MN shutterbug
Member
My Cotton Carrier arrived yesterday and I adjusted it and mounted my camera with Sigma 150 - 600 and it feels like it should work. I'll give it a test next week and return with my feedback.
Cotton Carrier harness
- Thread starter MN shutterbug
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May want to try the CC Skout as I think it will stay higher. I am 6’6” and have both the CC vest and Skout.
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DurinsBane
Guest
I used a Cotton Carrier (still have it) for years with my Nikon d500 and 200-500. It was ideal for carrying any combo that I had at the time.
I now mainly carry a Z9 + 800 PF and I chose to ditch the Cotton Carrier for a Black Rapid strap.
I am sure the 800 would be fine with the Carrier, albeit I have never tried, I just find the Black Rapid very comfortable.
As someone who suffers on hot days, yes there were times when the Carrier was uncomfortable, but as someone already pointed out, that happens with most things on hot days.
Using it for long periods did result in weight dragging down on both my shoulders, but I put this down to individual state of fitness.
Overall, its an excellent accessory, one which I would highly recommend, my only personal real negative is if like me you jump from Wildlife to Landscape, removing the hub from the camera body (if that's where you have it attached) to mount on an arca tripod becomes tiresome.
I now mainly carry a Z9 + 800 PF and I chose to ditch the Cotton Carrier for a Black Rapid strap.
I am sure the 800 would be fine with the Carrier, albeit I have never tried, I just find the Black Rapid very comfortable.
As someone who suffers on hot days, yes there were times when the Carrier was uncomfortable, but as someone already pointed out, that happens with most things on hot days.
Using it for long periods did result in weight dragging down on both my shoulders, but I put this down to individual state of fitness.
Overall, its an excellent accessory, one which I would highly recommend, my only personal real negative is if like me you jump from Wildlife to Landscape, removing the hub from the camera body (if that's where you have it attached) to mount on an arca tripod becomes tiresome.
Which Kirk Quick Release are you using?
jhorsch
Active member
I use Black Rapid straps but my wife uses the CC vest and really likes it. I've been skeptical about the CC but am going to rethink that after reading all this....
choochoo1414
New member
I’ve used the CC for a couple years and prefer it for any hike over 2 miles or if there’s scrambling involved. Both hands are free and it’s well balanced.
I use the Z8 with the 400mm f4.5 and if I add the 1.4TC it’s a bit top heavy. It looks like the CC Arca Swiss adapter would solve that problem. If it came with a QD connector even better.
Since I currently don’t have the CC adapter if I also need my fluid head, when I’m carrying my gear in the CC I won’t attach the CC hub to my long replacement foot. Instead I just hook the foot on the top of the CC, between the straps. That also keeps the weight closer to my body.
Just make sure to also use a safety strap!
I use the Z8 with the 400mm f4.5 and if I add the 1.4TC it’s a bit top heavy. It looks like the CC Arca Swiss adapter would solve that problem. If it came with a QD connector even better.
Since I currently don’t have the CC adapter if I also need my fluid head, when I’m carrying my gear in the CC I won’t attach the CC hub to my long replacement foot. Instead I just hook the foot on the top of the CC, between the straps. That also keeps the weight closer to my body.
Just make sure to also use a safety strap!
MN shutterbug
Member
I gave it a good test run this afternoon while walking the mutt and after a 38 minute walk I'm pleased to say, no soreness of any kind. In the past, with my sling, I'd be feeling it after half that much time. It was a bit uncomfortable around the neck but I think that's due to me not having it adjusted tight enough.
Thanks everyone that gave their opinions. It really helped in my decision.
Thanks everyone that gave their opinions. It really helped in my decision.
Their new model has adjustable shoulder length. The last model was fixed. I used the previous model for 20+ years. The new one is superior. I used it for the 1st time on a trip to Antarctica. Having two hands allowed this 70+-year-old photographer to climb steeper grades with and with snow, board and embark on the Zodiaks. To say nothing of better protecting my camera gear. The Pro photographer on the ship also uses this rig. It is well made, comfortable, securely mounts, and quickly unmounts the camera. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this Canadian company and its products. I have no connection and do not receive anything besides good service as I can drive over and visit, about 45 minutes away from their shop.
Attachments
I bought the vest and belt attachment and some miscellaneous other items but I've never been really excited about using any of it. If you are using relatively light bodies and small lenses, I think this system is best for that. Since I typically am carrying a larger 500 or 600mm lens and something like the D850 or Z9 it's a bit cumbersome. I tried to use the belt attachment a couple weeks ago at a church service event and when I thought I had my D850 and 24-120mm lens hooked securely on the belt, evidently I did not and both crashed to the carpet. Luckily, only the lens hood cracked.
MN shutterbug
Member
It's the best method I've found for my Canon DSLR and Sigma 150 -600.
macwalter
Well-known member
You all mostly have bigger rigs than I but for me a simple loop of decent rope looped around my heavy belt allows me to hang the the tripod foot on it to take all the weight off my shoulder and as I carry binocs on front. I also don’t like the twisting motion needed to pull it free. I can grab my camera and shooot in a nano second and I walk for miles hands free. I use a z8 and 400 f 4.5 or similar size lens with and without a tc.
This is a copy of the latest e-news I occasionally receive from the Cotton company. This may interest some; one of the things I like about this small business is they give 1% of sales to environmental causes like the Rainforest Conservation Foundation.
www.cottoncarrier.com
Interview With A Photographer: Johnny Hayward
Meet Johnny Hayward, a professional wildlife photographer specializing in polar bears. Discover why he uses Cotton Carrier camera carrying systems for his equipment.
www.cottoncarrier.com
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I saw a similar cotton carrier ad except they had a much longer lens on it and I wrote to them and asked if they thought that was good to have that long lens dangling straight down off the lens mount and they wrote back and admitted it was better to not carry a lens that long that way in their carrier.
