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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

LENS Support!

A

AlexJones

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I'm wondering if you know if my Canon 100-400 mm needs a lens support on my Epic with a canon AL mount? If it is nessisary, I see that there is a huge price difference between 15 and 19mm rod lens support systems. Kind of ridiculous. It's the same thing except triple the price for 19mm. I have 19mm rods and I'm looking for a nice lens support that does the job for up to and under $200. I am contemplating on getting the w00den camera version but it's $300 with tax. Here is a link

LINK - for some reason, the website doesn't link so just go to x's site and search this number... 175500

Here is a different one for much cheaper and looks fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tilta-19mm-...00-C500-F55-/181392698825?hash=item2a3bd8edc9

I don't know what the difference is between the one that only has a screw and the one that has a v mount attached. Can't I just screw this to the bottom of the cannon lens support attached to the lens already?

also, Manfrotto has one for really cheap! Only problem is, It doesn't say if it's 19 or 15mm... weird.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...Mjb4aCf_70CFQqEfgod614A1g&is=REG&Q=&A=details

Again, I don't care how it's made. All it needs to do is support a damn lens. I'd preferably not buy one but if I have to then, I will. I don't want to break anything. I don't care if its ugly, weird or whatever. I'm never going to really need to touch it again once I get it on the lens.
 
General rule is if the lens comes with a lens support, it's a good idea to use it!

If the camera is stationary or just being gently pan/tilted/dollied (low vibration/low G-forces) you can maybe get away without support up to a certain weight of lens. The Canon 100-400mm is probably at the weight limit of that possibility. High vibration, high G-forces, lateral forces such as mounted on vehicles, or using follow focuses will require support.

Manfrotto Sympla is Arri-style 15mm Light Weight System (LWS).

I've heard good things about the Tilta brand (no personal experience though) - so it would work EXCEPT unfortunately this item only seems to come with 3/8"-16 bolt which is too big for the Canon lens support which takes 1/4"-20.

The W0oden Camera is more expensive but is a more universal lens support. It will work with a wider variety of lenses (3/8"-16 cine, 1/4"-20 stills, or Y foot for lenses with no bolt attachment point) and both Arri-style 19mm Studio AND 15mm Studio Rod Systems. See the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCgvZBgvzL4#t=43
The only issue seems to be no continuous vertical height adjustment that I can see (just two lengths of extension rods) which means it may not fit certain lens diameters.
[Edit: WC has just confirmed to me the vertical rods are continuously adjustable - video coming Monday]

Note: it's possible with some support designs to impart large forces on the lens when tightening it up. Make sure your adjustments are just offering support, not levering up or pulling the lens against the rods!
 
Thanks for the help. What's the difference between the screw and the V mounts? Is the screw literally for screwing to the support from canon on the bottom or is it meant for attaching other things?
 
The screw is for lenses with a screw mount underneath or a lens collar support like your Canon lens has which has a screw hole.

The V or Y support just touches the bottom of the lens to support the weight where there are no screw holes on the lens or lens collar. These aren't quite as good as they don't really support the lens if the camera is inverted, or subject to strong lateral forces although better than no support at all. In those cases it's possible to use zip ties to the V/Y support to make a lens collar of sorts.
 
Alex are you taking about the 100 to 400 canon push pull zoom lens with canon mount?
If so thats what I use often on the NFL field with a canon EPIC mount AL version and i don't even use a lens support
Now that might not be recommended but I never use one and i don't experience any issues ever
I feel its a light enough lens and the mount is so well made that i don't see enough stress for it to be an issue

When i get into a cinema lens like anginueiux or cooke zooms that are too heavy to hand held then i always use a lens support on those.

best of luck
Luis
 
The weight of a Canon lens will typically bend the lens flange way before the lens mount. The titanium lens mounts are super strong. The backs of the lenses may not be quite as robust.
 
Perfect! Thanks for clarifying everything for me guys. Really appreciate it. Yes the canon 100-400 push pull. I'm getting the support from tilta. Looks nice and should do the job. I'll just go to home depot and buy a 3/8-1/4 adapter thread that should fit perfectly.
 
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