Plate or replacement foot? 500mm f4

Good evening people.

Assuming I keep my job and rate of savings I am hoping to buy the 500 f4 at the end of the summer.

I'm trying to budget for other stuff too (lenscoat, sidekick, bag etc) and I'm not sure what tripod mounting option to go for.

I was wondering if there is any reason to use a plate over a replacement foot or vice versa? I was planning on getting a replacement foot but just wondered if there are any drawbacks.

Thanks

Neil

I have the RRS replacement foot. It works great for me.
It is a smaller setup that the std foot plus a plate. The replacement foot is rounded on top and serves as a nice handle too!! It fits with the hood reversed on the lens too.

Neil,

The replacement foot, as you're probably aware, reduces the distance between the lens body and the foot itself.
I bought one, fitted it and it compromised the "carry handle" option of the original foot. Maybe I've got overly fat fingers but it was more of a squeeze than I liked so I took it off again !!

Cheers

Greg

I believe there are two feet available.
RRS and 4th generation design.(available at www.Naturscapes.net store.)

I have the 4th gen, and though it does limit the grip a little, I still prefer to keep it on.
http://www.naturescape​s.net …productid=94&ca​t=0&page=1
It makes the whole thing lighter,. and more compact.
I prefer to reduce weight with the foot, as opposed to adding weight with a plate.

FYI, here's my complete list of the best accessories specific for 500mm shooting;

https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=5134868&p​ostcount=9

Thanks for the input guys.

Greg - I did know that thanks. Going by the picture on the RRS site I think it should be OK for me (although I do have big hands)

CDS- Thanks I didn't know about the 4th Gen one but don't really like the look of it as it seems a bit too tight to the lens for my liking. As to your list I have read it many many times. I already have the tripod, a good enough head, better beamer. I think I'm going to go the Sidekick route.

Thanks again and any more opinions are welcome

Neil

There is plenty of room with the RRS foot. I have med/large hand and it is no problem even with thin gloves.

I tried a plate and went with a Kirk Foot... Obviously RRS is just as good if not better. I thought it was a great investment. It is lighter and worked great with the Sidekick.

Well the foot is ordered. Just need a lens to put it on!!

Thanks for your help guys.

Neil