imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Similar to my search for forehead and chin camera stabilisors, I searched the net for a lens caddy - or similar- to no avail ! .....So, again, I decided to make my own.

My last visit to Circle B here in Florida is what prompted me to come up with this ( the 300 2.8 W/2X and 50D W/battery pack = 10+ lbs.) The steel monopod I use W/head = 7 lbs. My visits to Viera will also include this !

This began life as an oxygen tank caddy available at medical supply stores ( got mine from the flea market $5) to which I added bigger wheels ( again, flea market $2 ), and a longer axel ( for wider tracking/stability. I used the bottom of the hard case that came with my 300 2.8 Canon for the base - which is bolted to the base of the oxygen mount. ( I have a later hard shell trunk case that I now use to transport the lens in). I used a floatation "noodle" for shock absorption on the handle. I used a black plastic chain to hold the lens barrel in place against the noodle on the handle with a quick release. The handle is adjustable for height and removeable for storage in the back seat of car or trunk. The two "feet" are plumbing pieces that are also adjustable for height and which is critical for the proper stabilised stance required when you leave go of the handle. What about rain ? Throw a large garbage bag over it ....

BTW, If anyone knows of something commercially available similar to this please let us know ! Thanks .....

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

P.S. With projects like this, metal adjustable hose clamps and heavy duty cable ties are your friend ! !

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Thumbs up!!!!
Pat

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Ingenuity at its best! Nice work!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks ! :-)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Like everything, it was a little more work than I originally envisioned - but will be well worth it on longer hikes !

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I always pictured you with some kind of truck for your equipment! LOL!

meatyore

AM curious how this is going to travel quickly over uneven terrain. I really applaud the ingenuity involved, but a simple backpack already addresses your problem. They make backpacks with wheels, also with a rain-shield built in, and they make backpacks with a velcro belt to take the weight off of your back, should that be a problem. They also make a variety of 'slings' you can throw over your shoulder for simple gear. Your item will also have issues at the airport- it will not fit under the seat, and is unlikely to be welcome in the over-head bin.
I don't want to be a cloud in the parade, as it is really difficult to come up with new ideas and gear- keep trying!

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

[quote=imagemeister] You are starting to make macro shooters look like pikers. I have a golf bag cart I might try to convert. I'd like to put shocks on it. lol

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Imagemeister, I'm more interested in the visor you have fashioned over the viewfinder. Can you point me to a post on it or tell me more? ;)

hdg Loc: Boston

This is genius! So smart. You should go into business!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks DaveO ! - This is what happens when you get "old" - next project? - put a motor on it !

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Thanks for your insightful comments meatyore!
Yes, a backpack "addresses" the problem but not as well - depending on your age. As you get older, you will appreciate this more. You really want as little weight on your body as possible so you can enjoy the experience more . The older I get, the less masochistic I become. I have marveled at young guys carrying around a 500 f4 handheld or an older petite lady with an 800 5.6 ! .........These big lenses take the fun out.
There are many options - this is but one. Here in Fla. rough terrain is not so much a concern - but in Colorado yes ! No, I would not fly with this - but you could certainly try.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

[quote=DavidPine]

Thanks DavidPine ! Back in the film days, I did convert a folding golf cart - but this time I wanted something smaller/cheaper/less obtrusive. ....... I do like the shock absorber idea ! Golf carts do make sense especially for the larger lenses.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I like it!
I need something to carry lights stands and occasionally a tripod.
I have a light stand bag with a shoulder strap, but have only two shoulders.
The oxygen cart (or golf cart) would be just the ticket.
I'm thinking several pvc pipes might look like a mortar launcher, but if I don't use camo paint, I think I will be ok.
Thanks for posting.