steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

I'm soliticing opinions from anyone who uses or contemplated using a multi-camera strap, sling, or holster. I'm taking on a project this summer, shooting events for the event planner to be used for promotional purposes (Instagram, etc.). Previously I just lugged my bag around and swapped cameras and/or switched lenses, or occasionally used 2 individual camera straps simultaneously (yes, I know, awkward and risky). But I'm not getting younger, and bag keeps getting heavier (or so it seems).

Specifically, I'm considering the practicality and usefulness of a 3 camera strap, sling or holster, not necessarily to carry 3 bodies, but to carry 2 bodies and use the 3rd attachment for a lens case large enough to fit my largest lens, so that I can have a 3rd lens with me and easily swap out.

Any thoughts or experiences to share would be appreciated. A brief pros and cons list would be useful with any brand recommendations. Additionally, feel free to recommend better sections in which to post this.

Thanks.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I love my cotton carrier vest and it has an add for one strap so you can carry a second camera. The vest to me is so comfortable

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Checked the website. I see 2 models; one for one camera and one for 2 cameras. I see nothing about an add-on strap. Would what you are suggesting work for 2 cameras plus one large lens case for a 70-200 zoom w/hood?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Everyone is different. Personally, the rare times I'm working from / with two cameras at an event, having one hanging from a sling at my hip is handy enough. I carry my main camera with the strap wrapped around my right wrist. I can even just let that camera hang from the strap from my wrist as I shoot with the camera from the sling. I can also have screw / attachment points in the bottom of both cameras and just swap which is hanging from the sling via a clip on the sling (Black Rapid Sport).

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Thanks. I see Black Rapid also has a 2 camera model.

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I bought this on amazon. Comfortable and does a good job with two cameras.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HHNGWQF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Thank you.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I'm taking on a project this summer, shooting events for the event planner to be used for promotional purposes (Instagram, etc.)..." Steve when you bid on this job did you factor in the cost of hiring a photo assistant for these gigs?

Even the thought of attempting to carry three bodies simultaneously strapped to one's body is beyond my comprehension. However I've worked as a photo assistant where I shadowed my photographer with an off camera speedlight on a boom pole. I've also shadowed a commercial architectural shooter with considerable gear in a rolling case. In both scenarios this accelerated the project's workflow by an order of magnitude.

My solution for doing events solo is similar to Paul's... A Black Rapid (Classic), a D7200 with the "Outlawed" Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO Lens for Nikon F Mount. Nikon sued Sigma for copyright violation, and won! Thus Sigma had to pull this epic optic off the market. I got rather lucky when I scored that Sigma Glass :)

As an adjunct to the above I carry the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens for Nikon F in a fanny pack... Works well for my gigs...

btw, if you go for the Black Rapid solution be absolutely certain you torque down on the camera &/or lens mount frequently... It may loosen and you'll be picking up the pieces of your kit after it hits the pavement. You have been warned!

Hope this helps Steve...

D7200 on a Black Rapid with a Sigma AF 50-150mm f/2.8 DC OS APO HSM. Sweater by Melrose and Market (Nordstrom). Her Makeup? by yours truly

(Download)

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

Thank you.

Yeah, 3 bodies would likely be overkill.
My likely choice of weapons would be my D7100 with 17-55/2.8 on one side and my D750 with 50/1.4 on the other, plus I was hoping to add a 3rd mount for my 70-200/2.8. I avoid flash at all cost, but I could put that on a belt clip.

Both of you that have recommended Black Rapid chose the single rather than the double. Have either of you tried both , or you only have firsthand experience with the single?

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

The 2nd camera holder slides one of the existing straps and the camera hangs from there. I routinely have my Canon rebel with my 150-600 tamron lens attached to the vest and secured with a strap to keep it from. Bouncing. No issues and EXTREMELY. Comfortable

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

This shot and the model are certainly gorgeous 🎈🎈🔔🎈🎈

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

My only "commercial photography" experience has been with the Black Rapid Classic (Single)
It functions extremely well... Used by many many event shooters (myself included).

That said, such a deal I have for you!
I did purchase the BlackRapid "Backpacker Strap" years ago to shoot an equestrian event.
The client cancelled out (it happens) so I never shoot a commercial gig with it. (long boring story)

It's yours "New in the Box" for half B&H's price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaNAiT6XCa0&feature=youtu.be
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278392-REG/blackrapid_362001_backpack_breathe_single_strap.html

Since we're not allowed to sell in the Main Forum...
You'll have to PM me if you're interested.

btw, believe you may be leaving money on the table by ignoring flash.
Yes it is a challenge to master speedlights *and the reason that so precious few actually use them.
However if you're hoping to be successful in the event arena maybe rethink that premise, k?

Again hope this helps Steve

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Joe believe you are on point and way too kind...
Though I feel it is the agency who signed and represents this model deserves much credit here...
btw... this lovely young lady was also the Wardrobe Stylist on this session :)

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Wow! Beautiful shot of a gorgeous young lady.

jcboy3

I have shot many events with two cameras. Sometimes one of the cameras has a flash and fast zoom, while the other has a fast prime. The thing to watch for is whether the cameras will bang into each other if you bend over, which can happen if you are using two slings that are crossed. This can be avoided to some extend if the slings have stops; common on many Black Rapid slings.

Black rapid makes adapters for converting two slings into a dual camera setup; basically a couple of straps that connect the slings front and back. But I do find the best solution is a true double camera sling. I just use a Black Rapid double sling, but I know many photographers that use some very attractive leather setups. They look like suspenders. Can be very sharp looking.

As for the 3rd lens in a lens bag, I don't think there's any way to make that look anything other than total geek. But you could use a Cotton Carrier vest and put it on your chest. I think that would get in the way of the straps. You could put it on a belt, but if you're thinking of putting a 70-200 or such in it it's going to be pretty big and get in the way. I'd probably put it on a belt and slide it around behind me; slide it forward to swap lenses and back to get it out of the way.

Or something like a Mindshift Rotation backpack, if you need to carry a lot of stuff.