Long lens hand holding support

[Ken Miracle]

@Etching House uses the monopod idea below posted on a different thread.

I vaguely remember a similar method but with a belt socket for the monopod to rest in but this sounds simpler and I have not been able to locate the product yet.

Has anyone used anythinng else like the Cotton Carrier Steady Shot with Camera Vest (Black) https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...ier_779_SSV_0062_Steady_Shot_with_Camera.html

@Etching House " I find that with the larger longer lenses hand held I do a special trick.
I take a cheap $65 lightweight small monopod, example of the head style.

Marshall Electronics CVM-17 Pro-Style Monopod Extension Pole B and H

I mean super small and light, with a very small ball head with just a pinch clamp not a full ball head.
I leave the ball head just loose enough to be able to swivel slightly but with enough drag, I collapse the mono pod to about 1/3rd its size attached it to the lens.

Now as you have two points of support and control i.e.: two arms ...here is the kicker , I tuck the light small monopod shortened under my arm pit like a rifle stock, this gives the third point of support and control, its easy to get used to and once you get the hang of it, you wont want anything else, and it really help's stabilize and reduce load on the arms, the result are significantly better, you have a three point support using your arm pit which is surprisingly strong, i do my surfing and panning shots this way, I never use tracking as I don't have any need for it."

 

[NorthernFocus]

I've used a rifle stock. When I first started shooting BIF I could not track them. I used to do a lot of shooting with a shotgun so mounting the camera/lens on a stock was a natural motion for me. First I made one from a BB gun stock and used a remote cable release for trigger. Later I purchased a BushHawk. It works really well. Of course it does not relieve the weight. It just provides more stability especially for anyone who is used to shooting rifle/shotgun.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I've used a rifle stock. When I first started shooting BIF I could not track them. I used to do a lot of shooting with a shotgun so mounting the camera/lens on a stock was a natural motion for me. First I made one from a BB gun stock and used a remote cable release for trigger. Later I purchased a BushHawk. It works really well. Of course it does not relieve the weight. It just provides more stability especially for anyone who is used to shooting rifle/shotgun.

An engineer friend in Calgary custom made one for me but it did not really do anything for me I could not do with my normal had hold tracking method and it was a hassle. Required a cable release etc.. I hear you on not releiveing weight. Since I am quite stable when tracking etc. at this point no sure if a stock type system would add anything but will check out the BushHawk. On line exploring accessories while waiting for UPS driver with the new 600 f/4E to arrive.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I've used a rifle stock. When I first started shooting BIF I could not track them. I used to do a lot of shooting with a shotgun so mounting the camera/lens on a stock was a natural motion for me. First I made one from a BB gun stock and used a remote cable release for trigger. Later I purchased a BushHawk. It works really well. Of course it does not relieve the weight. It just provides more stability especially for anyone who is used to shooting rifle/shotgun.

From what I can tell BushHawk is out of business? Any links to a new name or webpage etc. ?

 

[NorthernFocus]

From what I can tell BushHawk is out of business? Any links to a new name or webpage etc. ?

I don't have any more info

 

[Warren D]

I use this: https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/long-lens-support
In this day, I don't want to use anything that looks like a gun, too many nervous people.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I use this: https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/long-lens-support
In this day, I don't want to use anything that looks like a gun, too many nervous people.

I do not get what this is. Looks like plates etc. for mounting to a tripod or monopod ???

 

[Warren D]

Basically it's a tripod mount but I find it easy to hand hold as it's long enough for me to balance anyway I want. I can wrap my fingers around it which makes it easier for me to grasp than the lens barrel or long foot. As I often need to switch between a tripod and hand held quickly, this plus the RRS lever QR makes it a breeze.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Basically it's a tripod mount but I find it easy to hand hold as it's long enough for me to balance anyway I want. I can wrap my fingers around it which makes it easier for me to grasp than the lens barrel or long foot. As I often need to switch between a tripod and hand held quickly, this plus the RRS lever QR makes it a breeze.

I get it .... I saw it on RRS web page it is out of stock but okay for back order ... UPS just got here with the lens

 

[nmoens]

I have no experience with the support vest but it seems that it would be impossible to track a bird flying with this... You may be able to rotate horizontally but it would be almost impossible to adapt the angle (vertically) of your camera to track a flying bird... or even a bird jumping from branch to branch...

 

[Ken Miracle]

I have no experience with the support vest but it seems that it would be impossible to track a bird flying with this... You may be able to rotate horizontally but it would be almost impossible to adapt the angle (vertically) of your camera to track a flying bird... or even a bird jumping from branch to branch...

Not really since I move my upper body not the camera when tracking and panning now. My elbows stay tucked into my sides.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Just did quick step outside test with the lens on trees, signs and doggy doo bag dispenser. Lens has same external controls and features as my 500PF. It worked fine. Weight not an issue for holding the tripod foot too short and have not put a RRS plate on yet. I like the looks of the RRS set up that @Warren D mentioned.

 

[Warren D]

Here's a quick shot of my rig. 600E with D850 and RRS foot on the 600 and RRS Long Lens Support. Tripod is not my usual one for this rig, way too small. The regular one has a Wimberly with the RRS lever QR.

