Four configurations of camera gear attached to the original 500/4 AFS (V1)

Although I have no issues with my gear, this illustrates the typical spread of balancing points with commonly used accessories (grips and TC's).

1. D80 without grip, no TC. This barely balances with only half the rail in the clamp

2. D300 without grip, no TC. This balances well, but fully at the forward end of the rail (but see below)

3. D300 with MB-D10 grip, no TC. This balances very well.

4. D300 with MB-D10 grip and TC20E-II. This balances well but using all of the rear end of the rail

A friend with a D700, no grip, and the now current 500/4 AFS VR reports that he cannot achieve balance. The VR version is 29oz/840g lighter than my lens, and has a shorter, CF hood, verses my long (10") alloy hood. This illustrates that each specific combination of gear needs to be tested.

Each of the 4 configurations is illustrated with two images, the 2nd image an inset of the clamp and rail.