How best to tote around long lens/camera? (Page 6): This is what I use with my D500 and Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Lens, attached to the lens foot, along with the safety tether...

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

Webguydave wrote:

So….bought the wife - a bird watcher- the lens of her dreams ; a Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6! She couldn’t be happier!
But - it’s heavy ( and more so with a D500 attached) and long, not something you can hang around your neck and hike around in.
A backpack is possible, I suppose, but getting the gear out and shooting isn’t a quick or easy affair… thoughts / suggestions? TIH!!😄

This is what I use with my D500 and Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Lens, attached to the lens foot, along with the safety tether attached to the camera body. I'm very happy with it. https://youtu.be/pHICTbthHyQ

Cheapshot Loc: California.

Build a "blind" in the backyard and let the sujects come to her!

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

JohnR wrote:

Sell it and buy a Nikon P1000 - has 2000mm equiv lens and weighs less than a quarter of your D500 setup

And it’s a terrible BIF camera.

KTJohnson Loc: Northern Michigan

You are absolutely right! Getting a good shot of birds isn't a quick or easy affair.

It requires the right gear, a good tripod, location ... and patience. Then, either a lot of luck, or a lot of trial & error.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

JohnR wrote:

Sell it and buy a Nikon P1000 - has 2000mm equiv lens and weighs less than a quarter of your D500 setup

He already bought, so how does this help?

Royce Moss Loc: Irvine, CA

Webguydave wrote:

So….bought the wife - a bird watcher- the lens of her dreams ; a Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6! She couldn’t be happier!
But - it’s heavy ( and more so with a D500 attached) and long, not something you can hang around your neck and hike around in.
A backpack is possible, I suppose, but getting the gear out and shooting isn’t a quick or easy affair… thoughts / suggestions? TIH!!😄

I had the Sigma 150-600mm on my 7200 attached to a shoulder sling strap and use it with all my lenses. Works perfectly

gwesley Loc: Big Canoe, GA

For what it's worth, I've been using this rig for about 15 years. My 5DMIV with 70-210mm lens is near weightless on me...

https://spiderholster.com/products/camera-holster-system-v2?variant=43589885952259

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

GerryER wrote:

Would one of these help?

Nicama Dual Camera Vest:

YUP. The blond would help greatly with the lens. Not so much with the wife

shutterhawk Loc: Cape Cod

I'm a 77 year old bird shooter with the same camera-lens set up your wife has. I've been using a BLACKRAPID Sport cross body strap since back when the 200-500 first came out and it's worked quite well. It's comfortable and my camera is instantly available when a subject presents itself.

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

jerryc41 wrote:

There are lots of good, wide straps available. If she wants to shoot with a big, heavy lens, she has to accept the fact that it has to get from Point A to Point B - somehow. Look at OP/TECH straps.

Agree. I have op/tech wide straps on all my cameras except p&s. I am very satisfied withe comfort.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

shutterhawk wrote:

I'm a 77 year old bird shooter with the same camera-lens set up your wife has. I've been using a BLACKRAPID Sport cross body strap since back when the 200-500 first came out and it's worked quite well. It's comfortable and my camera is instantly available when a subject presents itself.

I use a copy cat black rapid when walking around and love it. Sometimes i wear two. When hiking I use a vest down above and love it too.

mstracke

Webguydave wrote:

So….bought the wife - a bird watcher- the lens of her dreams ; a Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6! She couldn’t be happier!
But - it’s heavy ( and more so with a D500 attached) and long, not something you can hang around your neck and hike around in.
A backpack is possible, I suppose, but getting the gear out and shooting isn’t a quick or easy affair… thoughts / suggestions? TIH!!😄

Check out the BlackRapid rig. I carry the 180-400mm and a D6 or Z9 with it and the strap connected to the lens foot. It puts the weight over onto the opposite shoulder and is a comfortable carry.

Tony Groenink

Webguydave wrote:

So….bought the wife - a bird watcher- the lens of her dreams ; a Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6! She couldn’t be happier!
But - it’s heavy ( and more so with a D500 attached) and long, not something you can hang around your neck and hike around in.
A backpack is possible, I suppose, but getting the gear out and shooting isn’t a quick or easy affair… thoughts / suggestions? TIH!!😄

Another option is the ThinkTank camera holster

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

SuperflyTNT wrote:

And it’s a terrible BIF camera.

We are all entitled to our opinions and some indeed can be helpful to others. This one however isn't of great value to anyone - simply paints a poor picture of the author!

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Webguydave wrote:

So….bought the wife - a bird watcher- the lens of her dreams ; a Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6! She couldn’t be happier!
But - it’s heavy ( and more so with a D500 attached) and long, not something you can hang around your neck and hike around in.
A backpack is possible, I suppose, but getting the gear out and shooting isn’t a quick or easy affair… thoughts / suggestions? TIH!!😄

I carry a Z6ll with grip and a 500 f4. Carry on a monopod with a Wimberley gimbal head over my shoulder. Now that's heavy.😯