Design problem in Nikon focusing stage PG-2

I have just bought a Nikon PG-2 focusing stage and realized, after I

had bought it, that it is impossible to attach it to the tripod

collar provided on my PN-11 extension tube when using it with the

105mm macro lens. Can't understand why Nikon did this, since one

often uses a combination of lens, extension tube/s, teleconverters,

etc when doing close-up work; and having to attach the whole assembly

to the tripod socket in the camera would obviously result in all the

unbalanced load falling on the camera lens mount. Can anyone suggest

a way around this?

Javed Shakoor

The PG-2 was designed primarily for the 55mm and 105mm micro in copy stand applications at magnifications 1:1 or less.

You could pick up another tripod base for the PG-2 (or borrow one from a PB-6, or PB-6E) and mount your PN-11 to it (best done with a QR clamp and plate) with a 1/4-20 x 3/4 set screw.

If you are using ArcaSwiss style QR clamps/plates, a Kirk macro slider is a lot more cost effective solution than the PG-2.