Heavy lenses

Hello! Would you say it is safe to use heavy lenses, like Nikon 18-300mm (>800g) or heavier on D3200 camera? I fear that the weight of the lens could damage the mount. While hand held, I can most of the time support the lens with my left hand, but not if it's on tripod.

Welcome to the forum,i dont know if Nikon supply any specs as to the weight carrying capacity of the lens mount on your camera,i did come across it for the V2 so maybe they do,try an email to Nikon support.

That's light to me! It is better to hold a heavier lens, with the lens, these heavier lenses usually come with a tripod foot attached, but your lens should be okay. I'd be tempted to hold the lens to lift the camera, and keep the weight off the body, that's a habit i have with all my lenses

I have used the Tamron 70-300mm on my D3200 quite a lot. Like others have suggested I support the weight of the lens as much as possible and don't tend to use it with a tripod. I've not had any problems.

Thanks for the welcome and your comments!
Great advice to lift and hold the combo by the lens, not the body.

My main concern is tripod. Anyone used a heavy lens with the camera on tripod for a prolonged period of time?

mkh25 said:

My main concern is tripod. Anyone used a heavy lens with the camera on tripod for a prolonged period of time?

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I wouldn't categorize the 18-300 as a heavy lens. Many lenses that are heavy will have a foot attached to them, allowing the lens to be mounted to the tripod.

D3200 + Tamron 150mm-600mm lens (fairly heavy) I have not had any issues, I carry mine using the tripod mount, shoulder sling helps, I have also used it on a tripod a few times and again no issues

jet2004uk said:

D3200 + Tamron 150mm-600mm lens (fairly heavy)...

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I think once a lens gets bigger/heavier than the camera it's mounted to, you're best to think of the lens as the piece of equipment needing to be carried, and the camera as an accessory that just happens to be attached to it.