12 best lens supports

Lens supports are essential accessories in the world of professional videography and photography, particularly for filmmakers and photographers who use large and heavy lenses. These supports are designed to provide stability and balance when using heavy camera lenses, ensuring smoother and more controlled shots. Here's what you should know about lens supports:

  1. Purpose: Lens supports are primarily used to prevent stress on the camera's lens mount and body, especially when using long telephoto lenses, cinema lenses, or other heavy glass.They help distribute the weight and provide extra support to maintain the integrity of the camera system.

  2. Compatibility: Lens supports are designed to be compatible with specific camera systems and lens sizes. They often attach to the camera's lens mount or lens collar and may require additional rigging equipment for proper setup.

  3. Types of Lens Supports:

    • Lens Collars: Many telephoto lenses come with built-in lens collars. These collars have a tripod mount that allows you to attach the lens to a tripod or other support system directly.
    • Lens Support Brackets: For lenses without built-in collars, lens support brackets can be attached to the lens itself. These brackets often have a threaded hole for mounting onto a tripod or rig.
    • Rods and Rod Clamps: In professional video setups, rods and rod clamps are commonly used to support the lens. The lens support attaches to the rods and provides additional stability.

  4. Adjustability: Lens supports are often adjustable to accommodate different lens sizes and weights. This adjustability allows you to fine-tune the balance of your camera rig.

  5. Reduced Vibration: Using a lens support can reduce vibrations and micro-movements, resulting in smoother and more stable shots, particularly during pans, tilts, and zooms.

  6. Camera Rig Compatibility: Lens supports are typically part of a larger camera rig setup used by professional videographers. They work in conjunction with other accessories like matte boxes, follow focus systems, and shoulder rigs to create a complete and balanced shooting rig.

  7. Materials: Lens supports are typically made from durable materials like aluminum or carbon fiber to provide strength without adding excessive weight to the camera setup.

  8. Professional Use: Lens supports are commonly used in professional filmmaking, wildlife photography, sports photography, and any scenario where heavy lenses are employed. They are especially important for maintaining image quality and preventing damage to equipment.

  9. Ease of Use: Most lens supports are designed for easy attachment and adjustment, allowing users to quickly set up their camera rigs in the field.

  10. Cost: The cost of lens supports can vary widely depending on the brand, materials, and features. Professional-grade supports tend to be more expensive but are built to withstand the demands of rigorous use.

In summary, lens supports are essential accessories for photographers and videographers using heavy and long lenses. They help maintain stability, prevent damage to equipment, and ensure smoother, more controlled shots, particularly in professional settings where image quality and precision are paramount.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lens supports on the market
  

SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support with 15mm LWS Rod Clamp for Diameter 50mm to 140mm Lens - 1784

SMALLRIG

Based on 304 reviews Check latest price
  • SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support with 15mm LWS Rod Clamp 1784 mounts on standard LWS-spaced 15mm rods and is designed to take much of the weight of heavier lens off the camera's lens mount.
  • SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support provides physical support for long lens, thus relieving the potentially damaging pressure on the camera's lens mount.
  • When connected to a cinema lens's support foot or a still photo lens's tripod collar, the lens support removes the weight stress from the camera's lens mount.
  • Composed of lightweight aluminum, the lens support has a vertically adjustable bracket so it can accommodate 50-140mm lens diameters.
  • The rod clamp part is compatible with any standard 15mm LWS rig.

User questions & answers

Question: Is it long enough to support my lenses with my camera which has a battery grip
Answer: Yes!
Question: Would this work with the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 lense
Answer: The length plays a really big part into using a support. For instance I have a Canon 70-200mm lens I use it for and it helps take a lot of relief off of the lens mount to the camera body. I also use a Canon 24-70mm and don’t use it because it’s not needed.
Question: How heavy a lens have to be to need this support? Also does length play a factor
Answer: If I understand the question correctly (and your lens is a smooth tube?), Then yes. How it actually works is with the SR Lens Support mounted on the rails you loosen the center knob and drop the V support to its lowest setting , attach the lens to your camera, loosen the knobs on the rail locks, slide it to where you want to support the lens, lock the rail knobs and then raise and lock the center V support. To re-position the support, just reverse that order. There is no sliding and continual support.
Question: Can this support freely move on its rails and maintain support of a lens
Answer: According to the description, MACHINE WASH. 100% Latex backing means you can machine-wash in cold water & line dry

