Daft question alert: How to carry a camera + big lens??

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Griso

Senior Member
So, I normally put my camera (+50mm or 70-300mm) on the tripod, sling it all over my shoulder and go and walk.

So, is it ok to do this with a big (150-600mm) lens (using the foot)? i.e. fix the camera/lens to the tripod with the lens foot and sling it over my shoulder while I go for a stroll?
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
It might be a daft question but it is the exact same thing I was thinking earlier today taking my 200-500mm out for the first time. Had it attached to my monopod by the tripod foot and carried it over my shoulder as I've seen others doing it, but I was thinking to myself"Is it ok to carry it like this?"

I think it should be ok as it shouldn't be straining the mount to the camera but I too would like confirmation of that.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Griso said:
So, I normally put my camera (+50mm or 70-300mm) on the tripod, sling it all over my shoulder and go and walk.

So, is it ok to do this with a big (150-600mm) lens (using the foot)? i.e. fix the camera/lens to the tripod with the lens foot and sling it over my shoulder while I go for a stroll?
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Opinions on this will probably vary, and ultimately it's up to you... But to answer your question I don't carry my camera on the tripod; I just don't. I detach it from the tripod and use a sling strap when the tripod is not needed. Yes, it is more effort than carrying it around on the tripod and I'm not saying this is the "RIGHT" way to do things; I'm saying that's how I do it.
 
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Griso

Senior Member
I am a lazy beggar! You know, I agree with you - that was my gut feeling. If everyone responded saying "no, everyone does that all the time and it's absolutely fine" that'd be very convenient though!

New lens arriving tomorrow (well - I hope! The missus has been very obliging and ordered me one, but it's been a very long month or so waiting, knowing it's just in a box at the end of the room!), so don't want to go and break something on my first outing with it!
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Horoscope Fish said:
Opinions on this will probably vary, and ultimately it's up to you... But to answer your question I don't carry my camera on the tripod; I just don't. I detach it from the tripod and use a sling strap when the tripod is not needed. Yes, it is more effort than carrying it around on the tripod and I'm not saying this is the "RIGHT" way to do things; I'm saying that's how I do it.
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This is the way I carry mine also when I need a tripod to shoot it with. If I am only moving it a very short distance I carry it on the tripod but in a upright manner so the lens in on the tripod just like it is when I am shooting.
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
I've read too many instances of cameras falling off of tripods when people do that. If I'm moving a few feet, I will lift the tripod straight up and move it, but I don't put it over my shoulder while the camera is still attached to the tripod. If I'm moving a longer distance, I remove the camera and carry the tripod over my shoulder.
 
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Griso

Senior Member
It seems that the general consensus is NOT to do what I (& Elliot :)) were doing. I'll begin not carrying the camera on the tripod I think, but not sure how long before complacency will kick in! If the overwhelming message is "Don't do it!" that might prevent me from doing it!

Just need to find a way to carry the tripod now!
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
Griso said:
It seems that the general consensus is NOT to do what I (& Elliot :)) were doing. I'll begin not carrying the camera on the tripod I think, but not sure how long before complacency will kick in! If the overwhelming message is "Don't do it!" that might prevent me from doing it!

Just need to find a way to carry the tripod now!
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I've only done it once your honor! With my 70-300mm I only ever shot hand held so this wasn't an issue for me until now. Guess I'll have to rethink how I carry it. Without a head on my monopod and any kind of quick release system it is going to be a pain in the a**e if I have to keep screwing it on and off the monopod.

What is the main reason for not carrying it attached? Is it because the lens may become unattached? With it screwed directly onto a monopod I don't see how that would be any more likely that if it was on a black rapid type strap. Or is the issue the way the weight is being transferred through the lens and body?
It may be the case that I do away with the monopod altogether if I have to take camera off every time I want to move anywhere.
 
kevy73

kevy73

Senior Member
It checks out...

TripodPad-09_walking-1.jpg


or

5916775390_03a839c646_b.jpg


Or you could....

12001700_mini.jpg
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
If i take a monopod or tripod then i carry with the camera fixed to the tripod and over my shoulder,i do however have the camera strap around my neck just in case,with wildlife you are often having to react quickly and fitting the camera is just another delay.
 
