Canon EF 70-200 2.8L USM -- DON'T DO WHAT I DID

[Kyle Mallory]

Short version: Always support your 70-200 on the Birger with an appropriate bridge arm off rails. Especially for extended periods of time.

Last night, I was testing my 70-200 on the Birger with the latest firmware, checking reliability. After I was done, I set the camera aside with the lens on the camera, patiently waiting for today when I could go out and shoot some test footage.

This morning, the lens is not responsive at all. I get iPin data, and pressing the buttons on the Birger/changing focal length updates the lens data (for example, pressing the bottom button on the Birger will change the lens data f-stop from 2.8 to 3., and so on). HOWEVER, the lens will not actually do any physical movement! No f-Stop changes, no focusing, nothing. At a loss for what to do, I ended up holding the lens up and pushing it back into the mount/camera, and the motors started working. If I let go of the lens, the motors stop working again.

I don't know if this is a poor connection between the lens and the mount, internal to the lens, or internal to the mount, but regardless, this is NOT GOOD.

So, please, don't do like I did... ALWAYS support your lenses!

 

[Matthew Duclos]

I've been saying this on REDUser for a long time.
There was a thread that I cannot find... Basically, my rule of thumb:
If you can hold the lens by the mount with your fingers, upright (as if on the camera) then you do not need a support. Otherwise, you NEED to support it. (see photo below).
Of course, this varies depending on the mount. Obviously, a stainless steel PL mount is much stronger than a Nikon or Canon mount, most of which are made from brass that is very soft. Better safe than sorry.

Here is a good example of how to check..

 

[Nils J. Nesse]

So where can I buy a good, reasonably priced 19mm lens support bracket?

 

[Brian Timmons]

ALLSTAR sells a simple and relatively cheap solution I use on my 70-200.

http://allstar-cine.myweb.hinet.net/

The page does not seem to allow me to directly link to the product page.

Click on the link "Accessories for RED ONE" under the "NEWS" heading.

2nd from the bottom there is an item called "Lense Support screws".

It works with the RED Universal mount. Does the job nicely.

Brian Timmons
britim media

 

[martinnoweck]

... or the red universal mount as suggested in another thread.

kind regards,
martin

 

[Matthew Duclos]

The RED universal mount should not be used as a lens support.
Sure it can be used in a pinch, but it just messes everything up.
A low-bridge with the proper height and positioning should be used.
The RED universal support is just a plate with threaded holes in it.
There are certain standards within the industry that are there for a reason.
Im sure many of the valuable, esteemed sponsors would be glad to provide a proper lens support at a reasonable price.

 

[Dominic Jones]

Basically, my rule of thumb:
If you can hold the lens by the mount with your fingers, upright (as if on the camera) then you do not need a support. Otherwise, you NEED to support it.

That is a great little bit of knowledge, thanks Matthew.

My previous rule of thumb was: "If it comes with a lens support in the box, use it. Otherwise it's probably fine", which isn't quite as good a guideline, I'm sure you'll agree!

Cheers!
Dom.

 

[Matthew Duclos]

That is a great little bit of knowledge, thanks Matthew.

My previous rule of thumb was: "If it comes with a lens support in the box, use it. Otherwise it's probably fine", which isn't quite as good a guideline, I'm sure you'll agree!

Cheers!
Dom.

Right, not such a good rule... Perfect example, the RED 300mm and 18-85mm.
Neither lens comes with a support, but I cannot stress enough how important it is to support such a heavy lens.

 

[Dominic Jones]

Thought so!

Cheers again,
Dom.

 

[Miltos Pilalitos]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice lens support for the RED 300m?

 

[Matthew Duclos]

Depends on which one you have.
The earlier models came with a red ring that had a surface that could be worked with..
The newer models would require having a support made.
Im not sure what people are doing to support the RED 300mm but I can assure you, it is necessary.

 

[Mike McEntire]

Hey Matt I don't consider myself super weak and I can't hold up a bunch of my RPP's in the manner that you have shown. In your opinion since you have seen the lenses firsthand do you think they need support? If so it seems like a good opportunity for someone to manufacture and sell a lot of them right away (hint hint)
Thanks,
Mike

 

[Matthew Duclos]

I thought about this Mike. I knew that would be the case.
I'm not sure the RPPs require a support. The PL mount on those lenses is quite robust.
But I can imagine it will effect the camera mount over long periods of time.
I think if there is enough interest, I would consider such a support.