New, Jobu Lens Foot just for 300/500 IS II

[jmphoto]

Jobu LF-C504M2 drops centerline of mass (is that correct term?) ~22.5mm on 500 II vs. Canon foot w/DLP-115. Plenty of clearance for reversed lens hood. As a carrying handle its fine, but not quite as long or comfortable as Canon. Plenty of knuckle clearance for my skinny XL hands, heavy gloves may be out. Canon 300 foot just under 22mm shorter than 500, so 300 will have little position change, in use. Foot has 1/4 and 3/8 threaded holes near center (no inserts).

[9VIII]

I actually bought a Jobu gimbal to use with my 400f5.6, but I usually end up leaving it behind because it's just not manoeuvrable enough (shooting handheld instead).
I have a feeling I would end up doing the same with the 500f4ISII. Do you actually use yours with a tripod enough to warrant the integrated mounting plate?

[jmphoto]

Short answer - yes.
400 5.6 is my hiking lens and I use it hand held. I can manage the 500 for a few hand held shots, but not if I'm having to hold still for long and/or framing is critical. With 1.4x attached I'm lucky to frame 1 in 5. Additional pluses, Jobu foot allows me to also use monopod directly and being lower falls within vertical adjustment range of my cheap-o gimbal. Pictured Canon/slide was over 1/2" too tall. Based on my shopping, this Jobu is only foot that "fits" my combo.

[jmphoto]

Added non-skid (no grit) tape to foot and grip feels more secure when carrying. Clear (don't be fooled by white backing), 1" was narrowest and least aggressive of three, by-the-foot, options at local hardware store. 99 cents per foot.