Well I've finally broken down and bought a Canon 500mm f/4 lens. (excited and scared at the same time) I've also bought a Wimberly head for my tripod so I think I'm set for actually taking pictures but this might be stupid but I have questions on how to carry it. Do you carry it attached to the tripod and Wimberly when you're walking say from your car to where you are setting up to shoot or do you use a backpack and then mount the camera and lens on the tripod when you get there? (oh and how do you transport it when flying - I'm headed to Yellowstone in the fall and am not sure how to carry it on the plane either. Thanks in advance!
Just call me clueless
Hali
Posted by Peter Conway on August 1, 2010 at 5:37 PM
Hali,
I don't know what the correct answer is. I carry mine attached to the wimberly head. I did add the screws that protrude from the bottom of the plate. (the ones that stop the plate sliding all the way through if the clamp loosens) I also check that everything is tight every time I carry it. My method is to tighten everything down and then put the tripod over my shoulder with the lens behind me and pointed at the ground. I have never had an accident with it. Knock on wood.
Good for you Hali. I'm sure you'll love that lens as I do. When I don't have to walk very far (a mlle or less) I sometimes carry it attached to the Wimberly and tripod while walking. Further than that I use my home-made "lensmobile", made from a very cheap pull-type golf cart that I modified so that it handles my 500 with 7D and 1.4 tc attached and other assorted gear in a pack with the tripod and Wimberly attached to the frame of the cart (see photo). It pulls like a dream and the wheels are large enough to accomodate rough ground. The disadvantage is that it takes about a minute to set up my gear when I see an opportunity so I also carry another body with the 100-400 attached just for those occasions. It also can't be pulled on a trail through trees where the path is narrower than the cart wheels - rarely a problem for me though.
I don't do the backpack thing - it causes back problems for me.
All that said, I shoot mostly birds and over 90% of my shots are taken out the window from my pickup - a vehicle makes a very good blind.
Lots of good suggestions based on experience. I imagine each depends most on the individual and the specific conditions you'll be photographing.
I'm using a Nikon 500 f/4 rather than a Canon, but I bet this helps.
I distrust carrying big lenses on tripods for more than a short distance- as far as I am willing to go with the tripod upright, legs collapsed, and lens/camera perched on top. If I'm walking far enough to want to balance it over my shoulder I unclamp the lens/camera, then sling it over my shoulder using the lens shoulder strap, and finally shoulder the tripod.
Travel brings other issues. With the lens hood reversed the 500 truly isn't all that long compared to space available in packs and within airline carry-on limits. I use a pack "short" enough to just house the lens and wide enough for the remainder of my gear I'm unwilling to put into checked baggage.
I have a Dry Bag to go over the pack for transport in float planes and boats. You don't even want to think about dropping in the water, pack or not.
Thanks Peter Ron and Hank, I really appreciate the feedback. I like your setup Ron, I'm going to have to think about making something like that I've got neck issues so carrying the lens like you Hank suggested isn't really an option. Peter the idea about the screws is invaluable, I haven't gotten the Wimberly plate and head yet but I'll remember to do that. Thank you for the tip on the dry bag Hank, I never thought about that even for my other gear. I see that moving this around will be a challenge, but a good one!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on August 1, 2010 at 11:09 PM
ONe word of advice on the tripod. Before you set the Wimberly and 500 for the first time, make sure every key screw, nut and bolt is tight. Set it up , play with it a bit, disassemble it, and recheck the screws, nuts and bolts. For the first 4-6 tmies you are out in the field, check again before and after. With this much weight and torque fro the lens, you want to be sure that the tripod is ready for it and nothing comes loose the first few times. Be a little bit paranoid at first.
It never hurts to check things every so often anyways but there shouldn't be much of a problem after the initial stress tests (on both the equipment and you).
Hali, when you get to Yellowstone and encounter "Bear jams", you'll see a great many big lenses on tripods, slung over shoulders, while people run to get into position for the bears. It's actually pretty ridiculous, to see 30 people with big lenses all lined up. Makes me think of New York city, not a National Park.
I'm comfortable with lens attached to wimberly attached to solid tripod, as long as I have made certain the screws are tight AND my hand is also through the camera strap in case the lens does fall. For me, it's too awkward to try to set up a lens quickly when a good shot has presented itself.
And, incidentally, this is a great backpack case for a 500 or 600 - fits snugly into a decent suitcase.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=600mm+lens+backpack&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
Have fun in Yellowstone!
Sandy r
Posted by Brent Reid on August 2, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Hali, if you have a Gitzo Series 3 or 5 tripod, this upgrade makes carrying a 500mm over your shoulder on the tripod a safer proposition:
I carry my 300mm f2.8 on a 2.0TC attached to a camera body, all mounted on a tripod. The tripod has ridden on my shoulder for, quite literally, hundreds of miles across every type of terrain. I've never had a problem. I've even sewn extra padding into my vest's shoulders to make the weight more tolerable.
