Camera Harness: Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and...

twna Loc: Western Colorado

Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and wondering what your experience/opinion of these are? Does the camera swing, or is it pretty secure and stationary? Has anyone tried it on horseback?

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

twna wrote:

Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and wondering what your experience/opinion of these are? Does the camera swing, or is it pretty secure and stationary? Has anyone tried it on horseback?

I'll be interested in the replies in that I am planning on buying the Cotton Carrier harness in the very near future. I'm looking at the two camera system for use where i don't need or want to carry my backpack. (Example: on sand dunes where taking the backpack off and putting it down on the sand would be a problem, or where I do a short hike where I want/need my hands free for my walking poles.) The Cotton Carrier looks like it would best suit my needs, but other Hoggers my have experiences with other brands that would be worth considering.

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

twna wrote:

Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and wondering what your experience/opinion of these are? Does the camera swing, or is it pretty secure and stationary? Has anyone tried it on horseback?

What about something like this? Use the harness for one camera in front. ( That's how I use it)

http://optechusa.com/stabilizer-strap.html

http://optechusa.com/dual-harness.html

twna Loc: Western Colorado

naturepics43 wrote:

What about something like this? Use the harness for one camera in front. ( That's how I use it)

http://optechusa.com/stabilizer-strap.html

http://optechusa.com/dual-harness.html

Thank you for sharing these options. I'm still not sure what I really want. But, I appreciate your input.

twna Loc: Western Colorado

Photographer Jim wrote:

I'll be interested in the replies in that I am pla... (show quote)

Thanks for your input, Jim. I appreciate your time.

Millismote Loc: Massachusetts

Photographer Jim wrote:

I'll be interested in the replies in that I am pla... (show quote)

I have used the Cotton Carrier system for many years with a Canon 50D with both a 24-105 lens and a 300mm prime lens, both combinations are heavy. The carrier secures the camera and lens close to your chest and I keep the neck strap loosely around my neck for safety. The only complaint I have is that on warm days there is no ventilation under the breast plate.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

twna wrote:

Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and wondering what your experience/opinion of these are? Does the camera swing, or is it pretty secure and stationary? Has anyone tried it on horseback?

LowePro Street and Field might give you what you are looking for:
http://www.lowepro.com/sfseries
I have some LowePro products and they are well made.

rxrose Loc: North Florida

I love my Cotton Carrier. I have a D610 and 70-200mm and can wear it all day. It holds it securely.

Rchau0612

See Jake Bramante's discussion on the topic in his blog, :"Hike 734". He led me in the right direction for a chest mounted DSLR
.

twna Loc: Western Colorado

Thanks for all of your help. I'm liking what I see in the Cotton Carrier.

Dochowe Loc: Grand Rapids, MN

I use the Cotton Carrier with a D810 and the Tamron 150-600. It works well. You have to make sure the screw is tight and bring the allen wrench with you in case. very secure.

rxrose Loc: North Florida

Yes, definitely take along the Allen wrench just in case you need it.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Cotton Carrier system is well worth it. I've been using it for years as well. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :D :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dickwilber Loc: Indiana (currently)

twna wrote:

Does anyone use a camera harness when hiking, biking, or otherwise need a hands free way to carry your camera without it being in the case? I'm looking to get one, and wondering what your experience/opinion of these are? Does the camera swing, or is it pretty secure and stationary? Has anyone tried it on horseback?

I've used the Op/Tech Stabilizer Strap (or one very similar) with a regular Op/Tech strap for hiking and backpacking years ago - it worked reasonably well. And I've been a devotee of the LowePro Street & Field system for two decades - it works very well for event photography, but I don't think it is the ideal system for extensive hiking, et al. I've also used a shaped chest pack & harness system (Sun Dog brand) for hiking, and vigorous activity, and that worked, too.

I do not feel that hanging two cameras around your neck works for vigorous activity or scrambling in the woods. At least one has too be swinging free and smashing into stuff! One camera would have to be secured in a backpack, and the other by a system holding it tight against you (i.e., a Stabilizer Strap), except when you've stopped for actual photography.

Hangingon Loc: NW North Dakota

Mt Shooter tested out the various straps and liked the op tech system.