Really Right Stuff LC-A15 lens collar for Nikon Z 180-600 mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Really Right Stuff LC-A15 lens collar for Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR

You notice very quickly whether a lens collar just somehow fits, or whether it is really intended for one very specific setup. The Really Right Stuff LC-A15 clearly belongs to the second category: it is a precisely manufactured replacement lens collar with matching replacement foot for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR (model year 2023) and is designed specifically to make your telephoto zoom calmer, safer, and simply more pleasant to use in everyday shooting.

Developed specifically for this lens

This LC-A15 is not just some universal clamp, but quite deliberately designed specifically for this lens: the Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR. The shape of the collar encloses the barrel with a precise fit; the length of about 13.2 cm and the width of around 9.0 cm are tuned so that balance and stability on mirrorless Nikon Z cameras are noticeably improved. Nothing wobbles, nothing bends away oddly, even when you are working at the long end at 600 mm.

Because the collar is not universal, but designed not for “all sorts of things” but only for this one telephoto zoom, the proportions are right: the center of gravity moves to where it belongs, tripod shots become more relaxed, and even when carrying the setup by the collar it feels significantly more controlled. Especially during longer sessions outdoors, perhaps in wildlife or sports, this makes a surprisingly big difference.

Made in the USA, robust precision from 6061‑T6 aluminum

The LC-A15 is made in the USA and consists of high-quality 6061‑T6 aluminum. In the photo world this material is something like the classic choice when it comes to the ratio of weight to stability. The surface is Type II black anodized, which not only looks good but also reliably protects the collar from scratches and corrosion. This gives it a pleasantly premium feel without being unnecessarily bulky.

With a height of about 13.2 cm, the collar blends harmoniously with the telephoto zoom without making it look bulky. The combination of material stiffness and clean manufacturing ensures that your lens remains steady when panning, tracking, or shooting bursts. Especially with high-resolution sensors, where every small vibration becomes visible, such a solid construction really pays off.

Arca-style compatible, straight into the quick-release clamp

The integrated foot of the LC-A15 is Arca-style compatible and, according to the manufacturer, fits 38 mm Arca-style compatible quick-release clamps. You can therefore mount the collar directly into common ARCA-compatible tripod heads without additional adapters. For many photographers this is now standard, but it is still nice when it simply works and does not require lengthy trial and error.

If you generally work with ARCA systems, it is worth taking a look at the matching accessories for ARCA-compatible quick-release systems, which you can find via this link: ARCA-compatible quick-release solutions. This keeps your setup consistent, and you can flexibly combine camera, telephoto lens, and any additional RRS or ARCA plates.

With QD strap socket, flexible to carry and quickly released

The LC-A15 features a QD strap socket and is therefore QD compatible. This means you can snap a suitable QD strap directly into the collar and safely carry your telephoto zoom plus camera by the collar instead of pulling on the camera’s strap lug. This relieves stress on the mount and simply feels more trustworthy with a large telephoto lens.

To use this QD strap socket, you need a strap with suitable QD strap anchors. Matching straps and QD anchors can be found here: Straps with QD strap anchors.

An additional PMG strap socket is not included on this model, which deliberately keeps the construction clean and uncluttered. Instead of many different eyelets and options, the LC-A15 focuses on a robust, QD-based solution that works very directly and straightforwardly in practice.

Easy mounting on the Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR

The installation of the LC-A15 is deliberately designed so that you can manage it without special tools. We recommend taking a moment and working calmly so that neither the lens nor the collar gets scratched.

First, fully open the collar of the lens mount and carefully place your Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR inside. Make sure that the contact surfaces are clean and that the lens sits properly in the collar so that nothing slips later. Then close the collar again and tighten the clamp evenly without overtightening.

In the next step, slide the replacement foot along the dovetail profile of the collar until it clearly clicks into place. Only when it is properly seated do you secure it with the locking knob. This creates a stable unit of lens, collar, and foot that holds reliably both on the tripod and when carrying. It may sound like many steps, but in practice it quickly becomes second nature.

Practical benefits: stability, balance, and handling in everyday use

In daily use, the LC-A15 gives you one thing above all: calm in your images. Thanks to the correct center of gravity and the stable foot, camera shake is reduced, especially at longer focal lengths and longer exposure times. On an ARCA-compatible head you can finely balance your setup and quickly shift or release it when needed.

The collar also makes a difference during transport. You can safely grab the lens by the collar or carry it via the QD strap and do not have to keep a constant tight grip on the camera. Especially over longer distances, for example in the field or in a stadium, this is easier on your hands, shoulders, and, to some extent, your nerves. It is one of those accessories that you might underestimate at first but are reluctant to give up once you have gotten used to it.

Key technical data at a glance

The most important features of the Really Right Stuff LC-A15 lens collar for the Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR in a compact overview:

• Suitable for: Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR (2023)
• Design: replacement lens collar with integrated replacement lens foot
• Material: 6061‑T6 aluminum, Type II black anodized
• Compatibility: ARCA compatible, suitable for 38 mm Arca-style compatible quick-release clamps
• QD function: QD compatible, one integrated QD strap socket
• Dimensions: length approx. 13.2 cm, height approx. 13.2 cm, width approx. 9.0 cm
• PMG strap socket: no
• Universal: no, developed specifically for this lens
• Manufacturing: made in the USA

All in all, the LC-A15 is a well-thought-out addition to your Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR if you value a stable, ARCA-compatible tripod solution and at the same time are looking for a clean way to carry the telephoto zoom safely. No unnecessary frills, but a precise tool that does exactly what it is supposed to do. And does so in the long run.