so the 70-200 f2.8 Mk II is heavy - ? monopod

and now I feel like my wrist is about to fall off. Unfortunately I am in the process of selling the f4 with IS - which I loved for the weight.

Now - to ease the pain - would you guys recommend - tripod/monopod or what?

I use Clik Obscura bag for carrying my gear without any shame - I don't care what I look like as long as I feel good and it makes a huge difference but I still am thinking there has to be some accessory that would make me feel better.

Please keep in mind untill now all I had was a 15 $ tripod I purchased from Marshalls years ago.
Thanks

How long have you been using that lens? Maybe you need more time to adapt your technique to it. Most people don't really consider it heavy in the world of pro lenses.

Unless you're constantly holding the camera up to your face, having a monopod will just add to your pain. Monopods are heavy... and they're quite inconvenient too when you want to move around for a shot.

Must admit I don't find it that heavy, I often carry it around a lot

You get used to it. It seemed awfully heavy to me at first, but now I hardly think about it.

I'd invest in a good strap first so that whenever your camera isn't up pointed at something, it rests comfortably at your side, without a strap cutting into your shoulder or neck. That'll ease a lot of the pain.

Other than that, a monopod can help out a lot, but it's a different style of shooting. A very light monopod with a good head is not cheap, and I'd personally go to a camera store and find a quick release system that you are comfortable with using fast, since you'll be taking the lens on and off a lot.

Another thing you could consider, if you move around a lot, is a waist-level monopod. That means you have a pouch on your belt (or harnass) where a short monopod would rest into. Not ideal, but in many situations more practical than a monopod. There's dedicated equipment for that, called the GoPod (see here, almost near the end: http://www.outbackphot​o.com …g/uwes_tripods/​essay.html)
Edit: nevermind that gopod, apparently they had manufacturing problems and are now out of production.

When I first got mine I used it on a monopod but found it very inconvenient. Handheld all the way! I do use a strap for it so between shots I am not holding it. Give it some time and you'll build up the muscles.

The other night I had my first outing with my 500 f4 USM II which is significantly heavier. I handheld for all of its shots too and I don't consider myself a big strong guy. It's more about balance and technique. Now the 70-200 now feels like a toy!
So my recommendation is to get a 500mm f4 to make your 70-200 feel light as a feather! Ha ha!

Monopods are quite inconvenient. If you NEED one, use a tripod. If you CAN'T use a tripod, hand-hold it.

The 2.8's are heavy. I am used to mine but I am a big guy. I do use a monopod with my 100-400 which is even heavier especially with a flash attached. I do get a better "keeper rate" with the monopod and the 100-400 but it is different as well. The quick release suggetion is a good one.

It's heavy but when I had mine I got used to it in no time. You just need to build some muscle just keep shooting with it and you will probably find the weight less and less noticable. The only times I can remember when it would start to wear on me were if I took it downtown for a few hours of walking.

I usually walk round with a 70-200 MkII strapped to one body (5D3 or 7D) and the Sigma 150-500 OS on the other. I use them both handheld all day with no after effects.

OP, I think you need to get to a gym and start doing some weight lifting lol.

Trique Daddi wrote in post #15344388
The 2.8's are heavy. I am used to mine but I am a big guy. I do use a monopod with my 100-400 which is even heavier especially with a flash attached. I do get a better "keeper rate" with the monopod and the 100-400 but it is different as well. The quick release suggetion is a good one.

Do you have a special 100-400? It should be lighter than the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS (either version). Yes it is heavier with flash, but not alone.

I do not need to use my monopod with my 70-200mm f/2.8IS. Chances are if you use it for a week or two, you will get used to the weight.

I sometimes used(use) a monopod to aid in steadiness (not weight) when I use my Tamron 70-210mm f/2.8, but with the Canon's IS I find that I don't need it. Same is true with my Sigma 150-500mm OS, but it is a slow enough lens that I still will occasionally use the monopod.

I forgot to mention, if you have some ailment (arthritis in the wrist, fibromyalgia, etc...) that might cause you not to get used to the weight - then a monopod will definitely help.

For the times i will be out for an extended period of time the below ThinkTank holster has proven for me personally to be the most reliable & convenient method for relieving the weight factor, not to mention the protection the holster provides for your expensive camera body and lens. The below model number allows for any battery gripped sized body along with either the 70-200 MKII f2.8, 300 f4.0 IS , 100-400 f5.6, or 400 f5.6 to fit just fine.

http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …igital-holster-50-v2.aspx

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=hXU6zK6P2TU

Regards, Ron

No, I have the 70-200mm F2.8 non IS. The 100-400 is very close in weight. I have shot with the 70-200 since 2006 and am used to using it all day or at a high school ball game and have no trouble hand holding it. I can also use the 100 to 400 with out the monopod but get better results with it not due to a weight difference necessarily. The balance is different as well as the function of the lens.

Trique Daddi wrote in post #15345860
No, I have the 70-200mm F2.8 non IS. The 100-400 is very close in weight. I have shot with the 70-200 since 2006 and am used to using it all day or at a high school ball game and have no trouble hand holding it. I can also use the 100 to 400 with out the monopod but get better results with it not due to a weight difference necessarily. The balance is different as well as the function of the lens.

Sorry, didn't read your signature, assumed you were talking about the IS version the OP was asking about. Balance is different for sure. Again a monopod can be useful with the 70-200mm, but usually isn't necessary.