Transporting a 600mm Supertele in the field: Is there a perfect solution? Equipment Review

Рет қаралды 19,915

Жыл бұрын

For years I have been looking for the best solution to transpoert my EF 600mm f/4. As comfortable as possible, secure and quickly accessible. In this video I share my experiences and give a short test report/review of the Mr. Jan Gear Lens Carrier.
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Пікірлер: 107

@mitchellroberts7357 Жыл бұрын

I'm a photographer that is always interested in the spontaneous opportunities that come up which is why I walk with it in my hands. Having it on the ready really heaps get those fleeting moments. Interesting video, keep up the good work.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot 😊

@steveglennan Жыл бұрын

It's all about lightening the load. I have recently acquired a Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 30L backpack I'll be using to ferry my big lenses and gear on future trips. The Mr. Jan Gear Lens Carrier looks like an interesting carry system. I haven't seen it before, thanks for sharing the information on the carrier. Cheers!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, ideally I should carry less 😅 however if I go camping with the 600mm, even on my 80l backpack I need to attach the tent and sleeping bag outside. Going in the mountains with 24kg on your back i always fun 😅

@angelogarciajr5356 11 ай бұрын

I like that idea. I have always used a holster on my belt for small stuff like my 24-105 while I was just carrying my 100-500 around my neck. The problem with that is causing problems with my lower back, so went with a large fanny pack down in front but hard to keep it from sliding down due to the weight. The fanny pack works ok if I get some suspenders to hold up the fanny pack.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

@nikon_z9_images 7 ай бұрын

I devised my own harness system for my Z 600 TC VR S lens (minus the belt attachment), based on a Speed-shooter Photography harness system by Ron R Bielefeld. Hands-free carrying over the shoulder yet ready to shoot with also; 3-point stabilisation for lower shutter speeds (2 arms + centre post), manoeuvrability on the move to enable sitting or crouching down low or even shoot up at an angle using the mono-gimbal head system.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your approach!

@eerofi 10 ай бұрын

LensCoat extender bag. Expensive, but a great solution.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 10 ай бұрын

I will have a look at it, thanks!

@merkin22 Жыл бұрын

Great idea. Your review will have me wait for version 2 -- when they 'fix' the clips to avoid accidents, and fix the pouch closure on the front (velcro! no). I really love this idea, though. Perhaps I could 'seal' those clips closed? I currently use a shoulder 'strap' by LensCoat that hangs between two arms of my tripod and that goes on my shoulder and I carry the camera on the tripod in a vertical position. Quite good, until I have to climb terrain (my balance becomes difficult) or am in long grass or heavy brush then the tripod legs are catching on everything. Thanks for the video!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Glad if the video was helpful

@pedrova8058 6 ай бұрын

I use a 500 f4 with a shoulder strap , less weight (you can always put a 1.4 x tc on it), but without crossing it across the chest, just on my right side. You can move quickly, and in case of longer walks, you can change side without much problem (it's still more comfortable than carrying it on your hands)

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experiences

@EliudGilSamaniego 3 ай бұрын

i use the QD slings, i ordered a magpul and had been using the loop and the leophoto ones and my lens foot (400 2.8 and 800 Z) has the QD port and its very confortable

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@JACKnJESUS Жыл бұрын

Nice video...thank you. I use the Luna slide strap with a QD attachment for my Sony 200-600mm lens setup. I can see why this would be great for the big long primes...but I'm still tempted to use it with my tele...not for weight off my shoulder so much...but having my hands free. I would imagine my lens would go in and out like a breeze. It's a good idea.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Glad to hear that the video was useful 😊

@JACKnJESUS Жыл бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography UW.... small edit... I use the Luma Labs slide strap...not Luna...sorry. Top notch build though...top notch.

