Juggling two camera bodies at sporting events

So I was overdue to ask a stupid question, and there's no time like the present. I shoot soccer on a full-size field. I do most of the shooting with a 400mm 2.8 on a 1DX on a monopod, and I have a 1D4 with 70-200 2.8 in a holster so I can capture the action close to me (or get a wider shot). My current "technique" for switching cameras leaves a lot to be desired, and I'm sure there's a better, smoother way to do this. I either gently place the 1DX on the ground next to me, or I kind of hug/hold it while shooting with the 1D4. Yes...really...Suggest​ions welcome!

This is my stupid answer: Twin camera tripod bracket, I'm guessing it would be quite unwieldy
http://www.amazon.com …fRID=0NN3FZ0ESG​5M2BA5RA1K

sdipirro wrote in post #17186073
So I was overdue to ask a stupid question, and there's no time like the present. I shoot soccer on a full-size field. I do most of the shooting with a 400mm 2.8 on a 1DX on a monopod, and I have a 1D4 with 70-200 2.8 in a holster so I can capture the action close to me (or get a wider shot). My current "technique" for switching cameras leaves a lot to be desired, and I'm sure there's a better, smoother way to do this. I either gently place the 1DX on the ground next to me, or I kind of hug/hold it while shooting with the 1D4. Yes...really...Suggest​ions welcome!

Black rapid strap for your 70-200:

http://www.blackrapid.​com/products

I use this method and have seen many fellow shooter doing the same,
http://youtu.be/iMgZ13​X_pr4
My 2nd is on a Black Rapid Sport strap http://www.blackrapid.​com/products/sport instead of sitting it on the ground

One thing I also do if I have the big lens on over the shoulder for an extended walk around is to make sure the collar screw is snug, if it is loose the lens wants to rotate away from you and off your shoulder.

Like the guy in the video says, may not be pretty but....

There is no right or wrong way to manage multiple bodies. Just need to find what works for you and practice it to get faster.

Myself, when shooting football with 2 bodies, it is 400mm on monopod and 70-200 on a blackrapid strap.

Sometimes I shoot with 3 bodies. Then it is 400mm on monopod, 70-200 in spider holster on a thinktank steroid belt, and 24-70 hanging from camera support straps on the pixel racing harness.

The 24-70 is the grab camera for stuff that happens right in front of me quickly, so I keep focus on the shutter button so I can just grab and fire without having to worry about getting my thumb on the back button.

As for what to do with the 400mm on the monopod, if it is between plays and I am switching, I will rotate it around on my shoulder like Scott Sewell does in the video above. If I have to switch on the fly because the play is coming to me, I usually just keep a hold on it around the lens foot and lean to the side to bring up the other camera.

Wondering if anyone has tried the Cotton Carrier and if so how has it worked out?

I just got a spider pro holster, just for one camera, but they make them for two. Works great, no weight on my shoulders, super quick access, no straps to get tangled in, especially if also wearing a backpack or sling bag.

Not such a stupid question after all.

The only "stupid" question is one that isn't asked!

riveragaryj@juno.com wrote in post #17186309
Not such a stupid question after all.

Agree. It was very informational.

UTgws wrote in post #17186129
I use this method and have seen many fellow shooter doing the same,
http://youtu.be/iMgZ13​X_pr4
My 2nd is on a Black Rapid Sport strap http://www.blackrapid.​com/products/sport instead of sitting it on the ground

One thing I also do if I have the big lens on over the shoulder for an extended walk around is to make sure the collar screw is snug, if it is loose the lens wants to rotate away from you and off your shoulder.

Like the guy in the video says, may not be pretty but....

Thanks, this thread and the video have been very helpful.

Interesting. Well, what Scott does is not all that different than what I do. I think I just need more practice to feel more secure with the 1DX/400 while I'm shooting with the second body. Thanks for the help!

Haven't done this myself, but saw another shooter with what I thought was a great idea...attached to his knee pad was a short strap with a loop on the end. While kneeling, when putting his 400 over his shoulder on the monopod to shoot with his second body, it prevented the bottom of the monopod from slipping out on the wet grass and the 400 from going over his shoulder.

Myself, I'm a fan of the SpiderPro belt which holds my 5dII , and use a CarrySpeed strap or monopod for the 1D4 - although my longest glass is currently only a 300 f/4

Swing the 400 over the shoulder with the left hand and bring up the 70-200 with the right.

Question though, why the 1D4 on the 70-200? I'd put it on the 400 for more reach and love the full-frame on the zoom.

NJ

I use the Black Rapid strap that holds 2 bodies. One on each side of you. It works great for the baseball games that I shoot.