Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar for Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar for Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM, specially developed for this lens

To be honest: if you’ve ever used the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM (2020) with the standard lens collar, you probably know that it works, but only just. The Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar tackles this exact issue and provides a significantly more stable, smoother-running and overall more confidence-inspiring base for this telezoom, because it was designed from the ground up specifically for this lens. The fit is closely matched to the Canon RF 100-500mm, so the lens sits snugly and twist-proof without binding or wobbling.

The CFC-01 doesn’t just replace the original collar, it feels more like a small upgrade for the entire setup: the rotation around the optical axis is smooth and even, so when switching between portrait and landscape orientation you no longer feel like you’re constantly working against resistance. Especially at long focal lengths, where every tiny jerk is visible in the viewfinder, this fluid adjustability makes a surprisingly big difference in everyday use.

The Leofoto CFC-01 is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, a robust material frequently used in aerospace applications that offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The surface is black anodized, which not only looks high-end but also reliably protects against scratches and corrosion. You can therefore use the collar in rain, dust or winter temperatures without having to worry much about durability.

with QD strap socket, quickly from tripod to strap

A small detail that suddenly feels huge in the field: the Leofoto CFC-01 has a QD strap socket, or more precisely, yes, one, cleanly integrated into the foot. This makes the lens collar QD compatible and allows you to connect it in no time to a suitable carrying strap without needing additional adapters or improvised solutions. Especially on long shooting days, when you’re constantly switching between tripod and handheld, this is a noticeable relief.

To make practical use of this QD strap socket, you need a strap with matching QD strap anchors. You can find more information here: Straps with QD strap anchors.

The position of the QD strap socket is chosen so that the Canon RF 100-500mm hangs in a balanced way on the strap and doesn’t tip forward uncomfortably. This really makes a difference on longer walks, for example on wildlife tours or at sporting events, because you can carry the setup more comfortably. We’d almost say: after a while you hardly notice the collar consciously anymore, it just works in the background.

Arca-Style compatible, integrated 38 mm quick-release profile

Another factor that makes the Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar extremely practical in everyday use: the foot is ARCA compatible and features an integrated 38 mm quick-release profile. You no longer need an additional quick-release plate to mount your Canon RF 100-500mm on an Arca-Style compatible tripod head. Place the lens collar in the clamp, tighten, done – no extra accessories, no extra screws, no fiddling.

According to the manufacturer, the clamping profile fits a whole range of common quick-release clamps, including Arca-Style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Wimberley clamps, Kirk clamps, ProMediaGear clamps, Acratech lever clamps, Acratech screw clamps, FlexShooter lever cross clamps and FlexShooter screw cross clamps. So if you’re already using an ARCA system, the Leofoto CFC-01 integrates seamlessly into your existing gear.

You can find more information on Arca-Style and compatible quick-release systems here: Arca-Style compatible systems.

Ergonomic silicone grip for secure handling

Anyone who has ever carried a long telephoto lens only by the camera body knows how uncomfortable that can feel. The Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar addresses this directly and offers an ergonomic silicone grip that significantly improves handling. This grip sits comfortably in the hand, gives you a secure feeling while carrying and reduces the risk of the setup slipping from your fingers when repositioning.

This silicone grip really pays off when mounting on the tripod, during quick position changes, or when you briefly hold the Canon RF 100-500mm in your hand while adjusting camera settings. It feels grippy even when it’s cold outside or your hands aren’t completely dry. It’s not a spectacular feature on paper, but in practice it’s one you won’t want to be without after a short time.

Versatile mounting options thanks to photo threads on the underside

In addition to the integrated ARCA profile, the underside of the Leofoto CFC-01 lens collar is also equipped with several threaded holes. You’ll find 1 x 3/8" UNC photo thread and 2 x 1/4" UNC photo threads. This combination opens up a whole range of options, for example if you want to mount the collar on a special video head, a mounting plate or a custom rig.

This means you can use the CFC-01 not only in the classic way on a tripod head, but also combine it with other systems when needed, without having to commit to a single setup. This makes the collar particularly interesting for photographers and filmmakers who like to configure their equipment flexibly, depending on whether they’re shooting wildlife, sports, reportage or more tranquil landscape scenes.

Stable construction and precise rotation for long focal lengths

Especially with a telezoom like the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM, a stable, torsion-resistant lens collar is crucial. The Leofoto CFC-01 ensures that the weight of the lens doesn’t hang on the camera mount, but is cleanly transferred via the collar foot to the tripod. This reduces vibrations, protects the mount and can ideally even improve sharpness, particularly at longer exposure times or at the long end at 500 mm.

The rotation around the longitudinal axis is deliberately designed to be smooth and even, so you don’t have to readjust every time you switch between portrait and landscape orientation. This allows you to react quickly when the situation changes, for example with birds in flight or dynamic sports scenes. In combination with the Canon RF 100-500mm, the whole setup feels very well balanced, almost as if the collar were an integral part of the lens itself.