She holds a phone in both pics, you suppose that may have been a contributing factor? Far too often, it is. I know from experience when a distracted driver t-boned me on a red light and nearly killed my wife.

I have both the EFS 18-135 STM on 80d and the 24-105L on 5d3, and frankly, if the combos are properly micro-focus matched to individual the cameras, it is impossible to tell the difference in an 8x10 print. If you are a pixel-peeper, it is possible under some situations, to see the difference at 100%, but who in a practical situation, does that. Were it my choice, I'd stay with the 18-135 for now, and then when you go FF, start over with a new 24-105 included in the new kit.
JBruce

Photo taken in Idaho?

Thanx OddJobber for your support! Yeah, the confusion was my fault for failing to properly post the pic in the first post, and for that I apologize. But I sure don't apologize for the potential help this thread may have provided for those readers who have issues with their cervical vertebrae, and who would still like to carry their heavy camera/lens combos in a practical, painless, ready-for-instant-use way. Like I said, it does work for me, and it's FREE, and that is the bottom line.
Additionally, I guess that it does make good sense for folks to read complete posts from beginning to end before chiming in with their comments-so often they say the same thing that others have already said. Thanks again to all for your helpful inputs, some of the comments may help other suffering souls. Nuff said by me, bye-bye! JBruce

Actually, it's not hard at all to hike with the camera in the tuck position; just exactly the opposite. the heavy load is so well balanced that there is no need to even keep your left hand on the camera. and if I might stumble, as I do, the camera stays pretty much in place or just swings out on the neck-strap until I regain balance. and further, it would be unusual to walk for more than 15 minutes without either checking out a possible subject, or actually taking a picture. But like I said, when I avoid extended direct neck-strap carry, my neck pain never happens. I also use my chest harness with quick release if I choose to carry two cameras, loaded and at the ready. My chest harness is an Opteka knock off of the Cotton Carrier, and seems to be reliable while performing it's function rather well as the weight is spread evenly across both shoulders and not so much on the neck. Got it through Amazon for around $35 and it works for me.
I'm trying to prolong the inevitable surgery that the deteriorated cervical vertebra will require. Doc says keep doing what you're doing as long as it works, so I will. Meaning no carrying heavy weights directly on neck muscles.

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

JBruce

Reply to robertjerl
Yeah, I realize there are lots of solutions out there, but just thought I'd offer a possible solution to those folks who my be unnecessarily fearing problems as they age. I too use several other carry techniques for different situations: eg. Vest, Optech camera straps, heavy duty military belt with lens pouches. They all work, but this easy carry is just one more way to spare the neck, and I do know from personal experience you'd be hard pressed to carry a heavy camera/lens combo that is faster on the draw and yet less stressful on the tender neck muscles.

Sorry Hoggers, when I go back and look at my post, it appears as if the photo did not attach. I will try again and repost with the photo this time.

I have been reading many posts of late expressing concern over whether one should sell their APS-C or FF kit and then buy some other, smaller size equipment. If that is your choice, fine; but there is another, FREE, option you might first consider. My wife came up with this when she became the new "owner" of my new Canon 70-300L lens. It was somewhat heavier than the 55-250 she'd been using, so required a new carrying approach. I guess this was a natural for her as that's how she carries her heavy purse when in a crowded area. I now use this carry option as well, at least part of the time, with most lens/camera combinations.
This past spring we spent a week in the 4-corners states and I (at 78) carried my 5d Mk III with my 100-400L Mk II with no neck problems. Of course you still use the neck strap (Optech) for safety and occasional hanging around the neck when changing lenses, etc. We walked a lot and I felt no discomfort at all. It appears to me that it's not how far you walk, it's how you carry the rig.

Give it a try, you may extend the life span of your current gear until you're a basket case and no longer need any gear! That's my plan; actually I just bought a new (refurb) 80d, and it's no lightweight either.

John

(Download)

Look at the photo again. Simply hold the camera on your forearm; that's the option which costs nothing at all, and certainly does work for me. This method is less hassle than using my cotton carrier knock-off as the camera is always ready for instant use, plus the weight is being carried on the arm's major bone structure and not on the more vulnerable neck/shoulder muscles. Aged lives matter. Okay?

John

I have been reading many posts of late expressing concern over whether one should sell their APS-C or FF kit and then buy some other, smaller size equipment. If that is your choice, fine; but there is another, FREE, option you might first consider. My wife came up with this when she became the new "owner" of my new Canon 70-300L lens. It was somewhat heavier than the 55-250 she'd been using, so required a new carrying approach. I guess this was a natural for her as that's how she carries her heavy purse when in a crowded area. I now use this carry option as well, at least part of the time, with most lens/camera combinations.
This past spring we spent a week in the 4-corners states and I (at 78) carried my 5d Mk III with my 100-400L Mk II with no neck problems. Of course you still use the neck strap (Optech) for safety and occasional hanging around the neck when changing lenses, etc. We walked a lot and I felt no discomfort at all. It appears to me that it's not how far you walk, it's how you carry the rig.

Give it a try, you may extend the life span of your current gear until you're a basket case and no longer need any gear! That's my plan; actually I just bought a new (refurb) 80d, and it's no lightweight either.

John

Check out one of the world's most famous early photos. It shows the Wright brothers and the 1st true airplane on December 17, 1903.

http://earthsky.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=e56e7a92b1c5790f7343ef95a&id=ce1b5987fe&e=0a4d853088

This is a fun site where I receive daily science updates.

JBruce

I recall seeing about half a dozen of these unique dump wagons sitting at an abandoned mine near the ghost town of Kendall, MT in about 1975. Sad to say, some "collector" had turned them over and stolen the wheels off of every one.
JBruce

I would just say this to all of you who have questions about factory refurbs. Do like I did when I bought my refurbished Canon 80d last week from the Canon Store, I called a tech guy at Canon and asked him what they did to refurbish a camera, and if the shutter clicks are reset to zero. His response was that the refurbs they sell are brand new and are mostly returns from retailers that have been on the shelf too long. They have never been in a customer's hand so there is no need to reset the shutter count. Each returned camera or lens is checked for appearance, visible damage and also tested for functionality (Mine had zero clicks). I've owned five different Canons over the years and have had no problems, ever. Thus I do trust their work and their employees to provide the best possible advice and service. I can only speak to my experience, so your mileage may vary under different circumstances.

JBruce

Thank you Satman, I've tried to find these before, and any I did find had poor reviews, but this one seems to work fine if used in the suggested cameras, my 5d3 is in that group. It is now in my B&H cart.

JBruce

Satman, What brand is your CF to SD card adapter? I tried to find such a thing, and all those I found had poor customer reviews. I assume that yours is something that you trust and use. Thanks

JBruce

OK, I'm going to fuel your desire. I posted on the 25th that Canon had a package deal including a refurbished 80d with a 18-55 STM lens for $899. I ordered and it arrived here two days ago. It is brand new and has zero shutter clicks, and so far seems to have no requirement to do any AFMA on the lenses I've tested! I passed my 70d on to my wife and will be selling her 60d. So this way we both get a "Christmas" present!! Just checked and they are still in stock. Here's the link to Canon: https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-80d-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-stm-kit-refurbished?cm_sp=CD-_-HP_Takeover-_-BF

JBruce