Strap for heavy glass...

[Woodpecker]

I use it without a backback. Makes for cooler carry in hot weather. It can be combined with any backpacK you choose.

Aaahhh, that makes sense and this also answers the question how they solved the taking off of the backpack without opening buckles etc.
Love it ! So because - in the terms of another appreciated member - I am "what can I find" type of shooter quite often, this allows me to have my smaller things for close-ups and ground work in a little backpack and can have this one in front.
If using straps and moving in terrain a little more difficult, I tend to be hesitant to leave my hands ioff the camera completely, especially with longer glass tending swing and I had a couple of occasions where it threw me over, because I didn't have the hand free. With this I would be really confident to use both hands for crawling/climbing and still have camera relatively safe in front of me rather than in the baclpack.

Thanks !

 

[ssheipel]

I use it without a backback. Makes for cooler carry in hot weather. It can be combined with any backpacK you choose. View attachment 92598

I looked at that option (vs Cotton Carrier vest) and ruled it out given the amount of 'climbing' I do up and down steep river banks or hilly woodland trails, etc. I'd happilly ride my bicycle with the camera clipped into the Cotton Carrier. The Mr. Jan sling didn't appear to provide that level of hands off and 'forget it 'security (e.g. I'd fear it sliding out of the sling).

 

[wotan1]

My preferred shooting style these days is to shoot with two bodies and two preferred lenses. I have both ready to use quickly and I can move between the lenses quickly as needed. Keeping the choices to two lenses and having both available allows me to focus on the shot and composition rather than futzing with equipment. For this type of shooting I tend to use the strap and leave the backpack in the truck.

The Holdfast dual strap allows you to carry either binoculars or a third camera in front. I am thinking of adding my z7ii with a wide angle lens this way because every once in a while a super wide angle landscape shot becomes a useful choice.

I plan to make more use of the backpack in future shoots Involving a lot of hiking. I know it will work well I am evolving my approach. In the future I will plan a backpacking outing to include extra clothing, water and snacks to carry me along. The backpack is very comfortable and I can hike long distances with it if I wear stiff hiking boots.

 

[BillNaiman]

Question regarding MoneyMaker: They do offer a single camera version as well, anyone tried them? I like the look and what i read about it, i am concerned though with the missing padding on the shoulder compared to BlackRapids offerings. I have the same concerns with the Magpul (i looked at them while i researche), there is no padding that i can see?

Frank

Frank,

I have 3 Holdfast straps. For a heavy load, I like them much better than my Blackrapids. I use them to carry my Z9/800PF, Z8/180-600, with a mix in of the 600PF.

1 strap is the 2 camera Money Maker.
2 straps are solo Money Makers: 1 strap is a small, I'm only 5'6. 1 is a medium for when I am wearing bulky winter clothing.

All straps have Kirk QD's (the $30 version) since all my lens plates and L-Brackets have QD sockets.

I admit what I have is an expensive solution, but much better than the lower cost options I have tried.

 

[wotan1]

I just put in an order for the Holdfast single strap. I agree that Holdfast is more comfortable than than the Blackrapid for heavy loads.

 

[TheObserver]

Thank you all so much for the feedback. Will try a solo moneymaker and see how that works for me.

Frank

 

[Brian W]

I am using a BlackRapid Sport X strap right now. I am wondering between the different blackrapid straps (their weight differ by ~60g depending on model) in terms of comfort when you carry heavier equipment, or comparisons to different brands (like moneymaker etc).

Note, i am not uncomfortable with the Sport X. I just wonder when i noticed that the the Blackline strap is 6.1oz where the sport x is 5.6 oz, if that is just cushioning and if so, is there a difference?

Happy to hear any suggestions, and if someone has several models, what the differences are. Because you can't find them on the blackrapid pages (beside of course color). But there everything is a best seller and the best thing ever anyway

Frank

After seeing this topic more than once and on other forums I just wanted to introduce a different option. For a single strap carrying my Z8/Z9 and long lenses I use a strap from Edgar Sherman Design and a Magpul QDM (quick disconnect sling mount) attached to a Hejnar lens foot. This strap was designed for sporting rifles but works well for heavy lens applications. I've never had a failure using the quick disconnect mount. When I attach it to a lens I give a quick tug on the strap to verify the connection is secure.

https://www.edgarshermandesign.com/product/esd-sling/ (Watch the instructional video and think camera lens vs rifle.)

