The Manfrotto Heavy Telephoto Lens Support is designed to allow a telephoto lens and camera combination weighing up to 44.1 lb to be easily tilted and locked into place. It features a swing positioned inside a frame that can be attached to tripods or other support systems with a 3/8"-16 mount. Pushing a lens and camera placed on the swing raises the front of the lens upward, while pulling the lens and camera points the front of the lens towards low-angle subjects.

A telephoto lens with an integrated foot or lens collar that is compatible with a 1/4"-20 or 3/8"-16 mount can be connected to the included 357PLV Quick Release Plate, which measures 2.2 x 5.5 x 0.5" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface. The quick release plate and the attached lens can then be set and locked within the 357PL Quick Release Adapter at the center of the Manfrotto Heavy Telephoto Lens Support's swing, which is attached to both sides of the frame using two screw-in locking knobs. While loosened, both locking knobs allow a lens and camera placed on the swing to be pushed and pulled until the desired angle is obtained. The locking knobs can then be tightened, preventing further movement of the swing.

Before a telephoto lens is secured to the Manfrotto Heavy Telephoto Lens Support, the locking knobs can be fully unscrewed and removed from the frame, which also detaches the swing. Three pairs of threaded screw holes each along both sides of the swing allow it to be elevated or lowered relative to the frame. Higher swing positions can provide a lens and camera with additional height when needed, while the lowest position can be maintained to help maximize stability.