An issue with Arca-Swiss feet for the Nikon Z 70-200mm zoom

[Citizen of Bath]

Several manufacturers make lens feet for the Nikon Z 70-200mm zoom (Kirk, RRS, etc.), but there is an issue with those feet: the space between the foot and the Z9 camera body is very narrow (like 8-10 millimetres). It makes taking pictures in portrait orientation quite awkward. Even my little finger can't find its way in that narrow space (please see enclosed picture).

Of course, the foot can be turned a quarter turn, which solves the problem, but this operation takes a few seconds. This is a problem in action photography, when you have to be quick.

Another solution is to remove the foot altogether, but that's a shame because feet are helpful as a hand-holding aid.

I've ended up using the Nikon foot with an Arca-Swiss plate screwed to it. For me, it seems to be the least bad solution.

Hoping this information can be useful to would-be buyers, as my replacement foot is going to sit on a shelf and pick up dust.

 

[James J]

Are you using the setup hand held or on a monopod? If hand held, you already solved it yourself with just having the mount out of the way or simply remove it entirely. If you're on monopod, have the mount permanently loosened so you can just spin the camera to the portrait orientation which will naturally move the foot away from your hand anyway.

 

[Bristolian]

I don't have that lens (or camera) but when hand holding a lens with a foot fitted I simply lock the foot at the top of the camera then it never gets in the way.

Of course, if you're using it with a tripod or monopod then the above doesn't work very well

 

[Citizen of Bath]

Are you using the setup hand held or on a monopod? If hand held, you already solved it yourself with just having the mount out of the way or simply remove it entirely. If you're on monopod, have the mount permanently loosened so you can just spin the camera to the portrait orientation which will naturally move the foot away from your hand anyway.

I see your point. Maybe it all depends on the way we use those feet. I mostly shoot hand-held, pressing my wrist under the foot to bring back the weight of the lens and steady my grip.

 

[Peter123]

Your way is the cheaper option too. Best to Use 2 screws to fix the plate.

 

[Citizen of Bath]

I don't have that lens (or camera) but when hand holding a lens with a foot fitted I simply lock the foot at the top of the camera then it never gets in the way.

Of course, if you're using it with a tripod or monopod then the above doesn't work very well

I often see people doing what you do and I'm sure it's a perfect solution for many photographers, but, in my case, the foot is my main support point when I shoot hand-held. With bigger lenses, it helps me balance the lens' weight. It's especially the case with the 70-200mm lens because, for me, the zoom ring is (too) far in front of the lens.