Kirk LP-61 replacement lens foot for Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II with QD mount

Kirk LP-61 replacement lens foot, made in the USA for maximum precision

You can immediately tell with this lens foot: the Kirk LP-61 is not just some random accessory, but a precisely manufactured replacement foot, made in the USA from robust 6061-T6 aluminum. It replaces the standard tripod foot of your Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and features an integrated double dovetail design that serves directly as a quick-release profile. No additional plate, no fiddling underneath, but a cleanly integrated profile on the underside.

With a length of 10.0 cm, a profile length on the underside of also 10.0 cm, a width of 3.8 cm and a height of 2.85 cm, the LP-61 is compact enough for mobile use, yet long enough to balance the lens safely and evenly on the tripod head. The weight of only 77 g keeps your gear pleasantly light without sacrificing stability. The surface is black anodized, which not only looks classy but also protects against abrasion and corrosion, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors, maybe even in bad weather.

The foot has an integrated strap eyelet and an additional QD strap socket, so you can comfortably carry your telephoto zoom even when the tripod stays in the backpack. In the hand, the whole thing feels surprisingly solid but not bulky, more like a well-balanced tool handle that just fits.

Specially developed for this lens, precision fit for Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II

This replacement lens foot is specifically designed for this lens, namely the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II. No universal solution, no “it’ll probably work somehow”, but a custom-made mount that is precisely matched to the original tripod collar of this telephoto zoom. You unscrew the standard foot, mount the Kirk LP-61 and immediately have a noticeably more ergonomic and more functional base.

Especially at long focal lengths, when you’re working at the 400 mm end, a solid, well-balanced lens foot makes the difference between shaky bursts and crisply sharp images. Thanks to the optimized length, you can align the center of gravity of camera and lens cleanly on your tripod head, which is extremely helpful for longer exposure times or continuous shooting of sports, wildlife, or aviation. In short: the setup just feels more “rounded”.

Because the LP-61 is so precisely tailored to the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, the lens sits securely in the collar while still rotating smoothly, for example when you want to switch quickly from landscape to portrait orientation. It’s one of those small optimizations you won’t want to be without after a short time.

Arca-style compatible, integrated double-sided dovetail profile

The Kirk LP-61 features an integrated, double-sided dovetail profile that, according to the manufacturer, is Arca-style compatible and designed for 38 mm quick-release clamps. You can insert the foot directly into a wide range of clamps without an additional quick-release plate. This saves height, weight, and above all time during setup.

The clamping profile fits, among others, into ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Kirk clamps, and the FlexShooter screw cross clamp. So if you already use an ARCA-based system, you can integrate the LP-61 seamlessly. For notes and further information on ARCA compatible quick-release systems you can find details under ARCA compatible.

We’d almost say the integrated ARCA profile is the real game changer: place the lens on, tighten the clamp, done. No additional plate that could come loose, no unnecessary lever arm. For landscape, wildlife, or even studio work with telephoto focal lengths, this is a very pleasant, tidy solution.

With QD strap anchor socket, flexible carrying option for your telephoto zoom

The LP-61 has an integrated QD strap socket, i.e. a QD strap anchor socket, which offers you a modern and very secure way to attach a suitable camera strap directly to the lens foot. Especially with longer lenses, it often makes more sense to attach the strap at the system’s center of gravity rather than to the camera lug, so that the combination of camera and telephoto zoom doesn’t constantly tip forward.

The foot is designed to be QD compatible, so you can use a strap with QD strap anchors to quickly clip the lens in and out. To use this socket, you need a suitable strap with QD strap anchors; you can find more information here: Strap with QD strap anchors.

In addition to the QD socket, there is a classic strap eyelet, so you remain flexible: you can either attach a conventional camera strap or use a modern QD system. Especially if you walk a lot, for example when doing wildlife photography in the field or when traveling, a well-placed carrying point makes a noticeable difference in comfort.

Secure hold and well-thought-out design, safety stop screws and handling

The Kirk LP-61 is equipped with 2 safety stop screws on the underside. These safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp is not fully open but also not completely closed. A kind of additional safety line that can save you from very unpleasant surprises in an emergency.

The combination of black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the compact design and the double dovetail configuration ensures very controlled handling. You can easily use the foot as a carrying point to hold the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II in your hand without the whole thing feeling spongy or unsafe. It’s not a “show” feature, but a practical tool for everyday use.

All in all, with the Kirk LP-61 you get a well-thought-out replacement lens foot that makes your telephoto zoom more stable, more flexible and simply more pleasant to use in everyday shooting, whether you’re working from a tripod, on the move with a strap, or switching quickly between different setups.