p.1 #1 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
I'm looking for opinions on chest harnesses to carry my camera. There's lots of options for GoPro and point-and-shoot types, but for ILC cameras these two seem to be the most practical. I need somthing with central carry that won't flop around while walking and yet be able be either raised or removed easily to shoot with.
The Cotton Carrier G3 harness looks more secure, but the ThinkTank Pixel Racing Harness looks more versatile. I'm leaning toward the G3 because of the mount which can be put on a lens foot instead of Pixel which uses the camera body straps.
p.1 #2 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
I have an older version of the Cotton Carrier. It is very solid and keeps the camera firmly
'connected' to your chest. Their ads show people doing flips on a trampoline without the camera coming loose.
Looking at the ThinkTank unit on B&H, it looks like the camera is connected to the harness through two small straps and just hangs there - there doesn't seem to be anything that keeps it from swinging back and forth as you walk or hike. For me, that lack of a firm connection would be a major negative. If I'm scrambling over rocks or climbing a steep hill, I don't want my camera bouncing into my chest. I may be interpreting the picture incorrectly (does anyone have first hand experience?) but I would certainly want to be sure before committing to it.
Also, as pointed out in a question in the B&H site, the ThinkTank harness does not come with the displayed belt. Many of the carry options are based on hooking things to the belt. You might be disappointed if you just buy the harness. As presented, the photos are rather misleading.
I've also tried the Peak Design Camera Capture clip. If you have a suitable strap to attach it to, it does a good job.
p.1 #3 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
I did see that the ThinkTank harness needs a couple separate pieces, but it does look like they're all straps, no firm mount. That Peak Design clip is a lot like the Spider camera holster, which I've tried in different positions, but it still moves around a lot when walking since it isn't centered on the body in either belt or backpack strap mount.. That's why I'm strictly looking at central chest positioning.
How cmfortable do you find the Cotton Carrier for longer time periods? From the photos it looks kind of bulky.
p.1 #4 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
It makes you look like a real 'geek' -. I've worn it for several 6-7 hour hikes. It was very comfortable to carry the camera. It can get a bit hot if the weather is warm. But., I suspect that any vest will be the same. While I am positive about it, I have to say that I haven't used it since I got the Peak Design unit.
You are right about the Peak Design unit. I was looking for something to keep my camera fixed to my body and away from the path that my trekking polls made when I use them while walking (with a cross-body strap, I kept hitting the camera lens. For that purpose, it was fine. It wasn't really mobile - I didn't have any real issues when I had to do some scrambling. But, it is not as secure as something like the CC.
I hope others will chime in with their experience.
p.1 #5 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
I put the shoulder strap over my head and then rotate the strap so my camera rests against my back. When hiking the camera stays flat and does not move at all and it only takes seconds to rotate the strap and have the camera in my hands.
If I fall it is most likely to be going forward and so the camera on my back is protected. It is also not going to be hitting any branches if going through the bush.
Also if I am carrying binoculars as well then I want to minimize interference between the two straps and a chest carrier would only complicate things further.
p.1 #6 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
I walk with a cane and have an abnormal gait. Over the years I've tried all manner of straps and belt clips and positions, but the only thing stable enough for me so far is a backpack, which obviously makes taking pics a bit harder. That's why I'd like to give a center chest carry position a try.
p.1 #7 · camera chest harness, Cotton Carrier or Thinktank?
Erich, I just rigged up my CC Gen1. I attached my Canon EOS-R w/ Sigma 135/1.8 ART mounted on it. I too have an impaired gait because of injuries to my lower right back and hip and ankle (slipped on a wet boat dock and tried to "save" the fall). In any case, subsequent to that incident, I have never felt comfortable hiking w/o walking sticks, so I've gotten back to using the CC. High heat and high humidity, the rig will get uncomfortable for me. Perhaps the Gen3 is better. Even so I'd rather put up with hot and sweaty and know that my rig is secure should I fall. FWIW, there is also a tether from the CC to the camera strap ring to ensure that when taking pictures, the camera is still connected to your body. Workmanship of edition is solid, and Customer support as well. HTH
Edit: Some other items: the first is this: Several years ago, when I first was trying out CC, I on two occasions gotten more than passing notice from Police officers each of whom approached me to ask what "do you have hanging on your chest?" Of course each happened in Philadelphia; they were reassured when I said, "Ahhhh, OCIFER, it's a CAMERA!!!" "Oh," came the response, "have a good day." I had no legal obligation to advise then as to what else I was also legally carrying, , ya know, like "film canisters."
Second point is this; attend to the direction of the arrow on the bottom of the hub and as the instructions indicate, make doggone sure that it is point in the direction of the lens, i.e., toward the front of the lens.
Third, I should have mentioned that the tether connecting the camera to the carrier does not inspire in me a lot of confidence, so I simply keep a PD light, adjustable strap attached to my camera body and around my neck. Feels more secure that way, and offers me more range of motion as well.
. I've worn it for several 6-7 hour hikes. It was very comfortable to carry the camera. It can get a bit hot if the weather is warm. But., I suspect that any vest will be the same. While I am positive about it, I have to say that I haven't used it since I got the Peak Design unit.
