Hello,

Has anyone tried to use a 70-200 F2.8 zoom lens (Nikor or Sigma) with MTF's Nikon adapter? Can the MTF adaptor support the weight of those lenses or do they need additional support?

Thanks.

Thierry.

Most of the Nikon 80-200 versions have support collar ring (except the first AF version)... That tells you enough.
I would not use this type of lens with no support. Never did with still camera....

Its a pretty strong adapter and I have been testing my 80-200 without a support. It feels solid.
That said though I will use it with support on jobs. Why take a chance?

I've used my 80-200 with literally dozens of Nikons over the past 10 years without any support whatsoever. The F3 can also handle this lens without any trouble. It fits nice and solid, and it is considerably lighter than my Cine-Xenar lenses that I also use without any support. The camera is very well-built.

Its a pretty strong adapter and I have been testing my 80-200 without a support. It feels solid.
That said though I will use it with support on jobs. Why take a chance?

You can't really compare a F3 body to a DSLR body. The F3 has a much larger and longer base and a pretty biffy lens mount, so, I assume that it is a much more robust assemby. I am just trying to find an easy way to switch lenses with the F3 body mounted on a tripod and would rather avoid to have to resort to the 70-200 zoom's support brace if it is not necessary.

Thanks for pitching in.

Thierry.

I've been using a Redrock lens support for my longer lenses. It does not actually attach to the lens, it just supports it from below with an adjustable cradle. I also use it with my 300 2.8. Very fast to set up and it can usually be left on the rails when not in use.

If I had a 300 f/2.8 I'd use support, too. Nice lens.
Fortunately, my 300 f/4 is a fraction of that weight.

The issue isn't whether the f3 can support the weight but whether the skinny little ring that is the nikon mount will take the weight without bending or sagging. In addition will the lens droop or flex from side to side during pans or if blown by the wind. I think any large lens on the nikon mount is likely to need a little support, especially a long focal lengths.

None of those issues are a concern at all of mine with the MTF adapter and the following lenses I've test it it with:
17-35mm f/2.8
35-70mm f/2.8
80-200mm f/2.8
300mm f/4

I find the MTF adapter to be quite rigid, and I assure you that no amount of wind is going to affect the performance of the lens on the camera.

Again, there is a reason why "some" still lenses have tripod collars... Let's not be smarter than lens designers...
I am not one, but right from the top, nobody mentioned lens side of the mount. Did anybody considered that a heavy lens can cause stress to both sides of lens mount. You can not compare big heavy cine lenses and "F3" mount with "tinny" Nikon F mount. Just one look at both and you can see the difference. Sure, with out the lens support most would be fine in control environment- on tripod and such. But, first time the stress is caused to the tip of the long lens (no matter if it is Nikon still or Sony video camera) the lens is coming off... Believe me, I have seen it a few times!

Absolutely agree that you need the support, particularly if handheld. I shot crowd footage with the 70-200 and the rails support gave a great deal of peace of mind. If for no other reason than to avoid paranoia, I would use it.

Hey, I'm not saying NOT to use support, I'm just saying that in my opinion (using my own lenses) it is totally unnecessary. If you feel it is better with it, go for it.

Thierry,
I use the AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Lens which is .36 lbs lighter than the 70-200. No problems with no support.

Ok, guys. Thanks for the feedback.

T.