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Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Question To Other Female Photographers

I am having some issues with carting my camera & heavy lenses when I am out in the field.I use my sigma 150-500 zoom a lot because I love to capture birds in flight.I use a cotton carrier when I am walking to my destination but when it comes time to in hook it from the carrier & carry it around is when I get a lot of shoulder pain.I am only 5ft.1in.so I have trouble flinging my tripod or monopod over my shoulder as I see so many of the guys do.My question to other female photographers is,how do you manage with your camera & big zoom lenses? Any suggestions for me other than to not use such a big lens,lol.

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Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

i'm sure there are many weak guys. but unless you need that kind of fire power, i suggest getting a lighter lens. otherwise a back pack of some kind to keep the weight on your back, something with a waist strap to spread it out more.

i wouldn't fling a tripod, one miss and you'll knock yourself out. i see most of them carrying it, or using it as a bulky monopod.


---Mike Savad

 

When I did carry a huge kit around, I used a backpack. There's no better way to evenly distribute the weight that I can think of.

A lot of great solutions from LowePro, and easy to find from big chains like Best Buy -

http://www.lowepro.com/

 

Greg Jackson

9 Years Ago

Take a look at the harnesses and load-bearing gear at Think Tank. Their stuff is well-made and durable.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/camera-harnesses.aspx

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backpack-connection-kit.aspx

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

and many people that shoulder the tripod, will have padding on their shoulder. i think its bad for a camera if you left it on and did that.

avoid sling bags if you can. i have one, and while its easy to use, it's hard on the shoulder. i'm still looking for a better bag than what i have. the straps aren't wide enough.

---Mike Savad

 

Greg Jackson

9 Years Ago

Mike,

Do you use a sternum strap with the current backpack?

 

Barry Lamont

9 Years Ago

I've got an idea... hows about using one of those personal shopping trolleys which old ladies use for their grocerys. If you find a good quality sturdy one you could maybe have it customized with some all terrain wheels. The good ones convert easily into a hand held bag...some even have rucksack type straps too..!

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Oh I do have a back pack but that's not when I have the,problem.The problem starts when I carry my camera & lens around to shoot.Sometimes I walk up to 3 miles so that camera & lens gets heavier by the minute.I have a 55-300 lens & I love it but it doesn't capture as close as the 150-500. I may look into a tele converter but I don't know if that lens will,accept it.I guessI will have to do some research!

 

Nina Prommer

9 Years Ago

a monopod will be lighter than a tripod

 

Mike Savad

9 Years Ago

i cut that strap off. it was small, and in the way. the main idea for the bag was fast access, and the cord not only kept getting in the way, but the metal end dug into the shoulder i had a problem with. right now the current fix, besides foam, is a thin piece of plastic that sort of slides in place as i need it. i'd like to glue it more but it's hard to do since it's inside the strap and i'm wearing the bag. right now it's better than nothing. but this winter i may try to search for another bag.


---Mike Savad

 

John Crothers

9 Years Ago

I have a solution, but I am not a female!

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

I do have a monopod but I have issues carrying the equipment,a lot of pain in my right shoulder.So I will look into a tele converter,I think that May be my only solution.I have purchased a sling,cotton carrier & nothing has helped.I just want to know how many photographers use the big lens & how they manage!

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Ok John I am eager to hear your solution.I just didn't think you guys had issues like we women do,sorry!

 

Lois Bryan

9 Years Ago

Here's the one I use ... love it ... it goes across your shoulder with a nice thick padded bit. You can easily unsnap the front strap and whip the whole bag around to your front and unzip it to get inside without even taking the bag off. Very sturdy, and for some reason, it seems to balance me better as it nestles right down my spine. If I've over done the gear in the bag, I tend to keep the camera around my neck (lens cap ON) and try not to bounce too much when I walk. Or leap.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=676053&gclid=CLaevpXD5sACFQQQ7AodA3UA2Q&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

Sharon Talson

9 Years Ago

I carry my 300mm lens with a 1.4 tc set up on my tripod with legs open.. I hook my left arm up underneath and sort of rest it on my hip.. of course going along narrow trails with undergrowth, one has to collapse the legs, but I`ve found this is by far the most comfortable for me.. and I`m ready to plunk down the tripod to shoot at a moments notice... I have the camera/tripod on the left side and a sling pack on the right, so it does feel reasonably balanced.

