Heavy Lenses (Page 4): Yes everyone focuses on fat s being the enemy (and it is) but our muscles start shrinking at around 30 at approximately 1% per year and by the time we are in our...

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Heaththiel wrote:

I agree with Thomas. If the weight of the body and lens together is that problematic then get into the gym and start lifting some weights to build your strength back up to a viable level to handle said gear. Train smart, but progressive. Don't train like an old fart or a girl. You want to get stronger you need to apply more resistance to a given movement over time with proper biomechanics.

Yes everyone focuses on fat s being the enemy (and it is) but our muscles start shrinking at around 30 at approximately 1% per year and by the time we are in our 60’s it could be as much as 3% per year. Sarcopenia is a serious problem as we age for mobility, function (being able to get out of your chair, lift groceries overhead etc) and just as importantly healthy muscle cells working symbiotically with your other glands and organs, being able to oxidize glycogen and protein turnover. Although walking is good as is most cardio that will not develop fast twitch muscle fibers or the strength to increase your functional longevity. Be strong, be independent. Anything I have said is not based in any professional training and is merely my experience. Have your Doctor approve your training, eat more protein and hit the weights.

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

I made this rig up for my Tamron 200-500 lens which is a heavy one.

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

ricardo00 wrote:

https://www.popphoto.com/gear/2014/06/photography-killing-you-health-tips-photographers/

Thanks Ricardo, it is a very good read. While a lot is common sense, we do need to be reminded!

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Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

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Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

stu352 wrote:

….I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of the lens hanging from the body mount while carrying the camera …….

I understand this is a daunting thought. I would like to offer two solutions to your dilemma.
The lens foot is not always the best. I have found a bracket for large zoom lens. It is called the FOTGA L200. It supports the lens to the camera body and allows you to focus with minimal effort. The second option will hold 3 separate lens attached to one’s belt It is called a TriLens Lens Holder

Kencamera

stu352 wrote:

I managed to score a Canon 100 - 400mm zoom off Cr... (show quote)

I have used a harness from Cotton Carrier, a company that makes lots of camera carriers that put the weight on the shoulders rather than the neck. I really like mine. Ken

PhotoMono123 Loc: Houston, Texas

If your lens has a mounting foot, then you might try a leather pliers holster that fits on your belt. I use one with my Sigma 150-500 — a big, heavy lens — and it works fine. You can pick one up in the tool department at Home Depot or your local hardware store for less than $15.00.

It works best if you have a "sling" type camera strap. All the weight is taken on your belt. See the two photos below.

Valenta Loc: Top of NZ

Great shot

EJMcD

PhotoMono123 wrote:

If your lens has a mounting foot, then you might try a leather pliers holster that fits on your belt. I use one with my Sigma 150-500 — a big, heavy lens — and it works fine. You can pick one up in the tool department at Home Depot or your local hardware store for less than $15.00.

It works best if you have a "sling" type camera strap. All the weight is taken on your belt. See the two photos below.

A clever solution.

Bill_de Loc: US

PhotoMono123 wrote:

If your lens has a mounting foot, then you might try a leather pliers holster that fits on your belt. I use one with my Sigma 150-500 — a big, heavy lens — and it works fine. You can pick one up in the tool department at Home Depot or your local hardware store for less than $15.00.

It works best if you have a "sling" type camera strap. All the weight is taken on your belt. See the two photos below.

An original, simple solution. Congrats

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alphadog

The question is: your age and physical condition in relation as to whether you need to get to a spot or IF you intend on using the lens as you are walking for long periods of time?

As an aged person, I came to the place where I could NO longer lift the Canon 500mm f4 lens UP and hold it for extended times for Birds, and critters... carrying it was NOT an issue for me since I can only walk short distances of 2 miles or less...

1. IF you are speaking of transporting the camera body system, then a backpack should work + lightweight tripod...

2. If you are asking about switching to lighter gear, as I had to do, the ONLY acceptable affordable solution was switching to the Nikon 500mm PF lens... I loved that Canon lens, but the Nikon is like a feather, I lost one Fstop, it is just as sharp ... so IF carrying is the requirement, buy a newer lighter lens... if it is NOT, then the backpack should be fine....

3. Some folks also buy camera dolly with wheels, they pull them over most terrains...
[https://www.amazon.com/Eckla-Multi-Rolly-Gear-Cart/dp/B005P14K0K] - This is an expensive model, but you get the idea.

good luck

Bill_de Loc: US

alphadog wrote:

The question is: your age and physical condition i... (show quote)

One club member from years back used a golf bag on a frame with 2 pneumatic wheels. The extended legs of a tripod stuck out of the bag with a large camera/lens mounted. He could be seen on the beach almost any morning.

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Toby

cahale wrote:

I've never seen it mentioned here, but when I carry a camera by the strap, I always put one arm through the strap and carry the camera on one side or the other of my body. That does away with the strain of my neck being pulled forward, and the camera seems to weigh less that way (subjective off course). This method also does away with the camera bounce of frontal carrying.

I agree, get a sling strap so you can put one arm thru it and relieve the stress on your neck. probably also want to attach it to the tripod lens mount.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

i would not want to attach the strap to the camera body too much weight hanging off the mount and it swings around all over the place when walking. I have always attached the cross-body strap to the tripod mount. it lets the camera hang parallel to the ground as I hike in search of birds (lens pointed backwards). I have been looking at the Cotton Carrier system lately and may give that a try in the future as I think that may be better for me ergonomically.35yrs in the steel plant does take a toll.

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

I like this idea, I'll have to give this a try .