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Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Max_Pain
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

So after seeing someone using the one camera Cotton carrier system vest at an air show, I decided to get it. My main goal is to be able to be hands free then pick a camera to shoot when needed, so I opted for the two-camera system. It works, but me being rounder around the belly than the guy I observed using it it doesn't fit as well. Their website says it can be adjusted to all bodies but i'm having a little trouble getting a snug but comfortable fit. More importantly, and more worrisome, the second camera component is just a velcro pouch that goes over a strap on the side. While the center system feels and looks sturdy, the secondary camera system does not. I played with it a lot today and nothing fell off or broke, but i'm wondering how it'll do during an all-day event.

Would love to hear observations from anyone else who has this system and has actually used it in a real world environment.

Jun 11, 2024 at 09:48 PM

Imagemaster
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Tried one a couple of times and found putting it on and using it too much of a pain.

When taking out two cameras, I just have both on Peak Design straps, one over left shoulder and one over my right shoulder. I have no concerns about not holding either camera or both at the same time. I sometimes also wear my Uncle Milty vest that has lots of pockets for all accessories.

Jun 12, 2024 at 12:06 AM

AZHeaven
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Max_Pain wrote:
So after seeing someone using the one camera Cotton carrier system vest at an air show, I decided to get it. My main goal is to be able to be hands free then pick a camera to shoot when needed, so I opted for the two-camera system. It works, but me being rounder around the belly than the guy I observed using it it doesn't fit as well. Their website says it can be adjusted to all bodies but i'm having a little trouble getting a snug but comfortable fit. More importantly, and more worrisome, the second camera component is...Show more →

I have the Cotton Carrier G3 Harness. For me after all my surgeries and loss of upper body strength? It's a game changer and I love it. I mostly use it with my A7IV and Sony 100-400. But I also use it with my Sony 24-105, Sigma 105 macro and Viltrox 16mm f1.8.

The only negative for me is the shoulder harness's. They are a bit thin, but could have something added to make them more (in my case anyway) a little more beefier. Again, I've lost a lot of muscle mass which I'm currently working on.

Their customer service is top notch. They replaced a part for me at no charge.

On that note. I used to carry all my gear on a Peak Design Slide Lite strap. I replaced my Sony 100-400 lens foot with a Kirk Replacement Foot. Bought the QD Oval and attached the Peak Design anchors to the Oval. This way my gear was on my side horizontally and I could use the foot as a handle. The downside to that is I started developing muscle spasms in my lower back and by my shoulder blade.

IMHO. It's a great product and if I recall they have a 30 day trial.

Jun 12, 2024 at 07:17 AM

OMDnext
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Have used Cotton Carrier now for several years. I currently use the Velcro pouch to carry a OM-1 w/300 f4. In the past carried a canon 7d mkii and 100-400 mk ii without problem. The only issue I ever had was clip on original Velcro pouch failed after several years. No damage to my gear. CC replaced free of charge

Jun 14, 2024 at 03:02 PM

ChicagoJeff
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

OMDnext wrote:
Have used Cotton Carrier now for several years. I currently use the Velcro pouch to carry a OM-1 w/300 f4. In the past carried a canon 7d mkii and 100-400 mk ii without problem. The only issue I ever had was clip on original Velcro pouch failed after several years. No damage to my gear. CC replaced free of charge

Aren't they hot? I tried using a photo-best years ago and found it way too hot.

Jun 14, 2024 at 03:23 PM

OMDnext
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

ChicagoJeff wrote:
Aren't they hot? I tried using a photo-best years ago and found it way too hot.

never had a problem with it being to hot. Have used for years in Florida, South Texas and now summers in Tennessee. Getting the weight off my neck makes a huge improvement in comfort for me.

Jun 15, 2024 at 03:31 PM

Fred Amico
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

I don't use mine that often, but when I do, can't say that it was too hot to wear, even in the warmer climate by me.

Jun 15, 2024 at 04:10 PM

AZHeaven
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Fred Amico wrote:
I don't use mine that often, but when I do, can't say that it was too hot to wear, even in the warmer climate by me.

All I can say is you are correct. I was at the L.A. Museum of Natural History last Friday, and the Getty Villa on Sunday. It was a good 15 degrees cooler than where we stayed in Santa Clarita. I didn't want to wear the vest in the heat for sure! But did make a difference in the 2 places we went. And some stares from some!

Jun 18, 2024 at 09:25 PM

Max_Pain
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Reviving the thread to show how ridiculous I look in the vest. Don't mind the head gear, it's for a convention i'm going to with this thing next Saturday. I still haven't used it for any actual shooting, but I keep wearing it around the house and i'm getting comfortable with it. I am concerned about it being hot, but luckily where I plan to go with it is a well cooled convention center so it should be cold inside. It would be interesting to wear out to a zoo or something in the Miami heat.

Jul 07, 2024 at 10:55 PM

nmerc_photos
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

I have the cotton carrier and love it, but only use one camera on the chest mount. the side holster is only for binoculars, thermal units, etc.

I just don't have enough faith in that one velcro pouch. if I need to use two cameras, I either use a cotton carrier + shoulder strap, or I use a dual strap setup

Jul 14, 2024 at 11:32 AM

Max_Pain
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

Coming back to report everything worked out as intended. I carried a camera (sometimes the 6DII, sometimes the R6II) with the 70-200mm from the chest, and then the alternate camera with the 24-105mm + godox v1c flash from the velcro pouch. However, I did not use the velcro pouch on the vest, but I put it through my belt. That made me feel more comfortable and somehow felt safer. I had zero issues with the set up yesterday other than getting more than a few looks

I'll keep the vest but probably only use it with one camera on the chest and forego the velcro pouch.

Jul 14, 2024 at 08:59 PM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Anyone using the Cotton carrier system vest?

They're great if you want to look like a total nerd

Jul 15, 2024 at 11:36 AM


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