Nikkor 70-180mm Port/Housing options

Are there any port/housing (D200) options that do NOT require the removal (permanent) of the tripod collar on the Nikkor 70-180mm lens? I haven't been able to find one.

Alternatively, if the tripod collar is removed, are there any viable options on a reasonable budget to add a removable tripod collar to the lens for topside use?

TIA.

Michael.

Hi,

To my knowledge, it has to be removed - even to fit in the huge Aquatica port.

You can get a retrofit tripod collar from one of the VR (or Canon IS) lenses that will be the right size, or usable w/ this lens. I'm thinking you should look at the Canon 70-200F4L lens collar.

Cheers

James

Hi,

 

To my knowledge, it has to be removed - even to fit in the huge Aquatica port.

 

You can get a retrofit tripod collar from one of the VR (or Canon IS) lenses that will be the right size, or usable w/ this lens.  I'm thinking you should look at the Canon 70-200F4L lens collar.

 

Cheers

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks James for your prompt reply.

I think this is the Canon lens collar you are referring to.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...list&sku=186247

Perhaps I'll take a chance ordering it and see if it fits properly.

Cheers.

Michael.

Just a note to follow up on the issue of permanently removing the tripod collar.

I called ahead to the Nikon Service Centre in Hong Kong and they said they could remove it, but they weren't sure how long it would take. Earlier this week, I walked into their service centre and explained to them I wanted the collar removed. The technician immediately surmised it was for UW use, and 30 minutes later the job was done. The collar was returned to me in one piece. Labour cost was the equivalant of about US$ 30. I was very impressed with their prompt and efficent service. I wouldn't have minded if they took a little longer, as I needed more time to browse through all the neat Nikon gear on display.

A question though: Upon removing the collar, they noticed that there was an opening in the side of the lens barrel where the collar had been. They were concerned about leaving the opening exposed, so they put some tape around the barrel to cover the opening. It's not clear to me what the opening was for (access to lens gears possibly?), but is the tape good enough, or should I be concerned?

Thanks.

Michael.

I have the 70-180mm macro for about 2 years now. I did not cover the exposed part of the lens and so far there is no problem. However I do not use the lens much on land so it is not exactly exposed to the environment often.

Boi, Thanks for your reassurance. I'm liking this lens a lot topside, and I'm looking forward to trying it out UW. Here's a topside sample, with a Nikon 5T added.

The lens flare was added PP. B)

I love this lens and wish Canon had an equivalent. I had my collar removed, the foot cut off, and then had it reinstalled. That way it's usable topside too - as I didn't like that open hole there.

Cheers

James

I never had a problem with the opening, but I did put a little black electrical tape over it keep the dust out. My local camera shot, an authorized Nikon dealer, removed the collar. They said it could be reinstalled. Hmm. I'm using Canon now and really miss the lens, although it is a beast to handle with the port.

Hi,

 

To my knowledge, it has to be removed - even to fit in the huge Aquatica port.

 

You can get a retrofit tripod collar from one of the VR (or Canon IS) lenses that will be the right size, or usable w/ this lens.  I'm thinking you should look at the Canon 70-200F4L lens collar.

 

Cheers

James

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you'll excuse the pun, just to close the loop on this, the girth of the Micro-Nikkor 70-180 is too much to be mounted by the Canon lens collar.

Cheers.

Michael.

P.S. Although far from ideal, for topside use I still can get half-decent results using the camera tripod mount since the lens tripod mount has been removed.