Do I Need A Lens Collar? D7200 and Nikkor 55-300

pnomanikon

Senior Member
I am just a hobbyist photographer on a limited budget. A few years ago, I saved to buy a D-7200 as a retirement gift to myself. I love the camera, even though I'm still struggling to learn all the bells and whistles.

One of my two lenses is a Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6 G ED. However, when I use it on my tripod, it seems very "front heavy" and I'm afraid of damaging the camera body.

Back in the '90s, I had a Nikon 8008s with a budget 300mm lens (Tamron or Tokina??) that had a tripod mount on the lens itself. It seemed to balance much better on the tripod.

Tripod is a "veteran" Slik U-212 with a Monfrotto #222 ball head with a pistol grip and quick-release mounts.

QUESTIONS - I've looked for a lens collar, but cannot find one specifically for this lens. Should I use one to better balance the body and lens on the tripod? Is there an alternative I'm not aware of? I am retired and on limited budget, so I'd like to hopefully stay under $50 but still get a decent unit.

Thank you!
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I don't think that lens would need a tripod collar. I have the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR AF-S which weighs at least 6 ounces heavier, and I never felt the need to use a tripod collar with it. Nikon doesn't even make one for that lens - and that's one way to tell whether or not you might want to consider a collar.

My Nikon 70-200mm f/4 VR lens has a tripod collar - but since I purchased it preowned, it came with one. However, I don't think it comes with a collar when purchased new. This lens weighs almost 10 ounces more than your lens. Even if it hadn't come with a collar, I definitely would have gotten one.

Collars need to be made to fit specific lenses so they are properly secured. And it doesn't even look as though your lens was made to accept a tripod collar. Take a look at my 70-200mm f/4 VR. Do you see the slightly indented gap above the gold lettering? That's where the optional collar sits when it is snugged down.


Nikon_2202_NIKKOR_AF_S_70_200mm_f_4_0G_1351086000_897230.jpg
 

Bengan

Senior Member
The D7200 has a metal body and is more rugged than e.g. the 5xxx series. This lens is not that heavy and the lens mount will sustain the weight without problems
 
Top