the AF101 with the Nikon 80-200mm 2.8? Too heavy?

Sparky874

Sparky874

Well-known member
Hello all.
Does anyone know if the 101 can take the weight of a Nikon 80-200 F2.8 plonked on the frond end or does it need a support?

Seems like a fantastic lens with a great range, and pretty fast. Are they many of you out there using it with great results?

I shot a series of interviews and hired in a Nikon 17-55mm F2.8 for the job, and was really happy with the results. Great contrast and nice and sharp too. Think the 80-200 would be a great companion for it.

Thanks, Sparky.
 
Absolutely 100% needs support. I have one and couldn't imagine not supporting it. Between it's weight and leverage, when I adjust the lens support under it, I actually aim the camera vertically with the lens pointing straight up so it's weight is neutral. Then I tighten the support.

If you were to try and use a follow focus on it with out supporting the lens, when you shift focus direction you'd see the image "jump" considerably. FYI; Im using the Voightlander adapter and it's very snug on the lens and body, no play or slop.
 
Thanks guys. I saw a picture of Philip Bloom using it without one and thought he was pushing his luck a little. Would you both recommend this lens?
 
nwstudios said:
There are 3 different versions. The Push/Pull I had was very soft at 2.8. F4 was marginal. The later versions are supposedly better.
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Which is the latest version of this lens? Which one in your opinion is the best one to go for please?
 
The AF-D version would be your best bet. There was only about 60K of the AFS version made before being replaced by the 70-200mm in 2003.
 
What kind of support bracket would anyone recommend? I just bought an 80-200 but I need a support bracket for my rails! But I don't want to break the bank to do so!
 
Did the lens not come with a lens support collar?
If it did, you could just add something like the Berkey lens support rail mount.
 
Redrock Micro makes a great lens support that they specifically mention as being appropriate for the Nikon 80-200mm:

http://store.redrockmicro.com/microLensSupport

The great thing about it (vs. the captive screw type from Berkey or Zacuto) is that you can use it with medium-length lenses that don't have a support collar, but are still too heavy for the AF100 (e.g. the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8).
 
It doesn't NEED support, its great if you have it, but if you're asking if it will hold then yes it will. I've used the Tamron 70-200mm on it for awhile and it supports it fine the only problem it can be shaky & jittery while focusing the lens without support and thats more of a problem to me then the threat of it falling off.
 
To second Joe748, I would put lens support for extra stability during lens adjustments. This solution may also include a follow focus. The Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8 at 1.96lbs (890g) may barely be mounted on the AF100 without support. Remember that the adapter elongates the leverage and increases mount stress. So why compromise ability to capture nice footage and stress the mount? The AF100 mount is rated for up to 2.1lbs (953g). The heavier Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8 at 2.87lbs (1300g) exceeds the camcorder's mount capacity. A lens support is highly recommended.
 
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I would actually DISAGREE with Joe748: If the lens we're discussing, with adapter, exceeds Panasonic's rated mount capacity by a full pound and is quite long - then I'd definitely say it NEEDS support of some kind. I wouldn't ever recommend using it without it. Just because "it will hold" doesn't mean it's not putting harmful stress and strain on the mount/body.

My point was that a support that was the "non-captive-screw" type could also be used with other lenses that (with adapter) exceed the weight rating a little - but don't have a tripod collar.

One other quick related point: I asked the question here several weeks ago as to whether a matte box on rails could be considered extra support for lenses that exceed the mount weight rating, and I was told no.
 
You are correct, Steve. The lens support is highly desirable. On the point of matte box support... if the matte box is on rails, it is just an extra accessory. The rails will work for other accessories including a lens support, a follow focus, etc. So the matte box itself shall not be used to support the lens because the box is floating around the lens, typically not even touching it. The box may have step-down rings or rubber/cloth collars 'hugging' the lens flange to prevent light bleeding.
 
Steve R said:
Redrock Micro makes a great lens support that they specifically mention as being appropriate for the Nikon 80-200mm:

http://store.redrockmicro.com/microLensSupport

The great thing about it (vs. the captive screw type from Berkey or Zacuto) is that you can use it with medium-length lenses that don't have a support collar, but are still too heavy for the AF100 (e.g. the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8).
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I use this exact supprt system for my Nikon 80-200 and it is ideal. Couldn't recommend highly enough.
 
Joe748 said:
It doesn't NEED support, its great if you have it, but if you're asking if it will hold then yes it will. I've used the Tamron 70-200mm on it for awhile and it supports it fine the only problem it can be shaky & jittery while focusing the lens without support and thats more of a problem to me then the threat of it falling off.
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I would have thought that your experience with focussing shake and jitter etc...would have been exactly the the reason that you actually DO NEED a support.

You are telling the OP its a great lens and it doesnt need a support as long as you never focus it.

;-)
 
Jon Furtado said:
What kind of support bracket would anyone recommend? I just bought an 80-200 but I need a support bracket for my rails! But I don't want to break the bank to do so!
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Cavision makes high quality and affordable support. You can buy from B&H or directly form Cavision.
 
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