[tarves57]

I wonder if anyone has discovered a solution for "wearing" this camera on the front, a) because I'm not keen on having it dangle from my neck as I worry about the camera/lens joint, and b) because it gets uncomfortable after a while.

Also, I just got myself a monopod, which with the head is just over 30 inches long and I'm a bit worried about how to transport it on the bus (my only means of transport!) without a) letting everyone see what it is, b) damaging the head, c) hitting anyone with it (you can see where my priorities lie, eh?

I have seen tripod bags which are fairly expensive (considering I am officially broke), and wondered if anyone could recommend anything such as a fishing rod sleeve (nearly 4 inches wide at one end would do it). I've seen a few online, but they all seem to be over 1m long, which isn't much good. I don't mind carrying it in my hand, as my backpack doesn't have any fancy loops or attachments, but it certainly needs to be covered up!

Either that or I am going to have to bring out my sewing machine and start inventing fast access..... waterproof...... comfortable...... cheap...... convenenient........all singing and all dancing......

but if there's something out there already that anyone knows of......

Anyway, I'm off to try out my monopod. Hopefully I will get slightly sharper pictures, or more of them at least.

Gotta go catch a bus!
Susan

[juninho]

Hi Susan,
It depends how 'long' your lens is,but I use a Lowe Pro TLZ AW pouch to carry my D-100 or S2 Pro with attached 70-200 f2.8.It's well padded and has a waterproof cover for inclement weather.Bigger lenses have to go in my backpack.I use a monopod too-with a Kirk ball head attached which is big and heavy.The head I put in my pack but the pod I use as a walking stick-sorry but I don't know of a suitable off the shelf carrying solution.I know what you mean about not wanting to attract attention-on a recent trip to India I had locals taking pictures of me and my equipment rather than the wildlife,which was an interesting experience!
I hope someone can come up with a solution for you.
Best wishes,Pete

[tarves57]

Originally Posted by juninho

Hi Susan,
I use a Lowe Pro TLZ AW pouch to carry my D-100 or S2 Pro with attached 70-200 f2.8.

Yes this lens is quoted on the description of most bags or packs "big enough to hold the 70 -200" However I have the 300mm + extender, and it fits slightly diagonally into my backpack. But out on the field when I have it round my neck it would be nice to have some sort of support for it, but it looks like I need to invent something myself!

It was my first day out with my monopod yesterday. And it wasn't quite as bad as I imagined. Okay, everyone gave me funny looks, but I did as you do, took the head off and used it as a stick, so really it wasn't too bad after all, although I nearly cracked the window pane at the bus stop. I managed to give it a right whack when I was trying to get my pack off!

I reckon I'll manage. Two people stopped me and said "oh what a big lens" which is a bit embarassing, but you know it was such a nice day and I had walked miles in the roasting heat, unable to take much off as after my inner jacket all I had was my thermal underwear and I wasn't going to have that viewed in public! So I was more bothered about the heat than the embarassment.

Susan

[juninho]

I can empathise with the embarrassment factor.I spent last week marching round reserves in the North East of England with a 500mm lens on a tripod with a Kirk King Cobra head on-about 18 lbs of gear on my shoulder,it's better than weight training!Still,Isuppose we have to suffer for our art!.I guess a 300+t.c. is too long for a TLZ AW-hope you can come up with a solution.
Best wishes,Pete

[cspratt]

I cradle my 10D (with 300L attached) in the crook of my arm like I would carry an old gun. The dog leash is tied to my belt and the monopod is in my right hand as a walking stick. We (dog and I) can hike a fairly long way.