MikeJ
Well-known member
I'm glad I'm not the only one that noticed this!
They now have a 7 1/2” plate that is mounted on the lens foot that allows the “hub” to be attached to it. This would take the stress off the Mount (per numerous previous BCG posts). They are reconsidering redesigning it to include a QD socket, which would make it even better!
Yes, I've got that plate; wasn't what I thought it was. In the end I simply put the hub on the lens foot . The solution I was looking for was to avoid the hub (so that I could take the lens from the Carrier and straight onto the tripod head) -- I think Cotton Carrier needs to develop a different system -- I understand that's not likely going to happen given market size -- for when the system is going to carry the gear by the lens foot vs the camera . In this thread there are work arounds, but both, again, involve 'layers' of hubs and plates and quick release thingys and I'm not going thereSee my reply above. They do have a 7” arca Swiss plate for $79 that accepts Hub and they are considering adding QD socket as well.
I've simply got the allen key in the Cotton Carrier pocket and will remove the hub for tripod work. Cheers!Not sure if I am understanding, as with the plate/hub mounted on one end or the other, I can Mount directly on Wimberley monopod Mount or on Gitzo arca Swiss tripod without taking hub off. Picture sequence on CC website shows it very clearly. Good luck finding a solution!Yes, I've got that plate; wasn't what I thought it was. In the end I simply put the hub on the lens foot . The solution I was looking for was to avoid the hub (so that I could take the lens from the Carrier and straight onto the tripod head) -- I think Cotton Carrier needs to develop a different system -- I understand that's not likely going to happen given market size -- for when the system is going to carry the gear by the lens foot vs the camera . In this thread there are work arounds, but both, again, involve 'layers' of hubs and plates and quick release thingys and I'm not going there
One thing you may not be aware of is that to some degree one can shorten the two straps in front and the rear straps (in mine) are also adjustable. The two rear straps have Velcro on the back and go through a sleeve. Separate the Velcro going through the “sleeve” and add/shorten as desired. I am 6’6” and my Z8 w/ 500pf/70-200 2.8/ 80-400 all stay on my chest at the desired height.
I personally won't use it for light gear (short lenses). And for belt carry I use the Peak Design 'Capture' system; find it much more peace of mind secure and much easier to get a light camera/lens in and out of of. As for the Cotton safety tether. I don't use it. With the Z9 and 600 in the Cotton Carrier I have my Peak Design strap attached to the lens and around my neck as the safety -- it's invisible to me; don't realize it's there when shooting, unless I want to shoot with the camera on the ground. Cheers!
Flyboy
Active member
I have the Cotton carrier Over the Shoulder Boulder Holder, (I think it's the Skout) and doubt I could lift some of the lenses you guys carry...but it does really well, carrying my largest lenses, and the smaller ones, too!
Ado Wolf
Well-known member
I’m a bit late to the party.. maybe my input will help some people. I have been using the cotton carrier for more than 4 years now (Z8+500PF) as well as the scout addition for lighter setups (D850+300PF).
What I do differently from other users in this forum is mounting the adapter plate directly on the lens, since I don’t like to use the lens foot. The kit is much stabler and is closer to my centre of gravity. I hike the alps and sometimes I have to duck under fallen trees or climb slippery rocks to reach the top.. and this setup never failed me yet.
The only complaint I have is the price of additional plates.. since it’s a patented solution.. it was cheaper for me to get an extra plate by purchasing the scout harness (via Amazon DE) rather than an extra plate and have it shipped to EU!
here is a photo of the plate mounted directly on the lens (in this case the 400 F4.5). PS this plate is special version for telephoto lenses.
What I do differently from other users in this forum is mounting the adapter plate directly on the lens, since I don’t like to use the lens foot. The kit is much stabler and is closer to my centre of gravity. I hike the alps and sometimes I have to duck under fallen trees or climb slippery rocks to reach the top.. and this setup never failed me yet.
The only complaint I have is the price of additional plates.. since it’s a patented solution.. it was cheaper for me to get an extra plate by purchasing the scout harness (via Amazon DE) rather than an extra plate and have it shipped to EU!
here is a photo of the plate mounted directly on the lens (in this case the 400 F4.5). PS this plate is special version for telephoto lenses.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
Cotton Carrier sells a”flat” hub version and the above “5 Degree” hub.
Thanks, Adlo, for an efficient and likely effective solution to the weight issues of a lens and the body lens receiver. Have you tried it with both the flat and angled Cotton mount?
wazkaren
New member
After reading this thread I'm thinking this might be a good upgrade for me. I'm currently using a Blackrapid to carry my Z8 and 400 f4.5. But I also carry an addional 24-70 lens (I use a lens flipper for this). I'm curious if anyone else carries a second lens with the CC and how it would work?
And also, would the CC work while wearing a backpack on top? My backpack has a chest strap and I'm wondering it that would interfer.
Thanks, Greg
And also, would the CC work while wearing a backpack on top? My backpack has a chest strap and I'm wondering it that would interfer.
Thanks, Greg
I carry a long lens on chest and wide angle on other. I’m 6’6” and long lens doesn’t work on hip with long lens on chest. I also wear a backpack over CC vest, but that does get warm AZ. The Skout also works fine with one long lens and isn’t as hot.