Across the body camera straps or slings from Black Rapid, Peak Design or Op Tech are good alternatives to the Cotton harness. Op Tech offers different types of interchangeable connectors that might be a plus for a camera body. Peak Design has a safety clip that serves as extra protection. All are better than the traditional neck strap.
I second the Peak Design Slide. Stretch it out a bit and put the strap over your head and dominant shoulder, and the camera can rest in the small of your back until you need it. Then just reach back, pull it forward and up to eye height (very easy), and shoot.
Funny you ask. Wrapping up a trip to Flagstaff, Sedona, Grand Canyon, and bought the Nicama harness from Amazon for about $35.
I carried my D810 with 24-85, no issues. Note that this harness has the quick release using the tripod socket AND straps to attach to the camera strap attachment for points.
I also did a modification to attach a Camel Back water pouch, as well as some S clips to quickly remove the regular strap. I use 2 S clips on each side, in opposing directions for security.
Only caution: we didn’t do any serious trail work, but I would feel comfortable with the moderate trails back home.
After reading a similar post, I bought an Optech and a Luma (USA) Shoulder strap. I've used Optech for years on my cameras but found hiking offers extra balance and securing issues. The Luma looks like it will take the punishment.
Try and google MOVO camera holster. I purchased one of their models a few years back. It was a knock-off of the cotton carrier unit for about 1/4 the price. It has held up very well.
cjc2
Loc: Hellertown PA
Optech makes great straps at reasonable prices, including what you are looking for. Best of luck.
I use a harness designed for binoculars. Holds my D7200 close to my chest and distributes the weight on the shoulders.
Vortex Optics at Amazon $21.00
Hi Carol, I have used the cotton carrier for years to carry one and sometimes two cameras (or a camera and binoculars). It is very comfortable. You can walk all day without getting fatigued. Several friends of mine use it as well. Ken
JohnR
Loc: The Gates of Hell
CRoy wrote:
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D5300 camera on a strap around my neck, I think it’s time to get a harness chest carrier. I have been looking at the Cotton Carrier and at $120, it’s a bit steep. I am looking to carry just one camera.
I would use the harness for hiking, vacations, biking, and anytime I want to be hands and neck pain free. Hiking canyons two weeks ago was tough with my camera bouncing around, and I found myself holding it steady with one hand while around my neck.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Carol
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D53... (
show quote)
Hi Carol - Maybe a smaller lighter camera would be better than a chest harness. I have an Olympus OM-D E-M5 MkII with their 12-50mm lens - half the weight of my D5600 with 16-85mm and weatherproof as well. I also bike and hike a lot and with 5 vertebra in my neck fused certainly don't want much hanging around my neck. The Olympus is just as good as the Nikon as long as you don't need to crop much - it may even be better for some things.
CRoy wrote:
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D5300 camera on a strap around my neck, I think it’s time to get a harness chest carrier. I have been looking at the Cotton Carrier and at $120, it’s a bit steep. I am looking to carry just one camera.
I would use the harness for hiking, vacations, biking, and anytime I want to be hands and neck pain free. Hiking canyons two weeks ago was tough with my camera bouncing around, and I found myself holding it steady with one hand while around my neck.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Carol
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D53... (
show quote)
I started using camera/binocular harness several years ago - first the simple one camera harness - bought 2 - one with elastic straps and one plain - loved them both - a couple years later I bought their 2 camera harness - much better yoke to handle the weight as well as more comfort with one with more lens weight.
https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-Uni-Loop-6501062/dp/B07JCXZ46Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=optech+dual+camera+strap&qid=1572725555&sr=8-4I often leave it on when driving in photo op areas - canon rebel T3i w/tamron18-200 w/VR
I also find this works well when shooting with 2 cameras and a tripod - one one the harness and one on the tripod.
Harvey
Peterfiore wrote:
I use Peak Design and it has saved my neck, back. I place the camera in the small of my back. Where it's safe and leaves my hand free to maneuver freely. I have them for M43 and DSLR.
Well worth the reasonable price...
I use M Rock. I have two. They come with good straps. You can configure them in multiple ways. I have even got them set up to clip to D rings on my backpack. The chest harness setup works very well with two solid straps. They are worth checking out.
I have had the Cotton Carrier for several years and use it frequently to carry both a Nikon D5100 and D5300 when hiking. Keeps hands free for trekking poles and scrambling while providing quick access ro either camera. I carry both to eliminate the need to change lenses. No problem whatsoever using the tripod mount socket. Everything is very secure. There's also an integral safety strap that prevents accidental drops. Highly recommended.
CRoy wrote:
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D5300 camera on a strap around my neck, I think it’s time to get a harness chest carrier. I have been looking at the Cotton Carrier and at $120, it’s a bit steep. I am looking to carry just one camera.
I would use the harness for hiking, vacations, biking, and anytime I want to be hands and neck pain free. Hiking canyons two weeks ago was tough with my camera bouncing around, and I found myself holding it steady with one hand while around my neck.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
Carol
After my recent vacation and carrying my Nikon D53... (
show quote)
I have the Cotton Carrier with the extra side mount for 2 cameras total. It has served me well. I am aware of the reluctance to use the tripod socket for carrying your camera. One way around that is to get a binocular harness from a sporting goods store. Mine has nylon carabiner-type clips that connect to the strap rings on my camera. it works similarly to the Cotton Carrier in that it doesn't put the weight on your neck, and it keeps the camera close to the body and readily available for use as needed.
I use a chest harness, but it is one from Movo and it costs considerably less. The make and design seems virtually identical to Cotton Carrier, including the hard plastic 'slot' on the chest that mounts the camera. The plastic slot has a slightly different shape, is all.
I don't see how the ruggedness and quality of the Cotton Carrier could be any better, as Cotton Carrier and Movo are so similar and made from the same materials. I have hiked with a big 'ol camera on the chest harness for miles and miles. Only issue is if your camera is extra heavy (as in 400mm lens). Then the plastic slot can start to wear out and crack after a time.
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