Abstract:
A device to both support and focus a long camera lens is described. A user can hold the camera body with one hand and the support device with the other. In this way, it is easy to hold the camera steady while composing and taking a photograph, as the weight of the lens is supported in more than one place using both hands. The device can be attached to the focusing and/or zoom ring of a zoom or other lens, so that the hand holding the device can move the device to focus the camera. Such a device will be welcomed by both novice and professional photographers because it will help to prevent cramping and fatigue that can occur in the hands with extended camera use. In addition use of the device can also increase camera lens stability, especially for users with unsteady hands.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/713,624, filed Oct. 15, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to a device that helps a user to hold a cylindrical object, and, more specifically, to a hand-held device for supporting and focusing a camera or video lens or a spotting scope. 
         [0003]    Cameras, such as single lens reflex (SLR) cameras can be used with a wide variety of interchangeable lenses for various kinds of photography. In particular, zoom lenses designed for focusing on objects far away, are actually complex lens systems with many individual lens elements arranged precisely within a cylindrical- or cone-shaped housing. Such zoom lenses can weigh as much as ten pounds or more. A camera body to which such a lens can be attached weighs generally less than two pounds. 
         [0004]    A user holds the camera body and looks through a view finder or at a screen on the body to compose a desired shot. It can be difficult to balance the camera assembly and to hold it steady as the shot is composed. Even if the user has enough hand strength to hold and focus such a heavy camera and lens, cramping and fatigue can set in during long use. 
         [0005]    A tripod can be attached to the camera body to support the weight of camera and lens and to ensure that the camera is held steady. Thus, the user&#39;s hands are free to compose and focus without also having to also support the weight of the camera. 
         [0006]    Unfortunately, it is not always convenient to use a tripod. The tripod is yet one extra piece of bulky equipment to bring along with other camera equipment. By its very nature, a tripod keeps the camera fixed to a particular spot, making it difficult to change the camera position quickly to shoot photos of moving objects. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a device for a camera that is small, lightweight, portable, and can help the user to support and steady a camera easily. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The foregoing aspects and others will be readily appreciated by the skilled artisan from the following description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an SLR camera with a long lens. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration that shows a lens support (and focusing aid), according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration that shows how the lens support of  FIG. 2A  fits around a cylindrical lens, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic illustration of a lens support whose cradle defines a circular arc that is more than 180°. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic illustration of a lens support whose cradle defines a circular arc that is less than 180°. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3C  is a schematic illustration of a lens support wherein the interior and exterior sides of its cradle are not parallel. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic illustration of a lens support that also includes a coupling attached to the cradle so that a lens can be completely enclosed. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration that shows examples of various attaching mechanisms that can be used to attach the coupling to the cradle. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic illustration of a lens support that also includes a flexible coupling strip attached to the cradle so that a lens can be completely enclosed, according to an embodiment of the invention 
           [0018]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration that shows how a hook and loop material can be used as a coupling strip. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration that shows how a flexible strip can be used as a coupling strip, according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration that shows how a lens support can be used with a camera that has a cylindrical lens, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration that shows how a lens support can be used with a camera that has a conical lens, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0022]    A supporting device for a camera or video lens or a spotting scope is disclosed herein. The device has a first element that has an inner surface whose shape defines a circular arc and is configured to partly encircle a cylindrical element. The device has a second element adapted to attach to the first element and configured to continue the circular arc defined by the first element to further encircle the cylindrical element. There is also a handle attached to the first element. 
         [0023]    The first element defines a circular arc that ranges between about 30° and 300° or between about 160° and 270°. The term “arc” is used herein to mean an unbroken part of the circumference of a circle or other curved line. In one arrangement, the first element defines a semicircular arc. Both the first element and the second element can be made of any one or more of a variety of materials. Examples include plastic, metal, such as aluminum, wood, hard rubber, composite materials, ceramics, and carbon fiber. In one arrangement, the first element also has additional material, such as felt, plastic, rubber, foam, smooth metal, the loop (soft, fuzzy) fabric strip of a hook and loop fastener pair, or soft fabric along its inner surface. In another arrangement, the second element also has additional material, such as felt, plastic, rubber, foam, smooth metal, the loop (soft, fuzzy) fabric strip of a hook and loop fastener pair, or soft fabric along its inner surface. 
