Strap for heavy telephoto

i know that straps should be connected to the lens instead of the cam body ...

what do you guys use?

blackrapid on the tripod mount or weight reduction strap like op tech on the lens?

mike cabilangan wrote in post #11042084
i know that straps should be connected to the lens instead of the cam body ...

what do you guys use?

blackrapid on the tripod mount or weight reduction strap like op tech on the lens?

blackrapid on the lens.

also blackrapid on the lens.

the only way i'm happy using the blackrapid is with the brad strap. The only way i'm happy using the brad strap is by taking twist-ties and forcing it to stay on. (comes off FAR too easily).

There's a sun sniper strap that just came out, supposedly better. I'd consider it. The B.R. strap is just "ok" in my books. The brad strap is con, I think. (should be inlcluded with the strap as it will slip and slide all over the place with it)

Which tele?

On 500mmf 4 I just used canon strap. On 300mm f2.8, I don't use strap as it is on the monopod.

200 f/2

the sun sniper looks very promising (pac-safe/op/tech/blackrapi​d advantages in one) but doesn't seem to be available yet.

i currently use blackrapid rs-4, spider holster and op/tech on my existing gear, never had a heavy telephoto before.

I never use a strap but a customized over the shoulder binocular bag with the bottom knocked out and sleeve sewn on like a wind sock that folds back up to accommodate the length of the lens I am using. This takes the weight completely off and allows me to use the camera strap around my neck with no weight pulling on me, just as a safety precaution. It has taken me two years to devise this shoulder carrying system based on my own build and comfort points. The camera and lens now 'float' under my left arm and I can pull that baby out in an instant and start shooting (It works like a shoulder holster for a magnum .45)

If I just want to carry up to a 300mm 2.8 I use a Tenba over the shoulder back pack type bag which works great for long hikes, but then the camera is not instantly available.

I think you have to devise your own because everyone is built differently, and while there are good ideas out there to start from (for me it was the German built binocular bag) and then go to a sailboat sail and canvas sewing shop to fill in the straps, fabric and construction that will custom fit to your form.

Ken

Upstrap ... with a second set of female strap ends on the lens so I can move the shoulder strap from the camera to the lens when using the tele.

I use the same combo as Anders, UPSTRAP with extra ends on the lens.....

If you need another strap on a 200 2.0 (I've got a 200 1.8). you need to reexamine your shooting style....

Mark H

P51Mstg wrote in post #11042904
If you need another strap on a 200 2.0 (I've got a 200 1.8 ). you need to reexamine your shooting style....

i didn't get this one ... can you run that by me again?

mike cabilangan wrote in post #11043075
i didn't get this one ... can you run that by me again?

Basically: Do you really need a strap for that lens...?

If the lens has strap mounts I guess Canon thinks it's too heavy to be carried around hanging from the lens mount?

Another reason for a strap on the lens is if you want to carry it separately from the camera, and not in a bag. I see people do this at sports events.

b_ron wrote in post #11043274
Basically: Do you really need a strap for that lens...?

yes i do.

two reasons:
i might drop it, need the strap as insurance.
and
i want to be able to use my hands for other stuff

The 200 is a bit smaller than the 300 and a fair (or so it feels) lot lighter. The lenses BOTH handle (move, etc) better with a strap on the body of the camera rather than one on the lens itself (at least for me)....

I shoot both handheld, I can't see putting them on tripods... Now, I have the 400/500/800 and those are so darn big, they end up on a tripod with a CB Gimble head (trust me, Wimberly is crap compared to this). I love to watch people shoot the big ones handheld. A buddy does it and he "hits" maybe 5% of his shots at slower speed. I'll shoot the same speed off the tripod and hit about 75% or more.... Go figure.....

I always use somekind of strap. Even a big lens on a tripod gets a neck strap. WHY? Ever have one of those untamed children run by and trip on your tripod, and almost bring it down? I've seen it come close, but its never happened.... Better not to take the chance

Mark H

found the sun sniper online (local distro wasn't answering their phones) i'll buy a set to check it out. (cheaper than black rapid)

i simply don't understand the upstrap website

I use the bogen on my 35-350 when on tripod .
I have the 625 pancake QR's and it is easier to put on tripod and balance - was easier to remove and chase butterfly - whatever .
Bad knees now and until they are replaced - it's easier to set-up also