 

John Crothers

9 Years Ago

BlackRapid makes some very nice straps. Mine made a HUGE difference for me.

http://www.blackrapid.com/

 

Edward Fielding

9 Years Ago

For birding consider ditching the big lens and get a ghillie suit. The birds won't know you are there so you can get closer.
.......
A ghillie suit, also known as a yowie suit, or camo tent, is a type of camouflage clothing designed to resemble heavy foliage

 

Chuck De La Rosa

9 Years Ago

That would be a pain for me to carry, so you are not alone. I carry my tripod over my shoulder with the camera on and I am constantly moving it from shoulder to shoulder. But I don't have nearly as long/heavy a lens as that. You might consider a lens case that clips to the shoulder strap of the backpack to carry the lens in and just pull it out when needed. I know that's not ideal when you see something that you may only have seconds to shoot, but it might work. Tamrac makes some lens cases that clip to backpacks. I'm not sure they make one that long though.

 

Edward Fielding

9 Years Ago

Or bring the birds to you:

 

Barry Lamont

9 Years Ago

Seriously... a bag with wheels... simple!

 

Alfred Ng

9 Years Ago

i know some female photographers go shooting with their husband/ boyfriends and have them carry their equipment. I also pay attention what is in with the kids at school, this year the backpacks with wheels and in fashion. By the way, I am not female photographer..

 

Chuck De La Rosa

9 Years Ago

Oh goodness, Barry, wheels would never work on a lot of trails I've been on. Try that in the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky where the trails are mostly climbing or descending!

 

Barbara D Richards

9 Years Ago

I use a pack mule, my husband!

 

Barry Lamont

9 Years Ago

Yes Chuck...that is why I suggested the one's which have all terrain wheels and a backpack option!

 

Miriam Danar

9 Years Ago

Lois, yours look nice, but it says the strap is designed to sling over the right shoulder (I had a rotator cuff repair there that sometimes gets irritated, so I avoid the right shoulder). Do you know if your bag also can fit the left shoulder, or do they make one like that? Thanks!!!

 

Melany Sarafis

9 Years Ago

I'm with Barbara, only my 23 year old son is my pack mule (he's younger and can carry more LOL)

I've learned to plan ahead what I'm going to shoot, what gear I'll need and where to park my car so I don't have to lug as much "stuff". Back in the day, I'd pack every lens I owned in a big backpack "JUST IN CASE" the need arose. I learned to not do that anymore.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Oh I carry all my lenses in my back pack & I like having them with me just in case.My sweet husband will offer to carry or hold my camera in between shots but he isn't always with me.

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, I have the same lens and like you, find it can hurt after a while. I have mine around my neck at all times (I don't use a tripod). I don't let it "rest" via the strap on my neck though...I hold the foot with my left hand and lift it up a bit to take the weight off my neck. When the left hand gets tired, I'll swap to the right hand for a while. Sometimes I actually lift my hand up and prop the lens backwards across the top of my left shoulder, too. Anything to keep the weight off the neck. No matter what I do, at the end of a long day, I feel I've had a thorough workout. :)

I'm reading all the answers here with interest though, because if a viable solution comes about, I'll for sure try it! I really like the cart idea, but as someone said, on trails that would be a bit difficult.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Sharon may I ask what type of lens do you have?I have a Nikon 55-300 & was told I couldn't use a tele converter on it & use af!

 

Val Arie

9 Years Ago

Hi Marilyn, I didn't read the replies so I am probably repeating. Just before digital became the thing I started using a film camera, I had to have everything...big lenses, multiple bodies, wide angle, 100 mm, 50mm , multipliers, filters for anything, cleaners, ...well you get the idea. The only way I could carry it all comfortably was in a back pack...did a lot of hiking so that was the most comfortable solution to haul everything around. For city shots I used a case with wheels...wheels are wonderful if you are staying on pavement. Then one day that darn heavy backpack almost flung me off a mountain top and I decided I didn't need all that stuff...and got a small pack for the stuff I always used. LOL ... I see Melany said that too. I got bored with the process so don't do much ant more but when I di I take very little. Picked up a very small lightweight tripod that will fit almost anywhere. I think if I start doing more I will get a photographers or even a hunters vest and carry stuff that way...maybe a fanny pack too...spread it all out.

 

Cathy Lindsey

9 Years Ago

I make my husband tote stuff! When he's around. I have thought about getting a backpack myself.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

But I don't have any issues carrying my gear,it's when I am walking around with camera & 150-500 lens in my hand that I have issues.I guess from all the replays given here,there really is no solution to my question.I would love to be able to have some type of cart with wheels to place my camera & big lens in,after I have taken a shot or two but the area I go in is muddy at times & when there is snow on the ground those wheels wouldn't work.

