Shoulder strap, belt ideas for a camera and telephoto lens

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For longer days and tougher trails where having 2 hands free is important, crossing streams etc, I use the Cotton Carrier system for my D500 and 500 PF .It is a fantastic device. For shorter walks I use a Blackrapid strap, just don't balance on rocks and cross streams while wearing one!. It is too easy to lose your balance.
 
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Stavrosbbb said:
For longer days and tougher trails where having 2 hands free is important, crossing streams etc, I use the Cotton Carrier system for my D500 and 500 PF .It is a fantastic device. For shorter walks I use a Blackrapid strap, just don't balance on rocks and cross streams while wearing one!. It is too easy to lose your balance.
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Do you mount the attachment point to the lens foot or the camera body when using the Cotton Carrier System. I a m looking for a good way to carry my D500 / 200-500 combination . I don’t want camera body to end up under my chin, if I mount too foot. I t getting harder to be in my sixties and find a good way to carry.
 
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I carry my camera via a Black Rapid strap. In winter I carry extra lens, batteriy, etc in a lightweight backpack. In summer, I use a "tactical" belt like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NPFP5B5/?tag=backcogaller-20

I have one of these to carry an extra lens:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZZW91A/?tag=backcogaller-20

I also have a water bottle carrier and a small pouch like this one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCGXVN1/?tag=backcogaller-20

When I am carrying a second camera body, I attach one of these to my belt and can carry a lighter weight camera body and lens:

Pro Pad for Capture | Peak Design Official Site

Pro Pad is a comfortable, low-profile stabilizer pad for using Capture with heavy camera and lens combinations.
www.peakdesign.com www.peakdesign.com

The lens pouch can serve as an emergency camera holster when I have my 105mm macro lens attached (caution, it could fall out if you're leaning over etc. I use it as an emergency if I need a free hand for a moment).

Unfortunately, to date, I haven't found a convenient way to carry the 200-500 other than via the strap. I have one of these attached to the foot of the lens collar.
https://fpgear.com/collections/fusi...swiss-compatible-fusion-lens-plate-5-25-black.
I've been using this foot with attachment on my D7200 (and now D500) with 150-600 and 200-500 lens since spring 2019. It has not failed. I did drill another hole in the foot of my lens collar and installed a 1/4 X 20 threaded insert so I can have 2 screws attaching the ARCA plate to the lens collar. It really isn't that hard once you get past the idea of drilling a hole in a piece of equipment (oh, take the tripod lens collar off the lens before drilling just a tip...)

Hope this helps. This setup works well for me. It may or may not work as well for someone else. Just throwing a few ideas out there.

Jeff
 
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JAS said:
I use the Cotton Carrier G3 and it easily handles my D750 with 200-500 or 500PF so a 70-200 will not be a problem. I like the weight distribution of the full harness.
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Joe,
How does the Cotton Carrier setup work when you're carrying a second camera? I like the idea of the harness spreading weight over both shoulders.
Jeff
 
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For an hour walk where a photo opportunity could happen at any time, I carry camera and lens in my hand with a wrist strap for security or if I have to use my right hand for something besides holding the camera. The Lowepro sling bags are very convenient; the camera is quickly accessible. the bag has a. cross shoulder strap and a waist strap keeps the bag from moving around.The design has changed some from the model I used for several years. Even if you carry the camera in your hand, the bag is there if you need some accessory, rain protection, etc.
I quit using neck and shoulder straps because they would swing around a lot and were sometimes in the way. I tried a vest system but it was too hot in warm-hot weather. The chest strap, favored by many binocular users, was also too ristrictive for me. Since I often am taking photos close to the ground, if the camera is attached to my body, the strap usually has to be removed and often gets in the way.
 
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jeffnles1 said:
Joe,
How does the Cotton Carrier setup work when you're carrying a second camera? I like the idea of the harness spreading weight over both shoulders.
Jeff
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You can add a second mount on your hip and even add a bag to carry a spare lens. So long as the second camera isn’t a really big lens, you are ok. I will carry the 70-200 w/ camera on the chest mount and the 28-300 w/ camera on my hip. I just bought the lens pouch to add a third lens. It is not light wiith two cameras but the weight distribution is much more comfortable than two straps. The cameras feel safer than on straps. there are also safety straps to connect each camera to the harness As an added safety feature. It is not for everyone, but I really like mine. I am older (nearing 70) with some physical limitations so the harness allows me to walk comfortably and not worry about my cameras.
 
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JAS said:
You can add a second mount on your hip and even add a bag to carry a spare lens. So long as the second camera isn’t a really big lens, you are ok. I will carry the 70-200 w/ camera on the chest mount and the 28-300 w/ camera on my hip. I just bought the lens pouch to add a third lens. It is not light wiith two cameras but the weight distribution is much more comfortable than two straps.
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I'll have to look into those options. Which ones do you have?

Usually my kit is
1) D500 with 200-500 lens attached.
2) D7200 with 105mm macro attached
OR
2a) Sony RX10-iv set up for video.

Usually, what I'm carrying is 1 and 2a. I will usually have the macro lens on either a belt pouch (see my rig above) or in a backpack.

I like the belt rig for summer but it does not work in winter with heavy coats. The Cotton Carrier system intrigues me, especially for winter.

