Extra supposrt for Macro lens

[Dave C]

Having just purchased the 100 macro i found that I needed some help with support to prevent camera shake( I did some tests and the supported shots were head and shoulders ahead obviously)

I don`t like carrying a tripod and find it prevents my flow. So messed about with a monopod fully retracted and stuck into a small leather case on my belt and the results were good but a bit cumbersom. some time ago i brought a Leica tabletop tripod and the large ball and socket head and had experiamented using it as a chest pod and it never really felt right but I stumbled on a way of setting it up using just two of the legs(one on the chest and one almost tucked under my arm like a shoulder support) and it felt good and steady and the camera still hangs down from your neck strap and the longest leg then tucks right under your arm and the results were a big improvement on hand holding and very comfortable with the ability to use it as a tripod if required. Certainly a fairly cheap way of getting that extra bit of quality out of your lenses.
(are you reading this roger C?)
So improved were the shots that I have ordered the 135 f2( i have a 1.4 extender) and plan on using it instead of the 70-200 IS for general walking about shots and save a bit of arm wear.

Just thought I`d share

[chris maddock]

It's certainly good what a bit of lateral thinking can do. I discovered yesterday that if I lengthened my camera neckstrap slightly, I could tuck the tripod collar of my 100-400 into my belt. Instant saving of potential neck-strain whilst walking around watching the wildlife.

KRs
Chris

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Dave,

Doesn't sound too elegant. :)

Here's another solution that was recommended to me, but I haven't tried it:

http://www.simacorp.com/products/item.ep.html?session=8bf89568e0c72b7568282f60ca21e 15d&id=363

Ha, knew you couldn't resist the 135/2 in the long run. :D But I know exactly you mean. I've just swapped my 100-400 for the 24-70L. I'm thinking that for some exxcursions the 24-70, 135/2 and 1.4x will give a good and not too heavy combo.

I discovered yesterday that if I lengthened my camera neckstrap slightly, I could tuck the tripod collar of my 100-400 into my belt.

Chris, have you considered what this looks like in profile view? :D :D

Cheers,

[Dave C]

Roger

I had a look at the Sima video prop on the site you linked, that is almost exactly how i set up the monopod but i didn`t have the benefit of the neck strap and the quick release. I reckon(from tests I did with the monopod) that has got to be a winner and at the price it can`t be beat. I E mailed them and B&H with regards to cost for shipping to the UK. Thanks for the link. The main advantage over what i was doing is the quick release. i`ll let you know the outcome.(If it doesn`t work too well with the camera, you could always use it to smoke a cigar hands free)

I was going to post a link to a site of 135 f2 portraits but can`t find the link now:-( the way the out of focus bits blend softly into the sharp focus is amazing) and you get a lens hood:-) All these lenses! Oh well, it`s only money:-) if they drop a smallpox bomb over hear at least I`ll be able to get sharp images of the blast and hopefully download before the masking tape around the doors and windows breakdown:-)

Seriously, walking on the beach yesterday with just the 15-30 and the 100 macro convinced me that I don`t need to carry the 70-200 all the time and as you pointed out I can always use the 1.4 to get near to 200mm.

BTW see my post re: noise with the 1DS