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Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

big country
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Greetings long lens aficionados. I am looking at suggestions to carry two long lenses in the field, like a 300/400 2.8 and 600 f/4? When i mean carry, i mean walking around and ready to shoot either one quickly as possible, possibly with a RRS strap, cotton carrier or some other means.

I am not looking for suggestions on what bag to buy and hike with for two big lenses.

Thank you!

Jun 18, 2024 at 02:47 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

I put the smaller lens on the RRS strap and let it swing tight to my body. For the larger lens setup I use a larger flexible neoprene strap on around my neck (over the RRS strap) but that's only for emergency in case I lose footing and need my hands. I usually wrap a protective rubber tape around the front end of the hood (or possibly more like adjustment screws) depending on how much I think the lenses will be hitting the dirt when I kneel down or lose footing when climbing. If I'm not worried about quick draws I'll attach a small monopod to the larger lens and throw it over my shoulder with a pad.

Jun 18, 2024 at 03:38 PM

lighthound
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

I've never used/carried two large great whites at the same time like what you're doing, but I also struggle with this dilemma when using my R5 + 500II plus having my RF 100-500 + body ready at all times.
I use a monopod with the 500II + body slung over my shoulder and a shoulder strap for the other rig which simply doesn't work well. It's not bad when just walking around but I very often get down low on my knees or belly and several times I've almost smacked my 100-500 on the ground when doing so.

What would be nice is if there was some type of body harness that would allow you to carry one lens + body in the center of your back that could quickly be swung around and un-clipped when needed. With a very large secondary lens like you're talking about, it would need to ride up high between your shoulder blades and would still be bouncing off the butt.

It'll be interesting to see if anyone has a good solution.

Jun 18, 2024 at 04:01 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

lighthound wrote:
I've never used/carried two large great whites at the same time like what you're doing, but I also struggle with this dilemma when using my R5 + 500II plus having my RF 100-500 + body ready at all times.
I use a monopod with the 500II + body slung over my shoulder and a shoulder strap for the other rig which simply doesn't work well. It's not bad when just walking around but I very often get down low on my knees or belly and several times I've almost smacked my 100-500 on the ground when doing so.

What would...Show more →

Buy the 200-800 and skip the others.

I have been impressed with what it can do at f9 combined with r5 12k ISO.

I know - not helpful but it really does work.

Jun 18, 2024 at 04:04 PM

big country
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

I have the 200-800, but selling it.

I want to carry the 100-300 2.8 and 600 f/4.

Scott Stoness wrote:
Buy the 200-800 and skip the others.

I have been impressed with what it can do at f9 combined with r5 12k ISO.

I know - not helpful but it really does work.

Jun 18, 2024 at 04:45 PM

big country
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

This sounds pretty good.

I may use the speedshooter harness with the 600 and RRS strap with the 100-300. Do you have a RRS strap that you prefer?

Thanks!

artsupreme wrote:
I put the smaller lens on the RRS strap and let it swing tight to my body. For the larger lens setup I use a larger flexible neoprene strap on around my neck (over the RRS strap) but that's only for emergency in case I lose footing and need my hands. I usually wrap a protective rubber tape around the front end of the hood (or possibly more like adjustment screws) depending on how much I think the lenses will be hitting the dirt when I kneel down or lose footing when climbing. If I'm not worried about quick draws...Show more →

Jun 18, 2024 at 04:47 PM

dhlewis
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

I carry a 300 2.8 on the Black Rapid single strap (the one that goes under your armpit), Then on my Cotton Carrier I have two safety straps off the shoulder rings attached too my 500 f4. Usually I just let it hang on the safety straps (or cradle it like a baby) because I shoot with it probably 75% of the time. I also have a RSS Arca clamp and on the back side the cotton carrier attachment ring. So if I am walking a long way without shooting I will drop the 500 on the Cotton Carrier and snap the RSS clamp to secure it.

I also have the Black Rapid dual strap. My opinion is that it works fine with 300 2.8 & 100-400 II. But it gets a little out of balance when you have two big primes.

I always feel that if I carry one lens I will miss something. And I prefer primes over zooms.

I am old (70) and old school, f2,8 or f4 rules.

Jun 18, 2024 at 04:57 PM

1bwana1
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Sheria of course...

Jun 18, 2024 at 05:00 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

big country wrote:
This sounds pretty good.