As others have mentioned, I check all clamps for tightness regularly, and before each trip go over my Gitzo with an allen wrench, checking everything for tightness.
The only time I have fallen, I landed on the lens, cracking two ribs. The lens itself was fine.
Thanks all! I've dusted off my old Gitzo 2220 for this, it'll be hard going back to such a heavy tripod after using my Velbon 640 for the past few years but I doubt that's strong enough to hold the lens and Wimberly, I've got to make some padding for the legs though before I start carrying all that around! I've got a feeling I'm in for quite a learning curve here. The lens is "out to be delivered" via UPS so I'll scoot over to the office and get it when it gets there, I'll post some pictures after!
Thanks all! I've dusted off my old Gitzo 2220 for this, it'll be hard going back to such a heavy tripod after using my Velbon 640 for the past few years but I doubt that's strong enough to hold the lens and Wimberly, I've got to make some padding for the legs though before I start carrying all that around! I've got a feeling I'm in for quite a learning curve here. The lens is "out to be delivered" via UPS so I'll scoot over to the office and get it when it gets there, I'll post some pictures after!
Posted by Brian Gatlin on August 2, 2010 at 8:43 AM
Hali, Kinesis makes some good backpacks for large lenses--I use one for transporting my 500mm. They come with hipbelt and chest strap, in addition to the basic shoulder straps, which makes carrying easy. I use this for any lengthy walk. If I'm only going a mile or so, I'll just carry it on its monopod on my shoulder, but the backpack works great for transport and for longer walks. The kinesis bags fit within carry-on criteria, though they don't have room for much else. I've hear good things about Gura Gear for making a large camera bag that will hold long lenses along with other lenses and bodies for travelling.
Thanks all! I've dusted off my old Gitzo 2220 for this, it'll be hard going back to such a heavy tripod after using my Velbon 640 for the past few years but I doubt that's strong enough to hold the lens and Wimberly, I've got to make some padding for the legs though before I start carrying all that around! I've got a feeling I'm in for quite a learning curve here. The lens is "out to be delivered" via UPS so I'll scoot over to the office and get it when it gets there, I'll post some pictures after!
Posted by Kelly Rowe on August 2, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Use loktite on your screws, lens plate in particular.
Hali
I've never been comfortable with the 'normal' way of carrying big glass hanging off a tripod with the tripod legs resting on a shoulder. I carry it with the barrell of the lens resting on my shoulder and the tripod legs diagonally across my chest. This works with the legs fully extended but is less cumbersome with them collapsed. It has become habit with me and I'm more comfortable carrying the rig this way.
My concern with over-the-shoulder carry of fully extended tripods is more related to my own falls than the camera falling off the tripod. The latter is easily dealt with by a hand through the camera strap. But if you fall on rough ground, it's virtually impossible to "cushion" the landing of the tripod and camera as you go down. In fact, they really fly when helped by your attempts to protect your bod.
We have lots of experience (waaaay too much, as a matter of fact!) with cameras hitting the ground while attached to tripods, or similarly, lighting equipment on light stands. It's a sad fact of life when working around lots of people with cords connecting lights and cameras and shutter releases.
Here's what happens: The "leverage" between the camera and the extended tripod is extreme. We're not talking about screws slipping loose here. We're talking sufficient leverage to rip lenses off bodies, rip bodies from base plates, shove lenses back into the mirror and sensor. Lotsa good stuff.
Our worst day ever was ripping the entire bottoms off two Mamiya MF bodies. Our second worst day was ripping the whole top off a Nikon D2X body. Picture lots of exposed wires and little bits. Along the way we've torn four different lenses in half and broken tripod mounts off others.
Tighten those screws for sure. But figure out how you're going to protect that setup if you fall with it balanced over your shoulder.
I'll sometimes carry the lens off the tripod by slinging the lens strap (NOT the camera body strap) over my shoulder and holding onto the lens mount, which doubles as a handle anyway. I find this to be more convenient and comfortable than carrying the full lens + tripod combo on my shoulder.
I don't know the "correct" way to carry it, but I attached my new 500mm f/4 to my camera, then mounted the whole concoction on my tripod and carried it over my shoulder for 3 miles at Logan Pass in Glacier NP. Probably not optimal but it was comfortable enough for such a short distance and allowed me instant access to it when wildlife appeared.
Thanks all, I'm thinking I will do what Hank and Max suggested and carry the lens separate over my shoulder because maybe I'm a wimp but whoa that rig is heavy I can't imagine hiking with it for 3 miles! (and I did a 12 miler 4000 footer in NH last weekend with a good size pack with little problem) So I'm thinking I need a new tripod to lighten the load a little bit! Any recommendations for a sturdy carbon fiber tripod are greatly appreciated!