The feature I appreciate the most is ability to make a quick adjustment to the strap length for changing from a higher carry position to a longer length camera ready position.
Brian

 

[wotan1]

Thank you all so much for the feedback. Will try a solo moneymaker and see how that works for me.

Frank

Holdfast is the brand. Moneymaker is the name they use for the dual strap. Solo is the name for the single strap.

The dual strap spreads the load across the shoulders by use of crossed straps in the back. It is more comfortable to wear higher on the back. The solo is supported on one shoulder only and is carried cross body.

I just ordered the solo so have not tried it yet. The dual provides better support but it feels unbalanced when carrying one camera. i since learned they recommend tightening the strap on the non carry side when carrying one camera. i have not tried that yet.

The one comment I would make about Holdfast is that they do not provide a customer support number. Everything is done on line by email. As is typical these days for many companies they do not want to spend money on staffing a telephone sales line.

That being said they make good quality stuff and they will eventually respond to an email. Everything is custom made and it takes time to Complete the order and ship. Have patience.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I use the Mr. Jan Lens Carrier System. Puts the weight on both shoulders and can handle big lenses. View attachment 92594

Essentially what I used with my 600 f/4E but with a Think Tank speed belt and racing harness instead of the back pack. It worked great but is over kill for my heaviest lens now the Z800 on my Z9 I use a Black Rapids Boomerang or Sport X.

 

[Thern]

I allways used to carry two camera’s with two heavy lenses.
One camera with the 600 F/4 or later the 800 F5.6, the other with the 180-400.
Tried all kind of carrying systems was never a fan of straps for two systems and ended buying the Spyder Pro holster.
Fastest and most convenient system I know of, BUT only suited for people without any back-problems and a strong core.
I even used it on mountainbike trips, no bouncing and the rig is secured in the holster with a safety lock.
Still use it for model-photography when I’m outdoors, holidays aso.0

 

[TCzPhotos]

I use the Mr. Jan Lens Carrier System. Puts the weight on both shoulders and can handle big lenses. View attachment 92594

This looks like a great idea. I have been watching my daughter's carry their babies in front pouches thinking this would be a great idea for my heavy lense. I have a cotton carrier, but I don't like the fact that the hardware doesn't work with anything else and it carries a bit too high for my liking.

 

[Ken Miracle]

My preferred shooting style these days is to shoot with two bodies and two preferred lenses. I have both ready to use quickly and I can move between the lenses quickly as needed. Keeping the choices to two lenses and having both available allows me to focus on the shot and composition rather than futzing with equipment. For this type of shooting I tend to use the strap and leave the backpack in the truck.

The Holdfast dual strap allows you to carry either binoculars or a third camera in front. I am thinking of adding my z7ii with a wide angle lens this way because every once in a while a super wide angle landscape shot becomes a useful choice.

I plan to make more use of the backpack in future shoots Involving a lot of hiking. I know it will work well I am evolving my approach. In the future I will plan a backpacking outing to include extra clothing, water and snacks to carry me along. The backpack is very comfortable and I can hike long distances with it if I wear stiff hiking boots.

I even stand at my computer in what some would consider stiff hiking boots.

I like leather and Kenetrek Boots fit my feet give me a great base for photography and have an amazing warranty. Kenetrek headquarters in Bozeman, Montana the leather boots are made in Italy and their customer service is amazing. For in the house and around town I use the 7" Safari, for hot weather heavier duty where I want a higher top I use the 10" Wildland Fire, for hot weather and tough conditions where I do not need the higher top and still do not want a waterproof membrane just leather I use the 7" Mountain Guide, When cooler temps come around and I do want the water proof membrane but no insulation I use the 10" Mountain Guide.

I have not compared different flavors of Blackrapid other than compare single straps to their dual. I prefer a single Blackrapid for a single camera and if I use it for two cameras I will use two singles.

However, for carrying two cameras I now prefer to use the Holdfast Moneymaker. I also added belt hooks which allow me to stabilize the camera/lens at the belt line so it does not swing. I will engage them when hiking but release the belt clip when I am actively shooting.

I use the Holdfast for longer sessions with two cameras. It works well hand holding longer lenses because I am not holding the camera up all the time, it rests by my side on the strap til I need it. I have hiked four or five miles during a shoot this way and I have also stood for several hours this way. I can quickly and easily switch between cameras. I have done this with the following combinations:. I shoot with Z9’s.

