How do you carry your Z 400 2.8 lens and camera "ready to shoot" when walking?

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hrv

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Hi everyone,

I would like to know how you carry your Z 400 f/2.8 lens in a "ready to shoot" configuration during walks or short hikes.
At "only" 2950 grams, the new Z 400 f/2.8 is considerably lighter than my old 500 f/4 (3880 grams), but twice as heavy as my 500 f/5.6 PF at 1460 grams.

Till now, I mostly used the 500 PF when walking and I love the combination with a strap that is attached to the left of the camera body on one end and the lens foot on the other end. This allows me to swing the camera and lens onto my back and bring it back in a shooting position in about a second. The combination has two anchor points and does not "swing around" like a singe attachment point would do. Something I tried and didn't like. I also like to be able to swing my arms freely while walking, something that is difficult when a camera hangs more on your side.

This is all fine for the 500 PF as it is a very light lens, but with the Z 400 being almost 3 kg, I don't think that would be a good idea for the lens mount on the body. There might be too much stress.
I do own a MrJan Gear Lens Carrier system that I used for the 500 f/4 and it will work well, but it is more of a hassle than what I described previously. Plus, it gets rather hot and swetty on the belly / chest in summer.

I hope there is an in-between solution available.
Something that would carry the larger weight on the lens foot, but does stabilise with a second attachment point to the body, so the combination does not flap around.

Is anyone aware of such a combination?
Is anyone carrying their 3kg lens like I do the 500 PF, attached to body and foot, or would you consider that too much stress on the connection?

Curious to learn what you suggest / use in the field.
 
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I usually have one end of a neck strap on the camera base and the other on the lens foot. I adjust the length so I can put a hand on it comfortably while walking. I don’t have the f2.8; but I’ve the z70-200 which I carry this way, and when I rented the z400mm f4.5 it was like this too.
 
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I use a MagPul strap with a QD sling mount and connect that to a Kirk lens foot with a QD connector on my 400/2.8 Z TC. I hike 5 or more miles with this setup with no issues. I also carry my 500PF in the same manner. I won’t stress my lens mount by connecting the camera body to a strap when carrying a heavy lens (even the 500PF). Just my preference.
 
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hrv said:
Hi everyone,

I would like to know how you carry your Z 400 f/2.8 lens in a "ready to shoot" configuration during walks or short hikes.
At "only" 2950 grams, the new Z 400 f/2.8 is considerably lighter than my old 500 f/4 (3880 grams), but twice as heavy as my 500 f/5.6 PF at 1460 grams.

Curious to learn what you suggest / use in the field.
Click to expand...

Many Many years ago I bought a Sun-Sniper Pro Leather Strap (Black) that goes over my left shoulder and under my right arm - it had a slider and swivel attachment, which I replaced by the much stronger and one from a BlackRapid wrist strap (see picture and yes I cut it out) AND since I replaced the foot on this lens (all my footed lenses) with Arca-swiss compatible feet - I attach an AcraTech swift clamp 1146 which attaches to the slider and is locked onto the lens with a lever clamp.

I have a couple of these and a double harness when carrying multiple lenses/bodies with the same fittings.

The other and most common way is to fit the lens to a monopod and walk with the monopod over one's shoulder -- but I find I am less stable with this approach.

Please note -- QD attachments are spring loaded and liable to release when under stress/impact --- my approach can easily carry my weight - I tested it without releasing the lens or me -- but of course it is more expensive -- however still a fraction of the cost of the gear I am carrying and relying upon the strap and all elements to safely and securly carry.

I use this method "all the time" where I am actively shooting -- otherwise all live in a Shimoda Active backpack -- which is very comfortable and safe - but I need a few minutes to unpack and set up.
Screenshot 2022-12-19 at 16.34.06.png
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Screenshot 2022-12-19 at 16.32.35.png
 
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My heavy setup is the 500pf on a D500. Not the same animal I know, but its what i have. I made a comfortable hand grip with an arca swiss clamp that attaches to the foot. I carry this setup in my hand with a Z6ii and 100-400 on a Peak Design strap slung over my shoulder. If I have my backpack, I can quickly hook the setup on my pack to switch to the Z6ii. If no backpack, I hook it on my belt when I switch. Carrying the weight in my hands seems more comfy. I can switch hands or easily set it down if I need a break. It even feels better than in the pack. I may switch to the BlackRapid Hybrid strap for use when I don't have my pack.
 
