Thinking about a camera harness system

[Clovishound]

I'm getting a little tired of carrying my Z8/180-600 combo around all day. I've considered something like the cotton carrier system. I just hate to spend the money not knowing if it will suit my needs. I was a little put off by it not coming with an arca swiss compatible plate, although they offer one as an accessory, albeit a little expensive for what it is.

I could hedge my bets by getting the single camera harness ( I doubt I'd want to carry two cameras on the harness), and order the arc swiss adapter plate later, if I find I'm using the harness all the time. I could live with swapping plates on the occasions I want to use a tripod while deciding whether I want to continue with the system.

The other option would be to get one of the cheapo harnesses and plan on eating the $40 later, if I like the concept, but want a better made product.

Experiences?

 

[BF Hammer]

That sort of question is going to have an infinite number of answers, and all are valid. It's what you personally need and desire.

I have gone through several straps. Right now I use a Peak Design Slide if I will be wearing across-body. I really like the anchor-link attachment system. Since I also keep a L-bracket on camera, there is a 3rd attachment on the bottom for an anchor link and in sling mode I attach 1 end there and the other end at one of the normal strap attachments.

But with a long lens I also like to rotate the tripod foot up and use it as a carry handle.

 

[Clovishound]

The other option I have considered is to replace the small OEM foot with a larger, more comfortable foot. Unfortunately, while that would help, it suspect that it would still be an issue after a couple hours of carrying around. The combo weighs about 6 1/2 lbs. Not that bad, but it does add up after a while in one hand.

 

[nikonpup]

I USED THE COTTON CARRIER SYSTEM FOR MANY YEARS. I STARTED WITH A SINGLE LENS SYSTEM (150-600MM). I ENDED UP WITH THE
TWO CAMERA SYSTEM. I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE WEIGHT OF THE TWO CAMERAS.

 

[Clovishound]

Well, I ended up getting a single camera Cotton Carrier harness for my birthday. It was ordered late and came in a few days after, and as an unexpected gift from the convention the Pup and I went to, we all have covid right now.

I mounted the plate on my long lens collar foot and adjusted everything up and walked around the house a bit with it. It seems to do the job quite well. Only time will tell if it is a bit of gear that suits me. I probably won't be able to get out and shoot for another week or two. Right now the symptoms are like a cold, and I'm a week in, so they should be going away sometime in the next week, if I don't end up with long covid. Then, give it another few days before going out among others.

 

[christian1972]

I remove all 6 of them
Now I just have the camera!! 8)

 

[Clovishound]

My first outing today with the new Cotton Carrier. I had already adjusted everything, so it went right on without a hitch. I did forget to attach the safety strap until about 15 minutes in. Hopefully, that will become automatic. Found that the safety strap fouled on the lens foot when I pulled the camera from the carrier. Switched the vest hookup from left to right, and that seemed to fix that. It was reasonably comfortable, although it may take some time to get used to having the camera sitting on my chest. I found removing the camera to shoot was very easy and took no thinking at all. Just one smooth movement. I tried using the strap that goes over the lens to prevent bouncing. It made things a bit more stable, but decided against using it, as it would slow me down drawing the camera when something pops up, and I need to put camera to eye quickly. I really had little issue with the camera bouncing around. Not sure I will keep the rain cap attached. I didn't particularly care for it dangling from the waist strap. It's a bit small for Z8 with 180-600, although it would do in a pinch. Perhaps I'll find a different spot for it.

All in all, I would give it two thumbs up, at least for now.

 

[Patrick M]

I read on another forum just this morning how a Z8 detached from the 2xTC while on the z180-600….that poster used a strap to the tripod foot, but no safety! Sadly, he did susyain damage to the camera that will require a factory return.