Leofoto NF-04 replacement foot with QD mount for Nikon lenses

Leofoto NF-04 replacement foot with QD mount for Nikon lenses

Sometimes it’s amazing how much stability you gain in your setup when just a single part is properly thought through. The Leofoto NF-04 replacement foot with QD mount for Nikon lenses falls exactly into this category: unspectacular at first glance, but in practice a real game changer when you want to handle heavy telephoto lenses in a clean, safe and comfortable way.

The NF-04 replaces the original lens foot of selected Nikon F telephoto lenses and adds a precisely milled Arca-style compatible quick-release base and an integrated QD strap socket. All in one compact, robust component made from 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized for a durable surface that still looks good even after many field assignments.

Specifically developed for the following lenses

This Leofoto replacement lens foot is not just some universal part, but is precisely designed to fit specific Nikon F telephoto lenses. It replaces the original lens foot of the following Nikon NIKKOR lenses without you having to improvise:

• Nikon 180–400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR NIKKOR
• Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR
• Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR
• Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR
• Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR

Especially with these heavy super-telephoto lenses, a stable, ergonomic replacement foot makes a noticeable difference. Balance on the tripod head improves, handling while carrying becomes more comfortable, and the connection to the quick-release clamp simply feels trustworthy. You unscrew the original foot, mount the NF-04 and immediately have a clean, flat ARCA base with a well-thought-out shape.

With QD strap anchor mount for flexible carrying options

The NF-04 features an integrated QD strap mount, i.e. a quick-detach socket for compatible strap systems. That may sound like a small detail at first, but it quickly becomes a favorite feature if you don’t want to keep your telephoto lens permanently on the tripod head. You can snap a QD-capable carrying strap directly into the lens foot and carry the lens safely over your shoulder or across your body without having to fiddle with improvised loops.

To use the QD strap mount you need a strap with compatible QD strap anchors. You can find more information here: Strap with QD strap anchors.

When you’re on the go – on the sidelines, in the forest or traveling – it’s convenient to be able to switch quickly between strap and tripod use without having to re-mount anything each time. Release it from the strap, place it in the quick-release clamp, tighten it and keep working. That simple, that practical.

Arca-style compatible for seamless system integration

The Leofoto NF-04 has an integrated 38 mm dovetail clamping profile that is Arca-style compatible. According to the manufacturer, this ARCA profile fits a wide range of common quick-release clamps, so you can usually continue using your existing tripod head without having to buy new accessories. You can find more on ARCA-compatible solutions here: ARCA compatible quick-release systems.

The integrated clamping profile of the NF-04 is suitable for:

• ProMediaGear clamps
• Wimberley clamps
• Arca-style compatible (according to the manufacturer) 38 mm quick-release clamps
• Really Right Stuff screw clamps
• Really Right Stuff lever clamps
• Jobu Design clamps
• Kirk clamps
• FlexShooter screw cross clamp

You place the foot directly into the quick-release clamp without an additional plate. This saves height, weight and potential points of failure. Especially at long focal lengths, where every tiny movement becomes visible, this direct, play-free connection is worth its weight in gold.

Robust 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized

For the material, Leofoto relies on 6061-T6 aluminum. This alloy is frequently used in aircraft construction and offers an excellent balance of strength, weight and machinability. The NF-04 is precisely milled and then black anodized, creating a hard, corrosion-resistant surface. This anodized layer protects the foot from scratches and the elements and ensures that it also matches Nikon telephoto lenses visually.

With a weight of around 143 g, the replacement foot remains pleasantly light without sacrificing stability. The dimensions are chosen with practical use in mind: approximately 15.3 cm in length, 3.8 cm in width and about 4.3 cm in height. This gives you enough contact area in the quick-release clamp and at the same time a shape that also works well as a grip substitute when you want to briefly reposition or carry the lens.

Well-thought-out safety features for everyday use

The NF-04 is equipped with 2 safety stop screws. These screws sit on the underside of the dovetail profile and prevent the foot from accidentally sliding out of the quick-release clamp when the clamp is not fully opened. Especially with heavy telephoto lenses this is an important detail, because a brief moment of inattention can otherwise quickly become expensive.

You can remove the safety stop screws if necessary, if your clamp requires a different way of working, but in most cases it makes sense to leave them installed. They provide an additional level of safety without getting in your way during normal operation.

Practice-oriented design for sports, wildlife and more

In real-world use, the benefits of the Leofoto NF-04 become particularly apparent in sports and wildlife photography. If you work with a Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR or a Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, you know the strain on tripod, gimbal and hands. A properly balanced, ARCA compatible replacement foot makes panning smoother, reduces vibrations and makes it easier to track moving subjects.

Even with the Nikon 180–400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR NIKKOR, which is already a versatile but not exactly lightweight zoom due to its integrated teleconverter, the NF-04 provides noticeably more comfortable handling. You get a stable base for gimbal heads, video heads or classic ball heads with ARCA mount and can quickly switch between different setups without having to rebalance everything each time.

Technical data at a glance

For those who like it concrete, here is a summary of the key data of the Leofoto NF-04 replacement foot:

• Product: Leofoto NF-04 replacement foot with QD mount for Nikon lenses
• Compatible lenses: Nikon 180–400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR NIKKOR, Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR, Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR AF-S NIKKOR
• Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
• Finish: black anodized
• Length: approx. 15.3 cm
• Width: approx. 3.8 cm
• Height: approx. 4.3 cm
• Weight: approx. 143 g
• Clamping profile: integrated 38 mm dovetail profile, Arca-style compatible
• QD strap mount: yes, one (QD compatible)
• Compatible clamps: ProMediaGear, Wimberley, Arca-style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps, Really Right Stuff screw clamps, Really Right Stuff lever clamps, Jobu Design, Kirk, FlexShooter screw cross clamp
• Safety mechanism: 2 safety stop screws to prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp

If you are looking for a reliable, ARCA compatible upgrade for your Nikon telephoto lens foot that combines a QD strap mount, precise fit and robust construction in a single component, the Leofoto NF-04 is a very well-rounded solution for daily use in the field, in the stadium or wherever your subjects are waiting for you.