In article <4l94cq$3sm@obelix.helix.net>, lhotse@helix.net says...

>I recently purchased the Nikkor 75-300mm zoom lens. This lens comes >with an integral tripod collar. Since buying this lens I have endured >some disparaging comments about the usability of this feature. Some >say that the collar is "flimsy" and that sufficient camera shake will >occur, if the camera is tripod mounted, to negate the effectiveness of >using a tripod at all. Which is to say this is a lens meant to be >handheld.
>Any opinions about these observations would be much appreciated.

Hmmm, I would tap a leg on the tripod of one of those making
disparaging remarks (while lightly resting a finger on top) and
count the number of seconds it takes for the resultant vibration
to go away.... The problem to be solved by tripod-mounting a
camera/lens is not rigidity (unless you are photographing under
windy conditions), but damping. Many tripods that look like they
could support a bus are actually very poor at holding a camera
still. To get back to your question: the 75-300mm Nikkor's tripod
mount is quite sufficient - more massive ones just make the lens
heavier.
Hope This Helps