Carry your camera over your shoulder?

[gilbouk]

After a really enjoyable trek in the snow last weekend I've found a more comfortable way to carry my camera. With the monopod / tripod locked off and attached via a plate which in turn is attached to my 200-500 lens foot, I hang the camera over my shoulder and hold my monopod / tripod by a leg. Pulling down on the leg, I can balance the weight of the camera and lens with my shoulder being the pivot point - this seems to make for a more comfortable and manageable way to walk around leaving one hand free to use the binoculars I hang round my neck. Then when I want to use my camera, I can easily lower the structure without having to adjust leg lengths etc.

The cons are that I have to watch where I'm going - catching the leg could result on everything rolling off my shoulder onto the ground, likewise I have to be aware of any possibility of the camera wacking off of obstacles when negotiating fallen trees etc.

I wanted to ask other wildlife photographers there method of carrying their tripod, gimbal and camera whilst on the move? Do you have any safety straps attached to the camera?

The other concern are the pressures applied on structure when carrying the rig. My greatest concern is the plate stud and lens foot thread - a possible scenario would be this stud breaking due to the forces of torsion resulting the plate coming away from the lens foot while one the move. Would over-tightening the stud increase the likelihood of this happening?

Would a 3rd party lens foot with an integrated arca swiss foot be enough or would you guys need more 'insurance' when carrying your camera in this fashion?

 

[gramps]

Always carried my 500 f4 on a tripod & gimbal over my shoulder when not in the backpack, no straps and never any issues other than pressure on my shoulder.
Did the same with my hired 200-500 fixed directly onto the monopod and again no issues, I have some reservations about fitting an arca-swiss plate as there is only one fixing point on the tripod foot and I would be concerned about it working loose.
I haven't made up my mind what I will do with the 200-500 but initially it will be directly onto the monopod but I will review the use of a plate and a ballhead.
Only 3rd party foot I would consider would be Kirk or RRS.

 

[sk66]

I wouldn't worry too much about it... that's the way most carry it. The shear strength of T6 aluminum is 30,000 psi, and even higher for SS... Your biggest concern would be stripping threads by over-tightening (not likely with little allen wrenches), or not locking the clamp securely.

View: https://youtu.be/WtATcNeEVXg

 

[enived]

Gil,
I often carry carry mine exactly as you describe with no issues.
I think that a screw in plate/arca swiss attachment connected to a monopod or gimbal is a lot stronger than a standard camera strap.

 

[sk66]

I have some reservations about fitting an arca-swiss plate as there is only one fixing point on the tripod foot and I would be concerned about it working loose.

Most of my big lenses have 2-3 mounting holes. My 120-300 didn't so I added a second.

Only 3rd party foot I would consider would be Kirk or RRS.

I've been using an inexpensive Kiwi brand one off of Ebay on my 400/2.8 for about 5yrs now... I often use it inverted with the lens/camera hanging from the foot... no problems so far.

 

[gilbouk]

I have some reservations about fitting an arca-swiss plate as there is only one fixing point on the tripod foot and I would be concerned about it working loose.
I haven't made up my mind what I will do with the 200-500 but initially it will be directly onto the monopod but I will review the use of a plate and a ballhead.
Only 3rd party foot I would consider would be Kirk or RRS.

How do you attach a lens without an arca-swiss plate to a monopod? Are there heads that are directly compatible with a 'naked' Nikon foot?

 

[gilbouk]

Most of my big lenses have 2-3 mounting holes. My 120-300 didn't so I added a second.

How did you do that? My 200-500 only has one mounting hole on the lens foot.

 

[hobsey]

I tried all sorts of ways to carry my tripod and lens attached but I just couldn't find one comfortable enough so I ended up buying a tripod harness and carrying the camera/lens.

It probably isn't ideal for a lot of people but this is only way I can going out all day with a tripod and camera/lens setup.