         [0024]    One end of the second element can be permanently or removably attached to one end of the first element. In some arrangements, the permanent attachment is a hinge. The opposite end of the second element can be removably attached to the opposite end of the first element. 
         [0025]    In one arrangement, the second element is a flexible strip made of a material such as hook and/or loop material, rubber, plastic, or fabric. 
         [0026]    The first end of the second element may be permanently attached to the first end of the first element with a hinge mechanism. The second end of the second element may be configured to be removably attached to the second end of the first element. 
         [0027]    The first end of the second element may be configured to be removably attached to the first end of the first element. The second end of the second element may be configured to be removably attached to the second end of the first element. 
         [0028]    In one arrangement, the second element is a flexible strip. The flexible strip may be made of one or more of hook and/or loop material, rubber, plastic, and fabric. 
         [0029]    In one arrangement, there is a first fitting configured for threading the flexible strip. The first fitting may be located on an exterior surface of the first element on or near the second end of the first element. The flexible strip may be configured to pass through the first fitting and wrap back upon itself to be secured. 
         [0030]    In another arrangement, there is a second fitting configured for threading the flexible strip. The second fitting may be located on an exterior surface of the first element on or near the first end of the first element. The flexible strip may be configured to pass through the first fitting, wrap back upon itself, pass through the second fitting, and wrap back upon itself to be secured. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment of the invention, a device for a camera lens has an element whose shape defines a circular arc. The element is configured to partly encircle a camera lens around a focusing or zoom ring. A flexible strip is adapted to attach to the element and is configured to continue the circular arc to encircle the focusing or zoom ring entirely. There is also a handle attached to the element. 
         [0032]    The first end of the flexible strip may be configured to be removably attached to the first end of the element, and the second end of the flexible strip may be configured to be removably attached to the second end of the element. There may also be a first fitting configured for threading the flexible strip on the exterior surface of the element on or near the second end of the element. There may also be a second fitting configured for threading the flexible strip on the exterior surface of the element on or near the first end of the element. The flexible strip may be configured to pass through the first fitting, wrap back upon itself, pass through the second fitting, and wrap back upon itself to be secured. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment of the invention, a method of operating a camera includes providing a camera that has a camera body and a protruding cylindrical lens, the lens having a focusing and/or zoom ring; providing a supporting device for the protruding lens; securing the supporting device around the focusing and/or zoom ring; stabilizing the camera body on a tripod or with one hand; holding the handle of the supporting device with another hand; and moving the handle to turn the focusing and/or zoom ring to focus and/or zoom the cylindrical lens. 
         [0034]    The supporting device has a first element whose inner surface has a shape that defines a circular arc. The first element is configured to partly encircle the focusing and/or zoom ring. There is also a second element that is adapted to attach to the first element and to further encircle the focusing and/or zoom ring. There is also a handle attached to the first element. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The preferred embodiments are illustrated in the context of supporting long lenses attached to single lens reflex cameras. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate, however, that the materials and methods disclosed herein will have application in a number of other contexts where simple, hand-held support of elongated articles is desirable, particularly where portability is important. 
         [0036]    The aforementioned needs are satisfied by the embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective drawing of a camera assembly  102  that has a long lens  110  attached to a camera body  120 . A user holds the camera body  120  with one hand and, with the other hand, can turn a focusing or zoom ring  130  to focus the lens  110  on a desired object. As described above, the lens  110  can be much heavier than the body, causing the center of gravity for the camera assembly  102  to be far away from the camera body  120 . Thus, when the camera assembly  102  is held away from the camera body  120 , it is difficult to hold the camera assembly  102  steady, especially when it takes some time to compose and focus a desired shot. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration that shows a lens support (and focusing aid)  200 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The lens support  200  has a cradle portion  220  and a handle portion  240 . The cradle  220  defines a circular arc and is designed to at least partially encircle a camera lens. The cradle  220  has a first end  222  ( 224 ) and a second end  224  ( 222 ) opposite the first end  222  ( 224 ). The cradle  220  has an interior surface  260  that is designed to fit a focusing or zoom ring  130  or anywhere else along a camera lens  110 . The surface  260  can be made of any material that can make contact to the lens  110  or the focusing or zoom ring  130  without causing any damage to the lens  110  or the focusing or zoom ring  130 . In some arrangements, the interior surface  260  is simply a smoothed or polished surface of the cradle  220 , and no additional material is added. In other arrangements, the interior surface  260  is a separate material that lines the cradle  220  and can grip the lens without slipping. Examples of suitable materials for the interior surface  260  include, but are not limited to, felt, plastic, rubber, foam, smooth metal, the loop (soft, fuzzy) fabric strip of a hook and loop fastener pair, and soft fabric. In another arrangement, the cradle  220  can be attached to the lens  110  or focusing or zoom ring  130  using a bonding material such as glue or epoxy. In one arrangement, the cradle  220  is positioned on the focusing or zoom ring  130 . In another arrangement, the cradle  220  is positioned anywhere along the length of the lens  110 . 
