Tripod Collar mount for SOLIGOR Macro Zoom 80-200mm

[bobds78]

I have gotten a Soligor 80-200mm macro zoom but found it to be a tad too heavy for my E-P2 if its to be mounted on a tripod and i can feel the stress on the E-P2's body.

So I am trying to find a suitable tripod collar/ring mount for the lens but all I see and google are just Canon's.

Somebody, help?

Regards,

Robert

[Scheimpflug]

Do you have a photo of your lens, by any chance?

(By the way, as a new user, the forum probably won't let your image be displayed inline... it's an anti-spam measure. But if you link to it, we will be able to see it.)

[bobds78]

Yes sure, here they are

[bobds78]

I think a Tripod Collar Mount can be mounted as you can see that there's a recessed mount probably designed for a collar or ring mount on a tripod. Any idea?

Many thanks

[Scheimpflug]

Does that part right up against the mount stay stationary when you turn the aperture ring?

[bobds78]

I think it also turns when the aperture is turned. So this means its not a recess for tripod collar? But does it matter? It will still work, won't it?

[Nelson]

may be you can buy a collar for canon and modify it, i have one in plastic

what is the diameter of the lens in the location for the collar ?

[Rolf]

I believe that these types of "little" zooms (70-200/210) are not designed for using a tripod at the lens itself.

[bobds78]

Yes, probably so. The question still remain because its still difficult to hold it steady enough to get a quality shot. This 'little' gem is capable of pumping out some very nice shots. Here are some pics I took last night resting it with my e-p2 on top of the table/

[bobds78]

Hi Nelson,

Thanks for dropping by. I am beginning to seriously consider that route already, if I cannot find a dedicated collar/ring. And also may try DIY, as some other member have tried somewhere in this forum.

By the way, could please show me some pics of the one you made?

Thanks

[Attila]

[walter g]

I know what you mean. I shoot with a 80-200 one touch, and mines on the heavy side. It would be nice to have a tripod mount. So for me to use mine with hopefully no shake I have one hand on the camera and the other holding the lens. And hope I don't move my setting.

By the way they did make Soligor 80-200 lenses with a tripod mount. But I've never seen one on a one touch.

[Scheimpflug]

[bobds78]

True enough, I have not considered its mechanics. So that leaves me with only 2 options: 1st, seek a dedicated tripod OR 2nd, get a cheap & close copy and modify it to fit. Either way, I think I still need a part of the lens that's not movable to mount the collar. OR get a tele-converter and mount that collar on the TC, this way it will leave the zoom to function properly on its own. Is this the best solution? Or is there any tripod gadget that I can use to balance-off the stress on the camera body?

I would also consider the 'work-around' of mounting the collar on the lens barrel. Pretty good idea, i admit. Any tripod collar model in mind that you would recommend? Many thanks.

[Scheimpflug]

I would stay away from teleconverters if possible... they can reduce contrast and sharpness, and add chromatic aberration.

One thing I just thought of though - what does your m4/3 adapter look like? Could you clamp a collar around that?

[bobds78]

Yes, that could well be the place where the collar can be mounted. But I need to check that when I get home this afternoon. If there is a flat and wide enough area, I think it will work.

Many thanks for the suggestion.

[bobds78]

Just checked, there's a small strip measuring about 7mm wide that is a perfect area for mounting a tripod collar. Unfortunately there's a Release Button in the way that may hinder the mounting. Probably this can be overcome with a thin rubber pad or something.

High chance of success and I might try.

[Scheimpflug]

If you are OK with "permanent" solutions, you could simplify things another level by skipping the collar and just epoxying a 1/4" flange nut to the adapter. You would put the flange side down, to give a larger base to rest against the tripod, and the largest surface area for the epoxy to bond to.



I have used this method before to add tripod mounts to disposable video cameras. It was strong enough to survive clamping to the bottom of my car and driving around. Extremely inexpensive as well.

You would have to get the alignment perfect the first time though, as there are no second chances if you get it crooked.

[bobds78]

Hi Scheimpflug,

Good idea! But may risk quite an expensive piece of adapter, I am afraid. I may try this one too. I have roughly an idea already.

Thanks for all the input.

[Nelson]

[bobds78]

Many thanks, guys. Appreciate it

[Scheimpflug]

Yep, no problem. Just make sure you report back, and add a few more pictures and a test report for whatever solution you end up putting together. There are a LOT of people with lenses just like this, so if a solution can be found it would be beneficial to see it.

[Lloydy]

http://www.srb-griturn.com/index.asp?function=DISPLAYCAT&catid=27

I've bought stuff from SRB Griturn before and beem impressed with the quality and service.

They manufacture a lot of parts themselves, and they list custom made tripod / lens mounts.

[Scheimpflug]

Looks like an interesting source, Lloydy! And not just for tripod collars. Thanks for the link!

[SkedAddled]

If you mount a tripod collar to the aperture ring, you're likely to either
damage the assembly or make the aperture adjustment unusable
just from the clamping force of a tripod collar mounted.

This lens appears very similar to the much-lauded Tamron SP 60-300mm
f/3.8-5.4 Adaptall-2 zoom, in that it's a push-pull type with a similar
physical makeup. It's an easy fix for the lens, buying a cheap metal collar
from Asia, and lining it with some dense felt or even cork. If there is enough
of a gap between the aperture ring and the focus/zoom barrel, you will
be able to securely clamp a tripod collar around the lens, even if the
width of the collar is wider than the lens' gap. The requirement is a buildup
inside the collar to get a secure fit, allowing enough space for the focus/zoom
barrel to slide under the collar with enough clearance.

You can see it illustrated with pictures HERE, by Jieffe and myself.