Camera Harness System & Long Lens?

[ktuli]

So I'm looking for a new/better way to carry my camera. Usually I have my Canon 7DII with battery grip and the 100-400 lens attached. Normally, I like to use a monopod with that setup, but hiking around with that gets a bit cumbersome at times. I bought my wife a lightweight harness for her binoculars, and it seems to work really well for that situation, but I am wondering if anyone has experience with a harness for camera + heavy lens.

I saw both a Movo (http://www.amazon.com/Movo-MB700-Uni.../dp/B00RF0OF2C) and an Opteka (http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-MCH-25-.../dp/B00746O3X8) that both have very nice pricing and high ratings on Amazon, but not sure whether they'd hold up to the heavier combination I have. I also saw the Cotton Carrier (http://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Carrier...c/dp/B003R2NUC) which upon first glance appears extremely similar except in price (more than quadruple the price - but I wonder if this is one of those cases where you get what you pay for).

So my concerns here are...

1. Would you hook the harness connector up to your camera body tripod mount (actually, on the battery grip) and hang the camera from there with the long lens attached?

2. Alternatively, if having to use the tripod ring mount on the lens, would I still be able to use a monopod at that mount point too?

3. In stationary position, these things look great - how do they hold up when trying to walk/hike with the camera attached? Are they truly hands-free?

4. Does anyone have experience with any of the specific brands/models linked above?

Thanks!

- Bill

[Tronhard]

Hi Bill:

I got a harness by Lowe Pro to attach their pouch within which I had a camera and lens. I went to the Rockies for 3 weeks with a friend and we both used the same type of harness - this is a picture of her with it in action.



On one hand it was ready to use very quickly, and certainly kept the unit from moving around as I hiked. The drawback for me was that with a bulking body and lens I could not see the ground immediately in front of me and on rough terrain that creates some risk.

These days I sometimes use the pouch with a strap across my shoulder to offset the location to one side.

The other kind of harness I used was by Think Tank with a very sturdy belt, having loops not unlike a military harness. A custom pouch (that could adapt to long or short lens) could be threaded through the belt at any position and could be set up in a fixed position or allowed to move around the belt. One can stack several pouches for cameras or lenses and your pelvis takes the weight. There are cross straps to further stabilize the belt available as well. That has actually worked well, but you have to realize that if you put the pouches to one side you are much wider than you expect - so stay away from china shops!

[William W]

So I'm looking for a new/better way to carry my camera. Usually I have my Canon 7DII with battery grip and the 100-400 lens attached. Normally, I like to use a monopod with that setup . . .

I am not keen on that type of gear displayed in the link which worked: for me it is just added weight and some garments add a restriction of quick movement – but that’s my taste and not everyone’s taste.

I suppose it would depend on how far and how arduous the “hike” is – or if it is just “walking” from one shooting spot, or shoot, to another. And I expect that it also depends somewhat on how “ready” the camera needs to be.

If I were “hiking” - with a lens that size and noting it being a push pull zoom (aware of zoom creep) - I would have the gear packed; if I were walking around and using the gear then I would usually have a lens that size, on a Monopod and I would carry it; – but if I needed to walk a distance carrying the camera “ready” I would just sling it. I am not keen on having a lot of gear or any big gear in the front of me.

For a longer lens or for the heavier camera + lens I am carrying, if using more than one camera, I arrange the straps from the base of the Battery Grip (Shutter Release Side) to the top of the camera (Mode Dial Side) (see image). This allows the camera to be slung over my left shoulder across my Chest and Back with the grip of the camera readily available for my Right Hand. That rigs can sit just behind the right hip and the hands have freedom of movement.

If I wanted the use of a Monopod for that lens and for that carry position, I would mount a Plate on the Tripod Mount Ring of the Lens and use a Monopod Head with a Quick Release on the Monopod.

When I am carrying (aka “just walking between shots/shoots”) with a longer lens, I mount the Tripod Ring of the Lens directly to the Monopod Shaft an carry that rig, complete, over my shoulder.



WW

PS not all of the links worked for me.

[Tronhard]

Gidday Bill!

I had only one link in my contribution - that to a Think Tank website, I hope that worked (I have some difficulty getting the link to line up with the words!)

Yes, really it does depend on what one is doing... The harnesses I use when I am doing day stuff: mostly not off trail or maybe carrying a light pack. When I do multi-day hikes I put the pouch (which is water resistant and has a built-in cover) shoulder mounted, but arrange it so that the pack harness stops it moving around and transfers some of the weight. I don't normally take a monopod with me, although I did actually cart a (very light) tripod 76km.