@photobeast 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I was saving up for the RF 200-800mm. But I found a 500 f4 on eBay for an insanely good deal. I bought that with my RF money! I guess so far the heaviest lens of lugged around was the Sigma 150 - 600. I found myself today looking for options on how to Lug this thing around.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 5 ай бұрын

Have fun with the lens

@gregboyce360 3 ай бұрын

I just bought the Fuji 150-600 so I'm curious what method you liked for your 150-600. Thanks

@henrikboch1257 Ай бұрын

I've got an 500mm f/4 ii too and tried several setups too. In the end I bought a Mil-Tec Tanker sling bag. The 500mm fits in it with a camera ef/rf-converter and even a 1.4 extender. It is snug and tight but okay. I bought a couple of molle pouches to attach to the sling bag for binocular, batteries and extra stuff. The best is that the sling bag is really cheap compared to professional camera bags. 25$ plus 20$ for two pouches. 😊 The 500mm is a bit heavy so I've started using my monopod with ballhead more often (turned to one side as gimbal). In the field I just toss the camera over the shoulder with the monopod attached.

@Karkawry1970 Жыл бұрын

Interesting solution Fabian, and one I haven't seen before. I use the Peak Design Slide with my Sony 200-600mm, and it seems to be very robust. I would hazard a guess and say it'd be more than capable of holding a 600mm prime, just depends how it feels for the person in terms of comfort. The other thing I have seen that piqued my interest is the Whistling Wings Speed-shooter Photography Harness. A similar chest mounted solution, but with a strap and small monopod attached to a pivot, looks good, but think there may be a few product quality issues judging from his KZfaq comments. Thanks for the video!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

I will have a look at the speed shooter harness system, never heard of it before

@KoenKooi Жыл бұрын

The RF100-500 is right at the limit for me with the Peak Design capture system attached to a backpack strap. I can also fit it with the hood on in my pack pack, which has a side zipper. I have no idea how I would transport a theoretical 600/4 :)

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input! The bigger the lens the more annoying the transport

@Dartheomus Жыл бұрын

I don't think I fully appreciated how large that lens was until you brought out the "tiny" 100-500mm, which happens to be the largest lens I currently own!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Haha. Yeah, it’s crazy. Once you’re used to it the 100-500 seems indeed tiny and super leightweight

@Bikerbeest 2 ай бұрын

I have a very old Gitzo monopod with an extra supportbar which you can put against your shoulder , I have used this one 35 Years ago with a Canon 400 mm F2.8 and in that period the lens was quite heavy ( 6 kg ) , by the way I have still this monopod Now I am photographing with a Nikon Z9. and my current tripord is the Gitzo 4543 LS and ball head GH 4383 LR Carrying a heavy lens with monopod is easy and it takes no time when you want to start making pictures.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I shoot handheld 95% of the time

@dcarson Жыл бұрын

I am thinking of trying your carry method (once I get a big lens, just doing research). Also, you should consider using a monopod plus a Wimberley Monogimbal head (not a normal gimbal…it’s built for monopods). In a walk-about scenario, the YT photographer Steve Perry tested it and found that the way the head works allows a super comfy carry with the 600mm resting across one’s upper back. Do a search and you’ll find it. in some situations (not all) it would save you some weight by not having to hoof a tripod about. Thanks for your review!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I don’t use my tripod 95% of my wildlife shots with the 600/4 😃 But maybe I should try a monopod one day

@wingsandthings. Жыл бұрын

I just use a sturdy camera strap.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Also for a 600/4?

@j.kimmer1509 Жыл бұрын

Me too. lol anchors on the lens (for a reason no?) Maybe perhaps for the older version might be too heavy but I have the Canon RF [ similar to EF Mkii] RF600mm and EF400 Mkiii.... they are not that heavy. I noticed Morten likes to keep his long lens on top of his backpack when walking to location...might be a good alternative for a large person.

@MrEcliptor Жыл бұрын

Agree. Stay strapped or get clapped.

@JoelRiveraMD 9 ай бұрын

what bag can you fit the 600RF F4 for traveling in an airplane ? Assuming just the lens and two camera bodies.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 9 ай бұрын

Hi! I use the f-stop Tilopa

@erkkisiekkinen286 Жыл бұрын

I just bought this 600mm Is ll ,and I bought a very big backback where I can put it without turning the hood . But it is a bit a upper heavy in back and feels a bit uncomfortable

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Yes, I considered this as an alternative as well

@OhhhBugger Жыл бұрын

I almost always do a "2 hand ready carry" with mine. Helps distribute the weight a little. I've used strap type setups before, and at the end of the day, my shoulders would get so tired feeling. There doesn't seem to be a perfect solution. Just comes with the territory of big primes :P I've never used a tripod with mine except for astrophotography situations.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks

@user-markparker Жыл бұрын

Never done astrophotography with my 600mm before, have you had much luck OhhhBugger?