         [0039]    The cradle  220  can be made of any of a variety of materials. Materials that are light in weight can be especially useful, as they will add only a very small amount of additional weight to a camera assembly. Examples of suitable cradle material include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, such as aluminum, wood, hard rubber, composite materials, ceramics, and carbon fiber. In one arrangement, the cradle  220  is rigid. In another arrangement, the cradle  220  is flexible, while still being able to support a lens. 
         [0040]    The handle  240  is attached to the cradle  220 . Such attachment can be effected by making the support  200  as one piece or by providing the cradle  220  and the handle  240  separately and then joining them together. In one arrangement, the cradle  220  and the handle  240  are joined together mechanically with a screw fitting, a bolt fitting, a clip fitting, a bayonet fitting, or any other such fitting as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Such fittings are especially useful if a user desires to disassemble the lens support  200  from time to time. In another arrangement, the cradle  220  and the handle  240  are bonded together, for example, with adhesive, or by welding or fusing. Examples of suitable handle  240  materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, such as aluminum, wood, hard rubber, composite materials, ceramics, and carbon fiber. In some arrangements, the handle  240  is made of the same material as the cradle  220 . In other arrangements, the handle  240  is not made of the same material as the cradle  220 . Although the handle  240  is shown attached to the center of the cradle  220  in  FIG. 2A , it should be understood that the handle  240  can be attached anywhere along the exterior surface of the cradle  260 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration that shows how the lens support  200  fits with a cylindrical lens  140 , according to an embodiment of the invention. It should be understood that the lens support can fit anywhere along the cylindrical lens  110 , such as at the focusing or zoom ring  130  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In  FIG. 2B  the lens  140  is viewed end-on as indicated in  FIG. 1 . The cradle  220  encircles a portion of the circumference of the lens  140 .  FIG. 2B  shows that the cradle  220  fits against the lens  140  with no gaps. It should be understood that other arrangements are possible. For example, if the interior surface  260  is bumpy instead of smooth, there can be gaps between the cradle  220  and the lens  140 . Or, if the cradle  220  is attached to the lens  140  at the focusing or zoom ring  130 , there can be gaps between the two caused by ridges or roughness on the focusing or zoom ring  130 . In some arrangements, a lens may be slightly smaller than the cradle  220 . It is still possible to support such a lens with the lens support  200 , even though the cradle  220  does not fit snugly along the sides of the lens. 
         [0042]    Although the shape of the cradle  220  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  is a semicircular arc, other circular arc lengths are possible, as shown in the schematic illustrations in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . In one embodiment of the invention, the cradle  220  defines a circular arc that ranges between about 30° and 300°. In another embodiment of the invention, the cradle  220  defines a circular arc that ranges between about 160° and 270°. In another embodiment of the invention, the cradle  220  defines a semicircular arc, allowing the lens to be supported along half its circumference, while providing an opening through which an appropriate-sized lens can be inserted and removed with little or no restriction from the cradle  220 , i.e., the width of the opening is about the same size as the diameter of the lens or lens ring. 
         [0043]    In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 3A  is a schematic illustration that shows a lens support  300  that has a cradle  320  whose circular arc extends farther than just half way around the circle (as for the semicircle). The larger cradle  320  may offer additional support to the lens. But it is important to avoid extending the circular arc so far that it is difficult or impossible to fit a lens into the cradle  320 . The larger cradle  320  may be especially useful when the cradle material offers some flexibility. 
         [0044]    In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 3B  is a schematic illustration that shows a lens support  305  that has a cradle  325  whose circular arc extends less than half way around the circle (as for the semicircle). Although the smaller cradle  320  may offer less support to the lens, it is smaller and more portable. In addition, the smaller cradle  320  may be able to fit a wider variety of lens sizes. 