SmallRig 15mm LWS Universal Lens Support BSL2680

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Remove Weight】 SmallRig BSL2680 is designed to remove the weight stress from the camera's lens mount when your camera is mounted on separately available 15mm LWS rods.
  • 【34.5mm Vertical Adjustment】 The lens support offers 34.5mm vertical adjustment to fit most lens.
  • 【Quick Release Knob】 The height is adjustable via the quick release knob without using tools.
  • 【Y-Bracket for Lens】The center column attaches to a Y-support which features strap slots on each side for further security.
  • 【Compatibility】 Support for 15mm LWS Rods.The lens support is compatible with lens diameter up to 150mm.

SmallRig Universal 15mm LWS Rod Mount Lens Support 2727

SMALLRIG

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price
  • Compatibility: SmallRig 2727 is universal 15mm LWS rod mount lens support which is designed to provide lens support and protect the mount for the lens.
  • Adjustable Vertical Height: Use the thumbscrew to adjust the vertical height.
  • External Diameter 73-108mm: The support protects the lens with an external diameter of 73-108mm.
  • V-shaped Bracket :The V-shaped bracket has a built-in pulley, and the usable position is not limited by the position of the zoom ring or the focus ring.
  • Easy to Use: It provides stable support & simple installation, which makes users feel comfortable.

SmallRig 15mm LWS Universal Lens Support BSL2681

SMALLRIG

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price
  • Transfer Weight :Designed to remove the weight stress from the camera's lens mount when your camera is mounted on separately available 15mm LWS rods.
  • Quick Adjustable: The lens support offers 53.5mm vertical adjustment to fit most lens. The height is adjustable via the quick release knob without using tools.
  • Security Design: The center column attaches to a Y-support which features strap slots on each side for further security.
  • Lens Diameter Range: The lens support is compatible with lens diameter up to 150mm.
  • Compatibility: Support for 15mm LWS Rods

SMALLRIG Universal Lens Support Bracket Quick Release with Rod Clamp Lens - 2152

SMALLRIG

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price
  • UNIVERSALITY: SmallRig 15mm LWS Rod Lens Support 2152 supports heavy lenses when using 15mm lightweight rods
  • ADJUSTABILITY: 6mm Horizontal Adjustment, 22mm Vertical Adjustment to meet all kinds of lens height and position
  • QUICK RELEASE: The half rod clamp structure allows to quick attachment/detachment without removing other rod-mount accessories
  • STABLE: The lens support is one piece anti-off designed 1/4"-20 threaded rod and includes a Y-bracket support will be more stable to support the lens. And a hole on the rod to be secure again for a hex spanner
  • PROTECTION: Lens support adapter comes with rubber pads to protect your lens from wear-and-tear

User questions & answers

Question: The length adjustable bar is too short to reach the lens. Can a longer bar be ordered
Answer: This mounts on 15mm support rods. It does NOT mount on a tripod. If your camera rig has the ability to insert 15mm LWS rods, this will be compatible.
Question: Will this fit any tripod? If not, I need a recommendation for one that will fit any tripod. Please
Answer: No, it's a rod with screws.
Question: What is the thread holding the Y part to the post
Answer: Hello, I checked the product you mentioned and found that there is another tube under the double tube system that will block the lower part of the lens support, causing it to fail to connect properly. Thanks for your support.
Question: Will this work with oben supports' mfr4-5 macro focusing rail
Answer: So far it’s the longest one in have purchased. I think it would work.

Product features

Built-in Pulley

The V-shaped bracket has a built-in pulley, and the usable position is not limited by the position of the zoom ring or the focus ring.

Lock via Thumbscrew

llows to Quick Attachment/Detachment without Removing Other Rod-Mount Accessories via the big thumb screw on the lens support.

360° Rotation Wingnut

The lens support features a 360° rotation wingnut, allows you to adjust the wingnut without affecting using your other devices.

