I'm in the process of ordering a Nikkor 500VR and was wondering from those that have this lens whether it's necessary to upgrade the lens foot (as I have done on my 200-400VR) for tripod/monopod use?
The stock foot is fine especially carring with gloves but it is combersome. Agree with Nancy teh 4th Gen is low but leaves room for the fingers and hood. If using a sidekick the low/short foot is a must. The Wemberley is nice but too tight to the lens and a little short in length for good balance.
Mine is packed but I do not believe the stock foot has any dovetail-you would need to use a plate. Lens also comes with a smaller monopod foot. One more reason to use a third party foot. I did use a sidekick with the wemberley foot before i got the WH200 and it was decent tho I would not do it without a safety strap of some sort.
The manual with good photos is online at Nikon, see page 7.
I have the older, nonVR version. It is heavier than the newer ones, but I use it with a Sidekick all the time. I use a Kirk replacement foot. Has enough room to carry easily and to mount the Wimberley flash bracket.
No double dove tail on the brand Nikon foot. I have a Wimberly lens plate for the 500VR that I am very happy with. I shoot the 500VR handhled most of the time but I have a WHII and I think that it is a perfect companion. I tried the sidekick but I decided to go for the WHII.
I bought the Kirk replacement foot for my 500Vr and it works great, it lowers the height abit when you are using it on a gimbal or monopod so could theoretically reduce any vibrations abit.
it is also still tall enough to use as a carry handle if necessary, hope this helps
Received my new 500VR the other day, what a magic lens this is!
My Kirk LP-47 foot that I had on my 200-400VR (currently for sale) fits perfectly on the 500.
Even the B87-B RRS flash bracket also fits around the 500, although it's height is a little lower than would otherwise be on it's recommended RRS B91-B.
Have tried it with the Sidekick as well and locks done very well in combo with my Markins M20.
It also seems to handle the RRS heavy duty MH-01 tilt head on my 680B monopod as well.
Well, I have the foot, someday maybe the VR version of the lens. If the Obama health plan goes through, I may be selling everything and moving to the 3rd world.
Nikkor 500VR lens foot advice.
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