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Marilyn,

does your tripod have padded legs, at the top,so you can rest them on your shoulders? If not, you can go to any Home Depot and buy this cheap black insulating foam tube stuff. It's round with a slit in the side, so it can slip over the tripod tube and not have to remove the bottoms,feet thingies. I did it for a medium sized tripod,that I used to carry my big 4x5 camera on and mounted,probably about 12lbs total and it made a great difference! They make this foam tube stuff,as insulation for water pipes and water heaters,that are in unheated areas, in or out of the house,so different thicknesses,so you'll need to know about how wide your tripod leg is, on the top extension and then get that sized foam and hole.

You can also get some nice black "duct" tape and wrap the foam onto the legs,I did 3 on each leg and "you be stylin"!!!

Richgina

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Rich I don't think that would work because I have trouble with heavy weight on my shoulder.Even though the tripod legs were padded the weight from my camera & lens would kill me.You guys are lucky because you have upper body strength were most of us women do not.Thank you for your reply.

 

Sharon Talson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, I have the Nikon AFS 300/4 prime.. you might check out the Kenko 1.4 t/c for your 55-300 lens, but might be soft on a zoom lens, though... and I don`t know if it retains autofocus.

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Marilyn,

Then the only other suggsetion would be one of those backpacks that are made to carry a camera and a long lens mounted and you can wear on your back or on the front.

The "other" only suggestion, is this. A cart is a great idea, but is bulky and doesn't pull well,with two wheels. Why not make your own one wheeled cart. Get a piece of light weight "thick" PVC, maybe an inch round 3-4 feet long,and then attach a 12" to 16" wheel to the back(somehow) and the on your end,get a PVC "T",run out 2 pipes out each side, 12" or so,as handles, or just one handle and then bungie the camera/lens on a plate or flat board on the main pipe and there you go! Don't glue anything until everything feels good and balanced.

Something like a "travois"

And the last "other" solution, is to sell your big camera and get one of the new "ultra Zooms" point and shoot cameras that are out now, with monster ranges!

http://www.dpreview.com/articles/4776599403/olympusp550uz

Something like 35 to 540mm!!! 18.1 MP!!!

Rich

 

Kandy Hurley

9 Years Ago

Marilyn....
I cart a 70/200 lens and use this ultra fit sling strap designed for women http://joby.com/camera-straps I've had it about 2 years and I also use the wrist strap as well The sling distributes the weight really well and its easy to swing your camera around to use.
All my other stuff goes into my back pack or Lowepro roller depending on where and what I'm shooting.

 

Georgiana Romanovna

9 Years Ago

Same as Cathy :) I take hubby with me - he carries everything in a backpack. Problem solved ladies!

 

Cathy Lindsey

9 Years Ago

Oh and then there are the times I ask him to go back to the car and get a lens....

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Ok but would that strap support my camera with a 150-500 lens?that is the problem I am having when Zion look for any kind of strap.

 

Loree Johnson

9 Years Ago

I use this sling strap. http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html (It was suggested by someone on this forum, although I can't remember who now)

It's much less expensive than the Black Rapid and it doesn't require giving up the tripod mount to use it. My tripod attaches to my backpack, but honestly I don't use it much when shooting birds and wildlife. Not enough time. I have the same Sigma 150-500 lens.

 

Edward Fielding

9 Years Ago

I picked up my son from school. Tried to lift his backpack and nearly fell over backwards. It must be 75 pounds.

 

Kandy Hurley

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, Not sure if you are asking me...but your lens weighs about a pound more than mine.
I use a Canon 50D with battery attachment so it's a big bulky camera and lens kit.
You could always contact the company directly and ask them specifically about your camera and lens and I'm sure any of the other sling strap companies could give you an answer too.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions!

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

Marilyn - like you I bring my 150-500 lens with me all the time and at least one other lens - I don't bring a tripod - I have something like a cotton carrier but my camera snaps into it and the camera just hangs around just above my waist with the lens on it and it hurts no part of my body and my hands are free all the time and there is nothing hanging on my neck and when I want to take a pic I just lift it up and shoot - I have a sling bag which I use once in awhile but I also have a backpack which holds all my gear if I choose to bring it - I usually am out for at least 4 hours so I can't possibly have anything hanging around my neck especially with the weight of the 150-500 and I like to keep my hands free for climbing or moving branches etc

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Debbie, do you have a link to the carrier you use with the 150-500?

