I'm terrified of my EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II

[scottkinfw]

Always use the lens to support the weight!

You will get used to this, but it is good to be cautious. Support the lens at all times, and carry by lens rather than body to take torque off of the body. If possible, support both.

They are built tough.

Don't forget- afma!

Congrats on your white!

sek

I just got it yesterday. It's a beast! Right after I unboxed it, it drop kicked one of my cats and ate the other! :-\

Kidding aside, I really am scared of it. It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? I'm supporting it with one hand while shooting (obviously while not on a tripod), but when I let the neck strap support the camera and lens while I need both hands free I worry about it bending the lens mount or breaking the lens mount.

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

 

[Dylan777]

Always use the lens to support the weight!

You will get used to this, but it is good to be cautious. Support the lens at all times, and carry by lens rather than body to take torque off of the body. If possible, support both.

They are built tough.

Don't forget- afma!

Congrats on your white!

sek

[/quote]
Congrats Mitch.Conner

I agree with Scott.

 

[Datfish]

It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? ..........................

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

Don't worry about the lens mount...it's plenty strong enough ..as long as you don't drop it (from experience!! :'()

Sounds like the real question is CAN YOU HANDLE IT over extended periods??? 8).....YES YOU CAN! ........and you will get used to it!...............ENJOY!

I use same lens on a 5Diii and a 7D shooting sports and events. Sometimes using both with 5DIII mounted to a 24-70 f2.8 ii and the 7D with BG mounted to 70-200 IS ii + 1.4 Ext, with a monopod. You get used to the weight and the IQ of the kit makes it all worthwhile in the end [b]BUT... a good sling strap system is essential in my view.... or a holster system if that's what suits you. Either way.....!!!!
[/b]
FOR ME?.....I use a "modified" BR Double strap system when using both bodies or a "modified" Luma Loop when using only one. In either setup I usually have the 70-200 set on a monopod as well for extra stability if using for extended events. Works Fine!

THAT SAID I am more than a little paranoid about having the strap mounting systems fail, regardless of the lens fitted, after having such an accident in the past ..... that cost me heaps!
On all my sling straps I have added an additional mount so that the straps connect to 2 points on the Camera as follows ;

a) One connection is via a BR Carabiner attaching to an OpTech "Uni-loop" which is itself permanently attached to the strap lug of an Arca Swiss camera plate on the base of the camera. ( does not interfere with Tripod mounting)

b) Second connection is via a duraflex Rock Lockster QR clip. The female end has a webbing loop and the male slides on the strap. The webbing loop on the female end attaches to an OPTech "Adaptit" fitted in the cameras left hand strap lug.

(Note both straps have adjustable slide "stoppers" on either side of the combined sliding carabiner and male QR Clip to control the camera slide range in both directions.)

Not only do these dual connections make me feel the cameras are more secure,they also change the "hang angle" to one which is , to me more comfortable than either one of the single connections gives. The system also allows me to disconnect quickly either camera, and mount quickly on a tripod without having to "fiddle with/Remove" anything extraneous on the lens foot plate or the camera plate.


CONGRATULATIONS AND ENJOY THE LENS and just get "set up" with whatever suits YOU and your style....but the camera Mount certainly won't break unless YOU drop it!

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

I just got it yesterday. It's a beast! Right after I unboxed it, it drop kicked one of my cats and ate the other! :-\

Kidding aside, I really am scared of it. It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? I'm supporting it with one hand while shooting (obviously while not on a tripod), but when I let the neck strap support the camera and lens while I need both hands free I worry about it bending the lens mount or breaking the lens mount.

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

Don't worry! Also, it will seem like a light little bit after you have tried a super tele and that will quickly erase all of your mount fears. Canon builds 'em tough. Their cams can handle the 70-200 2.8 II like child's play and with one hand behind the mount's back.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

I just got it yesterday. It's a beast! Right after I unboxed it, it drop kicked one of my cats and ate the other! :-\

Kidding aside, I really am scared of it. It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? I'm supporting it with one hand while shooting (obviously while not on a tripod), but when I let the neck strap support the camera and lens while I need both hands free I worry about it bending the lens mount or breaking the lens mount.

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

Congrats,
you'll be amazed with the performance of this combo ( I have it!). Get a BlackRapid or similar strap with a tripod socket mount. I have another brand strap by customzied using a tripod quick plate with blackrapid connector. If you use the standard camera strap hang the camera on one shoulder, not around the neck.