I may use the speedshooter harness with the 600 and RRS strap with the 100-300. Do you have a RRS strap that you prefer?

Thanks!

I have a couple old black rapid cross body straps like this:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1754659-REG/blackrapid_361014_blackline_i_right_camera.html

For my neoprene strap I use an Optech in case I drop it and it has to hang from my neck for a second, or under one arm:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/39640-REG/OP_TECH_USA_5401012_Super_Pro_Strap_Black.html

And this stuff is great for protecting your big whites and other things that get banged up in transport:

https://www.amazon.com/Proxicast-Pro-Grade-Weatherproof-Self-Fusing-Electrical/dp/B00K5GW67O/ref=sr_1_1_pp?crid=2IP2V5XKUWK8B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K-g1aSAnnoF4GeE0TUrmeX2uyKxXe64pyMZefddXv2GzrcmCWXBeNr2y9l9ywJW5WgNpViGjeJfHeqFmIwi2DQ7n2fBswrmFSojqn9Qcjuc9EwQVuKzXWZBDTAcjtnjHC7tkvoK2WXL-eAj5rNqGXyiiH1BPCkbA8N3hHnhJN-fGaqqIsgmVGjw3khuYhHpTUfdyymxiPFgtLWQ9TO3k_ECCGBbdXOaBfLJwtL202oI.wQfajrPk4I30ZGwZX8VxUpdb7UsmkImempbmt9I6rsM&dib_tag=se&keywords=proxicast+silicone+tape&qid=1718748255&sprefix=proxicast+sili%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1

Or:

https://www.amazon.com/XFasten-Silicone-Fusing-1-Inch-36-Foot/dp/B01N7KC62D/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2IP2V5XKUWK8B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.K-g1aSAnnoF4GeE0TUrmeX2uyKxXe64pyMZefddXv2GzrcmCWXBeNr2y9l9ywJW5WgNpViGjeJfHeqFmIwi2Db82xksbhKT8nDboLqDtnnDWflHv_887BHHRXSZEeI-wQyKA7qVpxY_vz6S6D3p_FyiiH1BPCkbA8N3hHnhJN-fGaqqIsgmVGjw3khuYhHpTUfdyymxiPFgtLWQ9TO3k_ECCGBbdXOaBfLJwtL202oI.9jNgbAr240Kgz23TL614earHLdPTZnREv5jVc0bCAtE&dib_tag=se&keywords=proxicast%2Bsilicone%2Btape&qid=1718748494&sprefix=proxicast%2Bsili%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-3&th=1

I would suggest buying a roll and at least wrap your adjustment screws on the collar and hood because these are always the first things to get chipped on big whites.

Here's a grainy crop of my 100-300 with the screw wrapped in silicone tape, keeps it protected from wear:

Jun 18, 2024 at 05:14 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

dhlewis wrote:
I carry a 300 2.8 on the Black Rapid single strap (the one that goes under your armpit), Then on my Cotton Carrier I have two safety straps off the shoulder rings attached too my 500 f4. Usually I just let it hang on the safety straps (or cradle it like a baby) because I shoot with it probably 75% of the time. I also have a RSS Arca clamp and on the back side the cotton carrier attachment ring. So if I am walking a long way without shooting I will drop the 500 on the Cotton Carrier and...Show more →

Nice, you just reminded me why I never went with the dual strap after trying it 10 years ago. Can you elaborate more on your CC setup and provide a link or photo of the strap you are using? Sounds like you are full commando

Jun 18, 2024 at 05:22 PM

Choderboy
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Well, I use a bag to do exactly this. It's not a camera bag.
Sometimes I use an alernative, a tripod bag.
In both cases, the bags do not have to be zipped up.
Drop, lift and rest.
(drop the bag, lift the 2nd 'rig', rest the rig I was holding on the bag)
3-4 seconds?

I have respected your wish for not naming the bags. Another member may be interested though.
I have never seen anyone else use a tripod bag to carry a long lens mounted on a body although have had many comments along the lines of "wow, why didn't I think of that". This is related to a different tripod bag, not the one I use for 2 long lens carrying.

