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10/28/2008 04:01:40 PM · #1 |
I currently have a soft neoprene strap that hangs off of my neck. I got that to keep the standard issue strap that came with my 20D from scratching my neck.
I have been spending hours with my 20D and my 70-200 2.8 USM lens hanging from my neck while walking a lot.
This is causing pain in my shoulders and in my back between my shoulders.
A friend suggested a harness.
I need something to keep the camera steady while walking - but mostly to help take the strain off of my neck/shoulders.
Can anyone suggest a specific harness or brand that would offer such an animal?
I'm not thin - so need something to work with larger bodies.
I've seen this type harness, but I'm not sure if it would accommodate the large lens.
Anyone use something like this or have this issue?
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10/28/2008 04:05:46 PM · #2 |
Not sure if this would help but its something I am considering purchasing in the near future. Stillhas your camera hanging from your neck but maybe in a way that would be more comfy.
Black Rapid R Strap |
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10/28/2008 04:12:58 PM · #3 |
I would suggest swapping your 20D for a Powershot S5 IS. Much lighter. I just happen to have an S5 and I'd be willing to make this sacrifice in order to help you out.
Actually, Timfy's suggestion looks interesting. I'll have to look more closely later on.
Message edited by author 2008-10-28 16:17:54. |
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10/28/2008 04:16:17 PM · #4 |
I've never used either system but I think I'd use the rapid strap over the other one. I can't help but think how my clumsy self would end up falling forward and the camera is stuck to get the entire brunt of the fall. At least with something else you might be able to push it to the side or something. Plus that would hurt like heck falling and having a camera shoved into your sternum like that...ouch.
I don't have as heavy of a system but I use my regular shoulder strap usually wrapped around my elbow and my hand in a hand sling on the camera. It fits so well that often I can release my grip and still have the camera stay steady. I actually have a harness on my tripod that I created out of a machine gun strap (good to work with Marines) that has a bungy effect that takes off a lot of weight to it.
Good luck on your search.
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10/28/2008 04:30:25 PM · #5 |
Op/tech straps are pretty good at reducing strain/ bouncing.
Don't wear it around your neck so much, particularly just hanging there.
Maybe try some back/shoulder strengthening in a gym. |
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10/28/2008 04:49:29 PM · #6 |
| I carry around my 20D and 100-400 all the time and rely on my Optech strap Optech - I have to say I have been very impressed with it, and it's pretty cheap as well. |
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10/28/2008 05:07:02 PM · #7 |
I hook the tripod mount of my 100-400 onto the waistband of my camera bag whilst walking around - that takes the pressure off my neck and the camera is suprisingly secure. Hopefully it will work with your 70-200 as well.
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10/28/2008 05:19:05 PM · #8 |
| You might consider a lighter camera like the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 |
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10/28/2008 05:35:03 PM · #9 |
I suffer from back pain (old war wound) and use the Optech straps on both of my bodies but also cradle the cam in my arm when walking.
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10/28/2008 05:37:36 PM · #10 |
A harness may be what you need. It fits like a vest and the camera is supported by your shoulders rather than your neck.
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10/28/2008 05:42:38 PM · #11 |
This thread interests me as I have arthritis in my neck (it grates audibly when I turn my head and has done for 15 years) and find it and my shoulders bother me a lot after a couple hours.
Carrying my bag is also a pain, literally, but I'd think a backpack would be a nuisance when I want to get at things quickly and easily. I keep looking for a solution that fits all my wants/needs but I don't think it's possible. |
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10/28/2008 05:51:20 PM · #12 |
I have the Black Rapid RS-2 and have found my neck doesn't hurt anymore after doing pictures for hours.
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10/28/2008 05:53:44 PM · #13 |
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10/28/2008 05:54:02 PM · #14 |
I spend a lot of time with my 1DMKII and either a 70-200 2.8L IS or 100-400 4.5/5.6L IS lens on it. What I use is a Lowe Pro waist pack. What's good about it is that with the pack snugged tight around my waist at my left side and the pack shoulder strap over my shoulder, the top of the pack makes a great place to either rest my camera (strap still around my neck) or even to rest my elbow of my left hand holding the camera in. And it's handy enough that if I want to put the camera in it to have both hands free, I can and there is no additional weight on my neck or shoulders. Yet when I'm shooting hot and fast, I can slide the pack behind me (or leave it at my side) and I have full movement with my camera on it's strap.
As an added bonus, I've also rested my tripod across the top of it too (when there was no chance of hitting someone with the legs as I moved about).
Mike
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10/28/2008 05:56:21 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Shirpa |
Lol, yeah. Hubby's good about taking my bag when we're out together but he hates going with me. He doesn't have a creative bone in his body (well, maybe one) and gets bored in 2 seconds flat.
(p.s.- it's spelled "sherpa" :P ) |
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10/28/2008 06:03:14 PM · #16 |
Thanks for the suggestions.
The Rapid R strap looks cool. I was hoping for something that didn't cut across my body like that - but it may work.
