Kirk LP-72 replacement lens foot for Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S & Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S

Kirk LP-72 replacement lens foot for Nikon Z super-tele, precise support for long focal lengths

If you’ve ever used your Nikon Z 400 mm or 800 mm on a tripod for a longer period of time, you’ll know this: the standard lens foot feels a bit like a compromise. It works, sure, but just so-so. The Kirk LP-72 replacement lens foot addresses exactly this and offers you a well thought-out, stable and pleasantly lightweight upgrade with an integrated quick-release profile that is consistently designed for practical use with heavy Nikon Z telephoto lenses.

The LP-72 replaces the original foot and creates a solid, torsion-resistant base for your Nikon Z super-telephoto lenses. At the same time, the weight remains impressively low at only 130 g, so your setup doesn’t become unnecessarily front-heavy. The length of 16 cm, the width of 3.8 cm and the height of 3.68 cm provide a well-balanced contact surface and a calm, controllable balance on the tripod head.

Specifically developed for the following lenses: Nikon Z 400mm, 600mm and 800mm

The Kirk LP-72 is not just some generic foot, but is specifically designed for the following lenses: Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S NIKKOR (2022), Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S NIKKOR (2022) and Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR (2022). The fit is precisely matched to these Z telephoto lenses, so the replacement foot sits snugly and without play, and you don’t have to mess around with DIY solutions or adapters.

Especially with long focal lengths, where every tiny vibration becomes visible, such a precisely manufactured replacement lens foot makes a noticeable difference. Handling when panning, tracking and working with teleconverters becomes smoother, more predictable and, yes, simply more relaxed. You can focus more on the subject and less on the question of whether the support will really handle all of this reliably.

Made in the USA, robust manufacturing quality from 6061-T6 aluminum

The LP-72 is made in the USA and consists of high-quality 6061-T6 aluminum. In the photo world, this material is almost a kind of “gold standard” when it comes to the ratio of strength to weight. The aluminum is black anodized, i.e. anodized with a durable surface that not only looks good but also protects against scratches and corrosion.

The workmanship is designed for longevity. We’d say this is the kind of part you buy once and then just use for years without thinking much about it. The precisely milled shape ensures a clean fit on the lens, and the double dovetail design of the profile provides a very stable connection to the quick-release clamp. In short: this thing is built for tough everyday photography outdoors, not just for a place in a display cabinet.

Arca-style compatible, integrated quick-release profile for common clamps

The integrated dovetail of the Kirk LP-72 is Arca-style compatible and thus suitable for a wide range of quick-release clamps. This means you can clamp the replacement foot directly into your existing quick-release coupling without additional plates or adapters. This saves height, weight and, above all, time during setup and breakdown.

The clamping profile fits ProMediaGear clamps, Wimberley clamps, Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Jobu Design clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, Markins clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Kirk clamps and the FlexShooter screw cross clamp. So if you already use an ARCA system, you can integrate the LP-72 seamlessly without having to completely replan your setup. You can find more information on ARCA-compatible solutions here.

With QD strap anchor mount, carry safely, switch quickly

The Kirk LP-72 features a QD strap mount, i.e. an integrated QD strap anchor mount. This allows you to attach a suitable carrying strap with QD strap anchors directly to the lens foot, which is extremely practical when transporting heavy telephoto lenses. No fiddling with the camera lug, no awkward center of gravity, but a stable, logically positioned carrying point.

To use this QD strap mount, you need a strap with QD strap anchors. You can find a suitable strap here. The combination of QD compatible and ARCA compatible makes the LP-72 a kind of hub between tripod, strap and lens, which is really pleasant in mobile use, for example in wildlife or sports photography.

Double dovetail design and safety stop screws for extra security

The double dovetail design ensures that the foot sits particularly form-fitting in the quick-release clamp. This is especially helpful when you work with heavy Nikon Z telephoto lenses and frequently pan or track. The force is better distributed, and the system as a whole feels calmer and less “tippy”.

In addition, 2 safety stop screws are integrated. These safety stop screws prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release coupling if the clamp is not fully closed or loosens slightly. This is one of those small details you ideally never have to think about, but which, in an emergency, can make the difference between a brief scare and a very expensive fall.

Thought-out details: threads, lens hood and tripod integration

On the underside of the LP-72 you’ll find a 3/8" UNC photo thread and a 1/4" UNC photo thread. This allows you to mount the replacement lens foot directly on a tripod or tripod plate if necessary, in case you want to work without an Arca-style compatible clamp or are using an older system. This flexibility is useful when switching between different setups or occasionally working with rental or studio tripods.

Another special feature: the lens hood can be mounted in the transport position. That may sound unspectacular, but in everyday use it’s very helpful, because you can store the lens more compactly and make it ready for use more quickly. Especially on longer walks to the location or when working out of a backpack, this is a real comfort gain.

Lightweight, stable, unobtrusive, an upgrade that simply works

With a weight of only 130 g, the Kirk LP-72 remains pleasantly light and does not add unnecessary mass to your overall setup. The black anodized surface looks discreet, hardly reflects and blends unobtrusively with your Nikon Z telephoto lenses. It’s one of those parts that doesn’t shout “look at me” but quietly does its job.

All in all, with the Kirk LP-72 replacement lens foot you get a precisely manufactured, robust and practice-oriented accessory that has been specially developed for the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S NIKKOR, Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S NIKKOR and Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S NIKKOR. Arca-style compatible, QD compatible, with integrated QD strap mount, double dovetail design, 2 safety stop screws and well thought-out threaded holes – a well-rounded package for anyone who wants to use their long focal lengths on a tripod safely, comfortably and reliably.