Among the many daily compromises for most photographers is maximizing equipment function and reducing weight. After all, there’s only so much one can carry, and while it may seem that a few extra ounces wouldn’t make much difference, they do add up. One attractive option from third party accessory makers are replacements for the tripod attachment foot of the collars of larger lenses. These replacement feet are designed to shave a little weight while adding function by building in the grooves that are compatible with the Arca-Swiss quick-release system. [Why manufacturers don’t build the feet of their lens collars with compatible grooves is beyond me. To be fair, a few have begun to support the concept; the hand grip accessory for the Fujifilm X100T has a built-in dovetail, perhaps more will follow.]
The latest offering of this sort is from Really Right Stuff—their LCF-54 replacement foot for the new Canon EF 100-400mm lens. The original foot with a Wimberley P20 plate weighs about 4.7 ounces while the new one scales in at 2.7 ounces. The length of the dovetailed foot is 4 inches, slightly longer than the P20 plate. RRS claims they know of no lens/extender combination that won’t balance on a gimbal head with this new foot. Anyone who uses the new 100-400 regularly on a tripod should consider this item if you want to lose a couple ounces and gain a bit of flexibility. As to the quality of RRS products, a great many swear they’re as good as it gets.