Since camera manufacturers have been rapidly changing the camera body and lens weights, and the position of the rotation collar and tripod mounting foot on the lens itself (as with the Nikon 500 VR), it has been a challenge for us to keep pace with the advancing technology. Unfortunately the AP-553 does not currently offer enough length for achievement of optimal balance with some camera bodies. We have not tested all lens and camera body combinations for each manufacturer.

The issue with the AP-553 replacement foot is that the position of the quick-release plate (integrated into the replacement foot) cannot be adjusted to compensate for balance, whereas a standard lens plate, such as the P-40, attached to the stock lens foot would allow you to do this fairly easily. A longer AP-553 is in the works right now, however it will take 3-4 months before it will be ready from our machining vendor.

What we recommend at this point is:

1. If you are in the USA, use our Test Drive Program to test the different recommended mounting plates to see which set up works best for your specific situation, the AP-553 or the standard lens plate plus Sidekick Shifter.

2. Purchase the AP-553 replacement foot. If it is not long enough, we will provide you with a complimentary P-40 lens plate to mount to the AP-553.

The balance issues seem to be magnified when using the Sidekick. More trouble is experienced with the Nikon 500mm VR than with other lenses due to the position of the rotation collar on the lens barrel relative to its center of gravity; however owners of the 200-400 VR lens have experienced similar issues to a lesser degree.

A customer confirmed that the AP-553 works as-is with the Nikon 200-400 VR:

- with the D300 camera body
- with the D90 body with an L-bracket