Original ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 tripod collar clearance w/ HLD-4

<p>I am considering purchasing a used ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens (non-SWD version, seen here: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lens/dea/products/lens/50-200_28-35/index.asp ) from an online retailer for use with my E-3. </p>

<p>Looking at the lens, it seems there is little distance between the tripod collar and lens mount. The distance is certainly less than that on the SWD version ( http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lens/dea/products/lens/50_200_28/index.asp ), which was, as I recall, released around the same time as the E-3, and, ostensibly, optimized for that camera.</p>

<p>I am concerned that the tripod collar on the original version (and, consequently, the quick release latch on my 486RC2 ball head) will not clear the protruding grip of my HLD-4. If it does not, that really only means that I would not be able to use the vertical grip and tripod collar simultaneously.</p>

<p>That may be worth the $300.00 price difference between the original and SWD versions, but I'd like to hear from anyone with experience with this combination. Does the tripod collar clear the HLD-4 grip? If so, how much clearance does it provide?</p>

<p>I get roughly 7/8" to the bulge in the HLD-4, but about 1" to the base. I'm not sure which measurement would be relevant to your ball head.</p>

<p>Thank you, Joe. That is exactly the information I needed.</p>

<p>Hi Robert, a little late but I have that lens and have used it on am 500, 510 and an e-30. The problem is there that your referring to. All I did was turn the mounting plate a quarter turn and basically mounted it on the ball head sideways if that makes any sense. works great no problems with this setup</p>