TonyP Loc: New Zealand

I'm nearly 70 years old, a 9 stone weakling and have been taking pics for nearly 50 years.
My two 'go to' lenses are the 24-70 2.8 and the 80-200 2.8 and I carry both whenever I'm out and about with my fantastic D7100.
Both lenses Nikkor and both heavy by modern standards.
Neither have VR.
Never realised there should be a problem with weight or camera shake as it was never a problem, before VR came along.
Both factors were just part and parcel of being a serious photographer.
We had to learn how to hold and use the camera and lens properly.
Its all about experience and technique in my opinion.

Rufus Loc: Puget Sound area, WA

I have an older version of that lens and, using it, I shoot (handheld) weddings free for friends. My friend, after the last big one, said my 100+ shots were better than the onrs from the pro he had hired. Not fair, of course, because I selected different subjects. I tried to get a serious, unposed portrait-type shot of every attendee.

torchman310 Loc: Santa Clarita, Ca.

I use Manfrotto Quick Connect plates. A locking plate on the Mono pod, and it's mate on lens. But it doesn't matter which type of quick connects you use. Check out different ones till you find what you like.

btbg

In my mind this is the wrong question and most of the answers aren't really very helpful.

As a sports photographer I hand hold that lens all the time. Just finished the state wrestling tournament. Two days 10 plus hours a day. No place to put a monopod or tripod. Required to sit on your butt or lay down the entire time you are shooting.

But that isn't the real issue behind this question. If the weight is a problem there are only three possible solutions and all of them have possible pitfalls.

You can go to a 3/4 system. As was previously stated they are much lighter. You will give up a little on what your equipment can do but save a lot of weight.

You can try to improve your strength, stamina and technique, but as was pointed out previously a small photographer even with a brace may ultimately hurt themselves.

Or you can use a tripod or monopod. In some situations that will help, but that two has problems. For example when hiking now I have the weight of the camera, lens and tripod. So that isn't going to fix the weight problem. You are just adding more weight.

You should get the equipment that is right for the kind of photography that you do. You should learn to use it to the best of your ability and you must be willing to accept some tradeoffs. Speed versus weight, etc... None of us can really help you with what will ultimately work best for you.

All the possible solutions just cause different problems. Pick your poison and then have fun shooting.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

No, I have used a 28-300mm on my D800 which combined is somewhat heavy. I have the most recent release of the 70-200mm....the VRII, and I was surprised at its weight. I would think that some of the previous iterations of this lens without VR would be much lighter. I'm even more surprised at individuals who speak of using it as a walk-around lens.

Rufus Loc: Puget Sound area, WA

btbg Well put.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

All of my quick connect gear is RRS.

TJ28012 Loc: Belmont, NC

Remember, the left hand goes under the lens - not on the camera body. I've seen this so often, I just had to comment.

BobR Loc: Norwalk CT USA

Yeah I was hesitant to state what I might think is obvious myself- Left hand out supporting the front of the lens. Left and right elbows braced against the chest if possible. Bob

drosegarden Loc: Kansas

Thanks. DeAnne

torchman310 Loc: Santa Clarita, Ca.

I sometimes hand hold my Nikon 80-400 MM.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

constantly for weddings. I had to shoot a "proposal" shot, where we set up in advance where they would meet, and I'd be "paparazzi" It was raining. I have to tell you that trying to juggle an umbrella, a D-200 (now deceased, different incident) and the 70-200 lens with a SB 910 balanced on top, was not the easiest thing to do. my right forearm didn't feel back to normal for almost a week.

wolfpack572

I shoot high school sports (concentration on basketball) with a 70/200-2.8 with MB-D10 . Nothing other than my physical resources. Always free - no "structural" aids. Has worked well for 4 years.