How to hold a DSLR so it doesn't weigh you down

[Tilling]

I'm looking for advice on technique, and maybe some tools that are helpful.
I'm using manual focus lenses, and sometimes I have to focus continuously, so I end up holding the camera up mostly by my right hand.
A monopod makes it really easy, but I don't want to carry one everywhere.
I've tried a chest support system, but I don't really like it (pushes down on my gut).
Some of the hand straps out there look nice, but I'm not sure how much of the weight they really take.
To top it all off, I'm using a 10D right now, so it's both heavier and more leveraged than, say, a Rebel series.

What's likely to make the biggest difference here?
(a) getting an autofocus lens, so I can use both hands properly
(b) some gadget (more portable than a monopod) that help support the weight
(c) changing cameras
(d) improve technique somehow
(e) other?

[DDCSD]

Hand strap.

[PhotosGuy]

What lenses are you talking about? Something light, or a 600 f/5.6 drainpipe? so I end up holding the camera up mostly by my right hand. Cradle the lens in your left hand & use just your finger & thumb to focus. Or as you ask, get an AF lens, but without knowing what you're shooting, that might not be the best option. Hand strap.
That won't help with "holding the camera up mostly by my right hand."?
Otherwise, given your criteria that eliminates the monopod which you're too lazy to carry, maybe get about 40 of those helium party balloons & attach them to the lens?

[DDCSD]

That won't help with "holding the camera up mostly by my right hand."?

It helps me. I often have my 1DmkIIn in my right hand for 10 hours a day. I find the hand strap to be essential. It helps me support the camera mostly with my right hand.

With the hand strap, I can hold my Sigma 120-300 f/2.8 mounted on my 1DmkIIn (almost 8.5 lbs combined) with only my right hand and safely take a photo. Without the strap, the camera/lens slides out of my hand and would likely fall when I try to trip the shutter.

[Zepher]

Carry around a 10-15 pound weight and just do arm curls with it all day long, and the next time you pick up your camera it will feel ultra light. :)

Hand strap makes steadying the camera easier for me as well.

[Tilling]

What lenses are you talking about? Something light, or a 600 f/5.6 drainpipe?
The lens is pretty light--I mostly use an old MF 50/1.4.

Cradle the lens in your left hand & use just your finger & thumb to focus.

That's basically what I ended up doing. Specifically, I rest the camera on the base of my left thumb, and use the thumb and index finger to focus. Somebody posted a really detailed answer in another forum, and I went home and tried it all. Nose and forehead contact can help too :)

Or as you ask, get an AF lens, but without knowing what you're shooting, that might not be the best option.

The main reason I got a DSLR at all is so I could shoot my friends dancing tango in medium-to-low light. With my current setup it's not always easy to keep the focus on a moving couple. I do suspect a different focus screen, or shorter focal length might make it easier to do the MF.

I like the balloons idea, but I'm trying to reduce bulk--if I feel like carrying extra gear, I take the monopod.

[Jon, The Elder]

Sounds like a once or twice a week occasion to shoot. Those underused muscles are going to complain pretty quick. Try keeping your elbows tucked in and focus and shoot as fast as possible. Holding a camera and following moving couples while waiting for a Good shot can tire you out quickly. The more you practice, the less you will complain about the situation, as your body will strengthen itself to some degree.

I'm 70+ and I drag a 40D with a 70/200 (2.8) around all day at horse shows. Feel the pain and move on.

[PhotosGuy]

With my current setup it's not always easy to keep the focus on a moving couple. I do suspect a different focus screen, or shorter focal length might make it easier to do the MF. I think it's more of a lens speed & technique thing. The 85mm f/1.8 & keeping the focus point on a lighter area that has come contrast might help. It helps me. I often have my 1DmkIIn in my right hand for 10 hours a day. I find the hand strap to be essential. It helps me support the camera mostly with my right hand. I used one with my motorized Nikon with 8 AA batteries & it would help by allowing me to just dangle the cam from my hand between shots. But it was loose when I was shooting, so I don't feel that it helped there. I can see where a different type of strap might help, but my right hand doesn't support the camera very much, even with a long lens. 90% of the weight is taken by my left hand. So, "Cradle the lens in your left hand & use just your finger & thumb to focus." Or in my case, finger & thumb to zoom. Carry around a 10-15 pound weight and just do arm curls with it all day long, and the next time you pick up your camera it will feel ultra light. Good point! Even just a light wrist weight worn for a week or two would help.

[waterj2]

That's basically what I ended up doing. Specifically, I rest the camera on the base of my left thumb, and use the thumb and index finger to focus. Somebody posted a really detailed answer in another forum, and I went home and tried it all. Nose and forehead contact can help too :)It sounds like you've got your left hand so that it makes a C from your perspective. Try flipping it so that you've got your palm under the camera, with the little finger closest to your face, and the thumb and forefinger pointing up on either side of the lens. Many people seem to prefer this sort of grip for supporting the camera.

[chauncey]

:lol: This is what I use :lol:

http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l383/chauncey43/_MG_8517.jpg

Good for 20 miles