Making a tripod collar/Bogen long lens support

Has anyone ever tried to make a tripod collar for a lens without one

built-in. I'm considering buying a used 300 mm lens without the

collar, but was wondering how I would support it. Alternately, has

anyone used the Bogen longs lens support that sells for about $50.

This is like a generic version of the Kirk collar system that they

made for the Nikon 80-200/2.8. I was wondering how the Bogen device

works when rotated for vertical shots. T

I believe I've got the Bogen long lens support you mentioned. Mine is

definitely not suitable for vertical shots so I wouldn't recommend it

to anyone. Don't get me wrong. You can rotate it for vertical shots

but the process is too cumbersome. That is the reason why mine is

sitting somewhere in my cupboard collect dust!

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I'm not sure what system you are using but I would suggest you get a

used 300mm lens with a tripod collar. It is worth all the hassle.

Peter,

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try to contact Kirk Enterprises, they make custom collars for every lens (that's what they say...). Here is the web page:

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http://www.kirkphoto.com/

I had the same problem a few years ago when buying a used Tokina

400/5.6 without any sort of tripod collar. My answer cost less than a

few bucks. I used a tiny wood platform (1/2 inch plywood stock,

about 2x4.5 inches), built up the ends in the right spots with

wood and cork cradles so they wouldn't interfere with focusing or

aperture rings, put a 1/4 T-nut through the wood platform to attach to

tripod head, and "locked" the lens into the cradle with elastic fabric

strips hooked into hooks on the wooden platform. Not exactly elegant,

but it was cheap (which is why I bought the lens, a custom job would

have cost more than the lens). I could switch to vertical easily

because the lens could twist within the elastics when they were

stretched. I no longer have that lens, and it turns out the platform

and cradle also fits my Zeiss 135/2.8 and Mutar II combination (which

is too heavy to rely on the camera body tripod support), so I still

end up using this silly little piece of equipment that weighs all of

an ounce or two.

I have a Bogen Long Lens Support that I use with my Pentax

FA* 300mm F4.5 lens. Going vertical isn't really an option

unless you have a heavy-duty tripod head that you can use

sideways.

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On the other hand, you get what you pay for. My support

cost me around $70 at a local store. Does anyone know

how much a custom Kirk support would cost?

I don't have the long lens support you mentioned, but may have another

option for your consideration. When you contact Kirk also inquire

about the L bracket quick release plate for the Arca Swiss type ball

heads.This plate allow you to move the camera to vertical and still

have the weight on top of the tripod head and not hanging over the

side. I saw it at a workshop this fall, I haven't got around to

ordering one yet but plan on to. About $110 not cheap but I see it as

solving a problem I have with several of my lenses.