use of a heavy Nikon SLR lens on an XE-1 or 2

[rumbliegeos]

I have decided to move into mirrorless photography by buying a used XE-1 or XE-2, and an 18-55 kit lens. However, I would also like to have a longer telephoto capability before I buy another Fuji lens, and I have quite a few legacy lenses that could be used. Probably the best lens optically would be a Nikon 50-135mm 3.5 AI, but it is a big, heavy 1980s lens. Am I right that in terms of the strength of the lens mount and tripod mount, I should not use such a heavy lens on a Fuji X camera on a tripod?

 

[Dogman]

I think the Fuji lens mount and tripod mount are strong enough but the camera/lens combination might feel off balance when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Otherwise, I think it will be fine as long as it can be adapted and work reasonably well.

 

[peterm1]

I frequently use big old legacy manual focus lenses on my M4/3 cameras. Perhaps the biggest and heaviest being 200mm Pentax and Nikon tele lenses. It has never been a problem for me - just make sure you use your hand under the lens to bear the len's weight. I found I instinctively do this in any event because they can be so front heavy when being used without a tripod and because being manually focused lenses this is what you need to do to operate and focus the lens in any event. This way the camera's weight is hanging off the lens not the lens' weight hanging off the camera, so the twisting force on the mount is minimized. Even better when using a tripod, use a lens with an inbuilt tripod mount so the len's weight is borne by that not the camera. I do not see why the Fuji camera would be much different from my m4/3 gear in this regard.

 

[narsuitus]

Am I right that in terms of the strength of the lens mount and tripod mount, I should not use such a heavy lens on a Fuji X camera on a tripod?

I have had no problems using heavy 400, 500, and 1000mm lenses on my Fuji X cameras.


Long 400mm Lens by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[rumbliegeos]

I should have specified that I was thinkiing about lenses without integral tripod mounts, like the moderate zoom I mentioned (which weighs about 780g). I usually cradle long lenses with my hands when shooting handheld, but wonder about the practicality of that when using a tripod and wanting to adjust the camera or tripod with both hands at times. I have a Nikon 200mm 4.0 AI lens that is not bad optically and is very light, and I plan to try that. Also, I have thought about getting a Nikon 70-150mm 3.5 AI zoom, which is reputed to be very good on SLRs, and is light and inexpensive. BTW, that 400mm with Wimberley rig looks very versatile.

 

[L. M. Tu]

I don't have a Fuji, but a Sony mirrorless body. With anything longer than a 50mm that isn't equipped with a tripod collar, I use an adapter with its own tripod mount, and in this way I've safely deployed a non-AI 80-200mm F4.5 and an AF 70-200mm F4. The tripod mount was a feature I looked for when I was shopping for adapters, at least the ones meant for SLR lenses.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I have the 50-135, great lens by the way.

Hold it by the lens. Mount is fine to support the camera body, not a long lens levering out front.

Tripod would be a different issue. Maybe rig a collar?

 

[willie_901]

I would go to Fujifilm's web site and find the heaviest, longest lens they sell without a tripod collar.

If the lens(es) you wish to use are heavier or significantly longer, I would use a set up similar to the one depicted in narsuitus's post.

 

[rumbliegeos]

All excellent suggestions, thank you. I'll check out the weights of the Fuji lenses without tripod mounts and investigate adapters that have tripod sockets. I'm used to using heavy duty film and digital SLRs and the mirrorless cameras look like some more support may be needed.