Dave_Anderson
Member
Hans, as I said, the heaviest, longest lens I have at my disposal with no collar is the 135. I could try again with the 500 f/8.
Couple more things to consider: At 300mm, the tube is fully extended on your lens. Maybe it has some play? Try extending it fully, then wiggling at the front element or shaking it. Another possibility is that the SSS mechanism vertical axis mechanism is marginal in some way.
If you had a wall with something you could tie a ratchet strap to, such that you could set up the tripod sideways on the wall and cinch it in place, you could mount to the bottom dovetail and shoot in the vertical position, truly eliminating all variables except camera and lens.
Couple more things to consider: At 300mm, the tube is fully extended on your lens. Maybe it has some play? Try extending it fully, then wiggling at the front element or shaking it. Another possibility is that the SSS mechanism vertical axis mechanism is marginal in some way.
If you had a wall with something you could tie a ratchet strap to, such that you could set up the tripod sideways on the wall and cinch it in place, you could mount to the bottom dovetail and shoot in the vertical position, truly eliminating all variables except camera and lens.