Shaker Loc: New England

Hi all,

I am new both here and to the full-frame world, having given myself a retirement gift of a D750 and a few lenses, including a Sigma 150-500. I walk daily with my beloved (meaning my sweetheart, not my camera) along a river path and linger together by a beautiful pond teaming with wildlife. I as well ride a bike off into nature alone ... but always with my camera ... and always, it seems, with the 150-500 on my camera.

Here is the question ...

When the hawk slashes across the break in the trees against a dusk-rose sky, or when the weasel peeks out from the river rocks, I only have a few seconds to respond. I carry my camera set for my best guess of scenario depending upon the terrain I am in and the little beings that may appear ... but ... has anyone here a suggestion of how to carry the camera (with a 500mm on it at that) at ready but comfortably...? I've been looking at various holster and strap systems, and was hoping to get some feedback from the veterans here who have found their own favored way to carry the camera at ready.

Of concern to me is not only ease of using quickly, but also the safety of the camera. Some of the systems seem that they might sometimes 'release' the camera and let it fall ... or let it be too loose and floppy so that it may be damaged in more rough terrain and body activity.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Shaker

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I will give only one bit of advice about getting a quick, surprise shot. Leave the camera on Auto. The results might not always be perfect, especially if there is a lot of backlighting, but the camera will choose the best settings in a fraction of a second. Also, shoot in NEF. I've seen some instructional videos by Joel Sartori, photographer for Nat Geo, and he said that when he leaves his cameras lying around at home, he will leave them on Auto so he can pick them up and get a quick shot without deciding on settings.

Jim Bob

Good advice.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I try.

Shaker Loc: New England

I understand why you say that. I often use auto, but also use aperture priority with iso auto and set it either auto focus or, less often, manually on a hunch if I'm in an environment which has lots of obstructions (like branches) and I have a hunch as to who might appear and how.

MtnMan Loc: ID

D800 doesn't have Auto. I'd be surprised if Joel Sartore's cameras do. Maybe he meant P mode?

I know you have a D750 so guess it must have Auto. Just generalizing.

In either case I think you'd too often get too low a shutter speed for a long lens handheld.

Anyhow, for wildlife with a long lens I've come to use M and auto ISO. Set min f-stop and min shutter speed of 1/500.

Shaker Loc: New England

yes, i also set my minimum shutter speed for 500. Especially good to do with these old shaky hands.

But ...? what happened to my question about folks who've found a tried and true mode of carrying a DSLR with a large lens on it at the ready, comfortable and in a manner safe for the camera and lens....?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I use a D500 with Nikon 200-500 lens, and/or a D800E with Sigma 150-600 Sport lens. Both are heavier than your setup, and I always carry them on an OpTech Utility Sling Strap with the lens hung from the tripod collar at my left side. Quick and easy to swing up to shooting position with my right hand grabbing the cameras grip on the way up. They are USA made and only cost $29.95, can't beat them!

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

Take a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGc95PT68FE

Ignore the reviewer's general dysfunction and corresponding challenges when it comes to his evaluation of the Cotton Carrier. You don't need two people or need to watch videos to set it up, and once you've adjusted it to your body, (which takes all of 3 mins to properly adjust 5 straps) I think you'll find it quite functional. I think he is showing it with the Sigma 15-600 Sport which is a little bigger (11.4" vs 9.9")and 50% heavier (6.3 lbs vs 4.1 lbs). I've carried a Sigma 50-500 and a 300 F2.8 with my CC, but just while hiking. Not sure how this would work on a bike. I use my LowePro Flipside 400 AW - which allows you to access the camera without needing to remove the pack, and will accommodate a 300 F2.8 (10.5" long) or your 150-500 attached to the camera. It also adds a very effective rain cover to keep things dry and rigging for a light tripod outside.

http://store.lowepro.com/backpacks/flipside-400-aw

Frank W Loc: Adirondacks in NY

Any time I'm expecting any kind of action, it's in my hand, auto ISO to compensate for changing light conditions, f-stop & shutter speed (usually pretty high) preset for the conditions. From your post it sounds like you kind of have everything under control.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Consider Cotton Carrier. I use it to carry two cameras.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=836946&gclid=CjwKEAjwrIa9BRD5_dvqqazMrFESJACdv27G3FaVWnMK-EqtopLPe-bN__BpMYOFKprNyg_SSYx3qhoC0dPw_wcB&Q=&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C92051677682%2C&is=REG&A=details

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Nikon Cool/pix P 900 with its 2000mm lens effect

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

Prefer the custom SLR slings for a bunch of different reasons but the main reason is that the way you attach it to your camera is through the tripod socket and there attachment dongle is much more secure than a lot of others I've seen on the market. once it's set the motion of the camera back and forth cannot unscrew it out from the strap. And to answer your question about protection the way you wear it across your body and adjust the camera however you prefer. Either or your left or your right side under your arm. Being adjustaEble you can wear a tight under your arm whereas I wear mine down by my hip I find it a lot more comfortable. for me the biggest thing is the fact that it doesn't put any weight directly on my neck which is a big problem for me. With this sling setup I can carry too heavy cameras with big lenses for long periods of time without any issues like a pair nikon 800e with a 70 - 200 - 2.8 + 24 _ 70
2.8

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Franky baby, the OP is asking about ways to CARRY his camera/lens combo, not how to set it up.