Really Right Stuff Lens Support Pkg

[Dave Hassell]

Does anyone have any experience of the Really Right Stuff new long lens support package?

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Cust...%2DYS%2DPkg&eq=

[Doug Brown]

Looks interesting. That's a big claim regarding improved resolution. I'd be curious if anyone can verify the claim.

[Alfred Forns]

I've seen something similar... not sure if it was from them. One of the advantages was easier lens rotation with the 600 which usually is hard.

Hope someone has tried it to report !!!

[James Prudente]

I use a very similar set up by another manufacturer and it really adds stability to the system.

[Dave Hassell]

Thank you James.

It looks virtually identical. Can you tell me the manufacturer and the cost please?

Dave.

[Rocky Sharwell]

I've seen something similar... not sure if it was from them. One of the advantages was easier lens rotation with the 600 which usually is hard.

Hope someone has tried it to report !!!

Artie had a prototype of something similar a few years ago--The only thing I remember about it was that the lens rotated way better in the collar..

[Charles Glatzer]

I've seen something similar... not sure if it was from them. One of the advantages was easier lens rotation with the 600 which usually is hard.

Hope someone has tried it to report !!!

Al,

Yes, it was from RRS ;) Pricey, but well worth the money if you shoot from a tripod, especially, with slower shutter speeds. And, it definitely helps ease the transition from horz to vert with the big guns.

The one James shows above is similar and probably lighter and less money.

Best,

Chas

[Joe Milmoe]

I've used the RRS lens support package + Canon 600IS on the wimberley head.

Reasoning: the older Canon 600mm tripod collars ("friction system") tend to be quite hard to rotate, especially after several years. Previously transitioning from a newer 500mm ("ball-bearing system"), I incorrectly assumed that all 600's were just harder to rotate than the 500's.

When changing orientations (horiz -> vert), my quick remedy was to support the underside of the lens with my hand while during the rotation...makes a great difference. But, I prefer to leave the tripod collar unlocked when shooting to allow for leveling of the image. This was becoming increasingly harder with time, and was often irritating as it meant loosing the shot as I fumble with the lens barrel with my left hand.

I sent the lens to Canon for "lube" (what a joke- turns out the friction system is graphite dust...nice fake-me-out charge there), which made negligible difference. Canon reccomended upgrading to a new tripod collar for a mere $958 (+2-way shipping on the lens). No thanks!!

The RRS support did make it easier to handle the lens. It provided a firm, full-time support that allowed for smoother and more consistent rotation while on the tripod. However, having diagnosed the issue, it drove me nuts. In fact, it was the driving factor that led me to upgrade to the 800.

Given my experience, I'd fully reccomend the support system if you've got an older tripod collar. Although I haven't tried it with a newer model, I don't envision the support system would be as beneficial. But, I guess the off center tripod collar can always use a bit of support to begin with :)

[Dave Hassell]

Thanks Joe, your information is very helpful as I am thinking of getting one to use with my Canon 600 IS lens.

Regards,

Dave.

[mikeojohnson]

I think it makes a noticeable difference on the 600 and 800. A very nice accessory. Somewhat hard to order on the RRS site, however.
If you order one, you don't need the extra clamp in the front if you have replaced the lens foot as the bracket won't go low enough. You just screw the bracket into the rail.
Mike