Offsetting the tripod head on A* 300 mm f/2.8

**scc** · 08-23-2021, 12:00 PM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

Hello,
As mentioned in the review of this specific lens, the tripod mount collar position does not allow balancing correctly the lens (front heavy).
I’m struggling in finding a solution to at least improve the situation knowing that I own a Manfrotto tripod head with the quick release 200 PL plate. The fix would be to find a bracket or bar or plate about 4 inches long where I could screw on one end the 200 PL quick release plate (for the tripod head) and attach the lens at the other end with a conventional 1/4” mounting screw. The tripod head would be hence displaced tho the front end of the lens, improving the balance.

Could anyone make a suggestion to find something allowing this configuration? I looked in the accessories offered by Manfrotto, Arca, Peak design and other without success to date.
Thanks

**marcusBMG** · 08-23-2021, 12:11 PM - **1 Like**

I can make you an extension plate like this:
Aluminium, 3/8" threaded TM placements one fitted with 1/4" adapter, second support point as appropriate. This particular one is on a tamron adaptall 31A 200-500mm, also a very front heavy lens.
I can do this in a couple of hours, just need to customise the size.

vonBaloney · 08-23-2021, 03:03 PM

What I did is found an arca plate that allowed me to attach another plate under it (so I am using it as a spacer). The only one I could find to do that easily was the Joby Ultraplate (which I don't think is available as a standalone anymore -- it's the one that comes with their handstrap) which has extra fixed attachment holes on the bottom. Then I could attach a long plate to that plate and it would clear the underside of front of the lens -- I think anyway. It has been a while since I had that lens but I do the same thing with the A* 600/5.6 which I still have. It can also be used with a double-clamp system (which gives even more space to a longer plate). There are probably other things you can work out with the variety of parts and plates these days.

In any case, that lens is FANTASTIC, so it is worth figuring out.

**scc** · 08-24-2021, 09:52 AM

Originally posted by marcusBMG

I can make you an extension plate like this:
Aluminium, 3/8" threaded TM placements one fitted with 1/4" adapter, second support point as appropriate. This particular one is on a tamron adaptall 31A 200-500mm, also a very front heavy lens.
I can do this in a couple of hours, just need to customise the size.

This is exactly what I have in mind.
But the shape of the lens would not allow a secondary bracket (the silver color bracket on the picture), unless using a spacer under the collar:

Attached Images

Last edited by scc; 08-24-2021 at 09:56 AM. Reason: Adding picture

**marcusBMG** · 08-24-2021, 10:49 AM

Measure the clearances as best you can (also lets see a side on pic) . i can adapt the design.

**scc** · 08-24-2021, 11:14 AM

Ok, I will take some dimensions on my lens.
Are you in United Kingdom (North Wales)?

**marcusBMG** · 08-24-2021, 11:25 AM

UK. No problem sending something relatively small to Belgium.

**scc** · 08-24-2021, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by vonBaloney

What I did is found an arca plate that allowed me to attach another plate under it (so I am using it as a spacer). The only one I could find to do that easily was the Joby Ultraplate (which I don't think is available as a standalone anymore -- it's the one that comes with their handstrap) which has extra fixed attachment holes on the bottom. Then I could attach a long plate to that plate and it would clear the underside of front of the lens -- I think anyway. It has been a while since I had that lens but I do the same thing with the A* 600/5.6 which I still have. It can also be used with a double-clamp system (which gives even more space to a longer plate). There are probably other things you can work out with the variety of parts and plates these days.

In any case, that lens is FANTASTIC, so it is worth figuring out.

I’m always astonished to see the price this lens is asked for on eBay.
A manual focus, no electronics except the mount contacts ant it still sells $2000 or €2000...

