Safe ways to carry a large lens with a strap? (Where to attach strap.)

[BC_Grizzly]

Alright, I am using the default D850 camera strap. I use a 200-500mm f5.6, which is quite heavy. My understanding is to never let the lens just hang from my neck. Despite being uncomfortable, this puts pressure between the lens and the camera body that could cause issues. In turn, I always just hold my camera and run around to get my shot. This sometimes gets awkward with a tripod in hand.

How are you all approaching this? I’ve heard of a cotton carrier system, I also know of peak design straps which I believe can be attached to any lens.

Slide

The original Peak Design flagship camera strap, Slide is everything other pro camera straps aren't: beautiful, low-profile, adjustable, quick-connecting, and configurable to your gear. Wear Slide as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. Internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides...

ca.peakdesign.com

Maybe some other options? I’m excited to hear your experiences and advice in this regard. Have a great day!

 

[Patrick M]

Alright, I am using the default D850 camera strap. I use a 200-500mm f5.6, which is quite heavy. My understanding is to never let the lens just hang from my neck. Despite being uncomfortable, this puts pressure between the lens and the camera body that could cause issues. In turn, I always just hold my camera and run around to get my shot. This sometimes gets awkward with a tripod in hand.

How are you all approaching this? I’ve heard of a cotton carrier system, I also know of peak design straps which I believe can be attached to any lens.

Slide

The original Peak Design flagship camera strap, Slide is everything other pro camera straps aren't: beautiful, low-profile, adjustable, quick-connecting, and configurable to your gear. Wear Slide as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. Internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides...

ca.peakdesign.com

Maybe some other options? I’m excited to hear your experiences and advice in this regard. Have a great day!

I’ve merged this as it’s well discussed here rather than repeating the thread,

As a rule of thumb, shorter lenses weigh less and can be supported by the camera. Longer lenses are heavier and have a handle….and if they have a handle, they can support the camera.
I now have Black Rapid straps with QD attachments for BOTH Camera and long lens.
if the lens has a foot, then the camera strap acts as safety but the weight is born by the lens.

 

[Midway]

Alright, I am using the default D850 camera strap. I use a 200-500mm f5.6, which is quite heavy. My understanding is to never let the lens just hang from my neck. Despite being uncomfortable, this puts pressure between the lens and the camera body that could cause issues. In turn, I always just hold my camera and run around to get my shot. This sometimes gets awkward with a tripod in hand.

How are you all approaching this? I’ve heard of a cotton carrier system, I also know of peak design straps which I believe can be attached to any lens.

Slide

The original Peak Design flagship camera strap, Slide is everything other pro camera straps aren't: beautiful, low-profile, adjustable, quick-connecting, and configurable to your gear. Wear Slide as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap. Internally-padded nylon webbing has a smooth side that glides...

ca.peakdesign.com

Maybe some other options? I’m excited to hear your experiences and advice in this regard. Have a great day!

With larger lenses that come with a strap I've always just used the OEM strap that comes with the lens. There are times I wouldn't mind a quick release strap for large lenses when using a tripod or monopod but haven't bothered yet. The included lens strap has always worked fine for me when transporting the lens with body attached. I understand some attach a strap to the lens foot and while that makes sense for smaller lenses like a 70-200, I don't see that working for me with larger telephoto's that I may want to handhold at times than quickly put on a tripod or monopod. I have never worried about carrying a pro body with 70-200 or similar size lens by the camera strap. I'll be interested to hear what some of the options are.

I do use quick release straps on my camera bodies so I can remove it when using a large lens. I originally put them on because I need to remove the strap and quick release attachment when putting a camera body in an underwater housing. Mine are UPstrap's and I think the owner was looking to sell and didn't want to continue the business himself.

 

[Blufftonian]

I replaced the Nikon foot of my Nikkor 500 PF with one from Hejnar Photo because it is Arca-Swiss compatible, has a QD socket, and is much more secure. This lets me use a BlackRapid strap with a QD connector. In use the rig sits at my right hip and the sliding cam locks on the webbing limit how much the camera swings when I walk. I always have a short tether connected to the camera and the QD swivel "just in case".

The camera (a gripped Nikon D500) and the lens stores very nicely in a large Think Tank Digital Holster. The holster will also take the camera with my Nikkor 200-500 although it's a tight fit.

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[Len Shepherd]

Most camera bodies have a weight limit on the mount to prevent damage. On my d850 it was 3lb iirc. You should not be hanging a large lens from the body, only supported by the mount. The tripod foot is the only safe way to go.

Nikon quotes a similar weight limit for the FTZ - 3 pounds 13.9 ounces - a conversion from 1,300 grams.
This limit eliminates almost any lens that does not have a tripod collar.

Several heavier longer lenses come with a wide strap and lugs on the lens to attach it.

I rarely use these as I prefer to carry several items in a back-pack and to select from these for hand holding or on a tripod when I get to a photographic destination.
While I miss some instant shots I can comfortably walk further with more gear with some of the weight distributed around my hips utilising a well designed back-pack hip belt.

 

[Joel N]

I find this very useful tip for long telephoto lenses as a safety procaution. Can give it a try if it is applicable.

Sorry the video has since been taken down. I try to find if possible.

 

[fcotterill]

As with a heavy rifle, the tried and tested solution is a broad leather sling (the best), or one of padded synthetic material. I adapted the sling off a big ThinkTank shoulder bag to P-D clips; as I find the P-D slings slip off my shoulder and they also "creep" open at the adjustment clips. IME, these snap on clips are the one redeeming gadget made by this company.

This strap has seen regular use for over 6 years. A 5 + kg rig is fairly comfortable to carry off this padded strap, but it's critical to only use the dedicated mounting rings on the lens collar of a heavy telephoto (800 PF and heavier). I also use an extra long A-S lens plate on the lens foot as a handle (Sirui PH180 or the longest model by Jobu). All the 3rd party replacement feet are too short (Hejnar, Kirk etc) although ideal to secure to a gimbal.

A heavy duty "tripod-ring" with think rubber washer works well to attach the P-D clips on a lighter lens (70-200 f2.8, 500 PF, 400 f4.5S, 100-400 S etc). The rubber washer stops it loosening in the threads. I also have the ThinkTank ProSpeed belt with a Digital Holster 50 (better in wet weather).

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