How do you hike with a Nikon 600mm f/4G
Oct 1, 2019 19:55:16 #
Strodav
Loc: Houston, Tx
I was able to pick up a used 600mm f/4G at KEH last week for for wildlife especially birding. My issue is the thing is big and heavy with the camera and lens combination around 13lbs. I typically hike a few miles in State Parks with camera, lens and carbon tripod with gimbal in search of birds. The weight itself isn't too bad, but the weight and bulk together are problematic.
For those of you who own bulky heavy primes, how do you hike with them? The lens has shoulder strap brackets. Do you use them and with whose shoulder strap? Or do you use the tripod mount with a harness or shoulder strap? Do you keep it in a backpack and mount to camera as needed. If so, whose backpack? I know Nikon sells one just for the lens, but it's outrageous at $189 and doesn't have room for anything else.
For those of you who own bulky heavy primes, how do you hike with them? The lens has shoulder strap brackets. Do you use them and with whose shoulder strap? Or do you use the tripod mount with a harness or shoulder strap? Do you keep it in a backpack and mount to camera as needed. If so, whose backpack? I know Nikon sells one just for the lens, but it's outrageous at $189 and doesn't have room for anything else.
Oct 1, 2019 20:04:09 #
I do limited walking with my 500mm F4 AFS with the tripod gimbal head camera lens combo over my well padded shoulder. This works well in fairly open terrain. vz
Oct 1, 2019 20:21:54 #
Oct 1, 2019 20:24:08 #
Cap both ends of the lens, put it in a plastic bag, roll it up in a thick bath towel, then place the whole thing in a good, standard backpack you are confident that can support the weight. You can line the backpack with an additional towel or bubble wrap if you wish. Not a particularly glamorous method of transport, but doesn't cost much and it gets the job done.
Oct 1, 2019 20:59:25 #
Tripod with gimbal over my shoulder. I have lots of padding on the tripod legs. Just be sure your tripod and gimbal are up to the task. I want to be ready to shoot as quickly as possible.
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Oct 1, 2019 21:13:15 #
I'd skip the towels and their added weight and go with a fitted neoprene cover for the lens body, see B&H for LensCoat. The struggle might be finding a backpack big enough. Try a full-fledged camping / outdoors store like REI and find a rugged but light(er)weight pack. A pack for back country skiing might be the proper weight and size.
Oct 1, 2019 21:25:14 #
Oct 1, 2019 21:34:47 #
User ID wrote:
I hire a Sherpa.
or a caddy.In all seriousness, I use my monopod and a Padded shoulder as a cushion.https://www.amazon.co.uk/SHOULDER-Monopod-support-Camera-Waterproof/dp/B01GA15TNK
Oct 1, 2019 22:31:04 #
Actually, an old but good condition golf cart from a charity shop would work a treat. You could attach a pack and tow a lot of gear most places with ease as long as only hiking (not climbing) was involved.
Oct 1, 2019 22:37:19 #
quixdraw wrote:
Actually, an old but good condition golf cart from a charity shop would work a treat. You could attach a pack and tow a lot of gear most places with ease as long as only hiking (not climbing) was involved.
Good point. I met a guy who used a golf caddy on the sandy beaches on the south shore of L.I.. He had the tires changed to oversized pneumatics. He would stick the tripod legs where the clubs would go.
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Oct 1, 2019 23:16:49 #
Strodav wrote:
I was able to pick up a used 600mm f/4G at KEH las... (show quote)
I use the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW backpack designed specifically for these lenses, with the camera attached to the lens. Makes hauling them easy with my tripod attached to the outside. Extra lenses can be attached via separate cases to the outside of the pack via the molle loops on the bag.
Oct 1, 2019 23:18:20 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I use the Lowepro Lens Trekker 600AW backpack designed specifically for these lenses, with the camera attached to the lens. Makes hauling them easy with my tripod attached to the outside. Extra lenses can be attached via separate cases to the outside of the pack via the molle loops on the bag.
You are also big enough to hunt Bears with a Switch!
Oct 2, 2019 04:50:46 #
Bill_de wrote:
Tripod with gimbal over my shoulder. I have lots of padding on the tripod legs. Just be sure your tripod and gimbal are up to the task. I want to be ready to shoot as quickly as possible.
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That's exactly how I have mine setup.
Oct 2, 2019 06:18:23 #
User ID wrote:
I hire a Sherpa.
Perhaps; I was going to suggest a burro.
Oct 2, 2019 06:33:15 #
Strodav wrote:
I was able to pick up a used 600mm f/4G at KEH las... (show quote)
Like Carter and others, when I had the monster (600mmF4 AF-S II (10.70 lbs) I got a LowePro Lens Trekker AW II with accommodated the lens and a mounted camera, and you could get accessory pockets to carry lenses and other stuff. I would attach the tripod to the side using straps that came with it for that purpose. It was heavy, but very comfortable to carry.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1077476-REG/lowepro_lp36776_lens_trekker_600_aw.html
I would not suggest attaching the lens and camera to the tripod, other than for short walks on smoothly paved areas - the tripod head and tripod collar may not be designed for that sort of dynamic loading and impact stress that will happen when you are hiking on uneven terrain.
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