**marcusBMG** · 08-24-2021, 01:02 PM

As an aside, I am curious about a comparison of this lens with the adaptall 300-2.8's I have.

dlhawes · 08-24-2021, 01:06 PM

DIY load balancer / QR assembly / BG adapter - PentaxForums.com

Oldbayrunner · 08-24-2021, 01:11 PM

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554350-REG/Manfrotto_293_293_Telephot...10080301008005

**mlag** · 08-27-2021, 12:28 PM

You could try the Andoer L-200 tele adapter plate, maybe without lens support (2 bolts to remove it).
It has 20 cm plate to shift your balance.
Amazon usa and Germany sell it.
Andoer L200Teleobjektiv Support Long Lens Halter Halterung Hhenverstellbar kompatibel für Arca Sunwayfoto RRS Benro Kirk Markins Halterung: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

**scc** · 08-29-2021, 09:22 AM

Many thanks to all members who made suggestions.
@marcusBMG, I didn’t have opportunities to measure the lens, be patient...

**i_trax** · 08-29-2021, 10:12 AM

---------- Post added 08-30-21 at 01:15 ----------

has very early serial number, one lockable ring is missing + other little details,

510mm Auto Focus rig , rather impressive.....

vonBaloney · 08-29-2021, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by i_trax

---------- Post added 08-30-21 at 01:15 ----------

has very early serial number, one lockable ring is missing + other little details,

510mm Auto Focus rig , rather impressive.....

I've got the exact same LCD viewer on my K-01. Are you saying yours doesn't have the little focus finder ring (where you can set a click-stop for a certain point)? Looks like it is there but can't see the thumbscrew in the pic.

08-23-2021, 12:00 PM	#1
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165	*Offsetting the tripod head on A 300 mm f/2.8** Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hello, As mentioned in the review of this specific lens, the tripod mount collar position does not allow balancing correctly the lens (front heavy). I’m struggling in finding a solution to at least improve the situation knowing that I own a Manfrotto tripod head with the quick release 200 PL plate. The fix would be to find a bracket or bar or plate about 4 inches long where I could screw on one end the 200 PL quick release plate (for the tripod head) and attach the lens at the other end with a conventional 1/4” mounting screw. The tripod head would be hence displaced tho the front end of the lens, improving the balance. Could anyone make a suggestion to find something allowing this configuration? I looked in the accessories offered by Manfrotto, Arca, Peak design and other without success to date. Thanks

08-23-2021, 03:03 PM	#3
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	What I did is found an arca plate that allowed me to attach another plate under it (so I am using it as a spacer). The only one I could find to do that easily was the Joby Ultraplate (which I don't think is available as a standalone anymore -- it's the one that comes with their handstrap) which has extra fixed attachment holes on the bottom. Then I could attach a long plate to that plate and it would clear the underside of front of the lens -- I think anyway. It has been a while since I had that lens but I do the same thing with the A* 600/5.6 which I still have. It can also be used with a double-clamp system (which gives even more space to a longer plate). There are probably other things you can work out with the variety of parts and plates these days. In any case, that lens is FANTASTIC, so it is worth figuring out. Last edited by vonBaloney; 08-23-2021 at 03:12 PM.

08-29-2021, 10:12 AM	#14
i_trax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Perth Western Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,621	My lens looks diferent?? ---------- Post added 08-30-21 at 01:15 ---------- has very early serial number, one lockable ring is missing + other little details, 510mm Auto Focus rig , rather impressive.....

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Nature Isle aux Coudres @ 28 mm, 45 mm and 63 mm FL with DFA 28-105 mm HD and f/16.	RICHARD L.	Post Your Photos!	6	02-25-2022 05:25 AM
Architecture DA 55-300 mm f/4-5.8 HD test on a K3, zooming from 55 mm to 300 mm @ f/11	RICHARD L.	Post Your Photos!	0	05-14-2020 03:29 AM
Nature K20 vs K3 rendering, DA 55-300 mm HD @ 300 mm and f/16.	RICHARD L.	Post Your Photos!	2	05-03-2020 11:09 AM
Architecture Gable detail with DA 55-300 mm HD @ 300 mm on K20. We see the nailheads !	RICHARD L.	Post Your Photos!	4	04-20-2020 04:03 AM
For Sale - Sold: Brand New FA 31 mm, FA 77 mm, DA* 60-250 mm, DA* 300 mm	ppkkcao	Sold Items	14	11-02-2014 08:42 PM

08-23-2021, 12:11 PM - 1 Like	#2
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,868	I can make you an extension plate like this: Aluminium, 3/8" threaded TM placements one fitted with 1/4" adapter, second support point as appropriate. This particular one is on a tamron adaptall 31A 200-500mm, also a very front heavy lens. I can do this in a couple of hours, just need to customise the size.

