Tripod collar for Nikon 300mm F4.5 ED

08/20/2012 10:58:10 AM · #1

I just picked up a really nice Nikon 300mm f4.5 ED AIS manual focus lens. I am going to use with an adapter with my Micro 4.3 gear.

The only issue is that is does not have the tripod collar that came with the lens.

I've looked around the web a bit and can't find one.

Does anyone know where I can get one or know of a 3rd party tripod collar that will work?

I know it's along shot, but maybe someone in DPC land has one and can point me int he right direction.

Thanks in advance

David

08/20/2012 11:13:29 AM · #2

Are you referring to this lens? if so I'll ask around the circles I hang out in. I have quite a collection of lenses as well as this one. I need to update my profile with the rest of my lenses.

Congrats its a great lens. Mine has the collar on it, and I'm pretty sure it's factory.

Matt

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

08/20/2012 11:20:51 AM · #3

If you can't find one right away, I have the same lens, and can lend you the one from my lens for a while until you can get one.
I rarely use that lens since I now have the 55-300 VR. The AIS is an excellent lens, and I think that you will enjoy having it. With a monopod, it's a great lens for birding and nature/animal shots because you can work the focus with your thumb while cradling the lens with your left hand. It works good with an extension tube too, for shooting butterflies and bugs and such.
If you are in a big rush, you can cut the bracket off something that has the right 1/4" female thread socket, and clamp it to the lens with a hose clamp, using something to keep it from scratching the lens beneath the clamp.
PM me if you can't find one in a few days.

08/20/2012 11:28:18 AM · #4

it also works well with the old TC14B which I used to take this free study photo. It's also hanging in a local Art gallery.

Matt

08/20/2012 12:09:06 PM · #5

Originally posted by MattO:

It's either that lens or this one. It doesn't say IF on the lens, but it is obviously an internal focusing lens. The lens does not change size as you focus.

Could be it's the same collar for both. I'll try to research it a little.

It is a great lens I had one in the past. I picked this one up in really good condition for $150. Using it on my m4/3 it will be the equivalent of having a 600mm f4.5 lens!

Thanks for looking around for me. Truly appreciated!

08/20/2012 12:09:49 PM · #6

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Will do, thanks for the offer!

08/20/2012 12:44:21 PM · #7

Originally posted by scarbrd:

Originally posted by MattO:
Are you referring to this lens? if so I'll ask around the circles I hang out in. I have quite a collection of lenses as well as this one. I need to update my profile with the rest of my lenses.

Congrats its a great lens. Mine has the collar on it, and I'm pretty sure it's factory.

Matt

It's either that lens or this one. It doesn't say IF on the lens, but it is obviously an internal focusing lens. The lens does not change size as you focus.

Could be it's the same collar for both. I'll try to research it a little.

It is a great lens I had one in the past. I picked this one up in really good condition for $150. Using it on my m4/3 it will be the equivalent of having a 600mm f4.5 lens!

Thanks for looking around for me. Truly appreciated!

Mine is not an IF, I will ask if there is a difference and see if anyone has one available.

Matt

08/20/2012 01:24:00 PM · #8

Scarbard do you have the Serial number. Apparently there are different versions of the lens even from IF to IF and Non to Non IF. The width of the collar changes. I will need the serial number of it.

Serial number list.

Actually if you are sure it's an AIS then it's only one?

Message edited by author 2012-08-20 13:27:20.

08/20/2012 01:35:30 PM · #9

I don't have the lens with me. I'll check tonight. I am 90% sure it is AIS. It for sure goes to f32.

Originally posted by MattO:

Message edited by author 2012-08-20 13:37:07.

08/20/2012 02:31:09 PM · #10

General thoughts are the reason why the ones without collars go so cheap is they are nearly impossible to find. However someone did suggest this support because as someone on the other forum suggested they are nearly impossible to find. He has been searching quite a while for one for his.

08/20/2012 02:49:00 PM · #11

Originally posted by MattO:

that might work, although a bit rigged.

If I can't find something better I might go with this.