@OhhhBugger Жыл бұрын

@@user-markparker It's basically a high F stop telescope, minus all the corrective elements and stabilizer/AF. Yes, it works quite well, at least the mkii does.

@melvinshearer8640 7 ай бұрын

Black Rapid makes a sling the will hold the big lens, or just your camera

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! The one I saw seemed to be designed for smaller lenses such as a 100-500mm, but not for a 600/4. with which lens did you use it?

@dotta4763 3 ай бұрын

I’m using a QD release system on my Komodo but 2 days ago while I was walking one of them came off and I’m sure I’ve pushed it down properly. That really scared me and since then I never let my camera hang completely free without holding it too

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 3 ай бұрын

Ui, that‘s not good! Lately, I have been using more often peak design straps

@drawingbiologist 3 ай бұрын

I have a Tamron 150-600, which makes in total around 3kg and I use the peakdesign Capture Clip (since 6 months) in the summer attached to my belt and in the winter attached to the strap of my hiking backpack (Vaude Brenta 36+6). But I heard that the tripod adapter (in the body) may not like to be used with that weight. Just rumors yet - never seen anything or heard something out of the first hand. Has anyone some experiences?

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 3 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, I don’t 🙁

@josefmolina3510 10 ай бұрын

I prefer a Black Rapid camera strap for my Z9 with attached Nikkor Z 800mm 6.3. Much easier to carry around in my opinion and also easier for me to get ready for the next shot.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the input. Do you know how well it works with heavier lenses? The EF 600/4 II is around 1.5kg heavier than the Z800/6.3

@josefmolina3510 10 ай бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography I used it also with the Nikkor 600mm 4.0 FL which is a super heavy lens. And the Black Rapid worked like a charme. I use it basically since DSLR times with such heavy lenses. No complaint, for me an excellent solution.

@haojunli8597 Ай бұрын

What’s the model of your F-stop backpack if I may ask

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Ай бұрын

I use the Tilopa and Shinn

@davidnyman6577 Жыл бұрын

Peak Design Its a strap that is almost as heavy duty as a seat belt strap in your automobile. sling the prime lens around your neck and leave the prime lens hang on your "Dominant Side of your body" I use my right side to hang it as I walk and carry my Gitzo tripod over my shoulder.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Do you also use that with your big lens in the profile picture (600/4?)

@davidnyman6577 Жыл бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography yes I do

@tobiasschleicher8943 Жыл бұрын

I use my Cotton Carrier for my 150-600 sigma. I think for the 600mm prime is probably not fitting because it´s 10 cm longer i think.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, primes are often trickier

@kirostar12 Жыл бұрын

I can feel the pain in my back with this lens. I don't think it was made for mountain travel. His place is on a tripod by some lake. That's why I like to use MFT cameras and lenses when I'm on a long hike in nature. With today's high-resolution FF cameras, large lenses are not as necessary. I would use a Canon 300mm F4 or 400mm F4 for hiking, which are quite light and comfortable over the shoulder. But it's all a matter of personal choice in the end. Good luck!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I sometimes do 1000m of elevation with my 600/4 and several other lenses (&tent). As you say, personal choice 😊

@gaithshalan Ай бұрын

❤😊 nice thanks

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Ай бұрын

Happy to hear 😊

@jimmccain6968 Жыл бұрын

What is the brand name of the lens carrier?

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Mr Jan Gear

@kingofbratz3626 Жыл бұрын

What bag is that you use?

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Mostly the f-stop shinn

@thewiseoldbird Жыл бұрын

I'd use that like a messenger bag so the lens is on my side with hood facing back.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Never thought about it! I‘m not sure how well it works with the backstraps though

@paulliversage4479 Жыл бұрын

I use a should strap attached to the foot...instant access

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Does this work well with a heavy lens (like the 600/4)?

