Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS Lens question

[sapstar]

Hi guys, just bought Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS lens to use with my Sony A7R II today. The lens weighs 1135g and is the heaviest lens I ever used. It doesn't come with a tripod collar. Is it safe to mount the camera on a tripod with this lens attached?

Sigma suggests I can buy TS-111 lens collar for this which costs £140 and is on backorder in most shops. Not really sure if I want to spend so much on a collar. Are there any third party collar alternatives you know of which will fit this lens? I understand Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens also uses this same collar.

 

[Skyshot]

No, don't do that - you'll risk breaking the camera. I can't believe they've made the collar 'optional'.

I'm sure there will be a third party collar available eventually, but I'm afraid I don't know of one.

 

[sapstar]

No, don't do that - you'll risk breaking the camera.

I'm sure there will be a third party collar available, but I'm afraid I don't know of one.

Thank you. That means I definitely need to buy a collar .

 

[Skyshot]

Ah, you quoted me before my edit - oops!

If you're careful and are sure to support the lens while you're using the camera and then putting it in a bag for support it will be fine. I wouldn't allow the camera to bear the weight of it if you can help it though.

My main camera has been known to fail this way as Nikon decided for some crazy reason to make that part of the body out of plastic (unlike their previous cameras). It's a D810.

 

[Roger S]

Maybe this collar will work with it?

iShoot on Amazon

 

[sapstar]

Maybe this collar will work with it?

iShoot on Amazon

Thanks for the info. I looked at this before, but that particular lens didn't come with any space to mount a collar, so most of the coats online for the old lens are modified ones which fit around all the buttons.

The new lens is designed with space for a collar. My guess is the old one won't fit, but not sure.

 

[rebel06]

How about this one, although you cannot rotate the lens .

Tripod Mount Ring Lens Collar for Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary

Lens Collar Tripod Mount Ring for Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens, find more different styles of tripod rings in NewGoodGoods online store.

www.photoloving.com

 

[sapstar]

I measured the diameter and looks like I need something which has an inner diameter of 87.2mm. The above one is 84mm.

I will look around to see if there is anything which is 87mm.

This one may work...

Lens Collar Tripod Mount Ring for Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens

Shop Tripod Mount Ring online, CNC Machined Lens Collar Support Stand for Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports Lens Bottom is ARCA Fit Quick Release Plate.

www.photoloving.com

 

[Scratch]

I too am surprised it doesn’t come with a collar, however when you compare the price against Canons I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise. I am a big fan of Sigma, excellent lenses at competitive prices. However I do think you will definitely need one to either mount it on a tripod or attach to a sturdy reliable strap. Enjoy your new toy, you won’t be disappointed with the results it is capable of.

 

[sapstar]

The following seems to be a viable solution for the time being.

ALTERNATIVE to Sigma 100-400mm DG DN Collar and Gimbal: Sony Alpha Full Frame E-mount Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.

www.dpreview.com

I will ignore the gimbal part as I plan to buy a proper gimbal at some point. But using a slider with a damper may do the job.
One problem with this setup will be that it can only be used in landscape mode.

 

[sapstar]

This is my final setup. Seems to provide required support under the lens for now, until there is a viable alternative to the Sigma's own collar.

 

[Scratch]

Yes, looks fine

 

[Skyshot]

Well it's not pretty, but it's a lot better than risking breaking your camera.

 

[sapstar]

Well it's not pretty, but it's a lot better than risking breaking your camera.

I think it won't bother me at all. The only time I will have this attached is when mounting on a tripod. As the slider is arca swiss, it's just like mounting a longer plate.

 

[SeanNeedham]

Bit late to the party, but the lens bracket for one of these is the Sigma TS111; the collar mount is under that plastic ring at the back. The instructions on how to take that out and attach the collar (as well as the collar model number) are about half way down the user manual.

 

[sapstar]

Bit late to the party, but the lens bracket for one of these is the Sigma TS111; the collar mount is under that plastic ring at the back. The instructions on how to take that out and attach the collar (as well as the collar model number) are about half way down the user manual.

