Is the tripod ring really necessary for the 70-200 f/4L

I hear it's A LOT lighter than its f/2.8 counterpart and especially its f/2.8 IS counterpart. So, I'm curious...sitting on my 1D MkII body, is a tripod ring really necessary for the 70-200 f/4L...or can the camera support the weight well enough on its own?

Thanks

FlipsidE

I've got the lens 70-200 f/4L lens on a 350D, and have taken shots without a problem with the camera attached to the tripod. Here are some photos of Edinburgh fireworks that used just such a combination. I've thought about getting the tripod ring, but frankly paying £70 for a glorified jubilee clip is excessive.

I don't have the tripod ring for this lens which I have used on 300D and 20D with no problems at all.

Tommy, your equipment link in your sig doesn't work.

You'd think for what Canon charges for their lenses that they could at least include hoods and tripod collars (where appropriate)!

Thanks, it works now.

On that same note, does the 70-200 f/4L come with a hood? or is that one extra? I know my 24-70 f/2.8L came with one.

FlipsidE

It comes with a hood and a soft pouch.

Actually, I think the tripod collar is essential. At least with the 20D on a tripod it is very unbalanced. Even with the 1D I bet it is quite front heavy. It won't damage the camera mount but it isn't fun. With the collar the whole thing is very nicely balanced and one can frame the shot with little effort. Best $90 I've spent recently. Check out:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=81293

-- Scott.

I use it without a tripod ring or tripod, It is lite enough for me, mabe not for others...

Oh, I quite agree!

But if you are going to use a tripod which many of us do to get exact framing and to use just the exposure settings and careful focusing we want, then the tripod collar is a very good buy. I would hate to use it with the camera tripod mount. Very inconvenient.

-- Scott.

Flip IMHO the f4 version doesn't need the ring. I have had mine for almost a year, when I ordered it I thougt I would need the ring.............I'm glad I saved the $$$$.

No you don't need the tripog ring,it is a lot lighter than the 24-70L.

So I see! That's a nice prime lens collection.

I haven't found the weight or balance of this lens to be a problem on my 20D--yet--but I do find the tripod ring a big help when moving quickly between horizontal and vertical framing positions in situations where I'm using my tripod or monopod (fitted with a ballhead) for support.

Regards,
Terry