@paulliversage4479 Жыл бұрын

@Fabian Fopp - Nature photography yea...I use a Z6ii with sigma 150-600mm...comfy and easy to carry..leaves your hands free and can lift the camera to your eye in a second

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

The 150-600mm Contemporary weights half of my 600/4 😉

@davelock3166 Жыл бұрын

I got shot of my long lenses and heavy tripod a few years ago - Too heavy, AND a tripod and heavy lens pins you down. It reminds me of Victorian photographers with plate cameras. I went micro 4/3rds with Olympus. A lot of top wildlife photographers are switching.....

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

I shoot 95% without a tripod 😊 I think it comes down to personal preferences, I personally could not imagine going m43

@davelock3166 Жыл бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography Each to their own, Fabian. Enjoyed your video, and I would never go back to full frame!

@puckdropimages 8 ай бұрын

Typically always have the 500mm f4 lens on the tripod and slung over my shoulders.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 8 ай бұрын

I just almost never use a tripod 🙈

@tom5216 Жыл бұрын

Try Micro 4/3. You’ll be amazed.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

So far I just tried it a bit and I prefer full frame. But maybe I need to test it for some weeks

@BrokerLisa 23 күн бұрын

Why not a Cotton Carrier?

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 20 күн бұрын

Maybe I‘m wrong, but I thought on the cotton carrier you mount the lens vertically. This doesn’t work with a lens that long (at least for me)

@xterrabh1370 2 ай бұрын

thanks bro,, you have done amazing video.. youre a small boy with a big gun, or maybe that big lens makes you look small... keepup

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 2 ай бұрын

Thanks! 1.77m 😉

@AndyM... 27 күн бұрын

Thanks, that's a good solution especially on long walks, I tend to use the tripod method over the shoulder, but I tuck a piece of thick foam between my shirt and shoulder, this cushions the tripod considerably and is less painful on the shoulder after carrying it for a while !! 🤠😎

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 26 күн бұрын

Sounds like a good idea (if you use a tripod)

@adriennem3168 6 ай бұрын

You don't attach your strap to the lens? I thought attaching it to your large lens instead of the camera is safest.

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 6 ай бұрын

For my big lens (600/4) I never use a strap anyway. For the RF100-500 I find it hard to put a strap since I normally take off the lens foot

@alebre123 Жыл бұрын

Я все ждал, когда оборвется левая лямка и пизданется объектив)))

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

No, this is quite sturdy 😊

@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652 Жыл бұрын

И отломится ручка и погнется бленда. И привет на ебей и через год на авито и вуаля!! Canon EF 600 M2 у меня дома!!!😂😃😃

@janvanholten7592 Жыл бұрын

The problem with the strap is already communicated to Mr Jan!!!!!!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Good to know

@WilliamYoung-in5pp 4 ай бұрын

Just waiting to damage that element strap hangs down you side nothing sticking out can move around better through an past trees its not aclens for sneaking around 2 to 300 morevthan anuff in the forest

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 4 ай бұрын

I‘m not sure I understand what you mean

@WilliamYoung-in5pp 29 күн бұрын

Recipe

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 29 күн бұрын

What do you mean?

@spencergiles72 4 ай бұрын

Was I the only one cringing the whole time at the barely connected buckle on the right???? That thing was barely attached!

@FabianFoppNaturephotography 4 ай бұрын

Yes, I should check this every time I use it

@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652 Жыл бұрын

No more weight annoying - gift me this lens

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Haha, no. I worked too long to afford it

@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652 Жыл бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography on video it is Canon EF 600 mm L IS II?

@FabianFoppNaturephotography Жыл бұрын

Yes, exactly

@ignatprokhoropchyuck4652 Жыл бұрын

@@FabianFoppNaturephotography i have a Canon 600 mm f4 is - very good for me

@user-markparker Жыл бұрын

Good idea to an ongoing problem for people that own super tele lenses. I currently just use a monopod as found the tripod to heavy for long hikes, but this also has it’s limitations with keeping your hands free. Thanks for the great suggestion Fabian. Happy shooting.