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I have one of these attached to the foot of my 200-500. It is well made, sturdy and can support far more weight than my camera and lens. I use a Black Rapid strap.

I do have a secondary safety strap attached to the camera and the other end to the main part of the BR strap.

fpgear.com

Fusion Plates

Fusion Plates allow the photographer to move from the tripod to a carry strap without the hassle of disconnecting and connecting hardware to their camera. Compatible with Arca-Swiss style or Manfrotto Rc2/200pl style tripods.
fpgear.com fpgear.com
 
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hrv said:
Hi everyone,

I would like to know how you carry your Z 400 f/2.8 lens in a "ready to shoot" configuration during walks or short hikes.
At "only" 2950 grams, the new Z 400 f/2.8 is considerably lighter than my old 500 f/4 (3880 grams), but twice as heavy as my 500 f/5.6 PF at 1460 grams.

Till now, I mostly used the 500 PF when walking and I love the combination with a strap that is attached to the left of the camera body on one end and the lens foot on the other end. This allows me to swing the camera and lens onto my back and bring it back in a shooting position in about a second. The combination has two anchor points and does not "swing around" like a singe attachment point would do. Something I tried and didn't like. I also like to be able to swing my arms freely while walking, something that is difficult when a camera hangs more on your side.

This is all fine for the 500 PF as it is a very light lens, but with the Z 400 being almost 3 kg, I don't think that would be a good idea for the lens mount on the body. There might be too much stress.
I do own a MrJan Gear Lens Carrier system that I used for the 500 f/4 and it will work well, but it is more of a hassle than what I described previously. Plus, it gets rather hot and swetty on the belly / chest in summer.

I hope there is an in-between solution available.
Something that would carry the larger weight on the lens foot, but does stabilise with a second attachment point to the body, so the combination does not flap around.

Is anyone aware of such a combination?
Is anyone carrying their 3kg lens like I do the 500 PF, attached to body and foot, or would you consider that too much stress on the connection?

Curious to learn what you suggest / use in the field.
Click to expand...
I occasionally carry a big lens on the tripod (with the camera attached) or on a black rapid strap attached to the camera body. In both cases the weight of the body is supported by the lens flange (also true when I carry a 100-400, 70-200 lens)
 
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I have the 200-500, and for walking / changing locations, I just use the BlackRapid Classic RS-4 strap attached to the tripod collar of the lens. The key (for me) with BlackRapid straps is getting a model that offers quick and easy FRONT length adjustment - most other straps they make can only be adjusted from the back... which means you have to take it off. That's a no-go for me. Which, I still can't understand why every model doesn't offer this. I can't have my gear flopping around my hips as I walk, I need hands-free.

So when moving, I can cinch up the length of the strap so the camera rests comfortably / safely above my waist, mid-torso. It's perfect for hand-held situations. The only downside then is if you're using a tripod or monopod, you'll have to switch collar mounts around of course.
 
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I switched from BR to Pd Leash and Cuff as they-re really simple to swap about and can very easily be adjusted for length while you're wearing with the camera/lens attached.
 
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BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap with a RRS B2 FABN Screw-Knob Quick Release Clamp. I attach the clamp to the lens foot With a D ring tether attached to the strap and the other end of the strap is anchored to the bottom of the camera where I have a Peak Design Anchor Mount. The camera hangs upside down, so I have to grab the camera foot when I want to start shooting. I use this technique for both the 400 f2.8 and the 600 f4. It’s not the best holding the rig by the foot when shooting, but I like the security of the tether.
 