         [0045]    In an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 3C  is a schematic illustration that shows a lens support  307  that has a cradle  328  whose interior and exterior sides are not parallel. This serves to illustrate that although many of the figures have shown cradles whose sides are parallel, there are other possibilities. Cradle  328  has an interior surface with a circular arc so that it can fit against a lens, but its exterior surface has a square surface. Other shapes for the exterior surface are also possible. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment of the invention, the lens support has an additional feature, as shown in the schematic illustration in  FIG. 4A . The lens support  400  has a coupling  460  that attaches to a cradle  420 , enclosing a lens  140 . The coupling  460  can be made of the same or different material than the cradle  420  and the handle  440 . The coupling  460  has an interior surface similar to the interior surface of the cradle  120  as described above. The coupling surface can be made of any material that can make contact to a lens without causing any damage to the lens. In some arrangements, the coupling surface is simply a smoothed or polished surface of the coupling  460 , and no additional material is added. In other arrangements, the coupling surface is a separate material that lines the coupling  460  and can grip the lens without slipping. Examples of suitable materials for the coupling surface include, but are not limited to, felt, plastic, rubber, foam, smooth metal, the loop (soft, fuzzy) fabric strip of a hook and loop fastener pair, and soft fabric. 
         [0047]    The coupling  460  attaches to the cradle  420  to ensure that the lens  140  is gripped securely and to allow the lens support  400  to also be used as a focusing aid when the support  400  is attached to the focusing or zoom ring  130  of the lens  140 . The coupling  460  can attach to the cradle  420  in any of a variety of ways. There is no limitation on the ways in which the coupling  460  can attach to the cradle  420 . The junction area designated as B in  FIG. 4A  is enlarged and shown with various exemplary attaching mechanisms in  FIG. 4B . Examples 1-5 can be described as follows:
       1) Pins are attached to the coupling  460  (cradle  420 ) and they make a tight fit when pushed into holes in the cradle  420  (coupling  460 );   2) A hook and loop type fastener is used with the hooks on the coupling  460  and the loops on the cradle  420  or vice versa;   3) A hook is attached to the cradle  420  (coupling  460 ), and a loop that can snag the hook is attached to the coupling  460  (cradle  420 );   4) A strip of pliable material is attached across both the coupling  460  and the cradle  420  and can act as a hinge; and   5) A standard hinge is attached across both the coupling  460  and the cradle  420 .
 
Although the attaching mechanisms have been described with their individual elements assigned to the coupling  460  or the cradle  420 , it should be understood that the placement of the various elements is arbitrary and they all can be reversed.
       
 
         [0053]    The attaching mechanisms shown in  FIG. 4B  can be divided into two different groups. The first group includes examples 1, 2, and 3, and can be used on one or both junctions of the cradle  420  with the coupling  460 . When these attaching mechanisms (1, 2, 3) are used at both junctions, the coupling  460  can be removed from the cradle  420  completely. The lens support  400  can then be used with or without the coupling  460 . The second group includes examples 4 and 5, which can be used only at one junction. These attaching mechanisms (4, 5) make a permanent attachment between the coupling  460  and the cradle  420 . The coupling  460  can pivot on the hinge to move away from the lens  140  and allow the lens support  400  to be removed from the lens  140 . When hinges from the second group are used on one junction, it is useful to use one of the attaching mechanisms from the first group at the opposite junction. 
         [0054]    In another embodiment of the invention, a lens is secured to a cradle using a flexible strip coupling, as shown in the schematic illustration in  FIG. 5A . A lens support  500  has the same basic components as shown above in  FIG. 2A-2B . A coupling strip  580  is attached at one end to one side of a cradle  520 . It should be understood that the coupling strip  580  can attach anywhere along the cradle between points  550  and  552 . In some arrangements, the coupling strip  580  is joined to the edge of the cradle  520 , such as at  550 . In other arrangements, the coupling strip  580  overlaps the cradle  520  along the cradle exterior (on the right of the cradle  520  as viewed in  FIG. 5A ) and can extend to any point between  550  and  552 . The actual attachment may be all along the overlap between the coupling strip  580  and the cradle  520  or it may be in one or more specific regions of the overlap between the coupling strip  580  and the cradle  520 . The strip  580  can be made of any flexible material. Examples include, but are not limited to, rubber, webbing, plastic, hook and/or loop material, and cloth. In one arrangement, the strip  580  has hook material on one side and loop material on the opposite side. The strip  580  can be attached to the cradle  520  in any of a variety of ways. In one arrangement, the strip  580  is attached mechanically with a screw fitting, a bolt fitting, a clip fitting, or any other such fitting as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In another arrangement, the strip  580  is attached to the cradle  520  by bonding, such as with adhesive or by fusing. The strip  580  may be attached either permanently or removably. 