Z 24-70mm f2.8 and Z 70-200mm f2.8
Z 400mm f4.5 and Z 70-200 f2.8
Z 400mm f4.5 and Z 800mm f6.3
Z 800mm f6,3 and tripod/gimbal. ( for hiking from vehicle to shooting location)

I can switch between QD connectors and the hoops provided on the standard Holdfast hoops which screw into a tripod plate. I now always use a safety tether for security.

The key with using any of these straps is to do all the connecting before lifting the lens. Similarly I do not disconnect until the camera/lens is safely resting on a surface.

I had never encountered these. Are you using the original leather, or the vegan leather ? The Camera Swag also looks intriguing.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Worth trying for either a single large lens or a folded tripod and gimbal.

It looks like it fits around the shoulders in a manner similar to the Holdfast but with narrower straps.

Worth trying out certainly inexpensive.

The Holdfast and Blackrapid straps have an advantage in that they keep the camera ready for active shooting and it also allows you to drop the camera to your side so reducing stress when not shooting. With this setup it looks like you have to extract the camera/lens from the Sling which will take more time.

The Holdfast dual also has the option of carrying a third camera/lens by adding single-camera straps on the front of the Holdfast. I suspect this can be clipped to the front of the Holdfast potentially combining functions.

The point here generally is that there are all sorts of solutions that work for carrying and using long lenses in.a variety of situations. Each of us is different and what works for some of us might not work for others.

Thanks for sharing this information and your experience.

Mine was modified to be used attached to a Think Tank Racinig harness and speed belt. By the way I found it surprisingly fast to deploy ... I was using it with the D6 or D850 with battery grip and the Nikon 600 F/4 E.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[wotan1]

I am a committed carnivore so I don’t have qualms about using leather in my clothing. I have leather boots, leather shoes and regular leather holdfast straps. I accept that my species is at the top of the food chain and predation is part of the natural order of life.

My reaction is Hoildfast leather looks like the type used on horse bridles and saddles. If it is strong enough to wear on a horse it should be strong and durable enough for me, an admittedly-large human being (but nowhere close to the size of a horse.

I know people who are vegan including a friend who tried hard to turn me. I resisted heroically. To some I may be evil but my wife must love me for putting up with me all these years.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I am a committed carnivore so I don’t have qualms about using leather in my clothing. I have leather boots, leather shoes and regular leather holdfast straps. I accept that my species is at the top of the food chain and predation is part of the natural order of life.

My reaction is Hoildfast leather looks like the type used on horse bridles and saddles. If it is strong enough to wear on a horse it should be strong and durable enough for me, an admittedly-large human being (but nowhere close to the size of a horse.

I know people who are vegan including a friend who tried hard to turn me. I resisted heroically. To some I may be evil but my wife must love me for putting up with me all these years.

I have been an omnivore for ever, after all our teeth are designed for life as an omnivore I raised my kids on wild game back in my college days.
Which money maker leather are you using the standard or the skinny? I assume then the harness leather not the bison or water buffalo.

 

[wotan1]

I use the regular moneymaker in standard leather, not bison or water buffalo. I like the chestnut color.


All a matter of personal preference.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I use the regular moneymaker in standard leather, not bison or water buffalo. I like the chestnut color.


All a matter of personal preference.

Just trying to figure out sizing. I am only 5'6" but a long torso and larger chest and shoulders my wife and I have the same inseam pant length and she is 5'2". So by height it would be small but given my torso sizing up to medium probably makes sense. I emailed them and B&H with question about sizing.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I use the regular moneymaker in standard leather, not bison or water buffalo. I like the chestnut color.


All a matter of personal preference.

Got the same size recommendation based on info I gave them from HoldFast and B&H. Medium.

I found it availalbe with free returns etc. for prime members on Amazon and just ordered. Harness (standard) leather, chestnut color at good price supposed to be here 7-10.

 

[RecalcitrantRon]

I have had a Black Rapid for more years than I can recall. I have always been concerned about the swivel being a point of failure. The Holdfast has the same design. The Magpul and the Peak are different. The Magpul looks like and interesting option although I would prefer if the QD was stitched down.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I have had a Black Rapid for more years than I can recall. I have always been concerned about the swivel being a point of failure. The Holdfast has the same design. The Magpul and the Peak are different. The Magpul looks like and interesting option although I would prefer if the QD was stitched down.

