[i321587]

I've recently bought my new Canon 300mm 2.8 and am delighted with the results so far.

A couple of questions that exisiting users may be able to help answer.

The standard grip/handle/foot seems a bit short to carry the lens comfortably. Does anyone know of a supplier who produces a longer grip, ideally moulded for fingers? If so do they replace the existing foot or bolt on underneath. The former would seem an ideal solution.

Secondly I need a coat for the lens. There seem to be a number on the market and again thoughts and experiences with different makes would be appreciated. It needs to also cover a 1.4 extender.

Thanks in anticipation.

Tony

[stevo]

I can`t help you with the mount/foot only to say what about a bigger quick release plate?As for the coat wildlifewatchingsupplies is the best supplier.As i`ve had lots of stuff from Kevin & its durable/good quality.

Steve.

[GYRob]

It is a bit small to get hold of I think its even smaller on the mk2 -as said a longer plate does help.
That's what i use on my lens.
Rob.

[hampers]

I use longer plate on mine and a lens coat on my MkI, both ideal. Have also bought neoprene lens cap which is far easier to use than canon one.

Phil

[Roy C]

I also used to a long lens plate when I had the lens, although I mostly hand carried on a black Rapid strap which was superb for this lens. I have seen a proper sculptured hand grip that screws on the tripod foot for sale in the past but not sure where.

[mikenott]

Getting a better grip: You can either:

1. Fit a longer plate (as has been suggested). Good simple solution but can make foot bulky. A good solution if you have to convert screw it connections on the plate to Swiss Arca type anyway. Cosy £20=60

2.. Fit a replacement foot. If you are using Swiss Arca plate you can replace the Canon foot with a foot that already has Swiss Arca built in. Really Right Stuff is one supplier, but teher are others. Here is their site for your lens http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductD...-IS-II&key=ait. Cost £80-120

3. Carry on a monopod over your shoulder. Frowned on by some (risk of lens falling) but many people seem to like and use this option especially for teh lighter super telephotos. Some people prefer carry straps, but I (personally) think it is bad for the lens, even if it only means minor paint chps from time to time. Monopod cost is £50-£80

4. Finally, if you have swiss arca you can buy a Kirk SGH-1 carry handle, which is a finger contoured full grip handle that fits into a arca swiss plate. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ip_Handle.html. An expensive solution, but if you really want a contoured, secure carry handle this is the baby. Available in Europe from Wex and Foto Konijnenberg. Cost of SGH-1 £80 to £110 (without foot plate)

Lens covers:

1. Lenscoat http://www.lenscoat.com/lenscoat%C2%...on-p-1557.html
2. Wildlife Watching Supplies http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies....ood_covers.htm
3. Outdoor Photography Gear http://www.outdoorphotographygear.co.uk/items3596.html

PLEASE DO NOT USE THESE LINKS WITHOUT CHECKING LENS SPECIFICS. They are just quick links. There are other suppliers out there - these are three I have used.

Each cover manufacturer's model has its pros and cons and it can often be down to personal preference.

Hope the above helps, If you need any more help, just post on here.

Michael.
3.

[mikenott]

Originally Posted by Roy C

I have seen a proper sculptured hand grip that screws on the tripod foot for sale in the past but not sure where.

Roy - could it have been the Kirk SGH-1 I listed in my other post? I have ordered one for my 600 as the Canon and replacement foot's are quite short. Feels insecure when you carry it especially with extenders on which can shift teh centre of gravity quite a bit.

Michael.

[Roy C]

If you intend using the lens on a tripod as well as hand holding on occasions then the best way I found was to use a Black Rapid strap but keep the arca lens plate on the lens foot and connect to the strap via an arca clamp. This way you can carry via the black Rapid, when you want to mount on a tripod you just undo the clamp and your are ready to mount on the pod. I used this method for a couple of years with the 300/2.8 and it worked a treat. Carrying bandoleer fashion with a BR strap is mega comfortable and you are ready to shoot in seconds.

[Roy C]

Originally Posted by mikenott

Roy - could it have been the Kirk SGH-1 I listed in my other post? I have ordered one for my 600 as the Canon and replacement foot's are quite short. Feels insecure when you carry it especially with extenders on which can shift teh centre of gravity quite a bit.

Michael.

No is was not that one Mike, the one I saw had large wavy cut outs to take your fingers - you would have had to remove it to mount on a tripod though which is why I never bought one.

[i321587]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

All I need to do now is to look at the options and decide which is best for my own needs.

Tony

[postcardcv]

I have used both Lenscoat and WWS covers on lenses and far prefer the WWS ones. They are made of a thicker neoprene so seems to offer slightly more protection (though it does stop the 'cap' fitting as well). I currently have a lenscoat on my 300 f2.8 but will switch to a WWS cover when I have the spare cash.

[i321587]

A belated follow up to my original enquiry.

I bought the WWS lenscoat and am very pleased with it.

I managed to track down a replacemnt foot with a longer grip (full hand length). It's a Sunwayfoto LF-C1 which also fits some 400/500/600 and 800 lenses. I bought mine through ebay from Cameragearuk who were very helpful. Their listing didn't show the foot as suitable for the 300 2.8 but it fits exactly and the manufacturers label on the box does list it as suitable.

Hopefully this may help someone.

Tony

[kurakura]

I have not tried them, but take a look at these

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.as...sCanon&key=cat

[jalethbridge]

Originally Posted by mikenott

Roy - could it have been the Kirk SGH-1 I listed in my other post? I have ordered one for my 600 as the Canon and replacement foot's are quite short. Feels insecure when you carry it especially with extenders on which can shift teh centre of gravity quite a bit.

Michael.

4th generation design feet seem quite long.