d3200prime

Do any hogs have experience with a shoulder strap capable of handling a Nikon D500 attached to a Nikon 200-500 lens? What are your thoughts? Thanks for your help.

ricardo00

I have used the Black Rapid Sport with this exact set-up as well as with heavier lenses. I attach it to the foot of the lens. After almost 10 years, my first one gave out and just bought a new one. I actually think it has been improved except for the clip that holds the under arm strap which they made worse.
I also tried the OpTech strap but didn't like it as well though others seem to prefer it.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278394-REG/blackrapid_361005_sport_breathe_single_strap.html

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

I second the recommendation for the Black Rapid strap. I’ve been using one for 5 or 6 years now. I’ve never had a problem. I also use a small tether as a safety if I’ll be carrying it for a extended time.

d3200prime

Thanks, ricardo00. I value your advice and will look into the Black Rapid Sport.

d3200prime

That's two votes for the Black Rapid. Thanks, Ron 717!

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I gave up on shoulder straps a decade ago or more. The straps were limiting and they were catching on things. I carry my camera in my hand. Large lenses are carried using the tripod foot as a handle. I have never had a problem with dropping a camera.

There are times when I need my right hand for something else. I either put the camera down or place the lens in my left bent elbow and press the camera into my body.

I have been able to do this during 12 hour events. There are always a few times I can take a break for a couple minutes.

uws Loc: nyc

My vote is for Peak Design. Comes in three widths. The length is easily adjustable and quickly removable. Also one side has a non-slip rubbery finish best for on the shoulder carry while the other is smooth best for cross the chest carry.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Shoulder straps are fine, but that is one heavy rig. I used to use a padded Black Rapid strap like the following one
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278394-REG/blackrapid_361005_sport_breathe_single_strap.html
Make sure you attach it to the tripod collar of your lens.(turn the collar so it faces up toward the top of the camera)
This rig was hard to use fast as I found the strap always got in the way.
Now I use the following one, the camera and lens sits on my hip, no more sour shoulders using a camera strap. It has a locking device so it cannot come loose.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1392299-REG/spider_camera_holster_200_spiderpro_single_camera_system.html
You will need one more plate, the plate that comes with the above comes with a plate for the camera, you will need the following plate for the lens collar.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1392303-REG/spider_camera_holster_305_spiderpro_lens_collar_plate.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
I now use my spider rig for my Sony a7r4 with the 200-600 sony lens. And I hand hold my Sony a9 with 600 f4 lens. If I need the 200-600 mm zoom, I simply place my 600mm with the a9 down, and then detach (easy to do) my sony a7r4 with the 200-600 and shoot away. Again, it is important to rotate the lens collar so it faces up, this way the camera and lens carries easier.
No more shoulder pain, it sits on your hip and now you look like a western gun slinger ready for any thing wildlife has to throw your way. If your set up properly the camera and lens faces behind you.
Again, I have used most of the shoulder strap companies out their and the spider system is the best I have found.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

willy6419

Check cotton carrier

Hand free, quick access, weight distribution, safety straps

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The only straps I use on any of my cameras are those made by Upstrap. https://journeycamera.com/

The company produces the straps here in the U.S. They also have a great customer relations approach.
--Bob

V2volk Loc: St. Louis area

I have the Black Rapid Sport as well and like it

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PO/TECH straps are excellent. They make a variety of straps, and they all fit together. From Montana.

https://www.optechusa.com/

Geofw Loc: Thornton Cleveleys UK

Personally I prefer Optech straps, as their system does not use the tripod mount.
https://www.optechusa.com/

I feel it puts too much strain on one point, the Optech system can be configured for multiple mounting points using their system connectors fastened to the camera strap mounts.
I haven't tried any of the other straps mentioned, everyone has their own favorites.

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

Peak Design strap and the capture clip so my hands are free and it’s not swinging around...

d3200prime

Thanks, uws. I will look into the Peak Design.