         [0055]    Once a lens  140  has been placed in the cradle  520 , the strip  580  can be pulled over the lens and looped through a fitting  585 , such as an eyelet, at the opposite side of the cradle  520 . The fitting  585  may be an elongated loop, shown here end on. Another view of the fitting  585  can be seen in  FIG. 5B . Many configurations of the fitting  585  are possible as long as they allow the strip  580  to be held and to pivot back upon itself. The location of the fitting  585  can be anywhere along the cradle exterior (on the left of the cradle  520  as viewed in  FIG. 5A ). After the strip  580  is passed through the fitting  585 , it is pulled over the lens again in the opposite direction. In some arrangements, for example when the coupling strip  580  has hook material on one side and loop material on the opposite side, the strip  580  is then secured upon itself along  584  to hold the lens  140  (or focusing ring) in place.  FIG. 5A  shows a gap at  584  to illustrate the relative positions of the two portions of the coupling strip  580 . In general, there is no gap at  584  because the coupling strip is pulled tightly whether it is secured upon itself or not. Various kinds of attachment mechanisms (not shown) can be used to secure the strip  580  upon itself. Using the strip  580  as the coupling for the lens  140  has the advantage that it can be pulled as tightly as one likes as it is looped through the fitting  585 . This is especially advantageous when a lens is smaller than the size for which the cradle  520  was designed. Once the strip  580  is pulled tightly over the lens, it can still be held in place. In one arrangement, the cradle is made of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, so the as the coupling loop  580  is pulled tightly over the lens  140 , the sides of the cradle  520  bend inward, ensuring that the lens support  500  grips the lens  140  (or focusing or zoom ring) tightly. In this paragraph and the preceding one, portions of  FIG. 5A  have been referred to as “left” and “right.” It should be understood that these designations have been used merely to distinguish one side of the cradle  520  from the other, and do not carry any absolute meaning. 
         [0056]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic illustration that shows how a hook and loop material can be used as a coupling strip  580 , according to an embodiment of the invention. Only a portion of the strip  580  is shown. The strip  580  has hook material on one side and loop material on the opposite side. The strip  580  is arranged so that the first portion  582  whose underside (not shown) is directly against the lens  140  has its hook (loop) side facing out of the page. The strip  580  has been threaded through the fitting  585  and, the second portion  584  has been pulled tightly. The second portion  584  has its underside facing out of the page and its loop (hook) side facing the hook (loop) side of the first portion  582 . The second portion  584  can be pressed against the first portion  582  to secure the coupling strip  580 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration that shows how a flexible strip can be used as a coupling strip, according to another embodiment of the invention. A lens support  600  has the same basic components as shown above in  FIG. 2A-2B . A coupling strip  680  is attached at one end to one side of a cradle  620 . It should be understood that the coupling strip  680  can attach anywhere along the cradle between points  650  and  652 . In some arrangements, the coupling strip  680  is joined to the edge of the cradle  620 , such as at  650 . In other arrangements, the coupling strip  680  overlaps the cradle  620  along the cradle exterior (on the right of the cradle  620  as viewed in  FIG. 6 ) and can extend to any point between  650  and  652 . The actual attachment may be all along the overlap between the coupling strip  680  and the cradle  620  or it may be in one or more specific regions of the overlap between the coupling strip  680  and the cradle  620 . The strip  680  can be made of any flexible material. Examples include, but are not limited to, rubber, webbing, plastic, hook and/or loop material, and cloth. In one arrangement, the strip  680  has hook material on one side and loop material on the opposite side. The strip  680  can be attached to the cradle  620  in any of a variety of ways. In one arrangement, the strip  680  is attached mechanically with a screw fitting, a bolt fitting, a clip fitting, or any other such fitting as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. In another arrangement, the strip  680  is attached to the cradle  620  by bonding, such as with adhesive or by fusing. The strip  680  may be attached either permanently or removably. 