 

[gramps]

I've been using an inexpensive Kiwi brand one off of Ebay on my 400/2.8 for about 5yrs now... I often use it inverted with the lens/camera hanging from the foot... no problems so far.

The options specifically for the 200-500 are very limited and those that I have seen have very poor reviews.

How do you attach a lens without an arca-swiss plate to a monopod? Are there heads that are directly compatible with a 'naked' Nikon foot?

Screw the monopod directly into the tripod foot

 

[wezza13]

Always carried mine the same way as you, GIl.

 

[wezza13]

Screw the monopod directly into the tripod foot

This ^^

 

[johnf3f]

I've been using an inexpensive Kiwi brand one off of Ebay on my 400/2.8 for about 5yrs now... I often use it inverted with the lens/camera hanging from the foot... no problems so far.

I use their QR plates too - nice quality and plenty secure enough for anything Canon/Nikon currently make.

 

[sk66]

How did you do that? My 200-500 only has one mounting hole on the lens foot.

I drilled/tapped it and added an insert. Probably not something most would do.

 

[johnf3f]

How did you do that? My 200-500 only has one mounting hole on the lens foot.

Your 200-500 is quite a light lens which is why they only provide one mounting thread, sk66's quoted lenses are heavier - hence the extra mountings.

As to carrying I tend to sling my tripod over my shoulder with the lens + camera attached for very short walks/changes of position. Unfortunately my setup is quite heavy (about 9.8 Kilos/21.6 lbs) so it digs into my shoulder a bit to say the least! I should really get around to buying a decent shoulder pad!

 

[TimHughes]

It depends how far I'm walking and over what terrain. My long lens is 600 f4 and I use it with a gimbal. For just a short distance on the flat then over the shoulder as you describe works well. I tend to reach up to hold the foot and plate in case there is ever a problem. When it's a long stretch or I'm hiking up or down the mountain then I pack it up - it doesn't take long to pack away.

 

[RedRobin]

I have some reservations about fitting an arca-swiss plate as there is only one fixing point on the tripod foot and I would be concerned about it working loose.

I haven't made up my mind what I will do with the 200-500 but initially it will be directly onto the monopod but I will review the use of a plate and a ballhead.
Only 3rd party foot I would consider would be Kirk or RRS.

....The best and safest solution (plus it has the additional bonus of lowering) is to fit a one-piece replacement foot with Arca-Swiss profile built in. I use RRS on one lens and Jobu on the other.

Regarding a monopod head, I recommend firstly a swivel foot (an easy accessory to buy if you have a Gitzo monopod and all the new ones come with them as standard) which will then take care of any panning movements you want and then fit a RRS Tilt head with Arca-Swiss clamp < Expensive but worth it!

Ballheads on monopods will flop you all over the place! A small gimbal such as the Jobu Jr-3 Deluxe works well on a monopod but is much less compact than the RRS Tilt head. I have tried them all, including no head at all, and RRS Tilt head is by far the best.

https://www.photospecialist.co.uk/really-right-stuff-mh-01-lr-b2-as-ii#group291

I hope this helps.

 

[gramps]

....The best and safest solution (plus it has the additional bonus of lowering) is to fit a one-piece replacement foot with Arca-Swiss profile built in. I use RRS on one lens and Jobu on the other.

Regarding a monopod head, I recommend firstly a swivel foot (an easy accessory to buy if you have a Gitzo monopod and all the new ones come with them as standard) which will then take care of any panning movements you want and then fit a RRS Tilt head with Arca-Swiss clamp < Expensive but worth it!

https://www.photospecialist.co.uk/really-right-stuff-mh-01-lr-b2-as-ii#group291

I hope this helps.

Thanks Robin, my Sunwayfoto ballhead has excellent friction control so works really well on a monopod, it's the tripod foot on the 200-500 that is the issue and the RRS or Kirk are both a hefty chunk of cash for what they are (and scant availability in the UK) ... hopefully a good alternative will be along soon at a more reasonable price.

