Carrying strap for a 200-500

harleridr

Senior Member
Hi Guys
I too, am looking for a good carrying strap or harness for my 200-500 when in the field! Makes no difference if has a quick release. Your thoughts would be most helpful.
Harle
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
If you are looking for a carrying case, the Think Tank Digital Holster 150 would be my choice for a lens that big and heavy. I also have the optional Think Tank Speed Belt.

As for a strap, you really should only use a strap that attaches to the tripod foot of the lens. That will help prevent any damage to the body's mount from the excess weight. For a strap, I use the Black Rapid Cross Strap. It has a rubber shoulder pad which doesn't move around as easily as the shoulder pads on their regular straps. Plus this particular strap is ambidextrous whereas the regular Black Rapid straps are for right OR left-handed users (must choose one).

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1278400-REG/blackrapid_361001_cross_shot_single_strap.html

 

TwistedThrottle

Senior Member
I use the Peak Design Slide neck strap. Its heavy duty and easy to swap from body to body with the "earrings" each of my camera bodies wear. When I go out with my 150-600, I attach one of the earrings to the bottom of the tripod foot on the lens instead of the left side of the camera body. This distributes the weight of the camera and lens to both the camera and lens and doesn't leave the full weight of the lens hanging off the mount. I wear the strap around my neck and under the arm on my right which allows me to rest the setup comfortably aside with easy access for the next shot while the PD Slide allows adjustments for extra clothing without feeling tangled.
 
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Danno

Senior Member
I have used a lot of things. I used my Peak Design Slide strap attached to the tripod foot. That works pretty well. I do like the attachment method. I also like my Cotton Carrier. It distributes the weight better and after a while that made difference. Now, when i take it out I use my mono pod and carry it on my shoulder. It is a Gitzo mono pod that I got at an amazing price with a Wimberley MonoPod Gimbal head.

The mono pod is what I use now if I go out with the 200-500 f5.6. It is just heavy enough that it is not any fun to hand hold anymore.
 

nikonbill

Senior Member
Contributor
Some feedback for the OP and thanks to the info suppliers.

I recently got the 200-500 lens, I used this threads info to outfit my case and carry needs. Maybe a basic review may help the OP.

I got the Think tank 150 case - great! There is room for the lens hood at the bottom (inverted) and as advertised the camera/lens fits perfectly (D7200 no grip) I can have my RS-2 200PL plate on the lens foot plenty of room rotated in the shooting position (Thinktank put thought in this one).

I decided on the Blackrapid RS-4 strap, it is excellent, for my mounts I got the Blackrapid RS-2 screws for the lens tripod foot w/plate and one for my camera w/plate when using my smaller lenses. When strapped to the massive 200/500 the balance is great (camera and lens mostly horizontal). The RS-4 can do right shoulder or left. It feels like you are not carrying the weight you really are, its so good I took off my neck strap for now and may not use it again when not carrying the big lens (using my favorite 18/300) the RS-4 is simply a joy to use.

I did get the speed belt as well, supper comfortable to wear it should really help if a hike is required to a "spot" it will do exactly what Hark indicated. Hope to give more feedback after some more time with it.

Hope this helps
 
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hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
I use the Peak Design Slide neck strap. Its heavy duty and easy to swap from body to body with the "earrings" each of my camera bodies wear. When I go out with my 150-600, I attach one of the earrings to the bottom of the tripod foot on the lens instead of the left side of the camera body. This distributes the weight of the camera and lens to both the camera and lens and doesn't leave the full weight of the lens hanging off the mount. I wear the strap around my neck and under the arm on my right which allows me to rest the setup comfortably aside with easy access for the next shot while the PD Slide allows adjustments for extra clothing without feeling tangled.

Can you post a photo? I'm having trouble visualizing what you're describing using the 'earrings.' It sounds interesting! Thanks.
 

TwistedThrottle

Senior Member
Can you post a photo? I'm having trouble visualizing what you're describing using the 'earrings.' It sounds interesting! Thanks.

DSC_6979.jpg


When they're attached to either side of the camera body without the strap, it looks like the camera is wearing earrings. I think they're technically called, "quick attachment doohickeys" but the PD strap also came with the base plate that can be attached to the bottom of the camera body, or as in this case, attached to the bottom of the tripod foot.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
When they're attached to either side of the camera body without the strap, it looks like the camera is wearing earrings. I think they're technically called, "quick attachment doohickeys" but the PD strap also came with the base plate that can be attached to the bottom of the camera body, or as in this case, attached to the bottom of the tripod foot.

Thanks! I appreciate seeing how it works. :)
 
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