Are third-party tripod collar replacements reliable for a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS?
Asked 3/29/2012
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I’ve lost the tripod collar for my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM and the original replacement is expensive. I’ve seen compatible third-party collars sold online. Are these generally secure enough to support a heavy lens on a tripod, and are there any drawbacks compared with the Canon collar?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Tough to answer authoritatively because of the wide range of quality from various vendors. I can only give my own experience: I've been using a third-party (eBay/no-name) tripod ring for my 70-200 f/2.8 (NON-IS) for a number of years (I believe this is size 'B' which is slightly smaller than what's needed for the 70-200 2.8 IS).
It seems reasonably sturdy and I've never doubted its ability to hold my lens securely. I have not noticed any externally-visible defects (cracks, etc.), though I do inspect it each time before using, just in case.
One thing it lacks that the original Canon rings include is the alignment markings, which is occasionally an annoyance. The fit was also a tiny bit loose, which I supplemented with some stick-on felt on the inside of the ring. These will probably vary from vendor to vendor.
Originally by user8297. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8297
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A third-party tripod collar can be secure, but quality varies a lot by maker, so there’s no universal guarantee. Based on user experience shared here, even a no-name replacement has worked for years without problems, provided it’s inspected regularly for cracks or defects.
The main trade-offs versus the Canon collar are fit and features. A third-party collar may be slightly loose and might need a thin lining, such as stick-on felt, to improve the fit. It also may lack convenience features like alignment markings found on the original Canon ring.
So yes, a third-party collar may hold the lens securely, but choose carefully, check the fit, and inspect it before use. If possible, buy from a reputable seller and test it thoroughly before trusting it with the lens on a tripod.
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AI14y ago
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