Canon's 7D Grip Interferes with 70-200 Tripod Mount

Never saw mention of this during my 7 gillion hours of research regarding battery grips for the 7D (or any other camera, for that matter).

I love the grip, but it prevents me from mounting my 70-200 F4 (with the tripod collar) to my tripod. The grip hits the back side of the tripod head, disallowing the foot from fitting into the head. So, with the grip on, I have to screw the foot onto the bottom of the grip and mount it to the tripod that way. It works, but it's not as stable, and it's a lot of weight/leverage on the grip...

I'm sure this is only an issue with certain tripods/heads. Just bummed out that it's an issue with mine

Anyone else run across this?

Don't have that problem with my 7D and 70-200 f/2.8 MkII. Although, I have the Zeikos grip, not Canon. Perhaps a reason to upgrade that f4...

Cheers.

Do you have the tripod ring on backwards? The foot should face towards the front of the lens. I know the grip is rather large, but in the photos I have seen it doesn't stick out any farther than the lens mount. I don't see how the foot could interfere if it is facing the right way. Can you show us a side picture?

If you do have it on the right way, You might need to get the newer version of the triod mount ring with the sloping back. See review here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com …unt-Ring-A-II-Review.aspx

A(W) vs A II (W)

What tripod head are you working with here?

Mike, using your first image there as a reference, I think the OP is saying that the grip is butting up against the rear of the tripod head, right about where your pinkie is, if your forefinger and thumb being right about where the collar rests.

I guess they could be using a pan-tilt head where the tilt arm is is hitting the battery grip

Oh yeah, I just re-read the original post. He does say tripod head.

I guess depending the the tripod head, it could interfere. Especially if there is a large Quick Release plate or bulky older head. Could be time for a new tripod head.

I wonder if the newer A II (W) Tripod Ring with the sloping back would change the position enough to clear the grip. Maybe that's why they updated the old one.

Here is a guy with a similar problem: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/victormk1/48219​69148/

What ballhead do you have if you don't mind me asking?

If the problem is similar to the picture above, couldnt you just mount the plate 'backwards' so that the release lever is under the lens?

Yes, spin the clamp around so the lever is facing forward.

I've experienced the same exact problem. I just switch to my backup camera (without the grip) and continue.

I understand that problems can arise with the grip depending on the ballhead you use. It does work nicely with RRS/Markins or any Arca type plates.

Here's a sample with the 7D but, just imagine the grip being there.

Wow, had no idea that they've got a new tripod collar out! It sure took them a long time to implement that design...

I had the same problem when using the Manfrotto QR plates and just turned the plates around. Problem has disappeared with my new head and Arca type plate

jjsanc2 wrote in post #12028819
Don't have that problem with my 7D and 70-200 f/2.8 MkII. Although, I have the Zeikos grip, not Canon. Perhaps a reason to upgrade that f4...

Cheers.

Man, don't tempt me... ;o)

Okay, I'm using an older (~ 6 years old now) 3-way head. It's a Monfrotto 141RCNAT (also has the number 3030G on it). Very solid head. Simple, but effective. Other than this issue, I like it quite a bit. Much more solid than the previous pistol grip I had.

And I do have the newer tripod ring, apparently. Didn't even know there was an older one.

Check out the first image below to see the problem. I tried implementing the suggestion jumpcut first offered. That does work, although it's clearly not optimal from a usability standpoint (see second photo).

I'll probably just switch it backwards and live with the nuisance, honestly. Can't believe I didn't thank of that... I was trying to micro adjust my lenses when I made the discovery, so I was in a frazzeled state already.

On the plus side, the 70-200 dialed in beautifully (-14). What had me frazzeled was the 17-55 not wanting to dial in properly. Oh well.

Anyhow, thanks for the responses all - I appreciate it!

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