Lens clamp

Lens clamp mounted on the lens

In use on a tripod

A lens clamp is used in photography and is part of a photographic lens . Lens clamps are often used with heavy lenses, mostly telephoto lenses . The lens clamp fulfills two tasks:

It serves as a pick-up and support point for a tripod and shifts the center of gravity of the camera / lens combination forwards towards the lens, thus providing balance.

It enables portrait format recordings. By loosening a clamping screw, the camera and lens can be rotated together in the lens clamp. Without a lens clamp, the camera would have to be tilted sideways on the tripod head for portrait format shots , which is often not possible due to its heavy weight.

In order to save weight, the lens clamp can usually be removed. A quick-release plate can then remain on the lens clamp. A roller bearing (often on the lens) and a Teflon ring inside the lens clamp enable easy rotation.