One more question and I'll quit bothering you (Page 2): I use a strap by Black Rapid. At the bottom of the strap, I have attached a small arca type clamp. The tripod mount on the lens...

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

I use a strap by Black Rapid. At the bottom of the strap, I have attached a small arca type clamp. The tripod mount on the lens has an arca type plate at the bottom. This allows me to swiftly go from handheld to tripod mounted. As I have an acra compatible "L" bracket on the camera, I can also switch the strap to the camera body easily when I am shooting a smaller lens. It is fast and secure. I find the inexpensive plates and clamps work well, but I did purchase one clamp that was cut to the wrong profile, so I now visually inspect the the clamp and plate mate well and have had no problems.

If a picture would help visualize this setup, let me know and I will shoot it when I get home later today.

Irwin

CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

I have Blackrapid Sport for both D7100 & D850 and also have 200-500 lens. Remember your total weight is north of 7lbs. You do not want to hook the strap to the foot of the lens for several reasons. First, distribution of weight is a problem. You need for the weight to be linear; this also allows for quick retrieval for point and shoot. Second, the lens face will have greater protection pointing straight down instead of East\West. Third, if you are like me, you have equipped the foot with an Arca Swiss elongated plate for tripod\Gimbal head. One last thought do use your lens foot as an extra handle to help lessen weight at times as well to help with maneuverability. Rotate it to the top of the camera.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Do like I do. Have a sherpa to do the heavy lifting!

CliffMcKenzie Loc: Lake Athens Texas

Cwilson341 wrote:

Do like I do. Have a sherpa to do the heavy lifting!

. I would think Sherpa would be hard to come by in FL. "Sherpa is one of the Tibetan ethnic groups native to the most mountainous regions of Nepal in the Himalayas."

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

saxman71 wrote:

You will get a number of suggestions/recommendations. Here's mine: Peak Design Sling Strap. I like the way it connects to the camera and I like how easy it is to adjust. It can be worn around the neck or across either shoulder. Very versatile and reasonably comfortable.

Another vote for the Peak Design.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

For my D500 and 200-500mm I have a Black Rapid sling strap which attaches to the mounting plate of the lens' tripod collar. Works well. I would be reluctant to have the camera's lens mount support 5 lbs. of heavy.

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

Curmudgeon wrote:

For a while at least. I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nikkor 200-500 direct from Nikon. I will need a shoulder strap. The lens will be mounted on a D7200. Suggestions for a reasonably priced strap would be appreciated.

I would go with a sling that connects directly to the lens tripod collar. Connecting a strap to the camera would be a mistake. I doubt the lens/camera mount was designed for that heavy a load.

Warhorse Loc: SE Michigan

Another vote for Peak Design Slide.

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

Curmudgeon wrote:

For a while at least. I just pulled the trigger and bought a Nikkor 200-500 direct from Nikon. I will need a shoulder strap. The lens will be mounted on a D7200. Suggestions for a reasonably priced strap would be appreciated.

Any rig will put a lot of weight on your shoulder. Black Rapid is what I used to use, most straps got in my way when I went to take a photo.
Now I just reverse the tripod collar and carry the lens by it. I have also bought the following gizmo to make it easier.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

ZtaKED Loc: Lakes Region, New Hampshire & NE Florida

saxman71 wrote:

You will get a number of suggestions/recommendations. Here's mine: Peak Design Sling Strap. I like the way it connects to the camera and I like how easy it is to adjust. It can be worn around the neck or across either shoulder. Very versatile and reasonably comfortable.

Yes. Took the words right out of my mouth. I have the wider version and it makes handling my Canon 24-300 like a walk around.

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

Congratulations on your purchase. Before I bought my Tamron 150-600mm lens I had a difficult time convincing myself that I needed it or would use it that much. But boy was I wrong. It stays on my D7200 and I love shooting birds. Not only birds but I've got great flower and insect shots as well as other small critters. I'm looking forward to some of your shots with the new lens.

Dannj

I don’t have an answer but I do have a question. You just bought some pricey equipment...at least by my standards...so what would be a “reasonable” price for a strap?

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

DirtFarmer wrote:

But holding the camera with a big, heavy lens, puts strain on the lens mount. In such a case the camera is lighter than the lens and produces less torque on the mount.

I use a 200-500 frequently. I do not use a strap, but carry the lens/camera by the mounting foot on the lens. It makes a good handle. When shooting I either hold the lens in one hand or hold it by the foot.

eshlemania Loc: Northern Indiana, USA

DirtFarmer wrote:

When using a big, heavy lens on a camera you may want to consider attaching a strap to the lens rather than the camera body.

And don’t “quit bothering us”. Questions are what keep UHH going.

This is what I have done. I would really recommend this. For the same reason the lens has a tripod bracket, the lens needs to carry the camera, not the camera carrying the lens. The weight of the lens could possible damage the camera in some circumstances. Better safe than sorry.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

CliffMcKenzie wrote:

. I would think Sherpa would be hard to come by in FL. "Sherpa is one of the Tibetan ethnic groups native to the most mountainous regions of Nepal in the Himalayas."

And you don't think sherpas take vacations? They love Florida!