Due to the unavailability of the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 L series Tripod lens ring mount, I built my own, for my newly acquired 'favorite zoom'. I am using this lens primarily for wildlife photography such as Canadian birds of prey, grizzly bear and rocky mountian sheep. As well, I am involved in cycling sports and this piece of glass has been great for the fast paced action and high speed cornering angles.
As for the original Canon plastic model, @ $180.00 or more, with a little time and effort I built something a bit more substantial, yet still lightweight.
Pictured is the prototype model that I currently use for my personal photography. If you have interest in this or other similar 'simple' products, and are capable of providing an accurate 2D drafted 'blueprint' on some graph paper for example, please contact me via the Blog email.
To confirm, I do not do production runs for things like this, and everything is a simple 'one off'. My products are hand crafted and as each individual piece is made, such as the titanium Ring fastening screw, little improvements or efficiency's may be noticed along the way.
No two pieces are exactly the same, but are no less replaceable and interchangeable.
At the time of posting this blog and photos, I am in the midst of producing 6 more like this one above here.
- The Ring frame itself is made of 6061 Aluminum, there is a 3 part structure to the Ring including the 'foot'. The foot is actually reversible if you so decide, and features a standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount female thread.
- The ring itself is not anodized and is simply 'bead blasted' aluminum to a nice clean finish, with a coat of industrial clear coat enamel IE: Weatherproof. Anodizing may be available for an extra cost but unless you really beat the tar out of your products, I would consider it a luxury option.
- Inside the ring is a .018" lining of industrial neoprene gasket material that provides a very positive grip against the Lens, in addition to providing a protective cushion. Yet simply loosen the Ti fastening screw to rotate the lens inside the ring as desired.
- The Ring itself has been ported with 1/2" drill holes to accommodate weight savings and of course further refinements will come in later models.
- Currently in the works are interchangeable attachments that can be mounted to the bottom of the Ring 1/4"-20 foot, such as a hand ball pistol style grip for extreme field action, or a car side window opening slot/rest. Also working on a foldable carbon fibre laptop stand that attaches to the legs of your tripod for extended stationary shooting such as Time Lapse in the field. Only in R&D at this time.
This Canon Lens is currently the only model I have the required specifications for the design and build for one of these. But say if you had a Canon 70-200mm or any other model, and you have the Exact measurements I require, or I can't get from my local camera shop... You can have one made personally for yourself as well.
Production would be considered 'slow' in my honest opinion, versus a 1 week Pro level delivery outfit like B&H PhotoVideo. You could end up waiting a while (like 1-3 months or so) after agreement has been made for payment and delivery. - I notice the large Online suppliers have had none of these since June 2011, its now mid October and there are still none available.
At $175.00 + Shipping I am practically giving these away, versus the time involved to produce by hand, and am barely breaking even. However that small bit of reward, may pay off later as I build my Combat Camera Gear brand name.
Sincerely.
Enjoy the craft.
