E-PL1 and heavy lens on a tripod

mikekiwi · Dec 23, 2010

Hi,

I bought myself a pretty decent macro lens (Tokina At-X 90mm f2.5) which is rather heavy (700gr with extender). For macro I do need to use a tripod, but the lens doesn't have a collar with tripod-mount. So I need to use the tripod-mount on the E-PL1 and the mount of the camera is carrying all the weight. Will that work and hold without doing damage to the E-PL1?

Are there other solutions to support the lens while it is on a tripod?

Thanks for any input!

bilzmale · Dec 23, 2010

Personally I'd be happier shooting hand held with the left hand supporting the lens.

These posts may be useful.

https://www.mu-43.com/f67/stativklemme-tripod-collar-zuiko-70-300-mm-4247/

https://www.mu-43.com/f40/how-strong-e-pl1-mount-6593/

https://www.mu-43.com/f67/support-long-lens-w-o-tripod-collars-6437/

mikekiwi · Dec 23, 2010

Thanks Bill. Handheld shooting for macro-purposes (1:1) with a very shallow DOF and Manual Focus is not done. So it has to be on a tripod.

The links are great, I'm still wondering why my searches up till now missed 2 out of the 3 lnks you mentioned...

pdh · Dec 23, 2010

I've wondered if one could find a secure way of sitting a beanbag on top of a tripod ... the Stativklemme solution was just too much cash for the amount i'd use it ...

mikekiwi · Dec 23, 2010

I have seen that one indeed and besides the fact that for my lens this would be a bit more difficult, it is a serious price indeed.

My set-up will be mounted on something like this part of the time:

Maybe I can use something on the rail to support the lens...

Orientator · Dec 23, 2010

Weight should be ok!

Hi,
I'm using manual tele lenses quite often with my E-PL1 on a tripod.
The biggest ones (Tokina 80-200 f4 and Vivitar 135 f2.8) are at 500-650 g incl. Adapter + sometimes a tele-converter (70g).

Result: The weight is no problem.

The only restriction I would see is if you carry around the tripod with the camera on it. I think this might be too much.

Stefan

usayit · Dec 23, 2010

If you are still worried about weight and stability, you can use one of these as an option:

Amazon.com: Bogen - Manfrotto Telephoto Lens Support: Electronics

For macro, I'd still use a focusing rail on top of that.

mikekiwi · Dec 23, 2010

thanks for that! This is something to remember indeed. Although I still see some problems as the focussing ring on my Macro-lens is as big as the lens itself, it is the best thing I've seen up till now to overcome this problem.

@Orientator: thanks for sharing your experiences, that is good information. I'm certainly going to give it a try!

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E-PL1 and heavy lens on a tripod

mikekiwi Mu-43 Regular

bilzmale Mu-43 All-Pro

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pdh Mu-43 Top Veteran

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