Jun 18, 2024 at 07:18 PM

henry albert
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Well, IMO if you don't use a bag you'll be doomed to clanking your lenses off each other or Mother Nature's hard surfaces. The best way I found was to carry the longest lens in a tactical style sling bag that opens to the side or top when rotated to the front. That offers pretty quick access. Before that I used an old top-loader backpack with the bigger lens/body combo hood down. Think arrows in a quiver. The other body I carried with a standard strap.

Jun 18, 2024 at 08:09 PM

artsupreme
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Choderboy wrote:
have had many comments along the lines of "wow, why didn't I think of that".

We need to see some photos of your setup in action with two big whites please.

Jun 18, 2024 at 08:48 PM

Choderboy
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

I'll get a photo of the big lens bag.

The tripod bag is an 80cm Manfrotto tripod bag.
The carrying strap is used as a shoulder strap. Just over one shoulder.
In rougher terrain, strap over one shoulder, but diagonally.
The big end (tripod head end) goes at the top with body, lens hood at the bottom.

Jun 18, 2024 at 11:14 PM

Uarctos
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Smaller lens with some shoulder/body strap and the big lens in one hand using the tripod foot.

Jun 19, 2024 at 12:14 AM

globetrotters1
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

My best suggestion would be to go with your wife into the field, as I do it. She carries a body with the Z 180-600 and I carry another body with the Z 800 ... how's that, lol... far easier than carry two long lenses yourself
Just kidding

Jun 19, 2024 at 04:14 AM

big country
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Would you mind posting photos of your setup. When I said bag, I meant the traditional backpack where I have to take the backpack off and then put it on the ground, unzip it, pull the gear off, etc

henry albert wrote:
Well, IMO if you don't use a bag you'll be doomed to clanking your lenses off each other or Mother Nature's hard surfaces. The best way I found was to carry the longest lens in a tactical style sling bag that opens to the side or top when rotated to the front. That offers pretty quick access. Before that I used an old top-loader backpack with the bigger lens/body combo hood down. Think arrows in a quiver. The other body I carried with a standard strap.

Jun 19, 2024 at 06:15 AM

big country
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Would you mind posting photos of your setup?

Choderboy wrote:
Well, I use a bag to do exactly this. It's not a camera bag.
Sometimes I use an alernative, a tripod bag.
In both cases, the bags do not have to be zipped up.
Drop, lift and rest.
(drop the bag, lift the 2nd 'rig', rest the rig I was holding on the bag)
3-4 seconds?

I have respected your wish for not naming the bags. Another member may be interested though.
I have never seen anyone else use a tripod bag to carry a long lens mounted on a body although have had many comments along the lines of "wow, why didn't I think of...Show more →

Jun 19, 2024 at 06:16 AM

big country
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

Three things.

I’ve tried it with female partners and here’s what happens

1. They start to get into photography and want to get their own photos
2. They do not want to spend as much time in the field and start nagging about being in the field.
3. They are ok with doing that, but cannot spend as much time in the field as I do, because they have “real” jobs.

globetrotters1 wrote:
My best suggestion would be to go with your wife into the field, as I do it. She carries a body with the Z 180-600 and I carry another body with the Z 800 ... how's that, lol... far easier than carry two long lenses yourself
Just kidding

Jun 19, 2024 at 06:20 AM

Choderboy
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Best way to carry two long lenses in the field...

'Drifta' bag. I don't think you'll find this, at least under this name.
I bought from a Camping store in Australia.
76cm long. I cut some foam rubber for padding on the bottom and (mostly) used a black pillow case to cover it.
Sony A1 camera, Sigma 500 f4 lens, hood on, and Sigma MC-11 adapter.
Total length 63cm. Fits easily in LowePro 600 Lens Trekker.

For a local Osprey viewing spot, I carry 'standard' carry bag style, with big tripod and head sitting on top. Not really ready for fast use.
Other times I carry on shoulder (left arm folded back with bag cross ways on top of my back) and in that method, it is ready to Drop, Grab, Rest as I described above. ie, rest the other body and lens I am carrying.

Funny thing about this bag, it's marketed as a Chainsaw bag!
https://driftastockton.com.au/product/drifta-stockton-chainsaw-bag/

Currently about US$65, but that's with Tax (GST) and US orders may not have to pay that.
https://www.drifta.com.au/overseas-orders/

Edited on Jun 19, 2024 at 07:31 AM · View previous versions

Jun 19, 2024 at 07:06 AM

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