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Problem: Lens bag hurts shoulder
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Apr 26, 2018 16:37:28   #
JPringle Loc: Australia
 
Dynamics5 wrote:
My husband carries the lenses when I take photographs. He says that his shoulder hurts when he carries several heavy lenses, using a lens bag that is carried like a purse on one side. What lens bags would minimize that problem ?


Perhaps you can get some ideas from my solution.

A friend and I at a Macro workshop at a flower show, mine at the back. Just some abandoned prams that I've just removed any extraneous stuff. So I've got a larger ThinkTank bag attached to the back of the seat and frame with the shoulder straps crossed over. Not necessary here, but I sometimes also use a motorcycle helmet cargo net over the bag too - quicker than unzipping. In this case, an all day event, it made it pretty easy to lug around a couple of cameras, a few pro lenses (including some Lensbaby stuff), flashes, reflector, tripod, light stand, umbrellas and a softbox, picnic rug, lunch and coffee, and of course, a sandbag for the light stand. And for short distances, I can even move the ttripod mounted camera around on the buggy.

Three wheels of the bigger size seems the best configuration, enabling pavement, grass and hard gravel. Sand is OK, but a bit more of an effort and I tend to pull rather than push. Bigger wheels a help with steps and rougher walking trails not a problem. Pushing a bit more secure than pulling I think. (Mine has a handy lens holder at the handles too ) And most seem to have a bit of suspension to keep the baby comfortable, so a bit more shock protection for the lenses too. I think you do have to be a bit more aware of your environment re theft risk of course. I do have a lightweigt wrist cord I'll use sometimes..

I have a smaller, lighter one too, three wheels again, which is convenient for just a camera bag with some lenses, especially in crowded places, and I find ThinkTank's Speed Racer is a tidy fit, and it has convenient top access. Camera is usually on a belt on my waist in a holster with a Black Rapid sling strap as well. Haven't been refused entry anywhere yet!!



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Apr 26, 2018 18:57:42   #
tenny52 Loc: San Francisco
 
You might as well use a baby stroller or twins stroller. You will find a lot of used ones in garage sale.

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Apr 26, 2018 19:55:34   #
shelty Loc: Medford, OR
 
Lenses. I've watched other photographers carry around a backpack loaded with lenses but never stop to take a shot. I remember one photographer that was shooting an outdoor concert with me. He had a case with several lenses, and he was constantly changing lenses while I was shooting. Why all the lenses? My 18 - 200 has served me well over the years. By the way, I've won many awards from those pictures.

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Apr 26, 2018 20:18:55   #
azi Loc: Columbia, Marylamd
 
I use a vest with multiple pockets to hold my macro and fisheye lenses, my flash, spare batteries and lots of other gear. My camera also attaches to the vest . I've used it hiking over rough terrain in Alaska, volcano park in Hawaii and in the Negev in Israel among other places without getting a sore shoulder or back. I like that everything is in front of me and easy to reach. Don't like things around my neck -- guess i must have been hanged in a previous life

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Apr 26, 2018 20:53:04   #
anotherview Loc: California
 
Agree:
boberic wrote:
What kind of strap is he using? The kind that came with the camera? if so a wide sling strap may help and is easier to get things out of the bag than a back pack.

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Apr 26, 2018 21:15:50   #
out4life2016 Loc: Bellingham, Washington
 
I found that a back pack with chest strap and waist belt works best for me. However I hike miles at a time in the Northern Cascade Range. Lowpro makes a really good one that can be bought on amazon for about 80 dollars and its waterproof and theift proof. If you have a Best Buy they usually carry the same bag for 145.00 but will match amazons prices.

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Apr 26, 2018 21:51:13   #
polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.
 
Bazbo wrote:
A belt with lens cases attached. That puts the weight on the hips where the human body should be carrying the weight.


I agree a good wide web belt with a few neoprene lens cases is hard to beat. I usually carry two lenses on each side when going out for the day. I went to longwood gardens last month and I walked most of the day. Having extra lenses on my belt was great and no shoulder or back pain..

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Apr 26, 2018 22:57:10   #
gmango85
 
Back packs are great unless you have spinal stenosis, stick with Domke with shoulder strap. You will not fall backward or forward from weight!

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Apr 26, 2018 23:55:19   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
One Rude Dawg wrote:
Less gear, quality backpack, younger more well built husband, or a burro.

I hear llamas are quite the rage now. Check your local zoning restrictions.

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Apr 27, 2018 00:34:57   #
BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA
 
Please note the straps on the attached photo. I AM NOT SUGGESTING YOU USE THIS PACK! However, please note that the main straps go completely over the shoulders and attach to an adjustable plate. There are two features of this type of strap that change the whole nature of carrying a backpack. Note that the straps include a waist strap wide enough to carry a heavy load on the hips. Also, and VERY important, are the two narrow straps extending from the top of the shoulder straps to the pack. By adjusting these small straps, the carrier may adjust the load so the weight is on the shoulders OR so the weight is transferred from the shoulders to the hips. This is NOT a fitting accessory that, once in place is permanent. It is instead an in-service option that allows the carrier to shift the load as one position becomes uncomfortable. It can also be used based on the angle of the terrain and direction of travel. I don't know what this system is called now; we used to call it the mountain master design. If you insist on a backpack, this is, by far the best system to use. Also make sure the shoulder pads are well filled and will not just flatten in use.



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Apr 27, 2018 00:39:35   #
polonois Loc: Lancaster County,PA.
 
Back packs are great but seem like overkill for carrying just a few extra lenses.

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Apr 27, 2018 00:47:47   #
shelty Loc: Medford, OR
 
polonois wrote:
Back packs are great but seem like overkill for carrying just a few extra lenses.


All they are is just lens collectors that want to show off how much money they spent.

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Apr 27, 2018 06:40:02   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
shelty wrote:
All they are is just lens collectors that want to show off how much money they spent.



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Apr 27, 2018 08:47:18   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
Whatever you get, make sure it has a secure hook for your purse. I assume you don't have to carry it yourself and you want it safe. Any distance over a city block my wife passes her bag off to me.

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Apr 27, 2018 09:56:11   #
Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan
 
Get a camera bag with a shoulder strap that also has a waist strap.

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