Kirk LS-1: Tele support module

Kirk LS-1 tele support module for telephoto lenses

With the Kirk LS-1 tele support module, you can finally keep long telephoto lenses steady in your frame. Instead of a shaky front-heavy setup, you get additional support directly on the lens as soon as a suitable replacement lens foot or a special tripod collar is mounted. The result: more stable shots, fewer micro-movements, and noticeably more relaxed working, especially when you’re out with heavy telephoto zooms or primes.

Additional stabilization for Canon EF telephoto lenses

The Kirk LS-1 tele support module is ideal for selected Canon EF lenses that use a special lens foot or a suitable collar. It is compatible, among others, with the following Canon EF lenses:

• Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II
• Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II
• Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM
• Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II

With these telephoto lenses, the LS-1 provides additional support for the front section of the lens, significantly reducing vibrations when releasing the shutter or panning. Especially at long focal lengths, when you’re working at the edge of your safe shutter speed or shooting in windy conditions, this tele support makes a noticeable difference.

Optimized for Nikon F telephoto lenses

The Kirk LS-1 tele support module is also interesting for Nikon users. It is compatible with the Nikon 300mm f/4E AF-S PF ED VR NIKKOR and other Nikon F telephoto lenses, provided that a suitable replacement foot or appropriate tripod collar is used. The additional support helps you guide the comparatively light but long PF tele precisely, without the front constantly pulling downward.

Notes on mounting with special lens feet and collars

To use the Kirk LS-1 tele support module, a special lens foot or tripod collar is required in each case; these are not included. The LS-1 itself is the actual tele support that is attached to these replacement feet or collars and thus supports the front section of the lens. Without these matching components, the module cannot be mounted in a meaningful way.

For mounting on the following combinations, special replacement feet are required:

• For the Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II USM, a suitable Kirk lens foot such as the Kirk LP-61 is required.
• For the Nikon 300mm f/4E PF ED VR AF-S, a specially matched replacement foot such as the Kirk NC-300PF is required.
• For the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II, a suitable Canon collar or a compatible replacement foot such as the Kirk CRC-1 is required.
• For the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM, a suitable collar or a special replacement foot such as the Kirk CRC-1 is also required.
• For the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS II, a special replacement lens foot such as the Wimberley AP-602 for Canon telephoto lenses is used.

This combination of replacement foot and tele support module ensures that your lens is supported at two points and therefore sits much more steadily on the tripod head.

Made in the USA, precision manufacturing for tough everyday photography

The Kirk LS-1 tele support module is made in the USA from 6061 T6 aluminum. This material is a real classic in the photo industry because it offers an excellent weight-to-strength ratio. The surface is cleanly finished, the edges are pleasantly smoothed, and the module overall feels exactly as you would expect from a precisely milled accessory designed for daily outdoor use.

The screws are made of stainless steel, which ensures high corrosion resistance, even when you’re working in rain, fog, or at the coast. The knurled parts are made of aluminum and provide a good grip, even with thin gloves. At about 70 g, the LS-1 is pleasantly light, so it hardly adds any extra load to your setup while still contributing significantly to stabilization.

Technical details of the Kirk LS-1 tele support module

The Kirk LS-1 tele support module is designed to provide reliable support for the lens. The rollers have a defined diameter chosen so that the lens is securely guided without damaging the surface. The axle spacing of the rollers is also fixed and matched to typical telephoto lens diameters so that the contact area remains stable.

• Made from 6061 T6 aluminum
• Stainless steel screws
• Aluminum knurled parts
• Weight: approx. 70 g
• Roller diameter: dimensioned to fit common telephoto lenses
• Roller axle spacing: matched to typical telephoto lens sizes

In practice, this means: you place the lens in the roller cradle, tighten it slightly, and get a very defined, repeatable position. This is especially convenient for series shooting or longer sessions with a specific setup, because you don’t have to improvise every time.

Practical benefits for nature, sports, and wildlife photography

Particularly in nature, sports, and wildlife photography, where you often work with long focal lengths such as 300 mm, 400 mm, or 500 mm, the Kirk LS-1 tele support module plays to its strengths. The additional stabilization reduces camera shake when you use longer shutter speeds or shoot bursts. For video recording with telephoto lenses, the tele support also ensures smoother camera movement because the system flexes less.

For example, when working with a Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS II or a Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II on a gimbal or a fluid head, the LS-1 helps you keep the lens balanced. The load is distributed better, the front no longer constantly drops, and you can focus more on framing your shot than on balancing the setup.

Robust construction for mobile use

Thanks to the combination of 6061 T6 aluminum and stainless steel screws, the Kirk LS-1 tele support module is clearly designed for mobile use. It easily withstands frequent mounting and dismounting and can handle the occasional knock in your camera bag. The aluminum knurled parts are easy to grip, allowing you to adjust the module quickly without fiddling around.

Whether you’re traveling on a dusty track, in high mountains, or on the coast, the LS-1 is built to withstand such conditions. At the same time, its weight of around 70 g is so low that you can simply leave it in your backpack permanently without giving it much thought.