 

[ahsanford]

I just got it yesterday. It's a beast! Right after I unboxed it, it drop kicked one of my cats and ate the other! :-\

Kidding aside, I really am scared of it. It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? I'm supporting it with one hand while shooting (obviously while not on a tripod), but when I let the neck strap support the camera and lens while I need both hands free I worry about it bending the lens mount or breaking the lens mount.

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

Congrats,
you'll be amazed with the performance of this combo ( I have it!). Get a BlackRapid or similar strap with a tripod socket mount. I have another brand strap by customzied using a tripod quick plate with blackrapid connector. If you use the standard camera strap hang the camera on one shoulder, not around the neck.

+1 on the BR strap with the 70-200. That's my longest and heaviest lens and I have no concerns about the BR threaded knob backing out.

Many thread the BR knob into the 70-200 tripod collar, but I usually pull the collar so that the lens slides into a 'normal' 77mm hole in my tenba insert + satchel bag combo. If you load a collared 70-200 into a satchel vertically, the collar always fights with the insert and you end up having to rearrange your dividers. So unless I am doing tripod/monopod work, I lose the collar and just thread the BR threaded knob into my 5D3's threaded hole. It's not quite as well balanced as if you thread into the tripod collar, but it's still worlds more comfortable to carry than a traditional camera strap.

An added benefit of the BR strap (and many other tripod mount attached straps) is that it gets completely out of the way in a jiffy when you need to move to a tripod. I always hated how traditional straps (fed through the camera body's eyelets) would always get in the way of my tripod setup and shutter release cable. Now it's 1) unthread the BR strap, 2) screw in my RRS L-plate, and 3) I'm in business.

- A

 

[Mitch.Conner]

Thanks for all of the helpful information and for the congrats. These sling systems sound like a great idea. So far from a few test shots, it seems like a great lens.

 

[Datfish]

+1 on the BR strap with the 70-200. That's my longest and heaviest lens and I have no concerns about the BR threaded knob backing out.

Just for clarity my point of being "paranoid about having the strap mounting systems fail", was not about a fear of the BR Connect-R "backing out". It was about a fear of the Carabiner snapping or fatiguing at the swivel point, as it is after all, only cast alloy. There have been more than a few reports of this happening. The Rock Lockster QR clip could also possibly be released accidentally in the right circumstance. With a dual connection it is extremely unlikely that both would fail simultaneously................But as I said I am paranoid after a costly event in the past involving a failed strap!

 

[justaCanonuser]

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

No problem, as others already posted. I carry often my 5D3 with a 500 mm supertele, that's a more than 6 pounds lens which dwarfs the 70-200/2.8 (I have one), and shoot it handheld. So the camera's mount has really something to hold. Never had any problems (my 5D3 has 67000 shutter actuations now).

 

[FEBS]

No worry there about. Fully agree with Neuro his remarks. I'm also a black rapid user. I mostly use the double strap with at right the 1dx+200-400 and left the 5D3 with 70-200 2.8 ii. I don't have any problem with the weight of the combos hanging on the strap. When shooting with only one lens, I use the BR sport strap. Did stop using the standard Canon strap as all the weight is hanging then on your neck, and then even with a 5d3 and 70-200 you will feel that after a few hours.

 

[rs]

It's also possible to use the standard strap to carry such a lens more comfortably. Hang it off your shoulder instead of your neck, and have the camera the wrong around - so the prism is against your body instead of the back of the body. The lens will hang straight down then.

 

[Reiep]

I ended up reversing the tripod mount on the top and use it as a handle for the 70-200II and the 6D. I almost only carry it this way, except if the place is very crowd. No effort whatsoever.

 

[tayassu]

I would recommend you the Carry Speed FS-Pro as a strap. Due to its mounting plate its safer attached and better to lay on the table/ground (also Arca-Swiss compatible). Very comfortable and very safe!

 

[surapon]

I just got it yesterday. It's a beast! Right after I unboxed it, it drop kicked one of my cats and ate the other! :-\

Kidding aside, I really am scared of it. It's so unbelievably heavy for its size. Can my 5D3 handle that kind of weight? I'm supporting it with one hand while shooting (obviously while not on a tripod), but when I let the neck strap support the camera and lens while I need both hands free I worry about it bending the lens mount or breaking the lens mount.

How strong is the mount on my camera? Can it handle this heavy lens?

