Carrying camera + lens in the field - Peak Design Capture Clip

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

Hermann

Hermann

Active member
Member's gallery
I like using the Peak Design Capture Clip on the straps of my backpack. The plate is attached to the camera body (D7100 or D7500), the lens hangs freely off the camera. This realistically only works for reasonably light lenses, certainly not with a 4/500. My question is this: I know the bayonett mount of the camera can be damaged if you pick up, say, a D7500 with a 4/500 attached by the body alone, without supporting the lens. What I don't know is how heavy the lens needs to be to damage the bayonett.

Nikon quotes 1.3 kg for lenses using in combination with the FTZ in the manual for the Z6/Z/ and says you should always pick up the lens if it is heavier: "When using the adapter with lenses weighing over 1300 gr, support the lens when holding the camera and do not use the camera strap."

So, would it be safe to carry a D7500 (or similar) + PF 300mm + TC or a Tamron/Sigma 100-400 (both are about 1200 gr) by attaching the camera body to a Capture Clip? Anyone got any idea?
 
Member's gallery
I think Nikon's ratings are conservative, they could get themselves in trouble for underestimating damage points. That said, I also think mount damage from excessive weight is not likely to be a singular event but rather cumulative over time. Sudden failure is unlikely but warping is more likely. Having stationary weight is also different than a live load that you would get from walking where the gear is swinging or just feeling the effects of the up and down motion as we walk. Then there is a stumble impact type of load that would impact the mount even if the camera never hit the ground.
I used to carry a D4 with 70-200 f2.8 by a strap to the camera body lugs and never had any issues. I've since shifted to Black Rapid style shoulder straps since my gear has gained weight and I've gained neck pain. About the largest rig I'll keep around my neck is the D5/D6 with 24-70 f2.8. Everything else is on a QR mounted to the lens foot.
 
Member's gallery
Second what Warren mentions about the Black Rapid shoulder strap. I attach the strap to the lens foot vs. the camera and it works great. It may bounce around a bit when hiking/walking but it is easy to steady and takes weight off your neck, and is very secure.
 
Member's gallery
Hermann said:
So, would it be safe to carry a D7500 (or similar) + PF 300mm + TC or a Tamron/Sigma 100-400 (both are about 1200 gr) by attaching the camera body to a Capture Clip? Anyone got any idea?
Click to expand...

I would agree that Nikon's statements here is a conservative estimate, but on the other hand you have to keppe in mind that it is not only the weight itself. It is also the lever of the lens. Of two lenses with the same weight the one that is longer and more front-heavy will be the bigger risk.
Another aspect is the kind of movement you expose to the lens. The bodies can stand quite a bit of weight if you have them steady just holding the weight.
But if you are working with the camera and you accelerate it while holding it at the body this could cause a problem without even exceeding the weight limit for the lens.
There was somebody who got his body damaged while being on a rough boat trip and having a 70-200 f2.8 on the camera. I can't recall the excact type but it was one of the D7x00 bodies.

Warren D said:
I used to carry a D4 with 70-200 f2.8 by a strap to the camera body lugs and never had any issues.
Click to expand...

The D4 is designed to park your car on it so you were probably safe. But honestly I wouldn't vouch for one of the lighter built bodies if having this caliber of lens on it..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top