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Yes,I would love to check that carrier as well.I don't understand how you can take a shot when the camera is down at your waist.I also have some type of side sling for my camera but I am only a little over 5ft.tall & the camera was almost to the ground,lol!

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, I just watched this video on the cotton carrier vest which helped explain it to me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkVBOiMjs-s

The only question I still have with this vest is whether the tripod foot for the lens can be left on while attaching the camera to the vest. I want to be able to attach the round piece to the tripod foot on the lens...I don't want to attach it to the camera and hang the camera from the vest, as then I feel the weight of the lens would be pulling down on the body of the camera. If the round piece can be attached to the foot on the lens and slid into the vest that way, this might work.

I also found this one on Amazon for a lot less money with good reviews and someone specifically mentioned using it with the 150-500:
http://www.amazon.com/Movo-MB1000-Camera-Carrying-Holster/dp/B00GP34H6Y/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

I have that exact carrier & it's great for carring your camera & lens but you can not snap a photo while the camera is attached to the carrier,no you can't attach the tripod part while the camera is in the carrier.

 

Crystal Wightman

9 Years Ago

I have the Sigma 50-500mm lens and I agree those lenses are heavy. My husband has the same lens. Due to him having more arm muscle, he can handle the lens weight so much better then I can. Sure a tripod is nice, which I use with a gimbal head, when I know I will be in an area for awhile. Sometimes when shooting wildlife, it's just easier to hand hold (depending on the situation). After a few mins, my arms are killing me. I have to put the lens down. Heck, I can't even just hold the lens by the tripod collar, I have to let it hang from my neck, which in short time kills the neck.

I also have a cotton carrier. Overall I like it, but most of the time I leave it home. It doesn't fit in my current camera bag, so I have it in another camera bag. When I do use it, sure it works getting the weight off my neck, but I have another problem. My womanly features (upper part) are too big (IMO) to wear the carrier. So, I don't think I wear the carrier the correct way. The cotton carrier fits my husband fine and camera/lens seems to be no issue. But the lens is so heavy it just weighs the whole front side of the carrier down. I feel like I am carrying a baby in a baby carrier in front of me.

I have carried the camera/lens attached to the tripod, over the shoulder. However I can only do that for a short amount of time. As my shoulder starts killing me.

Overall, I am very weak. I lack muscles. Makes me wonder how I'm even a nature photographer. lol

You could get a camera bag that carries just the camera and lens. But, if you're anything like me.. I like to shoot landscapes and macro. (that's if I am out on a hike, where I know there's a combo of nature to photograph). I need to carry all equipment. Which consists of my whole camera bag, which ways 35lbs. Even that, I can't hike very far.

In the recent months, I have considered selling my 50-500mm, all due to not being able to handle the weight. Great lens, just too heavy for me. For others, I am sure it would be fine. I've been considering a fast lens, to which I could use a teleconvertor. In the end, it will be my best bet. I'm not going to get any stronger as I age and I am not going to give up wildlife photography.

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

Am trying to find it now - it's made by Trekking - will get back to you shortly

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Right, you'd have to remove slide the camera out of the carrier to be able to take a photo. Just saw this on another forum: "A home-made cradle like a baby wrap might work" Interesting idea!

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Crystal,I hear you.I have the same issues you have when wearing the cotton carrier.I have finally decided my best bet is to by a prime lens so I can use a tele converter & sell my 150-500 lens.When I am out & about all morning using that lens I think my shoulder is broken.I am going to start looking on line tomorrow for a prime lens.I think I want the Nikon 300!

 

Peter Tkacz

9 Years Ago

What kind of camera are you making use of Marilyn? If you can and are making use of a DSLR, you might want to consider getting a mirrorless digital camera that works with your big lens. Those appear to have quite an appeal with people for their size and weight. Similarly, a lighter tripod or monopod might do the trick. Similarly, are the any equivalent lighter lenses?

Another thing that comes to mind, is maybe doing some stretching exercises before going out with the equipment. I find that if I spend little time doing stretches before going for a brisk long walk, I'm fine the next day. I will say, myself that I've kind of learned the hard way, getting the biggest camera bag I could to carry around a medium format camera, a few film backs, four lenses, a teleconverter, a couple of water bottle and lunch. I'd recommend to anyone going to do that, to take up a gym membership and work on the back muscles first.


