MAKE your OWN LENS MOUNT
I use a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 lens, and need to use my tripod for some of my shots. However; this lens is heavy and the only tripod mount available is one made by a US company called Kirk Enterprise Solutions, for $150 plus postage.
Seeing the Kirk model set me thinking. I had a Fotomate Macro sliding rail (bought from a wellknown auction site for £11), and with a little adaption I could use that! I bought a 20mm-wide strip of Velcro and cut it down to 390mm in length, then removed a mounting screw from one end of the rail and fixed the velcro in place with a 4mm countersunk screw and nut – a 20-minute job.
The camera and lens are mounted on to the sliding rail, the Velcro is wrapped round the end of the lens and they are then mounted on the tripod. The velcro cost me 90p and the rail can still be used for macro work.
Dave Berridge, via email That’s a cunning way to support your lens, Dave!