How to switch between the 17-55 & the 70-200?

[GlitterPhotography]

I have a wedding tomrrow and I just received the 17-55 in the mail today :D Unfortunatly I have got very used to the long end of the range on the 24-105 which I love. I typically can get everything, from a full body shot and then instantly zoom in to get the couples face to fill the entire frame. I looked at my photos and they are all around 24-35 or the 70-105 range. I have the 70-200 which I love for many cases, but I am a little scared about how quickly I can switch cameras back and forth. How does everyone manage the 17-55 & 70-200 combo as everyone praises?

An example was 2 weeks ago when I was doing the wedding cake cutting, and I was zoomed out, they go to feed each other, and wam, they stick it in each others face. Luckly I was instantly able to zoom in and capture all the fun from start to finish. How would everyone else do it? It seems like 55mm is way to short to get in close.

[mizuno]

I shoot with one, have the other on my shoulder.

Takes about 1 second to swap.

[Toogy]

I've gotten totally used to it, like Mizuno said, takes about a second to grap my 20D w/ 70-200 on it off my shoulder and shoot with it.

[Tish]

+1 to both Toogy & Mizuno--I prefer to shoot using two bodies at once, one on the neck with a hand strap also attached, one over the shoulder. Swapping is a breeze once you get used to it.

However, for shots like the one you describe, you also should be able to anticipate the action well enough ahead to decide how you want to shoot it. I shot entirely using one body last weekend, swapping lenses as I went. It was a great time to experiment, since I was seconding a very good photographer, and I found it a very different way to shoot than what I'm used to. I had to be more creative when an shot came up that I wasn't "ready" for--and ended up with some fabulous images as a result.

Best of luck!

[GlitterPhotography]

I guess it just takes pracitce. Do you all use a hand strap as well? I always feel uncomfortable having my 70-200 on my shoulder and then when I go to use it, only holding it without a strap around me neck Its weird to be holding $2K+ in my hands just waiting for a kid to knock it to the ground.

[Tish]

I leave the shoulder strap around my right shoulder, just bring the camera up to my eye level. So the camera's in a lot less danger of falling. I'm far more likely to bang it against something as I move around too quickly. :oops: Make sure you keep the hood on!

And yes, the hand strap makes a HUGE difference. Tried one of my cameras ungripped/no handstrap with the 70-200 a week or so ago & swore I'd never do that again. It's just a lot easier to hold such a big rig with the extra support of the hand strap.

[GlitterPhotography]

Do you have to have a grip to use the hand strap?

[tim]

I think you need the grip to use the hand strap. I have a hand strap somewhere but I never liked it so it's in the cupboard somewhere.

I use two cameras, with OpTech pro straps (like the POTN ones), but I only use the tiny strap so it just fits around my shoulder. Works for me, I don't much like straps. During a ceremony I keep one camera on the floor beside me and one in my hands, I swap when I need to, and sometimes I leave a camera in a pew if I need to move discretely.

[Eric&Susan]

Do you have to have a grip to use the hand strap?

No grip on my 30D and I use a handstrap

Eric

[liza]

I shoot with two bodies like the rest. I got used to doing this when shooting basketball games with prime lenses, so it's second nature to me now. :)

[Inspired Photography]

No grip on my 30D and I use a handstrap

Eric

Is there an extra loop on the bottom or something?
I haven't had the grips off any of my gear for as long as can remember, but didn't think there was an attachment on the bottom to attach it to?

I ONLY use hand straps, i don't use shoulder straps at all anymore, i don't like them.


Rob

[sapearl]

I have the 24-105 mounted on one body, and the 70-200 on a second body, and both have neck straps. The smaller lens/body will be around my neck, and the long zoom is on my shoulder.

I don't have any grips, but the body with the 24-105 has a hakuba style hand strap on it.

[italianfemmy]

Ya'll have the 70-200 just hanging on the body? Wow.. that's a lot of weight and doesn't it put a lot of torque and wear and tear on the part of the camera where the lens screws on?

[liza]

Ya'll have the 70-200 just hanging on the body? Wow.. that's a lot of weight and doesn't it put a lot of torque and wear and tear on the part of the camera where the lens screws on?

It really isn't that heavy once you become accustomed to it. You tend to build upper body strength with frequent use. And the camera is designed to accommodate long zooms.

[LeesaB]

I use two bodies, I always worry about dust when i switch lenses..

as far as weight...I work out..and do exxtra upper body for the lens...

Trust me, one wedding without working out and your shoulders feel like they are going to explode....

[italianfemmy]

I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the Rebel xti gets worn out really quick if you don't properly support the lens with your hand instead of letting it hang on the body?

[liza]

I wouldn't know about the Rebel series. The pro-sumer and pro bodies are resilient enough to take it, though. Speaking from my own experience, mine aren't any worse for the wear, and I use long zooms at sporting events, portrait sessions, weddings, and community events quite frequently.

[italianfemmy]

Thanks Liza. It would be nice if someone who used a Rebel could provide some input as to this.

[Eric Redard]

I shoot with two bodies.... I usually rent or borrow the second until I can earn enough for my own. Well worth it... I just sling them over both shoulders or rest one at my feet.

Peace.
Eric