brian_tilley1

The Nikkor AF-S 300mm lens measures 2 15/16 inches outside diameter at the tripod collar position.

 

The previous poster has a point - the standard Nikon collar for this lens is not as solid as some. However, I would be careful about assuming that the Kirk replacement collar will automatically fit any other lens with the same collar diameter. The Kirk collar (which I have) has an additional support about 2 inches forward of the collar, which is fine on the 300mm, but may get in the way of the zoom or focusing rings on another lens.

 

Brian

Just to clarify Shun's point about AA batteries...

 

The F6 body takes only CR123A lithium batteries (two).

 

The MB-40 grip takes AA batteries (eight) of alkaline, lithium or Ni-MH type, or the EN-EL4 from the D2 bodies.

 

Brian

As others have said, using 1/4 or 1/6 is rather optimistic for the 70-200, even with VR. At 200mm, I've got the odd sharp image at 1/15, but 1/30 is safer.

 

As for your hand-holding method, that sound very much like the technique I use, which works for me. However, I have found it is better to remove the tripod foot when shooting hand held. If you want to keep the foot on, try rotating it so that it's at about 2 o'clock (looking from behind the camera).

 

Stay optimistic - if you're not used to a lens of this size/weight, it will take a while to get used to. It's worth persevering because the 70-200 is a fantastic piece of glass!

 

Brian

This just sounds like a depth of focus thing - DoF (the zone of the subject behind and in front of the point of focus that will be acceptably sharp) gets less as focal length increases.

 

Brian

Alternatively, there is the Nikkor AF 28-105 f3.5-4.5D lens. It too has a macro setting down to 1:2 life size, is cheaper and smaller than the 24-85 f2.8-4D, and goes to 105mm. You lose a half stop or so, but it is supposed to be a sharper lens.

There is also the Nature Trekker AW II. It's a little smaller than the Photo Trekker but should still hold your kit. It's more expensive but does come with the All-Weather cover.

Hi Robert

 

The TC-14E converter will ONLY auto-focus with AF-S type lenses. It does not have the "screwdriver" link for AF-D lenses. Removing the "lug" allows non AF-S lenses to be mounted, but AF will not work, as you have found. This applies to the TC-14E and the TC-14E II.

 

Brian