Carrying Olympus w/ telephoto and binoculars (1 Viewer)

[Sirpotato]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a Olympus em5 iii with 100-400 and I've realised that both the camera and my binoculars combined is bloody heavy for me with my bad back.

How do people carry similar equipment?

I've stuck the camera on my optech chest straps but thats where I'd normally have my binoculars but I'd love it if the binoculars or camera could be almost holstered for quick access/putting away.

Does anyone know of such straps that would allow me to do that?

 

[THE_FERN]

I use a "knock off" shoulder strap for the slr, like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camera-Shoulder-Release-Safety-Tether/dp/B091CKYY66/ref=asc_df_B091CKYY66/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696452133731&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16325080560748070810&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-1652341722676&psc=1&mcid=4b61633ac4a93c0d9ef700bffaa5cd0d&gad_source=1

I find the rick young harness excellent for the bins (very expensive: can easily make your own). As an alternative, try a camera belt with braces, something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaya-Life-Leather-holders-Suspender/dp/B079GTJSW2/ref=asc_df_B079GTJSW2/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697293105284&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9678385273199479418&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-698896488378&psc=1&mcid=202c0c15783b3a0584bde9ab1e5d96ab&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

I tried something like that for a while. I find my slr too heavy but I guess it's the price you pays

 

[kb57]

I've used a Peak Design sling strap for my Nikon D7200 / 300mmPF +TC for a number of years now, and it's a great way to redistribute weight and take strain off your back and shoulders - the camera and lens hang down vertically by your side, well out of the way of your binoculars but easy to grab quickly when you need to.

I'd imagine with your mirrorless combo it would be even better, as it'll be significantly lighter than my kit (in fact I've recently changed the 300/TC for a second-hand 500mmPF, so I can no longer say I've got a lightweight and compact setup, but it still works great with the Peak Design).

 

[Sirpotato]

I use a "knock off" shoulder strap for the slr, like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camera-Shoulder-Release-Safety-Tether/dp/B091CKYY66/ref=asc_df_B091CKYY66/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696452133731&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16325080560748070810&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-1652341722676&psc=1&mcid=4b61633ac4a93c0d9ef700bffaa5cd0d&gad_source=1

I find the rick young harness excellent for the bins (very expensive: can easily make your own). As an alternative, try a camera belt with braces, something like this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaya-Life-Leather-holders-Suspender/dp/B079GTJSW2/ref=asc_df_B079GTJSW2/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697293105284&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9678385273199479418&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006886&hvtargid=pla-698896488378&psc=1&mcid=202c0c15783b3a0584bde9ab1e5d96ab&th=1&psc=1&gad_source=1

I tried something like that for a while. I find my slr too heavy but I guess it's the price you pays

Thanks mate, I didn't know those existed. I just searched for the belt with braces combo and found this on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com.au/Cotton-Carrier-Camera-Harness-Gray/dp/B00IJMI4NQ/ref=pd_aw_di_ci_mcx_2l_mi_ca_mcx_picks_views_16?pd_rd_w=OR7el&content-id=amzn1.sym.3672aa77-1126-4e5b-b5be-9845c5a0c54d%3Aamzn1.symc.eeadd82f-66c5-4dbe-aec8-4313594e5ffc&pf_rd_p=3672aa77-1126-4e5b-b5be-9845c5a0c54d&pf_rd_r=R1C16SXCFN4FD61ZBTJH&pd_rd_wg=LqESf&pd_rd_r=0373dd65-f5d4-4f74-83a2-9c4c5ce0a2aa&pd_rd_i=B07476FDRT&th=1&psc=1

Looks like it does the camera and bins together! Bloody expensive though!!!

 

[Sirpotato]

I've used a Peak Design sling strap for my Nikon D7200 / 300mmPF +TC for a number of years now, and it's a great way to redistribute weight and take strain off your back and shoulders - the camera and lens hang down vertically by your side, well out of the way of your binoculars but easy to grab quickly when you need to.

I'd imagine with your mirrorless combo it would be even better, as it'll be significantly lighter than my kit (in fact I've recently changed the 300/TC for a second-hand 500mmPF, so I can no longer say I've got a lightweight and compact setup, but it still works great with the Peak Design).

Cheers mate, I did see those Peak Design ones around, they look good with the little tabs. Do you carry your binoculars around your neck with your camera on the side then?