Thanks for your response.
Jeff
 
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JAS said:
You can add a second mount on your hip and even add a bag to carry a spare lens. So long as the second camera isn’t a really big lens, you are ok. I will carry the 70-200 w/ camera on the chest mount and the 28-300 w/ camera on my hip. I just bought the lens pouch to add a third lens. It is not light wiith two cameras but the weight distribution is much more comfortable than two straps. The cameras feel safer than on straps. there are also safety straps to connect each camera to the harness As an added safety feature. It is not for everyone, but I really like mine. I am older (nearing 70) with some physical limitations so the harness allows me to walk comfortably and not worry about my cameras.
Click to expand...
I am 73 years old and am 6’6”. Have had two total knees, one back fusion w/ hardware and a total hip in last four years! Hip was just 4 months ago!
2/17 went on my first hike in AZ with the Cotton Carrier vest with a D500/70-200 f2.8. Went 2.7 miles in AZ desert and it was great. Have the second attachment for second D500 w18-80. Haven’t tried carrying 80-400 or 500PF on second body.
Check out “Cotton Carrier website to see products and short demo videos.
 
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smkunder said:
What are UP- straps , and where can I find information about them?
Thanks
Steve
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The great thing about UP Straps is the shoulder pad. I've never been able to find one that does not slip off the shoulfer - especially if wearing woven nylon or other similar coats.

It is reputed to stick like s**t to a blanket. I've just searched for them but theit web site did not pop up in the results so maybe they are not in business anymore. If anyone knows differently I hope they post something here.
 
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dabhand16 said:
The great thing about UP Straps is the shoulder pad. I've never been able to find one that does not slip off the shoulfer - especially if wearing woven nylon or other similar coats.

It is reputed to stick like s**t to a blanket. I've just searched for them but theit web site did not pop up in the results so maybe they are not in business anymore. If anyone knows differently I hope they post something here.
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Professional Camera Straps- Made in the USA| JOURNEY CAMERA®

Camera Straps - Since 2004 the professional's choice - Easy Carry - No-Fail Camera Connect System-Made in the USA.
journeycamera.com journeycamera.com
 
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jhallettbc said:
Do you think the Skout can carry a 780 with a 70-200 2.8?
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Easily.
I've used it with a 3kg rig all day and 4.3 kg for shorter periods.
Big advantage is that it's hands free when you're active.
You'll need an extension plate on the lens foot to bring the hub above the centre of gravity.
 
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Ziggy said:
Easily.
I've used it with a 3kg rig all day and 4.3 kg for shorter periods.
Big advantage is that it's hands free when you're active.
You'll need an extension plate on the lens foot to bring the hub above the centre of gravity.
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I have a D500 with 70-200 f2.8, a 80-400 and a 500 PF - all about same weight/ length. I have “hub” on body. Should I have “hub” on Lens foot? If so, then I have to take “hub” OFF/ON when I put foot on tripod??
Their pictures on their web site show it attached to body, except for possibly one.
 
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I have looked at the Skout and also wondered how big a rig a person could comfortably go with. I think many of these systems can handle the weight, but the key to me is comfortably.
 
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Many years ago I bought a neoprene strap for use with my cameras when using the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and it was a godsend. The neoprene gives and so less shock goes to the neck. The Op/Tech ones sell on Amazon for $20 and are well worth a try. The quick release buckles on their straps are excellent and I use them to remove the strap while the camera is mounted with a lens to a tripod.
 
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LL4D500 said:
I have a D500 with 70-200 f2.8, a 80-400 and a 500 PF - all about same weight/ length. I have “hub” on body. Should I have “hub” on Lens foot? If so, then I have to take “hub” OFF/ON when I put foot on tripod??
Their pictures on their web site show it attached to body, except for possibly one.
Click to expand...
My concern would be with the effect on the mount of days of jerking around.
 
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smkunder said:
I have looked at the Skout and also wondered how big a rig a person could comfortably go with. I think many of these systems can handle the weight, but the key to me is comfortably.
Click to expand...
The harness is very comfy.
The Skout sags a bit at 4.3 kg so is a short term gig. With c 3kg eg a D500 and 200-500, there's no kick back after a day of it.
 
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Ziggy said:
My concern would be with the effect on the mount of days of jerking around.
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To avoid an issue, I will check tightness (with wrench provided) before I go out for the day. There is a rubber mat that goes between hub and camera bad/plate that reduces the risk of it coming loose. Never had a problem!
 
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jhallettbc said:
I am looking for some ideas for carrying around a Nikon 780 and 70-200 f2.8 lens when I am on a walk up to an hour. Just got the lens and just with the camera strap and the lens swinging around, when walking, it's not very comfortable. Want something relatively simple that will take some strain off the shoulder and hold it more firmly.

Thanks.
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If this is all - or at least most of - you want to carry the Toploader Zoom 75AW from Lowepro might be an alternative. It is a pouch that you carry on you breast and that - as the name suggests - is a toploader. I used it for a long time and combined with some of the Street & Field lens pouches it was my primary bag when going small and light. It depends on your physical condition, but I have used it to carry one body with up to 4 lenses, if you can accept that the 70-200 ist not on the body while walking.

Lowepro_Toploader_75AW_04.jpg
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Lowepro_Toploader_75AW_05.jpg
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This is what mine looked like when selling it. It is designed for taking a body with attached 70-200 uprigt, but I would check again as I know the 70-200 f2.8 FL is pretty big. Theres also enough space for the small bits and pieces and mine had an integrated rain cover.
 
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