Heavy Lenses
Apr 1, 2024 12:24:53 #
I managed to score a Canon 100 - 400mm zoom off Craig's list. I have a couple uses in mind where weight isn't an issue. But for just carrying it around hunting for birds or something... My arms got tired just testing it out in my backyard, and I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of the lens hanging from the body mount while carrying the camera with a camera body mounted neck strap.
I'm looking for alternate ideas to carry this thing. What are any of you folks using for heavy lenses?
I'm looking for alternate ideas to carry this thing. What are any of you folks using for heavy lenses?
Apr 1, 2024 12:33:19 #
stu352 wrote:
I managed to score a Canon 100 - 400mm zoom off Cr... (show quote)
Not sure how heavy your lens is, but each of us has our limits in the amount of weight we can readily carry when hiking and hold up to photograph. But for most "heavy" lenses, it is best to get a strap that attaches to the "foot" of the lens versus attaching a strap to the body mount. One can relieve the stress on one's neck by using a strap that goes across the body, like the Black Rapid Strap, attached to the foot of the lens while it is attached to the camera body. That way one can rapidly move the camera up into shooting position when one sees a bird that they want to photograph (hopefully your lens has a foot, if not, you can probably find one to purchase).
Apr 1, 2024 13:12:08 #
"lens hanging from the body mount..." What version? The recent iterations of that Canon optic have a Tripod foot.
Use it as an attachment point.
Also I'm thinking you're in need for many hours in a gym with progressive resistance training
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens weighs in at 1640 grams
My Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED IF VR II Nikkor weighs in at 1627 grams (1540g sans foot)
I shoot Agency Represented "Birds in Flight" all day long using my Black Rapid (Original Version) Strap.
No Problems... I also can hand hold that Nikkor (sans Tripod Foot) for intermittent shooting in my Studio.
BlackRapid 10-Year Anniversary Edition Classic Retro RS-4 Camera Strap (Black)
Available from B&H for $81.95 (currently in stock) you should seriously consider this!
Use it as an attachment point.
Also I'm thinking you're in need for many hours in a gym with progressive resistance training
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens weighs in at 1640 grams
My Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED IF VR II Nikkor weighs in at 1627 grams (1540g sans foot)
I shoot Agency Represented "Birds in Flight" all day long using my Black Rapid (Original Version) Strap.
No Problems... I also can hand hold that Nikkor (sans Tripod Foot) for intermittent shooting in my Studio.
BlackRapid 10-Year Anniversary Edition Classic Retro RS-4 Camera Strap (Black)
Available from B&H for $81.95 (currently in stock) you should seriously consider this!
"Location" BIF Image: Camera: Nikon D3x; Lens: AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED IF VR II Nikkor (Black Rapid Strap)
(Download)
Apr 1, 2024 13:22:14 #
Depending on the weight, one carries by the lens not the body.
Some bodies are way less then the lens weight.
Carrying the lens puts less stress on the lens mount.
Some bodies are way less then the lens weight.
Carrying the lens puts less stress on the lens mount.
Apr 1, 2024 14:23:28 #
stu352 wrote:
I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of the lens hanging from the body mount while carrying the camera with a camera body mounted neck strap.
I'm looking for alternate ideas to carry this thing. What are any of you folks using for heavy lenses?
I'm looking for alternate ideas to carry this thing. What are any of you folks using for heavy lenses?
Uh huh. SOP is to connect a strap to the lens tripod collar via various adapters. Call B&H.
I dont happen to like that, so my camera with lens stays in a shoulder-hung bag until I need it. I use a regular neck strap on the body, cuz its just a "safety strap" for the camera held in my hands, and so is not a load bearing strap.
Apr 1, 2024 15:28:51 #
Apr 1, 2024 15:44:16 #
cahale
Loc: San Angelo, TX
stu352 wrote:
I managed to score a Canon 100 - 400mm zoom off Cr... (show quote)
I've never seen it mentioned here, but when I carry a camera by the strap, I always put one arm through the strap and carry the camera on one side or the other of my body. That does away with the strain of my neck being pulled forward, and the camera seems to weigh less that way (subjective off course). This method also does away with the camera bounce of frontal carrying.
Apr 1, 2024 15:52:09 #
I use a Nikon D500 with a Nikon 200-500(4 1/2lbs) for birding. I got the "Cotton Carrier" chest harness. It uses a clip attached to either the body or the tripod foot. I'm 77 and it makes a big difference in carrying it around. As a plus it leaves the arms/hands free for balance when walking around uneven ground.
Apr 1, 2024 16:24:45 #
This is the best device I have used for heavy lenses. Get an Arca Swiss plate for the foot of your lens and attach it to the foot. Or get a replacement foot for your lens if it not Arca Swiss compatible. It will balance nicely. https://store.sirui.com/products/sirui-svm-rapid-system-one-step-height-adjustment-modular-monopod
Apr 1, 2024 17:39:51 #
In general, if there is a lens foot then the lens is heavier than the camera and should always be carried by the lens and NOT the camera.
I got a shoulder type harness that I carry a Nikon 200 - 500 mm zoom on a Nikon D5 for extended times with little or no discomfort for extended periods of time.
Mr. Jan Gear is one. Also try the Cotton Carrier Harness.
I got a shoulder type harness that I carry a Nikon 200 - 500 mm zoom on a Nikon D5 for extended times with little or no discomfort for extended periods of time.
Mr. Jan Gear is one. Also try the Cotton Carrier Harness.
Apr 1, 2024 17:48:03 #
Apr 1, 2024 18:16:02 #
JeffDavidson wrote:
In general, if there is a lens foot then the lens is heavier than the camera and should always be carried by the lens and NOT the camera.
I got a shoulder type harness that I carry a Nikon 200 - 500 mm zoom on a Nikon D5 for extended times with little or no discomfort for extended periods of time.
Mr. Jan Gear is one. Also try the Cotton Carrier Harness.
I got a shoulder type harness that I carry a Nikon 200 - 500 mm zoom on a Nikon D5 for extended times with little or no discomfort for extended periods of time.
Mr. Jan Gear is one. Also try the Cotton Carrier Harness.
I agree. Always mount the lens on the support. Never stress your camera mount by the weight of the lens.
Apr 1, 2024 18:49:31 #
stu352 wrote:
I managed to score a Canon 100 - 400mm zoom off Cr... (show quote)
Take a look at this harness. I ride an e bike with this several miles a day with a 28-300 Nikor lens attached. Very comfortable. I have two of these. Great Product, well built.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079J8TG1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Thanks,
Boone.
Apr 1, 2024 21:09:14 #
I have the Cotton Carrier vest and I carry the Nikon D850 and the 500 PF. The nub for the holder is on the tripod foot and I turn the camera and carry it parallel to the ground rather than pointing to the ground.
Apr 1, 2024 21:19:10 #
Not a problem for me thankfully. I've had multiple spinal surgeries and looking at more in a couple of months. I just carry mine by the tripod mount, just like carrying a suitcase... 
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