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[Ken Miracle]

Here's a quick shot of my rig. 600E with D850 and RRS foot on the 600 and RRS Long Lens Support. Tripod is not my usual one for this rig, way too small. The regular one has a Wimberly with the RRS lever QR.
View attachment 17016

Thanks Warren. The RRS Long Lens Support and the RRS replacement foot are on back order RRS estimated 3 to 4 weeks when I talked to them today. They are located in Provo Utah now so about 5.5 hours from here. Will get the long lens support as soon as they get in. B&H had a Kirk replacement foot in stock it is about an inch longer than the RRS foot and looked good and I have had good luck with Kirk stuff before so I ordered the foot. My Wimberly has a RRS lever QR as recommended by @Steve . Update on a whim I checked Amazon and it showed one left order it is supposed to be here 4-12.

 

[Warren D]

I tried the Kirk foot for my 500E (same as the 600E) but found the edges to be so sharp that it got uncomfortable to carry for more than a few minutes. While the RRS foot is shorter, it's easier on my hands. Point is somewhat mute with the long lens support but I don't use the support all the time. YMMV.....

 

[Ken Miracle]

I tried the Kirk foot for my 500E (same as the 600E) but found the edges to be so sharp that it got uncomfortable to carry for more than a few minutes. While the RRS foot is shorter, it's easier on my hands. Point is somewhat mute with the long lens support but I don't use the support all the time. YMMV.....

Thank you for your help. The new Kirk supposedly has smooter edges and has a new textured powder coat for more secure carry ... will see if that is accurate I definetly prefer the finish on my RRS plates to the Wimberly ... I do not carry my other lenses by the foot since they are on a black rapids strap attached to the foot but this will be a different set up. Will be using the new lens on D6 tomorrow at a Sage Grouse lek but not much carrying involved since the vehicle is the blind at this particular lek.

 

[Warren D]

Even with a BR strap on my lens foot, I still carry with one hand on it. I had a BR swivel wear through to the point it almost failed. I'll wear more/faster with the heavier lens, I check the wear point before each outing or at least once per week. Don't want any of my glass hitting the ground!

 

[Ken Miracle]

Even with a BR strap on my lens foot, I still carry with one hand on it. I had a BR swivel wear through to the point it almost failed. I'll wear more/faster with the heavier lens, I check the wear point before each outing or at least once per week. Don't want any of my glass hitting the ground!

I have never worn any through "yet" but will keep an eye on them. Not sure if I will use one with the 600 will see in the next few days.

 

[O]

Hi, there are some people that find it hard to hand hold for a while long lenses lenses like a 500 f4 600 f4 even the 200-500 F5.6 etc, ok this is not everyone's cup of tea but I find this is just one concept that works very well for those people not built like the Rock Dwain Johnson.
There is an image of the standard mono pod carbon fiber, its really ok but more suited to resting the foot in the waist strap holder. I use it often on my 300 2.8 vr II.
The lighter low cost one is my preferred riffle stock support, it fits under my armpit like I am holding a riffle etc you sorta get the drift.
I tighten things just enough to allow some smooth drag giving movement.
Also this helps with people that have shaky hands etc , yes i know VR helps.
I use this light cheap monopod (for the small light ball head) even on a 14-24 50mm 70-200 regardless, I always get nice steady sharp shots especially form my Non VR lenses on a FX camera. I find its best to start on smaller lenses then work your way up once you have the nack of it, its especially good for manual lenses as well.
Hey I know there are alternatives like VR etc etc and higher shutter speeds, I find with this simple little tool I can drop my SS reduce my ISO hold a lens all the time............its second nature for me in most applications.
A friend of mine has an health issue his hands shake like he has Parkinson's but he hasn't got it, its something else, he was going to quit photography, he now has success hand holding his camera and lens using the underarm rifle like stock.

OZ down under.

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[JDG Photo]

Fishing rod holder with a monopod.

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[Rustic land]

Fishing rod holder with a monopod.

View attachment 17213

I have a similar setup to this however I find it can be restrictive in some situations so I have gone back to my wimberley monogimbal and monopod

 

[Roaring 40s]

I use a 'kneepod'
Inc a pad for the right knee.

 

[Calson]

I have tried many approaches over the years but alway find that a monopod with the right kind of head works out the best. I can wrap a leg around the monopod and have much more support for a heavy lens. I use a special head that only tilts in one direction, like the Benro DJ90. With the 600mm lens I always use a tripod or a bean bag for support. On a boat the monopod works the best even when using a lens like the 500mm PF is am also using a TC-14 teleconverter as well.

I learned with a heavy lens and camera to not hold it up any longer than was necessary to get the shot. I use a compact pair of binos to spot subjects and then get into position and start shooting. After a couple of minutes I lower the camera and lens and relax my shoulders and this is much easier on my body.

I found it awkward to have a heavy lens on a tripod and to sling it over a shoulder to move to a new location. I bought the Kirk SS-1 Security Strap and clamp it onto the foot of the lens and then let the well padded strap support the weight while steadied by one hand and then grab the legs with the other hand and easily make my way to the new spot. For me this works much better.

 

[apanella]

I've been know to switch this between lamps on the tripod or monopod... (both Monopod and tripod have a fairly heavy ballheads with arca-swiss quick release clamps). Ball = tightened; pan = loose.
Use the monopod when need to be more nimble...when moving between locations with monopod... lock things down... then carry Monopod+tomahawk+camera like Paul Bunyon's axe.

GT1 Tomahawk - Add on Gimbal attachment for Ball Heads (promediagear.com)

 

[O]

Fishing rod holder with a monopod.

View attachment 17213

Brilliant mate, love it, understand completely, its not for everyone, love the fact you have given it a go.......certainly beast carrying the stuff LOL.

OZ down under