         [0058]    Once a lens  140  has been placed in the cradle  620 , a first segment  681  of the strip  680  can be pulled over the lens in the direction shown by the white arrow and looped through a first fitting  685   a  at the opposite side of the cradle  620 . The fitting  685   a  is shown as an elongated loop, shown here end on. This is similar to the fitting  585  as shown in  FIG. 5B . After the first segment  681  is passed through the fitting  685   a , a second segment  682  it is pulled back over the lens in the direction indicated by the white arrow. The segment  682  is then looped through a second fitting  685   b  at the starting side of the cradle  620 . After the second segment  682  is passed through the fitting  685   b , a third segment  683  is pulled back over the lens in the direction indicated by the white arrow. The segment  683  is then attached to a region  607  of the cradle  620 . Many configurations of the fittings  685   a  and  685   b  are possible as long as they allow the strip  680  to be held and to pivot back upon itself. One example of a useful fitting is an eyelet. The location of the fittings  685   a  and  685   b  can be anywhere along the cradle exteriors, i.e., along the left of the cradle  620  and along the right of the cradle  620  as viewed in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0059]    Various kinds of attachment mechanisms (not shown) can be used to secure the strip  680  onto region  607 . In one example, the region is a hook (or loop) material that can grab a loop (or hook) material on the segment  683 . In one arrangement, one or more segments  681 ,  682 ,  683  has one or more surface that can attach to adjacent segments. One advantage in looping the strip  680  back and forth a few times is that at each turning point, i.e., at fittings  685   a  and  685   b , the strip  680  can be pulled tightly, thus ensuring a snug grip on the lens  140  (or focusing ring). 
         [0060]    A camera with a lens support as described above is show in the schematic perspective illustration in  FIG. 7 . The lens support  700  is attached to the focusing or zoom ring  130  of the lens  110 . With this assembly, a user can hold the camera body  120  with one hand and the handle of the lens support  700  with the other. The weight of the lens is more evenly distributed to both hands. Thus the camera lens  110  can be supported comfortably by the user with little or no hand strain. Furthermore, the lens support  700  can be used to focus or zoom the lens on an object of interest. The user can move the handle from side to side to turn the focusing or zoom ring using the whole arm rather than just the wrist. This can be a particular advantage for users suffering from hand pain, wrist pain, or reduced mobility due to ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or injury. 
         [0061]    A camera with a lens  115  that is conical instead of cylindrical is show in the schematic side-view illustration in  FIG. 8 . A cradle  825  of a lens support  800  is attached to the focusing ring  135  of the conical lens  115 . In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the cradle bottom  826  has been adapted to echo the slant of the conical lens  115  in order to ensure a good fit against the focusing ring  135 . Many variations are possible for the external shape of a cradle designed to fit a conical lens as have been discussed above with reference to a cylindrical lens. But rather than having a flat interior surface, such a cradle has a slanted interior surface designed to hug a cylindrical lens. Any of the couplings described above with reference to a cylindrical lens can also be used with a cradle designed for a cylindrical lens. For couplings such as those shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , it is useful if the interior surfaces are slanted so that the coupling can fit well against a cylindrical lens. Flexible strip couplings as shown in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  6  can also be used with a cradle designed for a conical lens. It is especially important that the cradle  825  fits against the focusing ring  135  without slipping. Otherwise, the cradle  825  and entire lens support  800  may slide off the focusing ring during use. 
         [0062]    With this assembly, a user can hold the camera body  120  with one hand or mount the camera body  120  on a tripod or other camera holding device. The used can use any free hand to hold the handle of the lens support  800 . The weight of the lens is more evenly distributed to both hands (in the case where no other camera holding device is used). Thus the camera lens  115  can be supported comfortably by the user with little or no hand strain. Furthermore, the lens support  800  can be used to focus or zoom the lens on an object of interest. The user can move the handle from side to side to turn the focusing or zoom ring using the whole arm rather than just the wrist. This can be a particular advantage for users suffering from hand pain, wrist pain, or reduced mobility due to ailments such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or injury. 
         [0063]    This invention has been described herein in considerable detail to provide those skilled in the art with information relevant to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by different equipment, materials and devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.