08-24-2021, 09:52 AM	#4
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165 Original Poster	Originally posted by marcusBMG I can make you an extension plate like this: Aluminium, 3/8" threaded TM placements one fitted with 1/4" adapter, second support point as appropriate. This particular one is on a tamron adaptall 31A 200-500mm, also a very front heavy lens. I can do this in a couple of hours, just need to customise the size. This is exactly what I have in mind. But the shape of the lens would not allow a secondary bracket (the silver color bracket on the picture), unless using a spacer under the collar: Attached Images Last edited by scc; 08-24-2021 at 09:56 AM. Reason: Adding picture

08-24-2021, 10:49 AM	#5
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,868	Measure the clearances as best you can (also lets see a side on pic) . i can adapt the design.

08-24-2021, 11:14 AM	#6
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165 Original Poster	Ok, I will take some dimensions on my lens. Are you in United Kingdom (North Wales)?

08-24-2021, 11:25 AM	#7
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,868	UK. No problem sending something relatively small to Belgium.

08-24-2021, 12:22 PM	#8
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165 Original Poster	Originally posted by vonBaloney What I did is found an arca plate that allowed me to attach another plate under it (so I am using it as a spacer). The only one I could find to do that easily was the Joby Ultraplate (which I don't think is available as a standalone anymore -- it's the one that comes with their handstrap) which has extra fixed attachment holes on the bottom. Then I could attach a long plate to that plate and it would clear the underside of front of the lens -- I think anyway. It has been a while since I had that lens but I do the same thing with the A* 600/5.6 which I still have. It can also be used with a double-clamp system (which gives even more space to a longer plate). There are probably other things you can work out with the variety of parts and plates these days. In any case, that lens is FANTASTIC, so it is worth figuring out. I’m always astonished to see the price this lens is asked for on eBay. A manual focus, no electronics except the mount contacts ant it still sells $2000 or €2000...

08-24-2021, 01:02 PM	#9
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,868	As an aside, I am curious about a comparison of this lens with the adaptall 300-2.8's I have.

08-24-2021, 01:06 PM	#10
dlhawes Guest	DIY load balancer / QR assembly / BG adapter - PentaxForums.com

08-24-2021, 01:11 PM	#11
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554350-REG/Manfrotto_293_293_Telephot...10080301008005

08-27-2021, 12:28 PM	#12
mlag Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Zuiderkempen - Grote Netewoud - Belgium Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,397	You could try the Andoer L-200 tele adapter plate, maybe without lens support (2 bolts to remove it). It has 20 cm plate to shift your balance. Amazon usa and Germany sell it. Andoer L200Teleobjektiv Support Long Lens Halter Halterung Hhenverstellbar kompatibel für Arca Sunwayfoto RRS Benro Kirk Markins Halterung: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

08-29-2021, 09:22 AM	#13
scc Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 165 Original Poster	Many thanks to all members who made suggestions. @marcusBMG, I didn’t have opportunities to measure the lens, be patient...

08-29-2021, 10:22 AM	#15
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 6,029	Originally posted by i_trax ---------- Post added 08-30-21 at 01:15 ---------- has very early serial number, one lockable ring is missing + other little details, 510mm Auto Focus rig , rather impressive..... I've got the exact same LCD viewer on my K-01. Are you saying yours doesn't have the little focus finder ring (where you can set a click-stop for a certain point)? Looks like it is there but can't see the thumbscrew in the pic.