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ryan20fun

Senior Member
hark said:
I've read too many instances of cameras falling off of tripods when people do that. If I'm moving a few feet, I will lift the tripod straight up and move it, but I don't put it over my shoulder while the camera is still attached to the tripod. If I'm moving a longer distance, I remove the camera and carry the tripod over my shoulder.
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I've also read that some big/heavy lenses can snap (damaged) the bolts that hold the tripod mount on.

I currently use a custom sling that is similar to a "Black Rapid".
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
Heaviest lens I currently have is the 70-200, but I wouldn't carry anything over my shoulder like that - I fold the legs in and up (Halfway up, at least) so I don't trip and carry it upright. I'm looking at getting a 200-500 and I would plan on doing the same with that.
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
SteveH said:
Heaviest lens I currently have is the 70-200, but I wouldn't carry anything over my shoulder like that - I fold the legs in and up (Halfway up, at least) so I don't trip and carry it upright. I'm looking at getting a 200-500 and I would plan on doing the same with that.
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That might be my easiest option with my monopod. I think owning the 200-500mm will encourage me to spend a lot more time waiting in one place!
 
Danno

Danno

Senior Member
I take mine off as well. The issue that concerns me is the load you put on the mounting bolt and hole, because my gate is not that smooth, nor is most peoples. The occasional bounce puts quite a load on the mounting surfaces... more than I want to subject them to; especially over time. The strap absorbs that shock. Also with my 200-500 I use the traditional strap connection points and turn the camera over holding the tripod foot like a handle.

I am just careful with this beast... and a little clumsy :( so I try to be a bit cautious.
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
ryan20fun said:
I've also read that some big/heavy lenses can snap (damaged) the bolts that hold the tripod mount on.
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A very valid point...those heavy lenses should be mounted on a tripod from the lens itself (via a tripod foot that is attached to a collar). I don't know if all big lenses come with tripod collars, but when buying a huge lens that doesn't come with one, it is a wise investment to buy a collar. Otherwise, the mount can get damaged by the weight of the lens if the tripod is attached to the camera body.
 
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Fortkentdad

Senior Member
I've only had my 200-500 for a little while and so far I've carried it on my strap (a "Carry Speed") with the plate attached to the tripod collar of the lens and not the camera. I did try and keep the lens on my monopod for a short walk about, even then I'm carrying the lens in my hand with the monopod dangling behind.

My greater fear would be banging something with the lens.

When I had my old long Tammy 200-400 I found that was easily done. (it survived a few bumps but taught me my lesson).
 
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Griso

Senior Member
Well, took the day off with the new 150-600mm C(heap). Slightly off topic, but I have to say I'm so impressed with the lens. I know it's a lightweight compared to some out there, big primes, or the Sport version for example, but it took me a while to get used to the bulk of it.

so, to start with, I had the camera with lens on in my shoulder bag (it only just fit) and carried the tripod. However, as MikeW alluded to, if the camera isn't ready, there's so much I'm going to miss. So, went back to the car dropped the bag and tripod off and went out with just the camera.

I carried the camera by the lens foot, which worked well enough. I have a Black Rapid sling thing to try out too. Oh, the lens came with a surprisingly good bag too, plus a strap for the bag and a strap for the lens, so I have a few options to try before getting lazy and reverting to tripod over the shoulder carrying!
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Griso said:
Well, took the day off with the new 150-600mm C(heap). Slightly off topic, but I have to say I'm so impressed with the lens. I know it's a lightweight compared to some out there, big primes, or the Sport version for example, but it took me a while to get used to the bulk of it.

so, to start with, I had the camera with lens on in my shoulder bag (it only just fit) and carried the tripod. However, as MikeW alluded to, if the camera isn't ready, there's so much I'm going to miss. So, went back to the car dropped the bag and tripod off and went out with just the camera.

I carried the camera by the lens foot, which worked well enough. I have a Black Rapid sling thing to try out too. Oh, the lens came with a surprisingly good bag too, plus a strap for the bag and a strap for the lens, so I have a few options to try before getting lazy and reverting to tripod over the shoulder carrying!
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I carry my D750 with the 150-600 on my BosStrap cross chest strap but I also turn the foot up and use it as a handle to help keep the lens/camera from banging on my leg all the time. I alway hand carry the big lens because I would miss to many birds if I had to deal with a tripod.
 
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