Bigfoot on big glass.

[George_Trebinski]

Hello All.
A plea for help. I have just aquired a Canon 400mm f2.8 L USM II (non IS). Glass WOW, I can live with the weight but my existing tripod head (manfrotto 393) can't. I wonder whether its possible to remove the foot and fit it reversed to enable the lens to sit further back and balance? Before any of you suggest I buy a longer lens plate or an exhorbitant Wimberly you should know I am currently on bread and water and co-habiting with my Labrador in the Kennel, and haven't won the lottery (the Labrador doesn't understand either but at least he doesn't nag and am training him to pull the carriage that will transport the lens - just joking all you animal lovers).

[Richard_Coyle]

George
This article at Nikonians seems to answer your question directly:

Manfrotto 393 Gimbal head* (1) - Nikonians Product Review

As the article's illustrations show, you can invert the top section to achieve the reverse mounting you were concerned about, assuming you have the appropriate sliding plate that came with the head. And with a weight capability of 20#, I would assume this head can easily accommodate your new lens, particularly since the writer is using it for a 600mm f4 lens. Good luck.

PS This was the first reference article on the page when I "Googled" your head.

[George_Trebinski]

Hi Richard.
Many thanks for your prompt and helpful reply. Have sorted the problem by, as you said, reversing the thing and having the plate extension to the rear. I just couldn't see the wood for the trees.

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