Peter

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Crystal, that 50-500 is heavier than our 150-500...I held one this past eagle season and tested it. It made me thankful for the 150-500mm for sure.

 

Crystal Wightman

9 Years Ago

Well, I knew there was a reason the 50-500 is nick name Bigma. Heavy MF.


And, for those who mention having husbands/boyfriends to carry the lens. My husband has his own to carry and sometimes he's not with me. When we go out to shoot together, we carry our own and my husband listens to me complain how heavy the lens is (as I complain all the time).

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

http://www.adorama.com/images/large/CZTSS.JPG
I hope this link works - it shows a picture of it - it's called the Trekking Safari Strap or Trekking Safari Harness Strap System for cameras and binoculars (TS - 12312) - it supports heavy gear, is adjustable, well padded, comfortable and strong and of course hands free - the camera just snaps into a strap on each side - it is awesome, don't know what I'd do without it - I bought mine at Henry's Camera for about $30.00 a couple years ago

My husband does not carry my gear - he's got his own stuff to carry so had to come up with something else and he is definitely not always with me as I go alone most times

 

Lois Bryan

9 Years Ago

Hey Marilyn ... I just saw your comment:

"But I don't have any issues carrying my gear,it's when I am walking around with camera & 150-500 lens in my hand that I have issues."

When I'm carrying my camera with the 150-500mm on it, I carry it like you would a baby. I cradle the camera in my left arm with the camera itself pretty much at my stomach (heaviest part at my center of gravity) and the lens pointing up toward my shoulder ... as I said, all cradled in my arm.

Hope that makes sense. Try it. Very comfortable.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Yes Lois,that is how I carry my camera but I have some issues with my right shoulder & when I go to lift the heavy beast to shoot is when I get the pain.I guess if you don't have any problems with your shoulder in the first place you really can't understand what I am going through.My answer to this dilemma is to get a 300 prime lens with a tele converter.that should be a lot easier to carry.

 

Lois Bryan

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, I do know shoulder pain ... froze my left shoulder a few years ago, then fell off a ski lift and messed up my right shoulder and had to have it operated on. I know ... I know ... sigh ....

But I do have a point and that is, in both cases I had wonderful help and results from physical therapy. If your shoulder is seriously giving you issues, you might want to have it looked into and maybe several weeks of PT will fix you right up!! The problem with shoulder / body part stuff seems to me to be, as we get a few more years on us, the problems don't usually go away, instead they tend to get worse unless we figure out what to do about them!!

Either that or ... get a lighter lens.

; ))

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

I know being a retired nurse who worked so hard lifting & tugging on huge patients for 35 yrs.I am paying the price.I know I need to go to a specialist but keep putting it off.Thanks for caring.

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, you may want to look at weights of the prime lens. This Sigma lens we're using is 4.2125 lbs. If you're looking at a 300 f/2.8 they are going to be heavier. I'm looking at a 300 prime Sigma 2.8 lens and it weighs 5.29375 lbs. A Nikon 300mm 2.8 prime runs about 6.39375 lbs. If you're looking at a 300mm f/4.0, they weight about 3.17 lbs. Add a teleconverter to any of them and it will add more weight. Just something to think about.

On the subject of a way to carry them, I went to Walmart this morning and bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Flip-Front-Carrier-Black/dp/B003I867WQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Yes, it's for babies. :) After adjusting straps and positioning the carrier the lowest point on my body I could get it, it works pretty well for a $30 quick fix. I did a test walk with it and it was nice to have both my hands free and not have the camera strap digging into my neck. I can see it will be great for those times when walking from point A to point B.

As for lifting the camera up to shoot with and having that hurt, it sure does...I have one heck of a sore arm and shoulder after a long day of shooting. I recently acquired a cheap monopod to try out and I kind of like that -- once I'm situated and sitting/standing in a spot for a while. It's a bit easier to move about than a tripod and it has saved me some of the arm and shoulder pain.

I did see something on the Cotton Carrier site...not sure if you've seen this, but I think it would definitely help with the shoulder pain which comes from lifting up the camera:
http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-carrier-steady-shot-w-CAMERA-VEST-FOR-ALL-p/779ssv.htm

It looks kind funny, but then I guess a lot of the stuff we use does. :)

Good luck!

