Kirk Quick release for Nikon 500mmf4p

[hendy_assan]

I am finalising a deal to buy a Nikon 500mm EDf4 P AIS lens. I read

somewhere that the tripod collar is not that solid. As such I am

planning to buy a Kirk Quick release plate to use with the lens.

Would that be any help or it just simply to facilitate fast handling

while using a tripod.

[joseph_smith3]

You are buying a great lens. It is my favorite tele. The tripod collar is solid. However, these lenses are much easier to use with a quick release system on your ballhead or tripod and lens. A QR system requires that you get a QR plate to mount on the tripod collar of the lens. I have found that with this tele and most teles, you are usually better off getting a longer plate than the one specifically designed for the lens. The longer plate alows for more balance options if you plan to use the lens with various camera bodies of different weights, teleconverters, extension tubes--all of which change the balance point of the lens--camera rig. Before you decide on any specific plate, check out the web sites for Kirk, Wimberley and Really Right Stuff. You will learn a lot about QR systems, flash setups, plates, etc.

 

I am currently using the longest Wimberley plate with my 500mm lens in that I use it with a teleconverter and sometimes extension tubes and almost always with a beamer flash unit mounted to the QR plate with wimberley flash brackets. The long plate allows me to change the balance point by three to four inches depending what is attached to the camera-lens rig. I started out with the Kirk plate designed for this lens, but its length is too limited for my specific needs. I use the lens with a Nikon n90s with a MB-10 winder. Joe Smith

Joe smith

[alex_lofquist]

Like Joe, I would wholeheartedly approve of the 500 f/4 P. I use it with the Kirk BH-1 head, and occasionally with the Wimberley "Sidekick". It is attached with the Kirk custom A-S compatable plate that balances very well with my F4S or F5. I don't believe that any "quick release" plate gives really fast handling, but it is certainly better than none at all. When I mount my 500, I keep the strap (attached to the lens and not the camera) around my neck until the lens is securely attached to the Sidekick/head, and then rechecked. I find no fault with the tripod collar.

[ShunCheung]

The tripod collar on the Nikkon 500mm/f4 P is fine; the "foot" area is a bit small, though. When I had this lens, I used a Really Right Stuff plate and it worked well. I assume the Kirk plate is just as good.

[hendy_assan]

Thank you all for your responses. I am in between to buy a Kirk LP7 plate or Wimberley P30.As suggested by Joseph, the Wimberley is more flexible. Anyone have experience between both? Thanks again.

[mark_chappell]

I don't know these two plates in detail but in general a very long plate is more useful than

a short one for two reasons: (1) more scope for balancing the rig and (2) as an attachment

point for certain kinds of flash brackets (Wimberley).

[jay_hector]

A QR plate won't stiffen the tripod-mount. I have an 4FP with both of the Burzynski mounts, the little one and the two-point <img src="http://www.jaypix.com/pix/f4pweb.jpg"> Illustration of Burzynski mounts from Isarfoto </a>. Also, Bjorn Rorslett discuss the F4P mount here <a href="http://www.naturfotograf.com/tripod_collar_rev00.html"> Rorslett's mount article </a> which discusses problems and modifications, and has a pic of his modified F4P mount. Recently someone tried to get the F4P mounts from Isarfoto.de but got no reply and they are not on their website anymore.

[timcorridan]

those people suck