Nikon 70-200 2.8 VRII bent tripod mount

[Me²]

Just noticed the plate on which the tripod foot attaches to the lens is bent on my 70-200 2.8 II. The tripod foot itself is fine, just this little plate. I now gather it's a known point of weakness, but didn't know this until after shooting a football match and carrying the camera around via monopod attached to the tripod foot. Oh well, it's a minor issue but having contacted Nikon spare parts they seem to want £35 for a replacement. Steep.

For avoidance of doubt, here is the part in question:



My questions then; a) does anyone know where I can source a cheaper replacement and/or b) does anyone know where I can source a better, more reliable third party replacement?

 

[seriousrikk]

Really right stuff do a replacement foot - or an entire mount if you use arca swiss

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=LenNik70-200VR&key=cat

 

[HoppyUK]

Here's another one from Hejnar. Cheaper than RRS, though £35 is looking like a bargain http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-70-20...355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c6e8d12b

 

[Me²]

Here's another one from Hejnar. Cheaper than RRS, though £35 is looking like a bargain http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-70-20...355?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c6e8d12b

£35 it is then I feel. Cheers chaps.

 

[Gary Coyle]

Ive got one of these, absolutly fine and cheaper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nicna-Quick-release-Lens-tripod-plate-foot-f-Nikon-70-200mm-f2-8-VR-VRII-QRP-03-/390366142066?pt=UK_Photography_Movie_Camera_Accessories&hash=item5ae3a29e72