[VinnyP]

It's all been covered, obviously we have never met but gald to see things are now looking up on every front.

I know what you mean about no lens collar/support with these kind of lenses and could see how that could be a issue massively exacerbated by the combination of long focal length and macro distancing a solid tripod and head would be a big help. However if the COG is also forwards (macro extension long zoom) then even an uber sturdy/expensive set up could struggle. Manfrotto do a lens support that is well regarded for this focal length and might be a help.