p.1 #1 · Mount camera to tripod or lens? (Canon 50D & 70-200 IS)
I'm wondering if I mount my plate to my camera and use a 70-200 IS L will that be fine - or too front heavy? I'm in a spot where I only have one arca-swiss plate for my head and will be switching between a 30mm and the 70-200 lens. I don't want to remove the plate each time (I plane to buy and L-Bracket for the camera).
Does anyone see issues with my doing it this way?
p.1 #2 · Mount camera to tripod or lens? (Canon 50D & 70-200 IS)
Do yourself a big favor and purchase a second mounting plate. By mounting a lens of that magnitude from the camera plate not only exacerbates the vibration but angular torque on both the tripod and lens mount is very stressful since the weight load is not balanced across the entire mounting surface.
p.1 #3 · Mount camera to tripod or lens? (Canon 50D & 70-200 IS)
I'd also get a plate for the 70-200 foot. If you're funds are limited consider just getting the base plate (non L-plate) for the camera body for the time being. While not as convenient as an L-plate (or quite as stable) your tripod head should permit you to flip the camera to portrait orientation.
p.1 #4 · Mount camera to tripod or lens? (Canon 50D & 70-200 IS)
Your profile shows it's an f/2.8 lens, so you really should mount it with an A-S plate on the lens tripod mount ring, not by supporting the camera body alone.
BTW, did you mean to say "300mm" instead of "30mm"?
p.1 #5 · Mount camera to tripod or lens? (Canon 50D & 70-200 IS)
Thanks for the feedback. I'll mount to the lens and shoot hand held when using the 30mm. I'm going to the Full Moon Jam in Chicago and there is fire dancing.
I think I need to just get another plate for the time being, then upgrade to an L-Bracket like plubbry said.