FS7: Lens Mount and Heavier Lenses

[digitalinnovations]

I'm going to be shooting with the 70-200 f2.8 and was curious if I should mount the lens and use the camera mount plate (like usual) or if it's better to use the ring-mount on the lens and hang the camera body off the back of the lens. I've just read some reports on the FS7 mount flexing and want to take care of my gear the best way possible.

 

[ChristopherA]

You will want to secure both. Mount the camera on a plate with rails, then attach a lens support on the rails that supports the front of the lens at the ring-mount. If you support only one, the lens mount could break.

 

[jshbckr]

70-200 isn't an exceptionally heavy lens, but I would recommend using 15mm rods under your camera (with a baseplate) and then using a simple lens support either attached to the lens collar or just resting under the lens (very small amount of upward pressure, just enough to reduce strain).

I've used my Nikon 80-200 without supports before, if you're not banging it around or shooting for extended periods of time, it's fine.

 

[digitalinnovations]

Thank you for the info. I don't plan on shooting a ton with it on this next shoot so I'll start looking for a support solution before I do.

 

[ChristopherA]

What you want it something like this from Zacuto:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/665488-REG/Zacuto_Z_1_4_LS2_5_1_4_20_Lens_Support.html

If you're looking for something a little less expensive that should work fine with a 70-200 lens, smallrig has this:
http://smallrig.com/qr-lens-support-1505-15mm-lw.html

You will still need rails, but with this support, you don't need to worry about getting a great rail solution with the proper optical center height.

 

[Lenilenapi]

I use the small rig - and just what does the Zacuto do that costs $200 more????

 

[bengiles]

I've had the same dilemma, same lens.

It's more secure with a 15mm rods mount - I use a Vocas.

But more faff and more weight with the bars etc.

On balance, I'd say go for the extra mount.

 

[ChristopherA]

I use the small rig - and just what does the Zacuto do that costs $200 more????

The Zacuto is great for supporting larger, heavier lenses. That being said, I also have the smallrig support, and it will work fine with a 70-200mm lens.

 

[epicdream]

The Zacuto is great for supporting larger, heavier lenses. That being said, I also have the smallrig support, and it will work fine with a 70-200mm lens.

I have both the Zacuto and the Smallrig mounts and the are identical in terms of build quality.

 

[gkantziper]

I use a less than $50 Ikan ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1007353-REG/ikan_ls_t03_lens_support.html ) which is faster to rig and effective IF you aren't shooting at weird angles because it only offers support from the bottom.