Kirk LP-45N replacement lens foot for Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR / VR II with QD mount

Kirk LP-45N replacement lens foot for your Nikon 70–200 mm, precise, stable, suitable for everyday use

When your Nikon 70–200 mm f/2.8G ED VR or VR II is mounted on a solid tripod setup, you quickly realize how much trust you put in the lens foot. This is exactly where the Kirk LP-45N replacement lens foot comes in. It replaces the original Nikon foot and features a cleanly integrated, dual dovetail profile that fits directly into compatible quick-release clamps without the need for an additional plate in between. One less part that can wobble. One more part you can rely on.

The LP-45N was developed specifically as a replacement foot for the Nikon F telezooms Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR and Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR. The fit is correspondingly precise, the balance on the tripod head is noticeably improved, and day-to-day handling is significantly more relaxed, especially when working with telephoto focal lengths for longer periods.

Weighing only 90 g, the system remains pleasantly light, while the 6061-T6 aluminum material provides a robust, torsion-resistant base. Depending on the version, the surfaces are satin-silver anodized or black anodized, which not only looks good but also reliably protects against corrosion and shrugs off scratches from normal use surprisingly well.

The dimensions are chosen with practical use in mind: with a length of 11.63 cm, a height of 3.11 cm and a width of 5.4 cm including the locking knob, the foot sits well in the hand and offers enough contact area in the quick-release clamp without appearing unnecessarily bulky. A small but very pleasant everyday detail: the lens hood of your lens can remain mounted in the transport position, which makes it easier to stow in a backpack or bag.

On the underside you’ll find 1 x 3/8" UNC photo thread and 1 x 1/4" UNC photo thread. This allows you, if necessary, to screw the foot directly onto a tripod or another mount if you are working without a quick-release system or want to continue using an older setup.

Made in the USA, well-thought-out manufacturing quality without frills

The Kirk LP-45N is made in the USA, and you can tell from the details. The milled edges are clean, the dual dovetail profile fits precisely, and the tolerances are as tight as you would want for a part that carries expensive optics. We’d say it feels more like a precise mechanical component than a simple accessory.

6061-T6 aluminum is widely used in aerospace engineering, and that is exactly the material used here. It offers a very good ratio of weight to stability, which is crucial for a lens foot. You don’t want unnecessary mass, but you also don’t want a flexing lever under your telezoom. The anodized layer, whether satin-silver or black, additionally provides a hard, durable surface that still looks good even after extended use.

The fact that Kirk does not simply attach some standard profile here, but mills an integrated dovetail profile, saves height and weight and reduces potential sources of error. No additional plate, no extra screws that could come loose. That may sound trivial, but in tough everyday photography it makes a real difference.

Precisely matched to the following lenses, perfect fit for Nikon 70–200 mm f/2.8G ED VR / VR II

The LP-45N is not just any generic foot, but is specifically designed for the following lenses: Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR and Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR. In practice, this means that the contact area, height and positioning are chosen so that your center of gravity sits much more favorably on the tripod head than with the original foot.

Especially during longer sessions, such as sports, wildlife or concerts, this improved balance becomes noticeable. The head can be balanced more finely, vibrations are reduced and you have to counteract less. It simply feels more controlled. In addition, the foot is shaped so that it also works very well as a carry point for camera and lens without digging uncomfortably into your hand.

Because the foot is precisely matched to the Nikon F telezooms, the operability of your lens is fully maintained. Zoom and focus rings remain freely accessible, the rotation mechanism of the tripod collar works as usual, and you can quickly switch between portrait and landscape orientation without fumbling at any point.

Arca-style compatible, clamp directly without an additional plate

The integrated, dual dovetail profile of the Kirk LP-45N is Arca-style compatible and thus suitable for many common quick-release systems. According to the manufacturer, the clamping profile fits Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps and in practice works very reliably with a wide range of clamps.

The foot is compatible, among others, with FlexShooter lever cross clamps, FlexShooter screw cross clamps, ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps as well as Kirk clamps. For you this means: you can integrate the foot directly into your existing ARCA system without additional adapters or plates.

If you generally work with ARCA-compatible gear, this lens foot is a very clean solution because it integrates your Nikon 70–200 mm seamlessly into your setup. Notes and further information on ARCA-compatible systems can be found in our section on quick-release and rail systems under ARCA kompatibel.

With QD strap anchor mount, switch quickly from tripod to strap

A practical detail that is easy to underestimate: the Kirk LP-45N has an integrated QD strap mount, more precisely a QD strap anchor mount. It is designed to be QD compatible and allows you to attach a suitable strap with QD strap anchors directly to the lens foot. This lets you quickly detach your setup from the tripod and safely carry it on a corresponding shoulder strap, without having to awkwardly reconfigure carabiners or loops first.

To use this QD strap mount, you need a suitable strap with QD strap anchors. You can find such straps in our range under QD-Gurtankern. If you are on the move a lot, for example when traveling, on assignments or in outdoor environments, this solution is significantly more comfortable than classic, permanently mounted strap systems.

The QD strap anchor mount is integrated into the foot in such a way that it does not compromise stability and at the same time remains easily accessible. You can therefore switch effortlessly between tripod operation and carry configuration without having to “re-wire” your setup each time. Especially with frequent changes of location, this saves time and nerves.

Safety and handling, well-thought-out details for daily use

Two safety stop screws on the underside of the dovetail profile prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp. Even if the clamp is not fully closed at some point or something loosens during hectic operation, the foot will stop in time at these screws and your lens will remain secured. This is particularly important when working with heavy telezooms and you may not always have every movement in view.

The dual dovetail design ensures that you can use the foot flexibly in different clamps and always get a stable, form-fitting connection. Together with the low weight of 90 g and the compact design, this results in very pleasant handling, both when carrying and when mounting and aligning on the tripod.

All in all, the Kirk LP-45N replacement lens foot is a highly functional, thoughtfully designed solution for your Nikon 70–200 mm f/2.8G ED VR or VR II. No excessive frills, but a stable, Arca-style compatible foot with integrated QD strap anchor mount, precise fit and reliable safety features that noticeably eases your photographic everyday life and integrates your telezoom much better into your existing system.