off those prices (incl shipping), it will go fast, so act fast.

Good luck.

[CyberPet]

Oh lord... sounds like a challenge! Well, if anyone see one for sale while they are browsing around, send me a PM or an email ASAP!

Does these sell "new"? In that case, where is the best place to buy?

[BottomBracket]

Oh, a magic drain pipe! Congratulations! Show us pics of your shots ASAP please :)

[mr.photoguy]

oh my gosh.. I thought that was a 550ex flash.. lol it's a 420ex.. that 350 makes that thing look huge.

[CyberPet]

Ok, I've been testing the lens just a bit... not much since I have loads to do right now. But here's my cat Sam trying to be a "good boy" and be outside for a bit (he meows the whole time, he doesn't like the feel of the grass and the wind). I resized the images as you can see, but it's due to shortage of space on my webserver:

http://www.bazazz.com/pics/IMG_1644.jpg

I think the bokeh (or how you spell it) looks nice on this picture. I don't know, but it's a matter of taste I assume. Not much foliage on our tree's and bushes yet. Anyway... Sam is aware of the neighbor's dog, and not too found of it (see next picture to understand why).

http://www.bazazz.com/pics/IMG_1646.jpg

This very gentle dog (Rottweiler), Molly, is soo nice and friendly, but it doesn't seem like my cats does enjoy her as much as I do. Molly just wants to say hello, but Sam (and his sister Suzy) just hisses at her hand wants to shred her nose to pieces. Poor dog.

http://www.bazazz.com/pics/IMG_1651.jpg

I'm still getting used to the lens, so it'll take a while longer before I'll perform any master pieces with it. But at least it seems to work great at full 200 mm. I just need to go to the gym more, so I can manage to handle it better handheld (although I didn't do too bad).

[Big Hands]

http://www.canoncompanystore.com/epages/annex.storefront?ProductDetail=2888A002AA

Don't let that price scare you. I wouldn't pay them that much for it. That is list price. They can be found for around $90USD online. Not sure what they go for in your neck of the woods.

The part name and number for the black version:
Tripod Mount Ring A (B)
2888A002AA

[CyberPet]

Big Hands, I owe you one. Thanks for getting the info for me. I'm going to check some sellers here in Sweden and see what they want, or I'll have my inlaws in Canada pick one up there.

I really appreciate it! Thank you! :)

[Andy_T]

Petra,

you are obviously having a lot of fun with your new toy :D

The dog shot is awesome, the cat ones as well. Still, that cat of yours obviously is a spoiled brat if he doesn't like the feel of grass and wind :wink:

Best regards,
Andy

[CyberPet]

Andy, you got that right. Sam is a sissy really. Believe it or not, but he's afraid of heights too, and he has no balance. So when he climbs the climbing tree we have indoors, he drags himself up on each platform, front paws first, then belly, then he kicks himself up with his hind legs. It looks hilarious! His sister (my baby) is both smart, agile and have the balance like a ballet dancer.

[willg]

anyone know how much one of those lenses would go for on the used market?

[CyberPet]

I've seen them at around $700 USD. I got mine cheaper, for about $630 USD. But I'm sure you can find them for cheaper too with some luck. There's a pretty high demand on them, it seems, so if you find one on eBay or such, you might end up in a price war.

[Jetmech1]

OK, I got the lens my friend is selling me (he's letting me play with it before I pay, a whole new concept!) and it's a BEAST! I really need to learn to handle a lens so heavy as this.

Since i have the Canon 350D I might have to get a vertical grip since it feels like I'm almost cramping trying to hold the camera in my right hand and the lens in the left. But most parts it's also due to inexperience.

Anyway... anyone know where one might find a tripod mount for this lens, it didn't come with one and I'm thinking I probably need one in those situations where I can't up the ISO enough to keep a decent shutterspeed when shooting in 200 mm.

So does anyone know where I can find one? Preferably cheap of course, but if not, just point me in the right direction. If there's several choices, let me know!

Thanks in advance! :D

I want a lens like that. Maybe one day this year.

[CyberPet]

Well, I can trade ya.... hahaha... got some good IS lenses ;)