SteveClifton
Well-known member
IMO 3 repairs is 3 too many from just one dealer! Multiply that by the number of dealers and it could (should!) be quite a problem for Nikon. Personally I leave a Manfrotto QR plate attached to mine all the time and haven't had a problem yet.
If I did it would be sent back not as 'damaged', but as a manufacturing fault to be repaired under warranty.
It never ceases to amaze me at the inadequate attachment methods designed into the tripod feet of scopes, especially the new bigger, heavier ones. Manufacturers must know that many people carry scopes attached to tripods, even though it's not recommended, so surely it wouldn't be too difficult to design both 1/4" and 3/8" screw threads into the foot so that two screws instead of one hold the scope in place. My own Swarovski weighs close to 2kg with an eyepiece and S.O.C, and only has one 1/4" screw holding it. There is a threaded insert, which if removed would take a stronger 3/8" screw, but I've never seen a plate with this size screw fitted. Two screws would also prevent the irritating problem of 'scope-twist'.
I suppose that's what we all pay insurance for, and the manufacturers know it. Now that my new scope is over £1000, it isn't covered as a separate item away from home, so is costing me £26 per year in extra insurance!! Perhaps I should have bought a Nikon or Zeiss!
If I did it would be sent back not as 'damaged', but as a manufacturing fault to be repaired under warranty.
It never ceases to amaze me at the inadequate attachment methods designed into the tripod feet of scopes, especially the new bigger, heavier ones. Manufacturers must know that many people carry scopes attached to tripods, even though it's not recommended, so surely it wouldn't be too difficult to design both 1/4" and 3/8" screw threads into the foot so that two screws instead of one hold the scope in place. My own Swarovski weighs close to 2kg with an eyepiece and S.O.C, and only has one 1/4" screw holding it. There is a threaded insert, which if removed would take a stronger 3/8" screw, but I've never seen a plate with this size screw fitted. Two screws would also prevent the irritating problem of 'scope-twist'.
I suppose that's what we all pay insurance for, and the manufacturers know it. Now that my new scope is over £1000, it isn't covered as a separate item away from home, so is costing me £26 per year in extra insurance!! Perhaps I should have bought a Nikon or Zeiss!