Has anyone used the "Cowboystudio Tripod Collar Mount Ring for the Canon EF 70-200mm"

[thegfxman]

I just can't justify spending $130+ for a tripod collar for a 70-200 f4 IS. Has anyone tried this one? I'm looking for color matching and build quality (obviously you get what you pay for, but MANNNNN.....).

Link Here:
http://www.amazon.com/Cowboystudio-T...5171763&sr=8-3

Anyone have any other recommendations if not?

[JWright]

I don't think you're going to get "build quality" for $12.95...

If I had that lens I'd probably buy the canon collar. I learned a long time ago not to scrimp on purchases, especially when the safety of an expensive lens is at stake.

[lannes]

Originally Posted by JWright

I don't think you're going to get "build quality" for $12.95...

If I had that lens I'd probably buy the canon collar. I learned a long time ago not to scrimp on purchases, especially when the safety of an expensive lens is at stake.

+1 can you imagine if the collar failed, potentially both your camera body and lens would be on the ground, unless you had the strap tied off somewhere.

[RPCrowe]

I don't mind using Chinese knock-off lens hoods and lens caps or virtually any other item which will neither impact on image quality nor camera safety.

I bought a Canon OEM tripod ring long before the Chinese knock-off items arrived. I am glad that I did because I don't have to make your decision,

The Chinese rings may be just fine because the technology of manufacturing this item isn't up there with rocket science but, I would always worry about the integrity of my camera/lens when using a knock-off ring.

I will often carry my camera/lens mounted on my tripod head when I have the tripod over my shoulder. I don't know if I would have the confidence in a knock-of ring to carry the camera/lens in that fashion.

[genzbenz]

I've been using my 70-200 4L IS with the Opteka ring. The color isn't 100% the same, but mechanically, it works quite well. I haven't had any issues with it. I'm not too sure how badly the Chinese could screw up 2 curved pieces of metal, a hinge, and a thumbscrew. I would love to see how much it costs Canon to make those tripod rings. I can only imagine how much markup is on those!

I have a 100-400mm with the OEM canon ring, and i can't really tell the difference in the mechanical quality of the OEM and the Chinese knockoff.

[Maxdave]

Originally Posted by genzbenz

I've been using my 70-200 4L IS with the Opteka ring. The color isn't 100% the same, but mechanically, it works quite well. I haven't had any issues with it. I'm not too sure how badly the Chinese could screw up 2 curved pieces of metal, a hinge, and a thumbscrew. I would love to see how much it costs Canon to make those tripod rings. I can only imagine how much markup is on those!

I have a 100-400mm with the OEM canon ring, and i can't really tell the difference in the mechanical quality of the OEM and the Chinese knockoff.

I have to disagree ... I have the Canon for my 100-400 and a non-Canon ("Chinese knock-off") for my 70-200 just like you and there is a substantial diffeence in the smoothness of operation of the two rings; but, the non-Canon seems just as strong. Still, I trust the Canon version more ....

[genzbenz]

Originally Posted by Maxdave

I have to disagree ... I have the Canon for my 100-400 and a non-Canon ("Chinese knock-off") for my 70-200 just like you and there is a substantial diffeence in the smoothness of operation of the two rings; but, the non-Canon seems just as strong. Still, I trust the Canon version more ....

I think the design of the 100-400 ring and the 70-200 rings are slightly different. I'd love to see the real Canon 70-200 ring in person next to the knock-offs. I noticed that the 100-400 ring has slots that slide around the little screws on the lens, whereas the 70-200 ring doesn't have that.

[ianlti]

it is made by plastic, it flex alot so spend some money on ebay get a Metal one, don't get JJC brand. By the way mine broke on the first day, plastic cracked. =(

[genzbenz]

Originally Posted by ianlti

it is made by plastic, it flex alot so spend some money on ebay get a Metal one, don't get JJC brand. By the way mine broke on the first day, plastic cracked. =(

My Opteka is definitely metal. It's quite solid, actually.

[sethultimate]

Originally Posted by ianlti

it is made by plastic, it flex alot so spend some money on ebay get a Metal one, don't get JJC brand. By the way mine broke on the first day, plastic cracked. =(

do you have a JJC ring?

I do and it's fine, just curious if you actually have it and yours is made of plastic, 'cause the one that I have is metal and very good.

sometimes (not your case of course) ppl say things with no direct experience and still wanna say it.

[thegfxman]

well, i ended up getting it -- even though I usually stick to brand name products. However, I couldn't justify spending the amount canon wanted for this little piece.

I got the metal one, it fits great, color matches perfect, and don't see my lens/camera going anywhere soon on a tripod. Haven't used it too much, but first impressions are great.

[drsilver]

I bought one of those Chinese knockoffs. Cast aluminum. Don't know the brand. I'm sure I paid less than $20 on Ebay. I don't know what the difference between this one and a Canon would be, but this one works fine. Fit and finish are no problem.

I bought it when I first got the lens. Figured I'd use it more than I do. Turns out I hand hold that lens pretty much always and the ring sits in my secondary bag with other stuff that doesn't get used much. Glad I didn't fling a Benjamin at it.

[klr.b]

i can see them not including one for the non IS version. you'd technically need it more often with the lack of IS, but the lens itself is relatively cheap, so i can understand cutting costs. with the IS version, though, you're spending roughly $1200 on it. i'd appreciate canon including the tripod collar with it.

[sethultimate]

Originally Posted by klr.b

i can see them not including one for the non IS version. you'd technically need it more often with the lack of IS, but the lens itself is relatively cheap, so i can understand cutting costs. with the IS version, though, you're spending roughly $1200 on it. i'd appreciate canon including the tripod collar with it.

cutting cost?



they wanna sell the overpriced accessories!!

now $140 vs. $8 for the same thing is embarrassing (for Canon) . kinda revealing their obsession with da money and the fact that they must see us like monkeys.

da same when you compare the overpriced pocket wizards to the RF-602. Embarrassing too.

no?

before we enter a debate about the fact that the Chinese production is disgusting because they treat their own people like animals, but you must admit that 140 against 8 is tough to sell (and justify).

really tough.

[o2G2o]

Originally Posted by thegfxman

well, i ended up getting it -- even though I usually stick to brand name products. However, I couldn't justify spending the amount canon wanted for this little piece.

I got the metal one, it fits great, color matches perfect, and don't see my lens/camera going anywhere soon on a tripod. Haven't used it too much, but first impressions are great.

So which one is the metal one? I got the JJC one from eBay and even though I thought it was metal, it's now clearly now. The pilot screw that holds in the fastening assembly cracked the cylindrical plastic tube that houses the tightening thing. It only lasted 4 days. I'm going to complain to the seller on eBay, but I'm not expecting much cooperation. Got a link to where you got your metal one? Problem with mine was it wasn't tight enough so my lens kept rotating slightly off center, so I tightened it slightly more (I'm not BamBam) and I heard "SNAP!" and that was it.