Kirk LP-55N replacement tripod mount for Canon telephoto lenses L IS & L IS II

Kirk LP-55N replacement tripod foot for Canon telephoto lenses L IS & L IS II

Sometimes it’s amazing how much stability you gain in a setup simply by mounting the right tripod foot. The Kirk LP-55N replacement tripod foot was developed precisely for this purpose: for selected Canon L IS and L IS II telephoto lenses, when you want to work seriously with long focal lengths and don’t want to constantly struggle with wobbly quick-release plates.

The LP-55N replaces the original Canon tripod foot on your Canon EF telephoto lenses and provides a significantly more stable, better-balanced connection to tripod head, gimbal, or FlexShooter system. It is precisely engineered for the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM, and Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS. Exactly the focal lengths where a solid tripod foot is not just “nice to have” but practically mandatory.

With a length of 14.6 cm, a width of 4.3 cm, and a height of 5.3 cm, the foot offers a pleasantly large contact surface and enough space for your hand when you want to briefly carry or reposition the telephoto lens. At the same time, the weight remains pleasantly low at only 142 g, so your setup does not become unnecessarily heavier.

Made in the USA, precise manufacturing for tough everyday photography

The Kirk LP-55N is made from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum, a material proven in aerospace engineering that also stands up well to harsh outdoor use. The black anodized finish provides a robust, scratch-resistant surface and blends discreetly with the Canon L telephoto lens without causing glare or reflections.

Thanks to precise CNC manufacturing, you get a tripod foot that fits snugly and without play on the lens. No wobbling, no improvising with additional plates, no constant tightening of screws because something doesn’t quite fit. We’d say: mount, align, done.

Specifically designed for the following lenses

The LP-55N is not just any generic foot, but specifically designed for the following lenses: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM, and Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS.

The shape of the foot and the position of the mounting points are tuned so that the balance of the lens on the tripod head is significantly improved. This is particularly noticeable when panning with gimbal or video heads: the system remains more stable, oscillation is reduced, and you can focus more on framing your shot instead of on the gear. The lens hood can also remain mounted in the transport position, which is simply practical in the field or on the sidelines: less fiddling, more time for the actual subject.

Arca-style compatible, integrated double dovetail

The Kirk LP-55N features a double dovetail design on the underside and is Arca-style compatible. This means you no longer need to screw an additional quick-release plate under the foot, but can clamp it directly into suitable clamps. For anyone already working with ARCA systems, this is a real convenience boost.

The clamping profile fits a wide range of common ARCA-compatible quick-release clamps, including 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, Kirk clamps, as well as Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps. If you would like general information on ARCA compatibility, you can find further details under ARCA kompatibel.

In addition, the underside integrates 1 x 3/8" UNC photo thread and 1 x 1/4" UNC photo thread. This allows you to screw the foot directly onto a tripod or another quick-release plate if your setup needs to deviate from the usual standard solution.

With QD strap socket, switch flexibly between tripod and carrying strap

The LP-55N is QD compatible and features a QD strap socket, more precisely a QD strap anchor socket. This allows you to snap modern strap systems with QD anchors directly into the tripod foot and carry your heavy telephoto lens safely over your shoulder without constantly worrying about the tripod collar.

To use these QD strap sockets, you need a strap with suitable QD strap anchors. You can find more information here: Gurt mit QD-Gurtankern. Especially during longer assignments in the field—whether wildlife, sports, or reportage—the quick switch between tripod use and carry position is a real advantage. No constant re-slinging, no fiddling with the camera lug, but a clearly defined, stable carrying point directly at the lens’s center of gravity.

Safety stop screws and thoughtful details for greater security

There are 2 safety stop screws on the underside of the Kirk LP-55N. These prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp loosens or if, under stress, you don’t place the lens perfectly centered. Especially with heavy telephoto lenses, this is more than just a nice extra; it protects the camera, the lens, and, in case of doubt, your nerves as well.

The profile length on the underside is 14.6 cm, giving you enough range to fine-tune the center of gravity in the clamp. This allows you to perfectly balance your telephoto lens, whether with or without camera, with or without teleconverter. The combination of length, double dovetail profile, and safety mechanism ensures very controlled handling, even if you frequently switch between portrait and landscape orientation.

Practice-oriented handling and compact dimensions

With a length of 14.6 cm, a width of 4.3 cm, and a height of 5.3 cm, the LP-55N is dimensioned so that it is easy to grip without adding excessive bulk to the lens. The weight of 142 g remains pleasantly moderate, so the foot improves balance without unnecessarily increasing the overall weight.

The lens hood can be mounted in the transport position, which saves a surprising amount of time in everyday use. You don’t have to remove the hood every time to stow or reposition the lens safely; instead, you can grab and move the entire setup as one unit. In practice, it’s often exactly these small details that make the difference between “works okay” and “works effortlessly.”

All in all, the Kirk LP-55N replacement tripod foot is aimed at photographers who use their Canon EF telephoto lenses of the L IS and L IS II series not just occasionally, but regularly and intensively, whether in the stadium, in a hide, or on the sidelines. Stable, Arca-style compatible, QD compatible, with well-thought-out safety features and made from robust 6061-T6 aluminum: a tripod foot that gives your long focal lengths a solid foundation.