In article <4ku5lc$7cv@crl12.crl.com>, jeffs@crl.com says...

>I am considering the purchase of the 80-200 f2.8D EDAF and wondered
>why they elected not to give it a tripod mount? I would enjoy hearing
>from those with this lens how they find its use off the tripod and/or
>using it on the 'pod with some attachment.

It is a wonderful lens for hand-holding - the length and mass help
in steadying the lens, uh, until the weight brings a need for a brief
recovery rest.... On a tripod, a Really Right Stuff mounting plate
on the camera (a lip prevents it from rotating), combined with a
substantial ball-head works well for me, even for vertical photos,
and avoids the bulk and awkwardness of using the big brackets.
Hope This Helps