70-200mm f4 L - Tripod mount?

Hi Learned members

I am nearly buying a 70-200 f4L. Could you give me your opinions on whether the rather expensive tripod mount is really necessary - or - will the camera tripod bush be ok?

Many thanks for your comments

Ray.

What camera? If you're using a plastic body such as the Rebels, I would definitely recommend the tripod mount for the lens. If, on the other hand, you have an all-metal body there's probably enough strength there to support the lens from the body. That said, supporting the camera/lens at its balance point gives you a LOT more stability on the tripod which translates to less motion which further translates to sharper photographs.

You can save some money by buying the (black) mounting ring from the 200/2.8 L. It also fits.

Best regards,
Andy

I recently bought the 70-200 f4 L and held back on buying the tripod mount. I have used it on a tripod with a 300D and it seems ok, nothing has snapped yet, but then I don't do that much tripod work with this lens. If you're gonna use the tripod alot then I would probably suggest buying it, just in case, especially if like most, you add an extender in the future.

I thought I needed it, but have lately noticed that I don't need it.

I ended up with the black mount just because I do a lot of shooting from my tripod, and I just like the balance better with the mount. I never really felt as though the lens was going to hurt the camera, but it just feels better with it.

I posted this in another thread - rather than re-type it, I'll paste it here, too.

A couple things about the ring (sorry for the rhyme):

• You can probably get by without it, as the lens is not that heavy. It does improve the balance, however.
  
• If you want to get one, buy the 'Tripod Ring A' in black. It is made for the EF 200 f2.8L, but it is the same ring other than the color, and it is around $30 USD cheaper.
  
• The current 300 f4L and the 400 f5.6L come with the white ring, and it is the same ring, so if you get one of those you can switch.
  
• I have the grip on my 20D, and I use the Manfrotto RC2 quick release system. You cannot use the QR setup on the tripod ring if you are using the grip, as the grip is in the way of the release lever. A spacer between the tripod ring and the QR plate can solve that - or use the QR plate on the grip.
  

I have this lens and almost never need to use a tripod as the lens isn't that heavy. It's easy to handhold and in good light you can get a shutter speed better 1/200 easily.

I solved the problem of the RC2 QR release lever interference. I just turn the plate 180 degrees on my 70-200. Since I'm using either a ballhead or mini fluid head, I can easily function with the backwards connection to the tripod. With the mini fluid head I just loosen the handle and put it in backwards.

While I don't own the lens, I have tried it on my Rebel, and didn't get the sense that I would want or need a tripod mount for it...

Steve

That's a good point, and it will work for my monopod, which I use most of the time with the 70-200. Thanks!

I have a 3-way head on my tripod, though, and swiveling the plate won't work there, but thanks for the tip.

Have Fun,

It is a 20D I am using - Thanks for your replies learned members - you have given me more confidence for the purchase - I feel sure this could be the best lens for my immediate needs - I might get a ring or work out some other simple support system if I feel it is really needed. Isn't the battery life just surprising - if a salesman old you that the batteries would last so long you would never have believed him - would you?
Thanks again
Ray