As for the suggestions of buying a different camera - umm, nope! I'm looking to work with the camera/lenses I have, not replace them. But, thanks anyway.
I think the strap I use now is the classic from Op/Tech. I like it - but it doesn't lighten the load.
I generally don't carry my camera bag in the main photo situation.
We go to renaissance faires and dress. So I carry a basket with my personal items and my camera hangs from my neck - and usually for 8 hours (with breaks here & there). I don't feel comfortable with the camera & 70-200 lens in the basket with the crowds being so crazy. It's just not safe for the camera equipment. Plus, it's not handy to grab quickly.
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10/31/2008 03:10:35 AM · #17 |
When I first got my camera, I adjusted the strap small to stop it swinging around when walking. However, it very quickly became aparrent that it didn't help. Now I wear it across one shoulder, with the camera at my side, and pull it up like a rapid strap when taking a shot. However, the standard strap is only just long enough (at longest adjustment) for me to do that, and it doesn't swivel as easy as a rapid strap - I often just pull my arm down through the strap to take a photo and put it back after. But it's quite comfortable to wear for long periods, even with a 70-200 2.8. I have a slingshot back-pack, so that sits on my right shoulder, and the camera sits on my left shoulder/right hip.
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10/31/2008 07:54:25 AM · #18 |
Another optech user here, I have the 70-200 IS f2.8 as well on a 40D and have walked around for hours with it on that strap without too many aches and pains afterwards (I have back problems as well from a couple of motorcycle accidents).
One thing I do though is move the camera onto one shoulder and let it hang to the side, cup the lens in one arm pushing it lightly to my leg to avoid knocks etc, after 10 minutes or so I swap shoulders, with the shot taking inbetween and regular rests (I try to stop every hour / hour and a half for 5 - 10 minutes) it's not too bad at all.
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10/31/2008 11:38:06 AM · #19 |
I've been thinking about getting one of these and trying it.
Nikon Pro Staff Suspender Harness
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10/31/2008 11:46:43 AM · #20 |
I hook the tripod mount on my lens (100-400) through the sling strap of my backpack. The backpack offsets the weight of the lens/camera very nicely. My hands are then free while I walk. Once I bent over to tie my daughters shoe and forgot my camera/lens was hooked there and it fell. The neck strap stopped it just before the concrete.
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10/31/2008 12:08:40 PM · #21 |
I do what surf dabbler does, for up to 1600 shots per day at events. I had been using a tamrac strap with some bounce which helps a lot, but it's aging, and its replacement model isn't heavy duty enough.
Anyone using this setup? UPstrap |
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10/31/2008 12:43:59 PM · #22 |
| What I do when walking with the 70-200/2.8 is to hook the tripod foot into the waistband of my jeans, while keeping the strap over my opposite shoulder, and just long enough that the weight of the camera and lens is on the waistband, not the strap. Very comfortable, walk all day that way. |
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10/31/2008 01:24:37 PM · #23 |
Sorry if I repeat other responses, I've not read them all.
I too have very bad back and find carrying heavy weights a big problem.
I currently use a neoprene strap (same problem with cheap default strap scratching back of neck).
My parents have one of those harness style straps for their very heavy pair of binoculars. They work very well in distributing the weight though they take a touch more space up in your bag. BUT for binoculars there's no issue of needing to support lens weight separately from body weight, it's all one item.
As you say, with bigger lenses, you don't want the camera mount taking the full weight of a large lens hanging down from it, especially a consumer body and very heavy lens.
BUT that's not going to be affected by using a normal strap or a harness strap, same issue applies.
You really need to take the weight of the lens in your hands/ arms.
(I've never come across straps that attach to the lens rather than body, are there such things?)
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10/31/2008 01:45:05 PM · #24 |
I use a harness type whenever I hike or climb, I used it here:
it takes the weight off the neck although I also put the neck strap over me head as an added saftey measure. If you do that you need to make sure the strap is adjusted to allow the camera to hang freely without weight on your neck.
It works well up to a point when using heavy lenses. It would likley work with all your lenses except the 70-200 2.8 IS. For that lens some of the other suggestion here would be a better solution. I normally put my long lenses on a monopod and carry them that way, pad the top of the monopod and I can rest it on my shoulder or even put the strap over my shoulder and hold the monopod leg in my hand to keep it from swinging. If you get a harness look around and buy the heaviest duty one you can find. Try teh American Birding Association or National Audubon sites or check with any local birder shops in your area.
Good luck with your search. |
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10/31/2008 01:50:09 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by timfythetoo:
Not sure if this would help but its something I am considering purchasing in the near future. Stillhas your camera hanging from your neck but maybe in a way that would be more comfy.
Black Rapid R Strap |
I just ordered one of these. Unfortunatly they are on back order for the next 2-3 weeks... but it looks like the perfect solution. I hate having a bulky lens dangling in front of me while walking through a crowded city street. It seams to much more comfortable to have the camera at your side and be able to slide it up to your eye quickly at any moment.. I will post a review once it comes in.. |
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