Do you really need the RT-1 Tripod Collar for the Nikkor 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens?

Do you really need the RT-1 Tripod Collar for the Nikkor 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens?

The ultimate test for a Telephoto lens with VR is, can the user hand hold the camera and lens at 200mm, or 300mm on DX, and achieve sharp images void of any blur caused by camera movement. The below test were performed with my Nikon D600, and my 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens. I would say; probably not, save your money.


Test: 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens: At 200mm-FX-F8-325th Sec, ISO 400, Hand held with VR on.




Test: 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens: Cropped at 300mm-DX-F8-325th Sec, ISO 400- Hand held with VR on.

Comes down to technique, available light, manoeuvrability. Is this testing the stress load on the lens mount itself??? PS try it at 250th sec or 100th sec at 300mm or even 200mm. With out VR.

The only reason I bought mine is for mounting it to the tripod. I am sure you could get away without, but just more comfortable with. 99 percent of the time it's off and I hand hold it.

The lens is really great, but personally, I would never shoot at 200 or 300mm with the VR off. The lens weighs about 30 ounces, and in a pinch, I would mount the D600 on a Tripod with the lens attached, but would not leave the setup unattended.

jrleo33 said:

The lens is really great, but personally, I would never shoot at 200 or 300mm with the VR off. The lens weighs about 30 ounces, and in a pinch, I would mount the D600 on a Tripod with the lens attached, but would not leave the setup unattended.

Click to expand...

I shoot my 80 - 400 with VR off... Hand held aswell.

jrleo33 said:

The lens is really great, but personally, I would never shoot at 200 or 300mm with the VR off.

Click to expand...

And I would never shoot at 200mm with VR on, but 99.9% of my telephoto needs involve movement, not still subjects. In fact, I should probably check to see if the VR even works since I've never used it. I've debated getting the collar (~$24 on Ebay), but I honestly see no need for what I use it for. It's light enough to easily hand-hold.

I haven't purchased a mount yet (it should come with the lens, Nikon!!) and don't shoot with that lens on a tripod enough to justify running out and getting one. Generally I'll have the Sigma 150-500mm on the tripod for reach. That said, if I were to have he need I'd be more comfortable with the mount if I were leaving the camera on the tripod for extended periods if only not to chance damaging the mount. Either that, or I'd tip the lens down when not using it.

jrleo33 said:

Do you really need the RT-1 Tripod Collar for the Nikkor 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens?

The ultimate test for a Telephoto lens with VR is, can the user hand hold the camera and lens at 200mm, or 300mm on DX, and achieve sharp images void of any blur caused by camera movement. The below test were performed with my Nikon D600, and my 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens. I would say; probably not, save your money.

Test: 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens: At 200mm-FX-F8-325th Sec, ISO 400, Hand held with VR on.

Test: 70-200mm F/4G VR AF-S Lens: Cropped at 300mm-DX-F8-325th Sec, ISO 400- Hand held with VR on.

Click to expand...

Try the same test, but shoot something 150' away. I suspect you will see more movement.

The Nikon collar is costly. Amazon has several aftermarket units. They're much cheaper and just as good. I think I paid about $40 for mine. I recall it being shipped from somewhere in Asia. I've only used it a couple of times.