There is one crowd who make a clamp that attaches to a pack harness with a quick release connector to the tripod screw. The trouble is your camera is out in the open, but if you wanted a light alternative to having it stowed in your pack for short period (when you might taking lots of shots) then it might work.

[NorthernFocus]

There's no one size fits all to resolve this issue. As demonstrated by the multiple options available in the market place. We each have to figure out what works for our individual situation.

I've struggled with this problem for years and have never come up with a system that I'm really happy with. I've never handled the kit you're using but assume it is similar in size/weight to a FF Nikon body w/80-400mm fitted. My experience has been that once you get to kit the size of DSLR plus 70-200 2.8 or larger, it is pretty much a pipe dream to think it can be carried hands-free while hiking with anything other than a backpack. If you want it at the ready for quick shooting, then a Black Rapids style strap works as well as anything I've tried but requires one hand on the camera/lens to stabilize it while walking. With larger lenses the attachment ring must be attached to the lens foot rather than to the camera body. Depending on the camera body being used this can cause balance issues. But with one hand stabilizing the rig anyway it doesn't really matter. I've used this method for everything from and APS-C body/WA lens combo to a pro style FF body and 500mm prime.

Having the single strap across a shoulder with significant load gets tiring after a couple of hours. So using a backpack for distance and the strap for ready shooting is really needed for long days. Another thing that can be done is to get the double strap and switch sides once in a while.

Good luck.

[DanK]

I have the Cotton Carrier. It is quite substantial and is very comfortable with a body and a 70-200 f/4. I haven't hiked with more than that. It holds the camera very firmly. There are a couple of different mounting plates, and one is an arca-swiss plate with the circular cotton carrier fitting at one end, so you can easily clip into a monopod or tripod with any arca-compatible clamp. I don't use it often, but I find it comfortable when I do even though I have a bad back. The only drawback is that it is a fairly substantial harness to wear.

[William W]

Hi Trev,

The third link in Bill S's Opening Post is not working for me: no big deal one can easily search and locate the item - the other links all work OK, including yours.

I note that we both mentioned carrying gear "in front" - I am really not keen on doing that when "hiking" (esp. downhill). Whilst my hands may be "free" I feel may hands are limited with stuff stuck in front of me - I think Bill S should give due consideration to that point and whether to applies to him.

I can't even "walk-around" like this:



And maybe Bill might define better - "hiking around".

Bill

[Tronhard]

I definitely think there are different solutions between walk-about photography, day hikes and multi-day tramping. Two major variables to me are what photographic gear one is carrying and what other stuff you need as well. The other issue would be: is the main object to hike or to take photos? If it is the former I may take less photo gear. LowePro has a cool analysis tool that asks good questions, even if you don't buy their product: http://www.lowepro.com/camera-backpacks.

For the first scenario I try to limit my gear to two bodies with lenses attached (I don't switch lenses in the field) - 3 at a pinch. I can take them in a Lowe Pro sling bag - one that sits on one's back on a single diagonal strap, then can be swung around to sit horizontally on the front to access the gear. Mine has enough room for a few other bits and pieces, but I wouldn't call it a day pack in the hiking sense.

For the day hike, I would probably take my Kata (now merged with Manfroto) backpack that is essentially a camera bag with the ability to store a water bladder, and pockets for other clothing, food etc. They make models that can be either a full pack with an external frame (mine is the Kata 222 - see http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-515_IRETme...OR5148.DNG.jpg and http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/...jpg?1318869295), or an internal frame that can be used as a conventional pack or a slingback. See this link: https://www.manfrotto.com/products/b...pack-3n1-35-pl. It can take a light tripod/monopod/walking pole and has a rain cover. The bag can take 1 or two cameras with lenses with maybe a 3rd if I am really keen attached to the front harness.

For multi day hikes the tramping gear itself takes a lot of capacity so I take one camera with a decent zoom or a bridge camera if the terrain demands it. I would take a smaller body and lighter lens. My Canon long range zooms are heavy (over 1.5kg) so there might be an argument for a lighter Tamron or Sigma unit. If I take the bridge camera, as it is much smaller, it can sit neatly attached to the front harness of my 80 litre pack, with the option of the SLR in the top of my main pack.

[Manfred M]

My wife and I have been using the Cotton Carrier for years. It takes the load off your neck and puts it on your shoulders. I use an auxiliary strap when using it with a longer lens so that it doesn't bounce around. The thing I like best about the system is that it works well for my "opportunistic" style of photography. I can have the camera out of the carrier and in shooting position in about a second.

Customer support has been excellent too. The main holder snapped on one of the units (after several years of use) and a replacement arrived in the mail within a couple of days of my calling them.