My issue is in the neck/upper back (always say back doh!), so I've never used my neck straps.

 

[Jim M.]

Hi everyone,

I recently bought a Olympus em5 iii with 100-400 and I've realised that both the camera and my binoculars combined is bloody heavy for me with my bad back.

How do people carry similar equipment?

I've stuck the camera on my optech chest straps but thats where I'd normally have my binoculars but I'd love it if the binoculars or camera could be almost holstered for quick access/putting away.

Does anyone know of such straps that would allow me to do that?

You don't say what bins you are using. I have Swarovski 10 x 32s which only weigh about 20 ounces, and hang around my neck with no problems. if you are using something heavier, you might consider downsizing.

My camera, OM-1 with PL 100-400 mm (the latter is lighter than the Olympus version though), I just let hang straight down on my shoulder with a simple strap (I bought something called the UP strap, but any strap will likely do okay). I suffer from occasional back issues, but the only issues I have with this set up is slight muscle fatigue in my shoulder if I'm out walking all day – that is easily relieved by moving my camera to my other shoulder.

Hope this helps.

 

[kb57]

Cheers mate, I did see those Peak Design ones around, they look good with the little tabs. Do you carry your binoculars around your neck with your camera on the side then?

My issue is in the neck/upper back (always say back doh!), so I've never used my neck straps.

Yes, although the sling strap goes diagonally across from my left shoulder, with the camera tucked in vertically to my right hand side. You then just grab the camera when you need it and the strap slides easily over your shoulder. Photo below shows how it attaches.

 

[njlarsen]

I use something similar to this for my bins, allowing to carry them in front. How that would work with the diagonal sling straps I do not know

https://www.amazon.co.uk/OP-TECH-5301412-Bino-Cam-Harness/dp/B000GTRBQQ/ref=sr_1_15?crid=HCG6MB74J8WS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1z0oYxv-ZtzxtBcQsz5dSc5SBJjrrd1f8zeqlPgWVsU24jw11BzLAEgNv_Wk4OWAVEkgaHuDEK7Oa4xFyb_303XKT8wCVqupvOsvSnxYI3sE-OnAr115BvNMr2xoW7ozReC0lle3rk8nK3CID308Rp6as65_N8ugfjDxNGCoqYvgX31JVcA-GTai_uBR7Fo5yf6yh0DXDGicZnNQhYGmyG4jQhRAAhV_BjjHWHsTfVg._6YsIcVNb4OOfv3V0GEovqhOFo_wjxfmn4VqAsxYVxI&dib_tag=se&keywords=binocular%2Bharness&qid=1718807793&sprefix=binocular%2Bhar%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-15&th=1

Niels

 

[Sirpotato]

You don't say what bins you are using. I have Swarovski 10 x 32s which only weigh about 20 ounces, and hang around my neck with no problems. if you are using something heavier, you might consider downsizing.

My camera, OM-1 with PL 100-400 mm (the latter is lighter than the Olympus version though), I just let hang straight down on my shoulder with a simple strap (I bought something called the UP strap, but any strap will likely do okay). I suffer from occasional back issues, but the only issues I have with this set up is slight muscle fatigue in my shoulder if I'm out walking all day – that is easily relieved by moving my camera to my other shoulder.

Hope this helps.

Oops, I'm using Fuji 8x42 HC at the moment which are about 740g I think. I have been eyeing up some Swarovski 8x32 (EL or NL) with forehead rest but they'll take some saving first!

I think an upgraded strap would definitely help me as the Olympus one is very thin

 

[Sirpotato]

Yes, although the sling strap goes diagonally across from my left shoulder, with the camera tucked in vertically to my right hand side. You then just grab the camera when you need it and the strap slides easily over your shoulder. Photo below shows how it attaches.

Ahh so ot connects to the camera on the collar on the lens. I recall seeing something about the Em5 iii that the tripod mound on the camera is very weak, so I'd have to connect to the lens collar I think

 

[kb57]

Ahh so ot connects to the camera on the collar on the lens. I recall seeing something about the Em5 iii that the tripod mound on the camera is very weak, so I'd have to connect to the lens collar I think

Indeed, now I've got the 500mm I guess I could connect it to the lens collar foot - it works well as it is for me as it is and sits nice and close to my waist and leg, but I suppose there must be quite a lot of strain on the camera tripod mount.