Heavy Lenses

SThornton

SThornton

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Having just bought my first 1kg> lens (Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8), its left me wondering if there is anything different I need to be doing when handling the camera.

Things like when putting it down, with lighter lenses, I used to put the camera on its back (LCD down but a cover over the screen so no chance of scratches) through force of habit. Now I'm wondering if the weight of the lens will do damage to the body/mount if I put it like this. Similar situation if I balance the camera on the tripod collar, is the weight of the camera going to cause issues on the mount?

Also, I was wonder if I may have any issues with the strap (official nikon one that came with the camera) or the mounts for the strap (I use a Nikon D7000 so it has those small metal eyelets and triangular keyring style holders).

And just any further tips for handling a set up of this weight!
 
The addition of my 70-200mm f2.8 has lead me down the route of getting a black rapid strap as its not comfortable using the standard strap and I don't like all that weight hanging off the mount.
 
Tunbridge said:
The addition of my 70-200mm f2.8 has lead me down the route of getting a black rapid strap as its not comfortable using the standard strap and I don't like all that weight hanging off the mount.
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I already have a sling style strap but I found it just annoys me and I don't trust the connection to the camera and crowds.

I do used the neck strap but I actually wrap it round my wrist instead anyway.
 
I shoot two pro sized bodies and two large lenses on a dual black rapid strap... They are certainly strong enough :)

Your d7000 will be fine, promise :)
 
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I imagine the mounts on these bodies are a lot more durable than you'd think.
I can understand being more concerned if you're not used to having that weight attached to your camera,but they're built to take a whole lot more than these little 1kg lenses believe me :)
Main thing is make sure you use the collar rather than the camera to mount it on to your tripod. Sounds obvious but I've seen it attempted a fair few times with damn sight larger lenses than the 70-200 :D
 
stokes said:
I shoot two pro sized bodies and two large lenses on a dual black rapid strap... They are certainly strong enough :)

Your d7000 will be fine, promise :)
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I didn't trust it with my D3100 either as it kept coming undone plus the majority of the time I use my camera is in crowds so it stays in my hand anyway.
 
The first thing I do with a 70-200 is take the tripod collar off as I always use this lens hand held.. it makes it a bit lighter but more important its a lot more comfortable to hand hold without it on..

Am always amazed talkign to people who also only use hand held and never thought of taking it off :)
 
SThornton said:
Now I'm wondering if the weight of the lens will do damage to the body/mount if I put it like this. Similar situation if I balance the camera on the tripod collar, is the weight of the camera going to cause issues on the mount?
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Don't worry about either, they are very durable.
10 years I've been hanging heavy lenses off a DSLR mount, never experienced any issues at all myself. Everything I have read suggests the camera is more than capable!

And just any further tips for handling a set up of this weight!
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Two, actually.
1. Get a new strap, put the one that came with your camera away. I find the optech super classic excellent and folk like the optech pro as well. these are neoprene so stretch a little - and this stretch reduces the fatigue on your shoulder.

2. When carrying using the strap mount on the camera, the lens will hang down. Have to top of the camera pointing towards your body not away - makes it all hang more comfortably. I tend to strap over shoulder and let the lens hang slightly behind me. Can walk for miles like that.
 
KIPAX said:
The first thing I do with a 70-200 is take the tripod collar off as I always use this lens hand held.. it makes it a bit lighter but more important its a lot more comfortable to hand hold without it on..

Am always amazed talkign to people who also only use hand held and never thought of taking it off :)
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First thing I did with mine. :thumbs:

1. The collar weighs some, less weight the better :)
2. It fouls on my bag when removing it. No one like a fouling ring...
 
i use black rapid too and believe me they make a huge difference. I can walk all day with my camera hanging round without any pain.
 
When carrying the camera around without a strap, as you will at times, hold the lens, not the body. Also when laying it down, it's easier lay it down straight up with a bigger lens, you won't bey laying it on it's back. Why you'd want to do that i have no idea.
 
SThornton said:
Things like when putting it down, with lighter lenses, I used to put the camera on its back (LCD down but a cover over the screen so no chance of scratches) through force of habit. Now I'm wondering if the weight of the lens will do damage to the body/mount if I put it like this.
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Never known anyone to put their camera down on its back. All cameras have a base and they should be put down on the base, which is extremely logical.
 
buy a decent strap, I like the optech utility one, great for the price :-)
 
I almost always have either a 70-200 2.8 or a 100-400 on the camera (7D) and I use the tripod collar to hook the lens over the belt on my camera bag. That way I have both hands free and no weight on my neck, and the camera is surprisingly secure - I can easily bend down to tie shoe laces, climb over stiles etc without it moving. I am always surprised that I've never seen anyone else carry the camera this way. No special straps etc needed, and it's secure and comfortable.
 
MadWoman said:
I almost always have either a 70-200 2.8 or a 100-400 on the camera (7D) and I use the tripod collar to hook the lens over the belt on my camera bag. That way I have both hands free and no weight on my neck, and the camera is surprisingly secure - I can easily bend down to tie shoe laces, climb over stiles etc without it moving. I am always surprised that I've never seen anyone else carry the camera this way. No special straps etc needed, and it's secure and comfortable.
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Got to admit I have done this with my 70-200mm when shooting all day festivals. Still keep the neck strap round, but also put the collar back on and hook it into the belt. Works great actually - forgot about this tip!
 
itll be fine. ive been wanging around a 120-300 by the body and its not caused any bother.

incidentally the 70-200 isnt that heavy, its just a shock to the system. you quickly get used to it.
 
I use my black rapid in the tripod mount of the lens rather than the body as I find it balances better.


Heather
 
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