The rest of my gear is in an ancient Kata (now owned by Manfrotto) backpack.

[Tronhard]

The rest of my gear is in an ancient Kata (now owned by Manfrotto) backpack.

I guess Kata must have been doing something right if Manfrotto bought them...

[DanK]

For the day hike, I would probably take my Kata (now merged with Manfroto) backpack that is essentially a camera bag with the ability to store a water bladder, and pockets for other clothing, food etc. They make models that can be either a full pack with an external frame (mine is the Kata 222 - see http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-515_IRETme...OR5148.DNG.jpg and http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/...jpg?1318869295), or an internal frame that can be used as a conventional pack or a slingback. See this link: https://www.manfrotto.com/products/b...pack-3n1-35-pl.

Unfortunately, skimming reviews, I get the impression that are not all that similar. Some folks lament that Manfrotto didn't maintain the Kata line. All just hearsay, of course, but disappointing, since your Kata looks to be what I was looking for.

[Manfred M]

Unfortunately, skimming reviews, I get the impression that are not all that similar. Some folks lament that Manfrotto didn't maintain the Kata line. All just hearsay, of course, but disappointing, since your Kata looks to be what I was looking for.

I haven't really looked into what Manfrotto did with Kata in any detail, but from what I can see, they have totally revamped the line. I expect that I will be looking elsewhere when I buy a new backpack; I've heard good things about ThinkTank, so I expect I'll be looking at that line.

[NorthernFocus]

...Normally, I like to use a monopod with that setup, but hiking around with that gets a bit cumbersome at times...

As Bill W pointed out, that is resolved very simply by putting a quick release on the monopod.

[Tronhard]

Unfortunately, skimming reviews, I get the impression that are not all that similar. Some folks lament that Manfrotto didn't maintain the Kata line. All just hearsay, of course, but disappointing, since your Kata looks to be what I was looking for.

There is one for sale on e-bay in the UK: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...a+222&_sacat=0
It looks like they will ship internationally

There is another for sale on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=sr_1_3&sr=8-3

Both sites, but especially Amazon, give you more detailed info on the Kata 222. I love mine: it's light, sturdy, easy to carry heavy loads, has capacity to take a tripod, and I can use it for day hiking at the same time. The fact the frame is external and keeps the load off my back means that I don't get hot and bothered carrying it.

[IzzieK]

I've used the Cotton Carrier for about 6 months and I haven't seen it for two years now...For a small framed woman like me, it is too bulky or I have been interested in something else. I use a Rapids Pro nowadays.

[rpcrowe]

I haven't really looked into what Manfrotto did with Kata in any detail, but from what I can see, they have totally revamped the line. I expect that I will be looking elsewhere when I buy a new backpack; I've heard good things about ThinkTank, so I expect I'll be looking at that line.

I normally use an OPTECH Double Sling - Neoprene camera harness and use a cheap carabiner key chain clip to secure each camera to the adjustment strap of my camera vest or to a belt loop of my trousers.

There are some times that I don't want to show both cameras (since it might make me a vulnerable target). Then, I use a Tamrac Holster bag for my camera with the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and secure the bag to a look in my trousers or the adjustment strap of my photo vest with a carabiner which prevents the bag from oscillating when I walk or run.

However, that bag was not long enough for either my 300mm f/4L IS or 400mm f/5.6L prime lenses. I purchased a ThinkTank holster. The black Digital Holster 40 V2.0 from Think Tank contains a "Pop Down" feature that allows the lens hood to be kept on the camera held in shooting position for lenses with removable hoods and is long enough to accommodate the 300L or 400L with hood retracted. The Think Tank bag is quite well made.

[Tronhard]

When I am just taking one body and lens I often use the ThinkTank holster, either on a shoulder strap or waist belt. I also have the adaptive length holster and find it great as it neatly fits both the 70-200 or a smaller lens like the 24-105 lens.

I find there is no panacea for carrying gear. The type of activity, combined with the gear one is taking means there are many solutions that work, but none that works every time.

[loosecanon]

I like the pouch - in front or over shoulder solution - when not in hand the pouch option protects the camera and lens, for those times when one trips or whatever. I value the extra protection, and though the big pouches are bulky they do pprotect, and are quick to use.

[ktuli]

Ok - well, there's a nice mixed bag of answers... and as others have pointed out, I guess there is no single solution for everyone.

So we'll try a more specific approach...

Has anyone had any experience with that Movo or Opteka brands in comparison to CottonCarrier? Is it worth 4x the cost?

- Bill

PS: Thanks to everyone who contributed info, it is helpful and appreciated!