Nitze 15mm LWS Universal Lens Support - N04B

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Product description

Descriptions：



Material: Aluminum Alloy



Product Weight: 130 g  



Product Size: 112 x 32 x 37 mm



Package Weight: 157 g



Package Size: 117 x 90 x 35 mm



Compatibility: 15mm Rods



Package Included:



1 x N04B Lens Support



1 x Hex Spanner

  • Nitze universal 15mm LWS lens support is made of aluminum alloy and stainless steel for lightweight and durability.
  • The lens support is compatible with 15mm LWS rod systems and works with lens diameter up to 147 mm. The snap-on design can help you to attach and detach it on the rod without having to remove other rod-mounted accessories.
  • It comes with separate 1/4”-20, 3/8”16 and M3 posts with different length to be used to support a variety of lenses.
  • The vertical and horizontal adjustment is 33mm and 4mm respectively.
  • The plastic wheels on the Y-shaped bracket can avoid your lens from scratching, and don’t affect the rotation of the zoom ring or focus ring.

NICEYRIG Long Lens Support Bracket Height Adjustable with 15mm Rod Clamp for DSLR Camera Shoulder Rig

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Universal Lens Support with 15mm Rod Clamp mounts on standard 15mm rods

It is designed to take much of the weight of heavier lens off the camera's lens mount, providing physical support for long lens, and relieving the pressure on the camera's lens mount. When connected to a cinema lens's support foot or a still photo lens's tripod collar, the lens support removes the weight stress from the camera's lens mount. Composed of lightweight aluminum, the lens support has a vertically adjustable bracket.

This Rod Clamp Rail Block is upgraded version of the original 15mm Standard Block Rail.

The wingnut is spring loaded and can be pulled out and turned to a more user friendly position after being tightened.

One wingnut of both side changed to thumb screw to tighten easily.

There are 1/4" and 3/8" thread placements which are versatile.

Attach some L brackets on your dslr setup to use as somewhat of a cage or mount a monitor/teleprompter on your cinema rig when it's on a tripod/slider.

This bracket keeps the monitor secured and tight so your monitor doesn't become loose and fall.

Package Includes:

1x Lens Support

1x 15mm Rod Clamp

  • Adjustable vertical height (60mm) support bracket with two rubber washers to protect the finish off of your lens from wearing. The diameter range of the lens works from 50mm to 140mm.
  • The Y shaped long lens support screws onto the 15mm rod clamp to the long telephone lens while shooting. Perfect for long lens and compatible with any industry-standard 15mm rod system, help to create a more stable, vibration-free platform for shooting.
  • The spacing between the 15mm holes fits standard pieces of equipment.There are thumb screw and wingnut on both of the holes, you can tighten this on both rails.
  • There are 1/4 and 3/8 thread placements which are versatile. Mount a Monitor or teleprompter on your cinema rig when it's on a tripod/slider.
  • Made of black anodized aluminum, light but durability for long life operation.

User questions & answers

Question: Can someone confirm the adjustment height as shown for the SmallRig version? It's the most important parameter, but the vendor failed to show it
Answer: Mine is just as pictured, one wing nut and one thumbscrew, but it works perfectly and was just what I needed!
Question: Does the description mean that it comes with both wing nuts and thumbscrew so you can pick which you prefer? Or is it wierd as pictured
Answer: I have the same issue. Had to use gaffer tape to fill the gap. - Not ideal but it works. - Bad design by SmallRig. Unusual because everything else I use from SmallRig is great.

SMALLRIG 15mm LWS Rod Support for SmallRig 2660 Matte Box, Vertical and Horizontal Adjustment - 2663

Based on 132 reviews Check latest price
  • 【FOR SMALLRIG MATTE BOX 2660】SmallRig 15mm LWS Rod Support for Matte Box 2663 is designed to mount SmallRig Matter Box 2660 onto the 15mm LWS rod system via 1/4"-20 screw.
  • 【HALF-OPEN ROD CLAMPS FOR QUICK RELEASE】The rod support 2663 features an open-end rod port on one end. The half-open rod clamp allows you to mount to the 15mm LWS rod system directly without disassembling other accessories for saving the time. With this flexible design, it can be clamped on and off by quick release without having to remove any gear from your rig.
  • 【VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT】The rod support can be adjusted 30mm vertically and 6mm horizontally to fit different lenses. It is adjustable vertically and horizontally to support different lenses.
  • 【ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION】Made of aluminum alloy, this rod clamp secures to the bottom of the matte box 2660 via an integrated 1/4"-20 screw.
  • 【RELATED ACCESSORIES】SmallRig Matte Box 2660, SmallRig 95 to 114mm Threaded Adapter Ring for Matte Box 2661