 

[Son_of_Thor]

Hi Gramps,

I use a Wimberley P-30 Arca plate on mine with the original Nikon tripod foot. It has extra bump stops so it can't twist against the tripod foot on the lens. Works very well and seems secure enough. Not cheap, but does the job..Tried cheaper arca plates which had a textured finish, but these tended to twist against the tripod foot so I was always tightening them and never had any real confidence they'd stay put. A friend has the same lens and went for the same solution with no issues

 

[RedRobin]

Thanks Robin, my Sunwayfoto ballhead has excellent friction control so works really well on a monopod, it's the tripod foot on the 200-500 that is the issue and the RRS or Kirk are both a hefty chunk of cash for what they are (and scant availability in the UK) ... hopefully a good alternative will be along soon at a more reasonable price.

....My RRS ballhead, as you would expect, has excellent friction control too but that isn't always enough when you have a big supertelephoto lens on a 'pod on your shoulder - Having tried all alternatives I can assure you that a tilt head is far more secure.

Btw, I had added more information to my earlier post above while you wrote and posted yours.

It's up to you of course but I prefer to buy what I think is both more durable and cost is not my primary consideration - I may be 70yo but I still think in the long term.

P.S. - Have you noticed that not only am I good at spending my money but I'm good at spending other people's money too!

 

[gramps]

Hi Gramps,

I use a Wimberley P-30 Arca plate on mine with the original Nikon tripod foot. It has extra bump stops so it can't twist against the tripod foot on the lens. Works very well and seems secure enough. Not cheap, but does the job..Tried cheaper arca plates which had a textured finish, but these tended to twist against the tripod foot so I was always tightening them and never had any real confidence they'd stay put. A friend has the same lens and went for the same solution with no issues

That looks a great option Si ... and yours is on a 200-500?

 

[gramps]

....My RRS ballhead, as you would expect, has excellent friction control too but that isn't always enough when you have a big supertelephoto lens on a 'pod on your shoulder - Having tried all alternatives I can assure you that a tilt head is far more secure.

Btw, I had added more information to my earlier post above while you wrote and posted yours.

It's up to you of course but I prefer to buy what I think is both more durable and cost is not my primary consideration - I may be 70yo but I still think in the long term.

P.S. - Have you noticed that not only am I good at spending my money but I'm good at spending other people's money too!

Thanks Robin, the 200-500 isn't a heavy lens.

 

[gilbouk]

It depends how far I'm walking and over what terrain. My long lens is 600 f4 and I use it with a gimbal. For just a short distance on the flat then over the shoulder as you describe works well. I tend to reach up to hold the foot and plate in case there is ever a problem. When it's a long stretch or I'm hiking up or down the mountain then I pack it up - it doesn't take long to pack away.

Good advice, will try to see if I can hold my foot while in this position, just for that extra peace of mind

 

[gilbouk]

Hi Gramps,

I use a Wimberley P-30 Arca plate on mine with the original Nikon tripod foot. It has extra bump stops so it can't twist against the tripod foot on the lens. Works very well and seems secure enough. Not cheap, but does the job..Tried cheaper arca plates which had a textured finish, but these tended to twist against the tripod foot so I was always tightening them and never had any real confidence they'd stay put. A friend has the same lens and went for the same solution with no issues

Yes, that's the thing about plates - they always seem to work themselves loose over time, which gets really annoying when your plate isn't straight and flush against your foot. I might look at the P-30 plate although a one piece solution is the most attractive.

 

[gilbouk]

....My RRS ballhead, as you would expect, has excellent friction control too but that isn't always enough when you have a big supertelephoto lens on a 'pod on your shoulder - Having tried all alternatives I can assure you that a tilt head is far more secure.

Btw, I had added more information to my earlier post above while you wrote and posted yours.

It's up to you of course but I prefer to buy what I think is both more durable and cost is not my primary consideration - I may be 70yo but I still think in the long term.

P.S. - Have you noticed that not only am I good at spending my money but I'm good at spending other people's money too!

