02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

After walking through Longwood Gardens yesterday with my 5D III and a 24-70 f/2.8 on my OpTech sling, I remembered how sore my left shoulder got when I carried the camera with a 24-105 f/4 through Italy day after day. I had had an injury to my left shoulder several years ago and the weight of the sling really bothers me. In looking for an alternate way to carry my camera around, I started looking at the Cotton Carrier vest. I would appreciate hearing from members that have and use this vest before I order it.
I appreciate any and all comments. Thank you in advance.

mwalsh Loc: Houston

I love mine. I have been on all day walking around shoots carrying two rigs: 70-200L on my chest and 24-70L on my hip. Both positions are easy to lift & shoot, with the chest mount being the most efficient. Don't get sore at all.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Thank you, mwalsh!

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I have also been quite happy with my Cotton Carrier. It is very comfortable, and invaluable for those times when I want to carry two body/lens combinations and not have to take a backpack on or off to make a switch. In cases where I am hiking and won't have access to my car, and want to carry a fair amount of accessories (GND filters and holder, for example) I also wear a waist belt with appropriate pouches.

My only problem with the CC setup was with the "stud" that is normally screwed into the bottom of the camera to attach the camera to vest. I have L brackets on both of my camera bodies and shoot off of a tripod 90% of the time. If the stud was attached directly to the L bracket, I would need to either attach it off centered to allow mounting to my ball head (which would make the camera sit in an awkward position in the vest), or detach and then reattach the stud each time (inconvenient and less safe). The solution was to buy an Arca Swiss clamp from RRS and attach the stud to it. The stud/clamp combo slips into the vest and then the camera is fastened into the clamp. In this way the camera is positioned properly, and with the safety straps and tether cord built into the vest is also quite secure. Access to the camera is simply a matter of opening the clamp.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

Thank you, Jim, for your reply. I believe that I will order it tomorrow.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

I purchased one awhile back for my Sigma 150-500 & it made it a lot easier for me to carry it out in the field.I only used it a short time because I sold my Sigma so now it sits in the box in my closet.

fwyoreo3

I have used the cotton carrier vest for the last 6 years. I have a 100-400 canon lens and that gets heavy after walking for a couple of hours and with the vest it is much easier. There is also a holster which allows you to carry a second camera and I have used that when I want 2 different lens and don't want to change a lens on the field. They are well built items. I have also bought the hand strap and some other pieces because I was so satisfied with what they make and have not been sorry.

trainguy Loc: Suttons Bay, MI

OK; I give; can someone give me a web site to look at one; I have two heavy lenses that this would work for

Thanks
Dave

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Check out the Black Rapid straps too.

fwyoreo3

cotton carrier.com will give you good pictures and info..

trainguy Loc: Suttons Bay, MI

Thank you very much; I'll check it out now

Dave

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

After 4 years I still love mine. I also have the side latch and the side lens bag. Go here, http://www.cottoncarrier.com/

RCheal Loc: Brandon, FL USA

I second this. The cotton carrier is awesome. I don't notice the weight at all when I am carrying my cameras/lenses. The hand straps are great too since they don't get in the way like a strap does.

Best regards
Richard

Anandnra Loc: Tennessee

I've had mine for about a year now and like it very much. I tote the 7d2 with the 70-200 mounted on the chest and the 5d3 with the 24-105 on the side. Couple of things to watch out for 1. Make sure the base is mounted on the body with the arrow positioned as suggested for easy release and lock and 2. For my liking, I customized some extra loops (op/tech) as insurance and linked it with the CC system. I feel lot more comfortable that there's a second set of insurance that I don't accidentally let things drop and the straps are modular for easy latch on and off.

Hope this helps.

trainguy Loc: Suttons Bay, MI

Thanks Anandnra; I made a note for when I get mine

Dave