FS7: Super Telephoto Lens Support Solution ?

[Steve Harryman]

Hi,
I'm looking for ideas on supporting a 500mm f/4 Nikkor on an FS7. I have tried longer rails but when attaching the FS7 to the VCT-14 plate, I can't push it back far enough and thus still have a real forward heavy problem and of course nearly impossible to make tripod head tilt adjustments. Any other ideas where I can still mount the lens to the tripod instead of the FS7 for better balance and find another way to support the FS7? Or is there a really long plate that would allow me to push back the whole rig so it is better balanced on a rail system? Tks.

 

[morgan_moore]

Check my Twitter image feed @sammorganmoore

 

[Donny 123]

Hi Morgan.. just thought I should let you know.. on my computer you show reel freezes at 2.12 on the Ferrari wheel traveling close up.. it did it a few times.. ok after about 2.17.. might be my end but I haven't had any other problems viewing video..

 

[morgan_moore]

Thanks for watching - but did you check my Twitter images to see how I mounted my 400mm?

 

[Donny 123]

. I just wanted to alert you that your showreel seems to freeze at a point.. thats all.. nice reel too of course

 

[morgan_moore]

Thanks. Probably not the best place in someone else's thread.

Anyway to the OP..

Basically I have a long chunk of aluminium and built a 'riser' for the camera (the height had to be accurate and is shimmed to be thus)

 

[olof]

Here is my simple rugged solution:

http://www.westsideavstore.com/index.php?p=product&id=109









The first 2 photos are on a FS5 but the third is on a FS7.

I have compact rail mounts for both the FS7 and FS5 on my WEB stare as well.

 

[Publimix]

I like the bits of tape.

 

[JackCarter]

How do you carry that beast around on location? Wouldn't the Nikon 200-500mm f,5.6, or the Sigma 50-500mm F,4.5-6.3 be more practical? Even the Sigma 150-600 f,5-6.3 looks way smaller.

 

[morgan_moore]

Carry it around? I used this setup on a race car job - I was bcam a cam had 17-120 to cover the wides.

it is not a setup you are going to use without a plan - my standard solo op long lens is the 50-300 - a lot smaller

Btw - nothing gives the look of 2.8
S

 

[Donny 123]

what car mount did you use..

 

[JackCarter]

Carry it around? I used this setup on a race car job - I was bcam a cam had 17-120 to cover the wides.

With the shear length of it I presumed it was for a nature shoot.

Btw - nothing gives the look of 2.8
S

I always dismissed these sorts of lenses but over the last year I have been watching plenty of reviews. So far I figure the Sigma 120-300mm f,2.8 DG OS HSM, along with a 2x converter might be the best solution. I'm waiting a while longer to see if an Art version is released, like a 50-150mm f,2.

Here is another interesting lens http://etkon.com/sigma-150-600-pl

 

[XcYZ]

With the shear length of it I presumed it was for a nature shoot.

The crazy part is that only half the hood is installed. The 400 2.8 has a two piece hood (a real pain in the butt), and the second section is even bigger than what you see mounted in that picture. Craziness. Haha

 

[Steve Harryman]

Great stuff Olof. Will be sending you an email and ordering for my FS7 and FS5.

 

[morgan_moore]

Steve - you have a 500?

There seem to be two models, one with a tall support and the other less so.

If you have the tall version Im not sure olaf (great for a 70-200 etc) solution will work for you.

Have you picked up the lens camera combo and found the CofM that you will need over your tripod head?

You may find the camera is far back.

I run a normal shoulder rig for my camera for my other glass.. I find however with the super teles (I also have a 600/4) that removing the camera from that regular rig and putting it on a 'special' is the better solution.

To make my 'daily' rig accomodate such glass would compromise it beyond all shape.

Also the introduction of the 'normal rig' can add flex and height that will translate to jitter, which is why my glass is basically bolted in a very direct manner to the sticks.

--

Donny

We only mounted GoPros, I have arri/frotto stuff to mount the 7

 

[Donny 123]

Sorry .. it was a poor attempt at humour actually..

 

[steve phillipps]

Steve - you have a 500?

There seem to be two models, one with a tall support and the other less so.

I seem to remember that it came with 2 feet - one tall and one short. Think my 200 f2 and 400 2.8 did also - must be losing my memory as can't remember!

Steve

 

[steve phillipps]

Yeah, here it is - this is the 400 2.8 with short foot attached and a plate I've adapted to a million different camera and lens combinations!
Steve

 

[Steve Harryman]

Steve, that is the kind of plate I could really use. That would allow me to balance the 500/FS7 combo, especially for filming wildlife where you're constanty making tilt adjustments. Where on earth to get something like that? Morgan and all, my tele is an old but fantastic sharp 500 mm f/4 P (manual focus) http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/telephotos/500mm.htm

 

[morgan_moore]

My plate - I have various..

1/4 * 2 1/2 aluminium with a Miller plate bolted on the bottom

The one seen is 3/4 * 1 1/2 aluminium a bit too chunky but probably started life as a homebuild jib or something - also with Miller plate on the bottom!

Just got from a metal dealer.. but I'm competent at drilling holes etc.

Im sure Steve will comment on his.. Im guessing the same.

S