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Saint said:
BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap with a RRS B2 FABN Screw-Knob Quick Release Clamp. I attach the clamp to the lens foot With a D ring tether attached to the strap and the other end of the strap is anchored to the bottom of the camera where I have a Peak Design Anchor Mount. The camera hangs upside down, so I have to grab the camera foot when I want to start shooting. I use this technique for both the 400 f2.8 and the 600 f4. It’s not the best holding the rig by the foot when shooting, but I like the security of the tether.
Click to expand...
Thanks @Saint

If I understand it correctly, you have a separate small strap that floats freely on your main BlackRapid strap and is attached to the camera body on the other end.
It doesn't cary any weight, but does this give you added stability to prevent the combination from flopping around when walking so you do not have to stabilise it with one hand?
 
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Depending on how "ready to shoot" you want it, the chest "pouch" at jama is the way I go with my significantly heavier f-mount 400/2.8G.
this carrying pouch requires that you have a harness or a backpack to attach it to, but I guess that's usual to carry a backpack for all of us when taking photo gear somewhere on foot.

La boutique Jama Photo - JAMA - BAVETTE porte-téléobjectif

La boutique Jama Photo - JAMA - BAVETTE porte-téléobjectif
www.jama.fr www.jama.fr
Cotton carrier has some sort of device that is similar although I'm not sure of how comfortable it is with big lenses.
Clearly this type of attachment does not make you exactly "ready to shoot" in a blink, but it's quick enough in most cases. It takes longer to re-pack it in the pouch than to actually release it. I have no idea if that pouch is available worldwide or not.
 
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No it is only there as a safety measure. I do have it at arms length so if I need to I can have my hand on the foot to keep it stable. The load is all on my left shoulder. The mount on the camera is the Peak Design Anchor Mount. You can tether however you like. When I want to shoot I grab the foot with my left hand, flip it upright, and start shooting. It’s not perfect, but it works for me.

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Thanks for the additional detail.
I am trying to find something that doesn’t require me to hold it with one hand while walking.

That said, I may choose to take the 500pf for normal walks and the 400 when I purposely go out for photography. Like everything with photography gear, it is all about the trade offs.
 
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When I had the 500 PF I used the Peak Design Slide, with the Slide the lens was always pointing down which was great for that size lens. With these bigger lenses I had to abandon that way of carrying the camera, the longer hoods went past my knee, lol.
 
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I had two clamps with a locking lever to connect to the Arca Swiss dovetail, both from a very well known company, and both let go unexpectedly. I had the lens foot (500 f4 on my D3x) in my hand and caught the gear. The first time, I was demonstrating the setup to a friend. He didn't buy one! Just be careful of the lever ones. I also have clamps with screw tightening. No problem there but a bit slower to operate.
 
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I use a couple of very old, very proven Op/Tech straps to which I've added small SS carabiners. But I also like to use a wrist strap like this
IMG_4523.jpg
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I usually prefer a wrist strap when using one camera, or the Op/Tech straps when carrying two
 
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My opinion : carrier systems for eg a 70-200 , 100-400 or 500PF can't be compared with the needs to carry a 400 2.8 or 600 f4 or 800 F6.3 .
I have a 800 PF and use the Lens carrier system from Mr Jan (https://mrjangear.com/shop/lens-carrier-system/ ) .
It has the advantage that :
- it is ready to shoot
- it doesn't put all the weight on 1 shoulder (I know what it gives after several hours of walk)
- It keeps your hands free
- it comes with a harnas (in case you don't need your backpack) , but can also be attached directly to a backpack
- you can even put your binocular in the front pocket
 
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WonderfulNaturePhotography said:
My opinion : carrier systems for eg a 70-200 , 100-400 or 500PF can't be compared with the needs to carry a 400 2.8 or 600 f4 or 800 F6.3 .
I have a 800 PF and use the Lens carrier system from Mr Jan (https://mrjangear.com/shop/lens-carrier-system/ ) .
It has the advantage that :
- it is ready to shoot
- it doesn't put all the weight on 1 shoulder (I know what it gives after several hours of walk)
- It keeps your hands free
- it comes with a harnas (in case you don't need your backpack) , but can also be attached directly to a backpack
- you can even put your binocular in the front pocket
Click to expand...
Oh right, I forgot about that Mr JanGear version of the "pouch".
 
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