I'm with RedRobin on the tilt head. I have a Suiri L-10 and find it's been much better for monopod use compared to any of the 2 ball heads I've tried. The trouble with both a ball head and tilt head, is that if you lock it off for carrying, you need to play with the resistance knob(s) to allow enough freedom of movement, but not too much as to allow the camera to flop. Playing with the resistance knob when you should be concentrating with getting the shot on a one off opportunity is annoying.

 

[snerkler]

I find that method quite uncomfortable tbh and prefer the peak design slide sling strap. Means I'm totally hands free too

 

[Kodiak Qc]

I wanted to ask other wildlife photographers there method of carrying their tripod, gimbal and camera whilst on the move?

NEVER OVER THE SHOULDER WITH THE TRIPOD HORIZONTAL!
This may be a solution on and opened grass area or a beach but with
a higher risk of accident — the devil never sleeps. I don't want to have
a 15k€+ combo out of sight behind my back.

I simply get the legs together and raise the combo off the ground, lea-
ning on the front of my shoulder and held with one hand. If walking over
a log, I might tilt the tip of the legs and bring it back in a close to vertical
position once over the obstacle. This vertical carrying makes it easier for
me when walking through tighter woods, avoiding getting caught in the
branches all the time.

 

[Son_of_Thor]

That looks a great option Si ... and yours is on a 200-500?

Yes, that's on a 200-500. I use it with either straight on an Arca clamp on top of a monopod or with a Wimberley Sidekick/ballhead/tripod combo

 

[Son_of_Thor]

Yes, that's the thing about plates - they always seem to work themselves loose over time, which gets really annoying when your plate isn't straight and flush against your foot. I might look at the P-30 plate although a one piece solution is the most attractive.

A one piece solution is definitely the most attractive - I did look at a replacement foot, but the Nikon one seemed good enough to me and the cost of the replacement feet are pretty eye watering if you go for a branded one!

 

[Son_of_Thor]

I'm with RedRobin on the tilt head. I have a Suiri L-10 and find it's been much better for monopod use compared to any of the 2 ball heads I've tried. The trouble with both a ball head and tilt head, is that if you lock it off for carrying, you need to play with the resistance knob(s) to allow enough freedom of movement, but not too much as to allow the camera to flop. Playing with the resistance knob when you should be concentrating with getting the shot on a one off opportunity is annoying.

I have been considering a tilt head for my monopod - just having an Arca clamp on top is pretty limiting. Recently tried a Sirui ballhead which was excellent so may have a look at the L-10

 

[Son_of_Thor]

I find that method quite uncomfortable tbh and prefer the peak design slide sling strap. Means I'm totally hands free too

I use one of these too on my 200-500, excellent for when shooting handheld. The trouble I have is in lower light when wanting to use a monopod I find it just takes too long to get the lens attached to the 'pod and the opportunity is usually gone!

 

[snerkler]

I use one of these too on my 200-500, excellent for when shooting handheld. The trouble I have is in lower light when wanting to use a monopod I find it just takes too long to get the lens attached to the 'pod and the opportunity is usually gone!

I've got manfrotto ball head with RC2 attachment on my monopod (and Modified Giottos Ball head with RC2 attachment only tripod) and then have the peak design RC2 plate on the camera so it means I can attach/detach to a monopod/tripod is seconds without having to swap plates or even take the strap off

 

[Gaz J]

Unless it's a very short distance I always take the camera/lens off the head and carry them on a strap fixed to the strap lugs on the lens. I have a padded Velcro car seat belt pad on the shoulder part of the strap.

 

[Son_of_Thor]

I've got manfrotto ball head with RC2 attachment on my monopod (and Modified Giottos Ball head with RC2 attachment only tripod) and then have the peak design RC2 plate on the camera so it means I can attach/detach to a monopod/tripod is seconds without having to swap plates or even take the strap off

I'm using an Arca clamp on the monopod which uses a screw-knob to tighten - maybe I need to switch to one with a QR lever instead!