Posted by Colin Smith on August 4, 2010 at 9:32 PM
I had the same question as I am taking my Canon 500 F4 on a plane to Alaska in September. I have had this lens for a decade, but this will be first time flying. I bought a Kensis 500 lens case. It is lightweight and will handle the lens with a 1.4 extender attached and a 7D camera. I will also use it in the field to transport to a location and than attach it to my Wimberly and tripod. By the way the 500 F4 L is the sharpest L lens I have ever owned. You will love it!
Posted by Don George on August 10, 2010 at 9:36 PM
One other suggestion: Buy a lens coat cover for the lens and also a front cap. The lens coat cap is easier to use. It will keep your lens clean and looking good (especially that white canon finish). It also provides some protection if you bang the lens against something. Buy the way you will enjoy the lens its fantastic.
Discussion
20 repliesJust call me clueless
Hali
I don't know what the correct answer is. I carry mine attached to the wimberly head. I did add the screws that protrude from the bottom of the plate. (the ones that stop the plate sliding all the way through if the clamp loosens) I also check that everything is tight every time I carry it. My method is to tighten everything down and then put the tripod over my shoulder with the lens behind me and pointed at the ground. I have never had an accident with it. Knock on wood.
Peter
I don't do the backpack thing - it causes back problems for me.
All that said, I shoot mostly birds and over 90% of my shots are taken out the window from my pickup - a vehicle makes a very good blind.
I'm using a Nikon 500 f/4 rather than a Canon, but I bet this helps.
I distrust carrying big lenses on tripods for more than a short distance- as far as I am willing to go with the tripod upright, legs collapsed, and lens/camera perched on top. If I'm walking far enough to want to balance it over my shoulder I unclamp the lens/camera, then sling it over my shoulder using the lens shoulder strap, and finally shoulder the tripod.
Travel brings other issues. With the lens hood reversed the 500 truly isn't all that long compared to space available in packs and within airline carry-on limits. I use a pack "short" enough to just house the lens and wide enough for the remainder of my gear I'm unwilling to put into checked baggage.
I have a Dry Bag to go over the pack for transport in float planes and boats. You don't even want to think about dropping in the water, pack or not.
It never hurts to check things every so often anyways but there shouldn't be much of a problem after the initial stress tests (on both the equipment and you).
And don't forget to post some images for us!
I'm comfortable with lens attached to wimberly attached to solid tripod, as long as I have made certain the screws are tight AND my hand is also through the camera strap in case the lens does fall. For me, it's too awkward to try to set up a lens quickly when a good shot has presented itself.
And, incidentally, this is a great backpack case for a 500 or 600 - fits snugly into a decent suitcase.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=600mm+lens+backpack&N=0&InitialSearch=yes
Have fun in Yellowstone!
Sandy r
http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/gitzo-safe-lock-plate-for-series-3-and-5-tripods.html
I believe it is now a standard part of recent Gitzo tripods.
As others have mentioned, I check all clamps for tightness regularly, and before each trip go over my Gitzo with an allen wrench, checking everything for tightness.
The only time I have fallen, I landed on the lens, cracking two ribs. The lens itself was fine.
I've never been comfortable with the 'normal' way of carrying big glass hanging off a tripod with the tripod legs resting on a shoulder. I carry it with the barrell of the lens resting on my shoulder and the tripod legs diagonally across my chest. This works with the legs fully extended but is less cumbersome with them collapsed. It has become habit with me and I'm more comfortable carrying the rig this way.
My concern with over-the-shoulder carry of fully extended tripods is more related to my own falls than the camera falling off the tripod. The latter is easily dealt with by a hand through the camera strap. But if you fall on rough ground, it's virtually impossible to "cushion" the landing of the tripod and camera as you go down. In fact, they really fly when helped by your attempts to protect your bod.
We have lots of experience (waaaay too much, as a matter of fact!) with cameras hitting the ground while attached to tripods, or similarly, lighting equipment on light stands. It's a sad fact of life when working around lots of people with cords connecting lights and cameras and shutter releases.
Here's what happens: The "leverage" between the camera and the extended tripod is extreme. We're not talking about screws slipping loose here. We're talking sufficient leverage to rip lenses off bodies, rip bodies from base plates, shove lenses back into the mirror and sensor. Lotsa good stuff.
Our worst day ever was ripping the entire bottoms off two Mamiya MF bodies. Our second worst day was ripping the whole top off a Nikon D2X body. Picture lots of exposed wires and little bits. Along the way we've torn four different lenses in half and broken tripod mounts off others.
Tighten those screws for sure. But figure out how you're going to protect that setup if you fall with it balanced over your shoulder.
Max