tripod mount lubrication

The tripod mount on my Sigma 120-300 is not too smooth when rotating the lens when on my monopod
so I am wondering if anyone has any tips for lubricating the inside of the mount ??

If I slacken it right off there is just too much play and that makes it move about so I try to slacken it halfway but its just a little stiff to turn
and shooting football(soccer) you quite often need to change from landscape to portrait in a hurry ??

Andy West

saggy9999 wrote in post #2184775
The tripod mount on my Sigma 120-300 is not too smooth when rotating the lens when on my monopod
so I am wondering if anyone has any tips for lubricating the inside of the mount ??

If I slacken it right off there is just too much play and that makes it move about so I try to slacken it halfway but its just a little stiff to turn
and shooting football(soccer) you quite often need to change from landscape to portrait in a hurry ??

Andy West

I would suggest that you contact Sigma. Only they can tell you what lubricant, if any, would work without damaging the materials that either the lens or the tripod mount ring (or their decorative coatings) are made of.

No tripod mount ring that I have ever used was really designed for moving without being clamped down.

A ball head on the monopod might also solve your problem. I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 on my monopod, and it really enhances the versatility of the monopod.

SkipD wrote in post #2184997
A ball head on the monopod might also solve your problem. I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 on my monopod, and it really enhances the versatility of the monopod.

I use my Slik Standard Ballhead on both my monopod and Leica Tabletop Tripod.

Andy, I understand exactly what you mean. I also have the 120-300 and the only realy drawback I find ot the lens is the tripod ring.
Lets face it, compared to a canon ring, it is rubbish.
Sure, when clamped it is solid as a rock but untighten it an the lens just feels - loose.

Well I shoot untightened anyway. It is still not great but it works for me - that said I don't flip to portrait that often.
It might be worth having a chat with the team at Sigma UK though to see if they have any ideas - I spoke to them when I purchased my TS-41 collar and they were really helpful.

Andy,

If you're using it with a monopod you can leave it loose to allow quick changes in orientation. A little play in the ring won't hurt anything. The monopod's job is to support the lens, not keep it still.

If you're using it with a tripod, rotate it the way you want, then clamp it down.