 

[chris malcolm]

If using an over-the-shoulder tri/monopod carry with a quick release plate, make sure the quick release plate is locked down. I omitted to do that once, and when scrambling through some twiggery a little twig caught the release lever and released the plate. Fortunately I was also using the extra insurance of a small cord tying the plate to my monopod.

 

[bumper]

When I carry mine over my shoulder I also use a peak design wrist strap. I fasten this to the tripod and click it to the camera connector. I've never had the clamp let go but hopefully this would help me catch it. The camera may clout the tripod but at least it wouldn't drop onto the floor. It's too much of a faff to keep bagging kit only to get it out after 10 minutes walking.

 

[gilbouk]

I find that method quite uncomfortable tbh and prefer the peak design slide sling strap. Means I'm totally hands free too

I find hanging the camera from a the peak design strap good for a smaller lens, but with a longer lens and with a monopod attached - I think it puts too much strain on the camera body's lens mount - it becomes harder to manage comfortably with the leg on the monopod extended too. I like to stop when I see something and make minimum adjustments to be able to start shooting - so that's why I prefer to have the leg extended.

 

[gilbouk]

If using an over-the-shoulder tri/monopod carry with a quick release plate, make sure the quick release plate is locked down. I omitted to do that once, and when scrambling through some twiggery a little twig caught the release lever and released the plate. Fortunately I was also using the extra insurance of a small cord tying the plate to my monopod.

When I carry mine over my shoulder I also use a peak design wrist strap. I fasten this to the tripod and click it to the camera connector. I've never had the clamp let go but hopefully this would help me catch it. The camera may clout the tripod but at least it wouldn't drop onto the floor. It's too much of a faff to keep bagging kit only to get it out after 10 minutes walking.

Looks like a cord between the foot and head or a wrist strap attached to the camera might be good 'insurance' should the foot somehow come away from the plate, or the plate come away from the head, although the latter is less likely as I always take particular care when attaching the camera to my monopod and to ensure the plate is locked in place (also mine isn't a quick release - its a clamp style which needs tightening up). I also don't remove the camera until I'm finished for the day, so not likely I'd forget.

 

[bumper]

I think mine is called the Cuff. It's the old style not the new version. I don't think the new one closes small enough (may be wrong), it appears to have a thicker wrist padding now and more ££. The old style fastens around anything and the quick release means that you can take the camera off the tripod and leave the strap attached.

I've never needed it but I know what'll happen the first time I remove it!

 

[gilbouk]

NEVER OVER THE SHOULDER WITH THE TRIPOD HORIZONTAL!
This may be a solution on and opened grass area or a beach but with
a higher risk of accident — the devil never sleeps. I don't want to have
a 15k€+ combo out of sight behind my back.

I simply get the legs together and raise the combo off the ground, lea-
ning on the front of my shoulder and held with one hand. If walking over
a log, I might tilt the tip of the legs and bring it back in a close to vertical
position once over the obstacle. This vertical carrying makes it easier for
me when walking through tighter woods, avoiding getting caught in the
branches all the time.

I hear you kodiak - but I find to get the feet high enough from the ground to avoid them catching on the terrain, the camera and lens ends up being quite high above my head. I think I'd need to lower the tripod / monopod a little to use this method.

 

[Son_of_Thor]

I find hanging the camera from a the peak design strap good for a smaller lens, but with a longer lens and with a monopod attached - I think it puts too much strain on the camera body's lens mount - it becomes harder to manage comfortably with the leg on the monopod extended too. I like to stop when I see something and make minimum adjustments to be able to start shooting - so that's why I prefer to have the leg extended.

I use the Peak Design Slide with my 200-500, attached to the strap lugs on the camera. I keep my hand on the tripod foot to minimise movement/stress on the lens mount. Works well, but doesn't really allow for quick shooting if 'pod is required. I haven't really found a way of transporting the kit on foot with 'pod attached that isn't blimin' awkward!