Carrying the 150-600 - recommendations?

[Ian]

I kid you not, so far I have found the size and weight of 150-600 to be manageable. I guess it's a relative point of view as the Four Thirds 90-250 and 300mm f/2.8 I have are each 50% heavier than the 150-600.

But on long treks I might find it useful to have some kind of hands-free on-person carrying facility.

I know little about such solutions so I would be interested to know what you use and the pros and cons.

Ian

[TravelingChick]

I haven't found a hands-free solution, but I usually pop it on a monopod, and carry the rig on my shoulder as I walk around.

[Phill D]

That was what I tried for a while. Problem was if made it even heavier.

[Ian]

I haven't found a hands-free solution, but I usually pop it on a monopod, and carry the rig on my shoulder as I walk around.

Yes - this is what I'd do with the big Four Thirds lenses. I'd rather not carry a monopod as well, though.

Ian

[Ian]

Cotton Carrier pops up a lot, but this video suggests a cheap Amazon option can do the job:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8ew7LHQ5Rw

[blackfox]

I have a cotton carrier ( as yet unused ) but a few weeks ago I stumbled across a replacement tripod foot , that came with a QD quick release mount built in , it’s designed for carrying rifles but I’m finding it really effective for carrying the Z8 and 600mm lens .

[BDennis]

For my 150-400mm I use a Peak Design Slide strap attached via PD anchors to the lugs on the lens. I think the 150-600mm also has these lugs for a strap attachment?

The only slight niggle is the PD anchor loops are a bit short for attachment to these lugs on a large lens making attachment of the strap clips a bit tricky.

There’s a review of this PD system here (I have the wider strap reviewed)

https://fstoppers.com/gear/peak-design-slide-and-slide-lite-which-right-review-them-side-side-642807

I’ve done many miles of walking with the big white lens attached to the strap like this cross-ways over my shoulder and body with the lens to my side where I can also hold onto the lens foot to keep it steady. You just need to make sure the PD anchors are fully clipped into the strap attachment. The 150-600mm is a little heavier but will still be within the max weight rating for the PD anchors.

This strap is useful as at allows my hands to be free for using binoculars when spotting birds and other wildlife.

Bill

[djrwhittle]

I use the Peak Design slide too. I have anchors on the lens, the camera body and on the base of the power grip. Where I attach the strap depends on where/what I am photographing. Most often I wear my camera diagonally across my body. In this position my hands are free for using my binocular. I also have the PD Leash but I felt that was a little too narrow and less comfortable round my neck so I rarely us it now.

Derek

[DerekC]

I use Black Rapid Sport on the 150-600. It give a good spread of the weight onto the shoulder. I like the small strap which goes under the arm to stop the strap rotating, and moving the pad from the shoulder. Two stops on the stap to limit the movement of the lens.

[Ian]

I find their website a bit confusing. Is yours a strap rather than a harness, Derek? I'm thinking more of a harness that will allow me to carry the camera and long lens on my front.

[Ian]

Has anyone tried the Cotton Carrier Skout G2 sling harness? I do prefer sling bags.

Ian

[DerekC]

Black Rapid Sport is a sling. I find it comfortable. I have thought about the chest supports where the mount clips on, but happy with what I'm using.

[Ian]

Thanks Derek, I don't think this would work for me with the 150-600

[griffljg]

In case anybody is thinking of getting this harness, look at the advice I was given when I announced that I had bought a BWL and showed a photo of the lens with that harness:

https://www.e-group.uk.net/forum/forum/cameras-lenses-and-system-accessories/lens-focus/telephoto/1025463-i-succumbed-to-temptation

I took his advice and bought a tether strap:

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09PMMZ8XG?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

[rsh1960]

I use the PGYTECH camera strap pro, quick mount beads are longer than the peak design ones. I turn the tripod foot to the top and is quite comfortable to walk around reserves and sits comfortable at your side.

[Camera Gent]

i use trhe Peak Design wide slide one, attached to the lugs.
I don't like the ones which attach to a baseplate and have a screwlike tightening thingy which means that I cannot put the camera/lens flat on a shelf in a hide or at home. I prefer a flat baseplate.

[Ian]

I've ordered a cheap Nicama vest/harness (£22 - an Amazon 'used' like new) just to see how I get on with this type of solution.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicama-Carrier-Harness-Mounting-Holster/dp/B071KPGRZH/

I think the clip system places the camera/lens too low, to be honest, but other users simply use the lens foot to hang it higher up. We'll see.

Ian

[Wreckdiver]

I also use a Black Rapid strap attached to camera body and lens foot, this image shows it with the 100-400mm lens and MC-20. I've posted this image a few times (apologies) but I've used two mounting points to share the load and provide safety should one fail or the lens and camera become detached (lens screws coming adrift). It works very well for me.

[Ian]

There are secondary safety straps in case you let go of the lens with the Nicama harness.

The Black Rapid strap looks great, but I'm not keen on the 150-600 setup hanging on one side.

Ian