@SeanNeedham I have seen the Sigma TS111. Just didn't want to spend £140 for a tripod collar. So looking for alternatives. Also the TS111 is on backorder in most places. Hopefully there will be cheaper third party alternatives in the future.

 

[SeanNeedham]

@SeanNeedham I have seen the Sigma TS111. Just didn't want to spend £140 for a tripod collar. So looking for alternatives. Also the TS111 is on backorder in most places. Hopefully there will be cheaper third party alternatives in the future.

There are; it's just a bit odd that a lens collar isn't bundled with a lens of this calibre, I can't really think of a reason why they wouldn't though. The biggest worry I'd have with your solution here, is that the lens hasn't got any support in any direction but down; if you rotated this to a portrait orientation or just a knock sidewards would put the stress back on to the lens mount.

As for the collar, check out SRB as they make bespoke collars for lenses that are significantly cheaper though perhaps not as pretty as an OEM.

 

[sapstar]

There are; it's just a bit odd that a lens collar isn't bundled with a lens of this calibre, I can't really think of a reason why they wouldn't though. The biggest worry I'd have with your solution here, is that the lens hasn't got any support in any direction but down; if you rotated this to a portrait orientation or just a knock sidewards would put the stress back on to the lens mount.

As for the collar, check out SRB as they make bespoke collars for lenses that are significantly cheaper though perhaps not as pretty as an OEM.

Thank you. Completely agree with you, the lens should have shipped with a collar. I still can't complain for the cost though.
In terms of mounting vertically, I always have an L bracket attached to my camera and can use the current setup for vertical mounting as well by adding a little bit more foam under the lens.

Thanks for the link to SRB, but they say I can use it only on metal lenses and the sigma is plastic. I think we should start seeing third party mounts in the next few months. The current solution is only a stop gap measure for now. Also I am not a professional photographer. Just need the mount occasionally. Most of my photography will be handheld.

Just thought I will post an update as I can see third party options for the lens mounts now. I ordered the following one for £37. Sigma's own collar is around £140. This will work just like the sigma collar including the 90 degree rotation.

Haoge Tripod Mount Ring for Sigma Art 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Lens fit Arca Swiss | eBay

The LMR-SM140S Tripod Mount Ring from Haoge is designed for Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Lens (Sony E mount Leica L mount);Sigma Art 105mm F1.4 DG HSM Lens. It features Arca-compatible dovetail which allow you attach your lens to Ball Head, Clamp or Panorama Head of Arca-Swiss standard.

www.ebay.co.uk

It ships from China, so will be a while before I get it.

 

[picsel]

Completely agree with you, the lens should have shipped with a collar.

Yeah my Sigma 150-600mm came with a collar. Would not want to use it without. Perfectly balanced too, you can sit it on a table on the collar foot, with the camera attached, and it balances nicely, just sitting on the foot, nothing else touching.

 

[sapstar]

I got my lens collar today. It just took 8 working days for delivery since I ordered. The collar fits fine. Well balanced with camera attached to the lens.

I haven't used lens collars before and not sure if I am doing this right. I understand I should be able to turn the lens to 90 degree right and left. If I tighten the collar I can't turn the lens and if I loosen it, I can turn it, but it doesn't click into 90 degree positions and I worry that the lens may fall.

What is the right way to use these collars?

 

[Tony Mancini]

Thanks for the link sapstar to the collar on Ebay just placed an order
Do you have/can you post up a few pictures of yours fitted please
regards
Tony

 

[sapstar]

Thanks for the link sapstar to the collar on Ebay just placed an order
Do you have/can you post up a few pictures of yours fitted please
regards
Tony

Sure will do that.

 

[Tony Mancini]

Good man

 

[sapstar]

@Tony Mancini didn't get a chance to do anything professional looking, but this should do the job . The lens can't be stood up on the collar by itself unless attached to the camera.

 

[Tony Mancini]

Thanks sapstar
excellent that does look the part. You say yours only took 8 days to arrive ?
Dammed sight cheaper than Sigma
It should have been included with the lens or if not available at a more sensible price