I have had BR for years and never any failures or hints of it but I also constantly made sure things were tight and I have used BR on combos as heavy as the D6 and 600mm f/4E ... but that was to long and unweildy so why I sought out the MRJan Gear option. The thing I am looking at with the holdfast is a more robust fit with one or two cameras attached. The Holdfast appears more adjustable but will see. It was a prime product on Amazon so returns easy if it does not work the way I hope it will.

 

[Woodpecker]

I use it without a backback. Makes for cooler carry in hot weather. It can be combined with any backpacK you choose.

Just got the it th other day and although I haven't really been out with it, pretty much like it already after the first attempts.
However, there's one thing that I am not sure about.

Having the Z8 with the 180-600 there is the lens direclty on the body itself and I don't see a problem with it.
Having the 500mm f4 with the FTZ on the camera - maybe even with the TC in between - I am a bitt worried about the lever the weight of the camera body may get in terms of impacting the mount flanges in between. So I would expect that the safer way to carry the setup around would be to have just the camera body looking out of the carrier on one side and thus having the flange connections supported by the carrier, while having the stable front end of the lens looking out at the other end. This of course causes a slightly asymmetric carrying scenario, especially with long hoods, but I tested it with my pretty front-heavy AF-S 500 f4 G and it still doens't feel uncomfortable or out of balance.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Just got the it th other day and although I haven't really been out with it, pretty much like it already after the first attempts.
However, there's one thing that I am not sure about.

Having the Z8 with the 180-600 there is the lens direclty on the body itself and I don't see a problem with it.
Having the 500mm f4 with the FTZ on the camera - maybe even with the TC in between - I am a bitt worried about the lever the weight of the camera body may get in terms of impacting the mount flanges in between. So I would expect that the safer way to carry the setup around would be to have just the camera body looking out of the carrier on one side and thus having the flange connections supported by the carrier, while having the stable front end of the lens looking out at the other end. This of course causes a slightly asymmetric carrying scenario, especially with long hoods, but I tested it with my pretty front-heavy AF-S 500 f4 G and it still doens't feel uncomfortable or out of balance.

I never used the MrJan Long Lens Carrier with anything as short as the z180-600 just with the 600 f/4E as shown earlier.

The design is meant to support a long lens and camera assembly as it would be supported on a tripod and the tripod foot is the the center point of that load. So it is designed for the length you are getting with your adapted 500mm f/4.

So as I loaded the rig into the carrier and clipped it closed I put it in holding onto the tripod foot. It took a bit of practice to find the fastest way to deploy it and put it back when into the field. MrJan had some good videos that helped me learn how to do it.

I also attached the strap that came with the lens to the lens strap lugs as a safety strap so if I did ever fumble taking the rig in and out in the field it would not hit the ground. Luckily I never had the strap have to do it's job.

 

[wotan1]

I have had a Black Rapid for more years than I can recall. I have always been concerned about the swivel being a point of failure. The Holdfast has the same design. The Magpul and the Peak are different. The Magpul looks like and interesting option although I would prefer if the QD was stitched down.

I am familiar with the Holdfast shackles. They are quality gear, adapted from sailboat rigging.

I used to do a lot of sailboat racing. The shackles used on Holdfast are the same used for sail halyards. For those non nautical a halyard is a line used to raise a sail into position. There is a lot of force on these sails in strong breezes. Forces strong enough to capsize boats weighing tens of thousands of pounds if not handled properly. Way more force than we would ever use to carry a camera and lens.

I have complete confidence in the Holdfast swivel shackles especially when used with safety lines.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I am familiar with the Holdfast shackles. They are quality gear, adapted from sailboat rigging.

I used to do a lot of sailboat racing. The shackles used on Holdfast are the same used for sail halyards. For those non nautical a halyard is a line used to raise a sail into position. There is a lot of force on these sails in strong breezes. Forces strong enough to capsize boats weighing tens of thousands of pounds if not handled properly. Way more force than we would ever use to carry a camera and lens.

I have complete confidence in the Holdfast swivel shackles especially when used with safety lines.

Update on my Hold Fast Moneymaker. The one I got from Amazon came in a clear plastic bag and by the time it got here I had found out the latests design watching the video on how to put the moneymaker together and adjust it. The slider that attaches to the camera is now adjustable for length and the photo on amazon did not match what arrived and did not have user adjustable slides. So a fast return of the never opened package to our Whole Foods drop off location.

I then ordered directly from Hold Fast ... now to see how long it takes to get made and arrive

 

[Hooligans Imagery]

I then ordered directly from Hold Fast ... now to see how long it takes to get made and arrive

So your on Hold,Slow