Bigma, how do you carry your's?

[1957split]

My Bigma lens turned up today and it's just made my new camera bag redundant

What I'd like to know firstly is how do you carry these? do you use the provided neck strap? do you flip the tripod bracket upside down and carry it in hand?

I now need a new camera bag, I'd prefer one that will permit the lens to stay on the camera to help keep inside of the camera clean, is it advisable to keep the lens fitted to the camera?
Also in said camera bag would need to be the spare batteries, lens cleaner, caps etc, a monopod/tripod needs to hang somewhere, my spare 135mm lens and my sarnies along with a drink.
Ideally I'd like a little seat as well, don't like damp floors. Years ago I bought a cheap rucksack that came with a little seat built in, wasn't a camera bag but was comfy after a long walk

Any recommendations/advice welcomed

Cheers all
Brian

[squishy]

i've never owned a DSLR, but i saw someone yesterday with a massive sigma 50-500, which he was carrying slung round his neck, with a hand holding the lens, and a folded monopod mounted on it, which he held in the other hand, it looked like a firm arrangment for carrying it around...

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by 1957split

What I'd like to know firstly is how do you carry these? do you use the provided neck strap? do you flip the tripod bracket upside down and carry it in hand?

Transported mine around in a Tamrac Expedition 5. Once in location just attached it to my tripod and over the shoulder she goes.



btw. That's a Lowepro something or other bag. The bigma + attt'd camera only just fits in it.

[Geoff F]

Have a look at this in the Photo Equipment section Backpack for sigma 150-500

At present I usually carry my 150-500 in its case slung around my neck and shoulder while a smaller general/landscape lens is on the camera. Then switch lenses around as required.

But I am seriously considering a Lowenpro Mini Treker. Just got to check out a few measurements and comparisons first.

[glsammy]

You should certainly use the provided strap for the Bigma. Your camera strap isn't strong enough to take that additional weight.

When mounted, the camera hangs upside down so you can use the Tripod mount as a convenient carry handle.

[momji1971]

Just as a quick addition. DONT carry the 50-500 lens attached to the camera by the camera strap around your neck. It puts far to much weight on the lens/camera mount area. Thats why sigma provide the lens mounted strap.

kind regards.
Stu

[DavyG]

When I'm using my Bigma, I carry it by placing the strap, attached to the lens, around my neck, the lens is also attached to my monopod.

The bag I use to carry the camera and lens together is a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW, I can get all my gear in there comfortably.

Dave

[NicolaB]

I've got a Lowepro Minitrekker as well for transport

I usually just mount it on the tripod and stick it over my shoulder as well if I'm wandering around a site. Either that or carry it upside down by the handle.

[NickCantle]

Easy, I just hang it off my little finger

I generally sling the mount strap over my shoulder and hold it by the handle upturned

[madukan]

I have the Lowepro Minitrekker AW to take most of my gear when I'm away for a weekend but if I'm just out for a walk the bigma is always attatched to a monopod and either slung over my shoulder or I carry it with the lens mount. Don't worry you soon get used to the weight. I'd get yourself a pair of waterproof trousers though as carrying a seat might be a bit much. Always carry something waterproof that you can cover your camera and lens with in case it rains (but you already know that) .

Just a small tip, get yourself a centre pinch 86mm lens cap, the one supplied is near impossible to get off when the hood is attatched, can be very frustrating.

[WhiskyBottle]

Use a packpac from the likes of Lowepro when you're traveling around. If you slip on rough ground the camera will survive, if you've got the camera in hand it won't.

PS. I have been known to strap a vintage Parker-Knoll to the back of my Lowepro but a gardeners kneeling pad makes more sence

[1957split]

Thanks for some great idea's

I'll keep reading through till i've digested it all

Off to fit my bigma strap now [previous owner didn't, still in bag]

Thanks
Brian

P.S. it's not raining here yet