BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

I did a search on this subject and found a lot of information. However most of it was 3-5 years old. I have watched all the videos on the Cotton Carrier site. In some of the previous topics on this, there were other companies that were making something similar, however they are all no longer in business.

So for updated information I am looking for anyone who has purchased a CC say in the last year. If you have, what is your opinion of the product?

I am currently using a Black Rapid Dual Camera strap setup. Quality is great, fits well, but I often have to move fast (shoot motorsports) and my cameras swing to much if I do not grab them.

Thanks for any info

rocco_7155 Loc: Connecticut/Louisiana

HoldFast Gear has a dual camera rig that works GREAT. They are slightly pricey but extremely well made with lots of pro and amatuer testimonials. i think its www.holdfastgear.com. I have 2 of their single straps and wouldnt hesitate to buy again.

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I love mine. Very comfortable, and versitile. Used it earlier this year, for example, when hiking the Narrows in Zion. Had both hands free and able to use walking sticks while negotiating the river current. Camera is held close to the chest and does not swing around. Little to no strain on one's shoulders. Camera is instantly accessible. I placed the second holster on a utility belt rather than its typical spot on the vest harness. I'm quite tall and found that using the belt placed the second camera at a better position near my waist. It's a good product, and for many the best solution for their needs. I have no qualms about recommending it.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Not seeing anything that comes close to the CC. They do have some cool stuff, and your right, very pricey.


Thanks for the site.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Bought mine 2 yrs ago. Product has not changed, it works great. I use the Black Rapid (single and dual) at events where I am not moving around much.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I've had mine for about 6 months and it is a brilliant bit of kit. I have the twin holster (?) rig and would not be without it. I had a Chinese copy from Amazon at about a quarter of the price but the weight of my Canon 7D mark 11 and Canon 300mm f2.8L IS broke the retaining lug. I only found out about Cotton Carrier when I looked for a better quality replacement. It was loads more money but so much better. I have literally just come back after wearing it for 5 hours with my 2 x Olympus EM1 bodies with an Olympus 300mm f4 PRO on one and a Panasonic 100 - 400mm on the other. It makes carrying camera kit so easy. I changed from Canon APS-C a few months ago but it was equally good with the 7D mark 11 + 300mm f2.8L and a 70D with a Canon 100 - 400mm 4.5/5.6L mark 11. If you have seen Tony Northrup's video about it just ignore it; as far as I'm concerned he is talking a load of old bollocks. It's easy to put together initailly and then it's a case of arm and head through, do uo the side buckle and your off. The lug which fits to the camera body secure the camera so it cannot fall out. You can race around like a mad bugger and your camera(s) remain secure. The above is my own experience and opinion.
Almost forgot, I modified mine by sewing a D ring onto the left side (as I wear it) vertical strap and I hang my Sirui 204S hybrid monopod from it.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi BigG,
I have the CC and have used it extensively over the past two years. The largest (read heaviest) camera/lens combination I use with the CC is my D7200/70-300mm WITHOUT the battery grip. Because of less weight and lower profile the CC works best for me with my D5100/18-200mm combination. That specific combination is my walking/hiking combination when I need/want both hands free! IMO it would be foolhardy to load the CC with a combination such as a D7200/battery grip/200-500. I have that combination and at a total weight of 9lbs 7ozs, is just asking for trouble IMO!
Yes, I like my CC but like any gear you purchase, use it with common sense!
If you have access to the CC at a local camera shop, try it on before you buy, and be sure to test it with your heaviest walk around gear.
Regards,
Garth

Creta1 Loc: Vancouver, BC

Tried it didn't like it. The attachment at the bottom of the camera kept coming loose. Spider Pro way better.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Thank you everyone for your responses.

I am still researching some.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Creta1;
Had that problem too, but in my case it was because I failed to use the round, rubber washer that comes with the attachment device. Properly assembled and properly torqued with the rubber washer in place and I have never had that issue again and I use the CC almost every day with either one of my camera bodies and any of my lenses, except for the 200-500. That big boy is way too heavy in my opinion.

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

I am curious have you tried it with your 200-500 and found it not to work at all? What body? The reason I ask, is I have a D750 with a Sigma 150-600 C, which the lens weighs right at the same as the 200-500

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Yes BigG I mounted the 200-500 on my D7200 with both the battery grip and then without the battery grip and found the weight of either combination to be just to much for my weak shoulders (injured in an automobile accident). Also, I found the combination too bulky for comfortable walking and hiking. My real concern was the stress put on the camera body lens mount, especially when mounted on the D5100 which is an all polycarbonate body. Even the D7200 is a mix of magnesium and polycarbonate and still I feel queasy about the stress on that lens mount too. In both camera combinations, I was using the tripod mount on each of the camera bodies. I have no technical expertise to quantify the stresses present, just seems asking a lot of the camera body and the 1/4"-20 screw holding all of this weight in place. As is viewed in the CC videos and in the print advertising, the CC is pictured with a Nikon 810 or Canon 5D series camera body and a 70-200mm pro quality lens attached. Do not know what that combination weighs, but I will guess approximately 4.5 to 5lbs. My D7200 with 200-500mm attached and no battery grip weighs 7.3lbs. With battery grip another pound of weight. In my humble opinion the CC is a great device and I use mine almost every day. For someone in better physical condition, it may be the correct solution. As I said in a previous post....."try before you buy".
Best regards, and good luck with your final decision.
Garth

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Garth,
Well both my shoulders were messed up. I have been using the Black Rapid Two body setup, which is fine on my shoulders. To me it looks like the CC would be less on the shoulders. Unfortunately there is no one who carry's the CC close enough for me to go try it. I am going to call CC here in a bit and have a few questions for them. Thanks for the info

Gary

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Hi Gary, sounds like a plan. What I did not tell you is that I have a messed up left leg, left foot and left hand all caused by the same accident. So, I do not walk with a smooth gait, sort of a side to side motion which I find can cause the 200-500 to swing from side to side, at least more than what I consider to be OK considering the other issues I have already mentioned.
It is a problem for me and one I need to solve before going on my next African safari in October.

Best regards,
Garth

BigGWells Loc: Olympia, WA

Garth,
Well I didn't tell you my right knee was shattered and have a complete replacement, so I am a bit unstable as well. Sounds like we should be getting together for a hike...

I just talked with CC. I asked them about the weight issue. he has several clients who carry D4s with a 600, so guess there is no issue with that.

I am going to order one from B&H. If I feel it doesn't satisfy my needs, then back it goes.

Thanks,
Gary