Carrying big lenses
Oct 15, 2019 04:47:03 #
cliodiver wrote:
Looking at buying Nikon 200-500 lens that weighs 5lbs. That on my d850 will be quite a load. Are there any suggestions of how to carry this load afield? I will be using monopod/tripod for photos.
Hire an assistant.
Oct 15, 2019 05:58:59 #
cliodiver wrote:
Looking at buying Nikon 200-500 lens that weighs 5lbs. That on my d850 will be quite a load. Are there any suggestions of how to carry this load afield? I will be using monopod/tripod for photos.
For the past 5 years I have used a Cotton Carrier twin (now have the G3 version) to carry my two camera bodies and lenses. I walk up to 15 miles/7 hours a day and can think of no better way to carry my gear. I can even run without fear of my cameras becoming detached; but simply turning them through 90 degrees allows them to be brought into action very quickly. In the past I have carried a Canon 300mm f2.8L IS, a Nikkor 200 - 500mm f5.6 and now a Sony 200 - 600mm without issue. Cotton Carriers do not come cheap, but they are the biz. I did own a cheap Chinese knock - off and it was pretty good: but Cotton Carrier is a quality product with a 3 year guarantee.
Oct 15, 2019 06:36:02 #
I just got back from a tour in Kenya, East Africa, and I had a D7100 with that lens. I carried it in a backpack when not actively using it to shoot photos. I did not walk around with it, but just kept it at the ready inside the vehicle as we did our "game drives". When shooting with it I used my right hand on the camera and left hand supporting the lens/working the zoom. Do not ever just attempt to support the lens only with the camera mount, as that can damage the mount.
Oct 15, 2019 06:42:24 #
Stardust wrote:
There is a reason Ansel Adams used a pack donkey or mule to carry his equipment into the field.
Yeah, he used to carry 130 lbs of camera gear. And he used to carry 30 of those pounds in a backpack. Thank goodness things have changed.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/ansel-photo-gear/
Oct 15, 2019 07:00:11 #
cliodiver, I really like the Think Tank holster, with strap and rainguard, with a top flap and side sipper for storage. I adapted it so it can be worn on one's back, shoulder, hip, etc. Easy to leave the camera on the body, slip the body and lens in and out. Happy shooting.
Oct 15, 2019 08:05:08 #
I finally got a Cotton Carrier that helps in carrying my camera with a big lens attached. It's not perfect, but it does leave both hands free and is pretty secure. I find that it doesn't disattach quickly, so a quick draw isn't possible.
Oct 15, 2019 08:19:49 #
A GOOD back pack. Make sure it distributes a load comfortably and that means going to shops and trying them on. Sorry, no easy solution.
Oct 15, 2019 08:37:15 #
Oct 15, 2019 08:37:20 #
New owner of that same lens, and coming to terms with it.
My second realization with it is that it can’t be hand held so needs infrastructure, so back to the store for a new tripod and head (the first realization being just how heavy it is). The point being, now there is more to carry.
We actually had this discussion last week, so I’ve been looking for golf bags and wheeled caddys at the thrift stores, with a plan to put bigger wheels on it. This is looking less practical.
Will probably get another knapsack.
My second realization with it is that it can’t be hand held so needs infrastructure, so back to the store for a new tripod and head (the first realization being just how heavy it is). The point being, now there is more to carry.
We actually had this discussion last week, so I’ve been looking for golf bags and wheeled caddys at the thrift stores, with a plan to put bigger wheels on it. This is looking less practical.
Will probably get another knapsack.
Oct 15, 2019 09:15:27 #
RRS makes a replacement lens foot that incorporates a QD socket. Attach your strap to a QD sling connector and it connects and disconnects with the push of a button.
Do not carry that rig by the camera strap.
Do not carry that rig by the camera strap.
Oct 15, 2019 09:23:06 #
I picked up a golf bag caddy, extremely lightweight, folding, and with all terrain wheels.
I bolted a plastic milk crate to it and use bungee cords to secure tripod. Camera gear is carried in soft padded cases in the crate.
I bolted a plastic milk crate to it and use bungee cords to secure tripod. Camera gear is carried in soft padded cases in the crate.
Oct 15, 2019 09:37:12 #
AzPicLady wrote:
I finally got a Cotton Carrier that helps in carrying my camera with a big lens attached. It's not perfect, but it does leave both hands free and is pretty secure. I find that it doesn't disattach quickly, so a quick draw isn't possible.
Do you also use the Steady Shot attachment? Thank you in advance.
Oct 15, 2019 10:23:19 #
Oct 15, 2019 10:24:27 #
Oct 15, 2019 11:09:03 #
cliodiver wrote:
Looking at buying Nikon 200-500 lens that weighs 5lbs. That on my d850 will be quite a load. Are there any suggestions of how to carry this load afield? I will be using monopod/tripod for photos.
You can carry it by holding the collar with the camera down and the mono-pod pointing up.
You can break it down and put it in a backpack or bag.
But do not carry it by slinging the top of the mono-pod with the attached camera over your shoulder. The mounting screw becomes a weak point and could snap if you do that too often.
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