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with the Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D lens
Answer: No, we are sorry that it only includes 67 to 114mm, 72 to 114mm, 77 to 114mm, 82 to 114mm threaded adapter rings.
Question: Are there any step up rings for 62mm lens
Answer: I use clip on for the mattebox and rod support for the lens
Question: Is anyone using the rod support on a heavy lens instead of matte box
Answer: Yes. The only problem I could foresee would be that the more rings you use to step down, the greater the chance of vignetting. I don't have it with me to tell you exactly, but it comes with 3 rings. I want to say 67mm, 72mm and 77mm, but don't quote me on that. Very well built and light and I'm very happy with it so far
Question: would it work with step-down adapter rings for smaller 49, 52, 55 diameter mft lenses
Answer: The max. adjustable height of lens support bracket is 60mm.

Lens Support for Fujinon MK18-55mm/MK50-135mm 2151

SMALLRIG

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price
  • ▶ CompatibilityUnique design for Fujinon MK18-55mm and MK50-135mm T2.9 Lens
  • ▶ Adjustment Range: 6mm Horizontal Adjustment, 22mm Vertical Adjustment
  • ▶ Anti-off Design: One Piece Anti-off Designed 3/8"-16 Threaded Support Rod;Includes a Separate 3/8"-16 to M3 Screw Adapter
  • ▶ Quick Release:Allows to Quick Attachment/Detachment without Removing Other Rod-Mount Accessories
  • ▶ Package Includes: 1 x Lens Support 2151

CAMVATE Adjustable Lens Support with Standard 15mm Double Railblock Clamp

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Product description

It provides physical support for wide-angle and especially long telephoto lenses, thus relieving the

potentially damaging pressure on the camera's lens mount. It helps to create a more stable,

vibration-free platform for shooting.

This Lens support is integrated with a 15mm railblock, It is compatible with any standard 15mm rods

system.

It features a trimmer knob for easy, quick, and accurate vertical adjustment, 34mm of vertical

adjustability.

Net Weight: 120 g

Package Includes:

1 x Standard 15mm Dual-rod Rail Block

1 x Camera Lens Support

1 x Allen Key

  • Material: aluminum alloy
  • Universally fits any 15mm rod system
  • Adjustable camera lens support Y type
  • Integrated with a 15mm double railblock
  • Interior rubber pad to protect your lens

Neewer Telephoto Lens Support Bracket Quick Shoe Plate Long-Focus Stand Holder with 1/4inch and 3/8inch Screw Thread for Tripod Ball Head DSLR Camera Photography

Neewer

Based on 181 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Note: The load capacity can reach 6-10 kilograms. Tripod and Camera are not included.

Description:

Telephoto lens support, wheels center diameter 4.6 centimeters/ 1.8 inches, designed for the big lens.

The camera position is horizontally moveable for a double clamp design.

Height adjustable to suit different Medium and Long-Focus lenses. 1/4 inch screw Quick Shoe Plate is equipped for users to install the camera quickly.

CNC aluminum alloy construction can support 6-10 kilograms/13.2-22 pounds heavy load; Designed with surface oxidized treatment, more durable.

There are both 1/4inch and 3/8inch thread on the bottom for mount on tripod/photography head directly

Specifications :

Material: Aluminum Alloy

Long Base Plate: 20x3.8x1.2centimeters/7.87x1.49x0.47 inches

Y-Bracket Size: 13x3.8x1centimeters/ 5.12x1.49x0.39 inches

Wheel Center Distance: 4.6 centimeters/ 1.8 inches

Wheel Diameter: 2.6 centimeters/1.02 inches

Double Clamp Size: 5x5x3centimeters/1.97x1.97x1.18 inches

Quick Shoe Plate Size: 5x3.8x1centimeters/1.97x1.49x0.39 inches

Item Weight: 380grams/0.84 pounds

Package Contents:

