Lugging Around that Combination

[Ed Matuod]

Hi Romy/Gang,

Can anybody share me techniques on how to carry those tripod/gimbal head/monster lens combination on the field? Is it necessary to disassemble the lens/body from the tripod/gimbal head or just carry the whole thing intact when transferring from one location to another (say 20-30 meters away). Do I have to lug around too the huge lens trekker (bag) or is it necessary to bring a buddy? Thanks.

Eddy M.

[Bob Kaufman]

Ed, my rule of thumb is.. if I will be doing a lot of hiking, I just carry the camera body + 100-400 lens combo. But if I will be staying put or move around not more than 100 meters, I carry the tripod/gimbal/body/500mm over my shoulder, without disassembling or carrying a backpack. At my age I can't go beyond 100 meters with this type of armada without fainting ;D

[Romy Ocon]

On short walks (50 m or less), I carry the whole thing mounted. On longer walks, I dismount the lens/camera and carry this on my shoulder using a strap. My birding buddy carries the heavy 475B, plus water and provisions. I don't bring the camera bag in long hikes, unless I expect rains.