--Jai

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, one more idea would be to get your hands on an old Minolta AF Reflex Mirror Lens (500mm). I have one which I barely used back in my 35mm days. A year or so ago, I bought a Sony digital camera (the A100) used, just to see if the lens works well -- and it does. Sony bought out Minolta, so the 2 product lines work together. The A100 is a very slow camera, and the lens is slow to begin with (it's fixed at F/8.0). Definitely not a good combo in low light, but it works very good in better lighting. I'm still thinking about acquiring a Sony A65 or A77 as they would operate the lens faster than my current set up. Then lens makes beautiful photos -- it does have an odd looking bokeh sometimes, but I kind of like it. My point though is this lens goes a big distance in a small package...it's VERY lightweight and easy to shoot with. There are several reflex mirror lens out there, but to my knowledge this is the only autofocus one ever made. They don't make them anymore (unless a new company has started making them), but people sell them on Ebay.

P.S. If you search flickr.com for minolta AF reflex mirror 500mm you can see several examples of photos made with this lens.

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

The Trekking Safari Strap works great - check my post above - you don't need to change lens!

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Yes, I am sure that works with a smaller lens.the sigma is huge & I am only a little over 5ft.tall.It would take up the entire front of me,lol!

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

I am 5ft 1inch and I use it all the time with my sigma 150-500 and have no issues whatsoever but the choice is yours - it just gives you options

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Thanks Debbie I wish I could use that but I have severe arthritis in that right shoulder.I am right handed & when I go to lift that awesome,big lens the pain is severe,you can actually hear bone on bone grinding.So I think my only solution is to get the 300 prime lens with the tele converter.It is a lot less bulky & lighter for me.I went & tried one out today at a camera shop & boy what a difference.Of course I won't but it there,much to expensive for me!

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, which 300 did you try out? The F/4.0 or the F/2.8? I would love to find a 300 F/2.8 which weighs less than the Sigma, but I haven't found one yet.

As for the carrier I bought today, yes it takes up the whole front of me. I'm only 5'2". I used it tonight in a walk in the woods to find my deer. It worked well. I was able to reserve the stress on my arm for shooting only since I didn't have to carry the lens and my neck is thanking me tonight as well. :)

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

I tried the F/4,really a nice lens & the Nikon tele converter really helps get a nice close shot! What type of carrier did you get,the one that someone had sent a link to earlier?

 

Murray Bloom

9 Years Ago

Whine, whine, whine. ;-) Photograpy is not for the weak. Good quality gear is heavy, and lugging it around is part of the game. There are no simple answers.

Consider this shot, made in the middle of nowhere with an 8x10" view camera on a very large and heavy tripod. Imagine hauling that stuff through the woods. Our digital gear is feather light by comparison.

Photography Prints

This past Sunday, I shot in a huge crowd at Baltimore's inner harbor. I carried a metal Nikon DSLR with a 70-200mm pro lens and teleconverter mounted. In my shoulder bag were another body, four lenses, filters and assorted minutiae. Sure, by the end of the day, my lower back was killing me, but sometimes you just gotta gut it out. What's the alternative, not getting the shot?

 

Debbie Oppermann

9 Years Ago

@Murray - I do agree with you but if I have something that will ease the neck and back stress and still be able to carry all the gear, then I am certainly going to use it - my backpack carries everything with all the compartments and it is well padded and it will carry a tripod as well, I just don't bring it with me all the time. I use my safari strap harness and carry the backpack with usually 3 lens sometimes 4 and no problems

 

Jai Johnson

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, I posted the carrier link earlier:
http://www.amazon.com/Infantino-Flip-Front-Carrier-Black/dp/B003I867WQ/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

It's a baby carrier, but does the job.

 

Marilyn Giannuzzi

9 Years Ago

Oh wow,that's awesome,glad it works for you!

 

Robert Woodward

9 Years Ago

I use a Sun Sniper strap, which is similar to Black Rapid. I would never go back to a neck strap. The only drawback is when you want to attach the camera to a tripod. You must first detach the strap from the tripod mount on the camera body. One of the alternative straps shown above would cause a problem for me as it appears to make the lens protrude out from your body at about 90 degrees, which would probably knock into things I walk by.

 

Jenessa Rahn

9 Years Ago

Marilyn, it mostly sounds like you need to cut down on weight.
I hike and backpack with my camera a lot. This year I started using a Peak Designs Capture PRO clip which I attach it to one of the straps on whichever backpack I am using. It was a little awkward feeling at first, but it provides easy access to the camera, cuts down on neck strain, and the bracket for the clip also fits on my tripod. I looked at the carriers, but didn't think they looked as comfortable for a woman to wear as the clip.

 

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