Dear Mitch.
Exercise, Exercise and Exercise---Yes, All of us as the Photographers must have the routine exercise 6 Days a week, for our love hobby, to carry the heavy load of all the weapon that we will use in that day, Special, when we need to shoot fast with out to change the lenses, That Mean we might use more than one camera in that work day.
Sorry, Just ME and my Idea, Crazy Old man ( 65 years young on this coming October 2014).
Enjoy
Surapon

PS, I do like this Past 40 years with out no problem about Canon Bodies ( Since Canon FT QL,T50, T70, T90, A2E--- to now 2D, 1DS, 7D,5DMK II , EOS-M) and Most of Canon Lenses from 8 MM to 600 MM.

 

[NancyP]

Too funny, Surapon! Seriously, photography is a big motivator for exercising. Dumbbells for the arms (curls, flys, presses), stairs for the legs and heart (even if the only weight is getting the groceries in or the laundry back and forth from the basement laundromat).

 

[NancyP]

Now to the OP's question. I routinely hike with the EF 400 f/5.6L or the EF 180 f/3.5L macro mounted on 60D or 6D camera, and I often use the Cotton Carrier vest system with the CC attachment screwed into the1/4" socket on the L bracket instead of the camera base (L bracket is always on the camera) or the tripod foot (camera and lens, and their center of gravity, stick out too far from the vest). These lenses are approx. 2.4 to 2.5 pounds each. Lens hangs straight down. Both hands are free, and the camera and lens aren't bouncing around, so I can use hands for hiking (balance, poles, scrambling and grabbing tree or rock, etc). The down side to the CC vest is that it is slightly hot under the chest plate (the back is open mesh). Big plus: CC vest works very well with photo backpack or technical (climbing or back-country high-volume) backpack.

When I am holding the long lens and camera but not in shot position, I may use the tripod foot as a handle or position the camera/lens on one shoulder, holding it there with one hand, or cradle the camera/lens with one arm.

 

[surapon]

Too funny, Surapon! Seriously, photography is a big motivator for exercising. Dumbbells for the arms (curls, flys, presses), stairs for the legs and heart (even if the only weight is getting the groceries in or the laundry back and forth from the basement laundromat).

Thanksss, Dear Friend NancyP.
Another Great way for my Exercise, To help my wife carry the Groceries , when She walk and Shopping with smile on her face.
Have a great day.
Surapon

 

[sgs8r]

The mount will be fine. When Canon feels a lens is too massive for a strap connected to the body, they put strap lugs on the lens (as they do on the supertele lenses).

Having said that, it's likely bad for your neck, I wouldn't recommend carrying it like that. Instead, get a Blackrapid strap and connect that to the tripod foot. Better balance, load on shoulder, happy you.

Personally, I have Arca Swiss-type plates on body and lens collars, and a Kirk 1" clamp attached to my BR strap (with a little Loctite Blue). I can quickly move the strap attachment from the body (with a standard lens) to a lens collar, or remove the strap for tripod use.

+1 YABRU (Yet Another BlackRapid User) along with the camera and lens plates and quick release clamp on the Blackrapid. I use ReallyRightStuff (RRS) plates and clamps, but same idea.
I used this setup (along with a ThinkTank belt and some pouches) when I hiked up Kilimanjaro last year (above 15k feet, if your camera is buried in a pack or pouch, you won't take many pictures). I finally ended up taking the camera strap off because I never use it any more.
I can move the camera quickly from BR to tripod to monopod, using the lens plate on the 70-200 2.8 and the camera plate for smaller lenses.
For extended shooting with the 70-200 (sports, birding, etc.) I highly recommend a monopod (I use it with a small ballhead w/RRS clamp). It eliminates the weight issue and gives just a bit more stability.

 

[Mitch.Conner]

holy crap surapon! How have you not herniated a disc? ???

 

[ahsanford]

For the OP:

Some folks (like me) have a lot of faith in the BR threaded knob that comes on their straps. So I comfortably trust that threaded knob to stay well fixed on my 5D3 threaded hole with the 70-200 attached.

Others want added security, and have opted to leave a tripod plate on their camera at all times. They then epoxy that BR threaded knob directly to a clamp that locks on to the tripod plate. This guy runs through what that looks like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWes5KE3QZI

This is nice if you worry about unthreading and/or if you prefer to leave a tripod plate on your camera.

But I trust the knob without all that fuss. Keep in mind that my biggest lens is that 70-200 and I am not a photojournalist jumping out of a humvee with the army in Afghanistan. Bigger lenses or more rough handling of your camera could conceivably unthread that BR threaded knob, so use your best judgment on how much extra security you need.

- A