1x Telephoto Lens Support Bracket

1x Quick Shoe Plate

  • Great Precision: Designed for medium and long-Focus lenses, it can provide stable support for lenses, protect the camera and improve balance, and facilitate the positioning of lenses and cameras; Note: Tripod and Camera are not included
  • Multiple Using Methods: Double-layer dovetail groove is designed for a long base plate. There are both 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch screw thread hole at the bottom
  • Double Wheels & Non-slip Design: Design of double wheels for Y-Bracket. Wheel center distance is 4.6 centimeters. Strong enough to hold all kinds of medium and long-Focus lenses. The middle part between wheels is designed with soft non-slip rubbers to protect the camera lens from being scratched effectively
  • Adjustable: Camera position is horizontally moveable for double clamp design. Height adjustable to suit different Medium and Long-Focus lenses. 1/4 inch screw Quick Shoe Plate with non-slip rubber, easy to install
  • Durable and Heavy Load: CNC aluminum alloy construction, can support 6-10 kilograms/13.2-22 pounds heavy load; Designed with surface oxidized treatment, more durable

User questions & answers

Question: Is there a way to use this with an L bracket? I want to be able to shoot vertically while still using the support. Thank you
Answer: I use it without the rollers. I slide the camera back and forth to make it balance. It seems to work fine for me.
Question: Could someone who uses this with a nikon p1000 tell me how to set this up? the lens support rollers are too high with everything i've tried
Answer: If this tripod has a quick release holder on tripod head then this should work fine. It is designed to be used with quick release heads. I use it on a Bogen 3021 and a Leofoto 324 with quick release heads on both. It is a little bulky but works great with my 80-200 push pull F2.8 Nikon lens, it saved me a lot of money from buying a new lens with tripod collar.
Question: Hi, can this be used on Manfrotto Befree
Answer: Yes you can zoom in and out with this support, i use it with my 80-200 f2,8 push pull lens.
Question: Does this allow for the lenses to move in and out while zooming
Answer: No, we are sorry that it is not compatible with the Laowa 12mm f2.8 Zero-D lens lens.

SMALLRIG Camera Extended Lens Support Bracket Height Adjustable Only for DJI RS 2 / RS2 Gimbal - 2850

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SmallRig Extended Lens Support for DJI RS 2 2850



Key features:



1. Work with SmallRig RS 2 Quick Release Plate 3031.

2. Protect lens mount from damaging.

3. Adjustable vertically within 30mm.

4. Tighten the screw by hand, secure and fast.

5. Lens can be fixed by strap through strap slots.



Designer: Yetta White



Compatibility:

For SmallRig DJI RS 2 Extended Quick Release Plate 3031



Packing List:

1 x Lens Support

1 x Thumbscrew



Product Dimension : 85 x 21.5 x 62mm

Package dimensions: 95 x 65 x 28mm

Net Weight: 41g

Package Weight: 58g

Material: Aluminum Alloy



  • 【ONLY FOR DJI RS 2】SmallRig Extended Lens Support 2850 is specially designed for DJI RS2. The bracket 2850 is used to support lenses that sit higher than the standard lens support can reach, like when the lens is mounted on a large camera body or a camera with a battery grip.
  • 【1.18" VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT】The support can be adjusted vertically within a 1.18"/30mm range to fit a variety of lens sizes. Also, its screws can be tightened by hands, secure and fast.
  • 【COMPATIBLE WITH SMALLRIG 3031】It is longer than the normal lens support and specially designed to work with Quick Release Plate 3031 to offer more height-adjustability. Together with SmallRig QR plate 3031, it can slide forward and backward within 30mm to adapt to lens of different length.
  • 【STRAP SLOTS TO PREVENT SHAKE】The Y-shaped support is made from durable aluminum and mounts onto the front of the camera plate on the gimbal. It also features two slots on either side to add an optional lens strap to prevent shaking.
  • 【PROTECT LENS MOUNT FROM DAMAGING】The lens sits on top of the Y-shaped mount to protect the lens port or lens adapter from strain, and padding on the top protects the lens and prevents slipping.

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