Bigma, how do you carry your's?

1957split · #1 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 12:57 PM

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 · #2 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 02:53 PM

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 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

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 · #4 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 06:48 PM

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 · #5 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:06 PM

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 · #6 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:15 PM

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 · #7 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 07:49 PM

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 · #8 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:05 PM

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 · #9 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 08:28 PM

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 · #10 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 10:45 PM

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 · #11 (**permalink**) 27-04-2009, 11:03 PM

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 · #12 (**permalink**) 28-04-2009, 05:14 AM

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

Zoundz · #13 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 12:22 AM

Same as all the above really - depending on my mood and where I am! Thoguh lately I have a new favourite method! I managed to buy a thick bottle belt - and it fits the monopod in nicely so it comes to eyelevel

It takes all the weight off my arms - and my waist can take a lot of weight *blush*

So yeah, that's my new favourite way - works brilliantly!

xx

PeterD · #14 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 08:08 AM

I have owned a Bigma for about a year and have tried numerous ways of transporting it.
My favourite is to carry the lens across my body with the lens barrel resting on the forearm at the elbow. The camera strap I use is the heavy duty stretchy strap bought from Jessops (their own brand). This strap is strong enough to take the weight of the camera and lens (on the rare occasions that it needs to). This carrying method allows me to quickly get into a shooting position as and when the opportunities present themselves.
A word of caution about trying to carry the lens on a tripod. I did this for about two months and yes, it worked great but (there is always a but) I accidentally mispositioned the tripod when setting up on one occasion and the camera lens struck a wooden post and damaged the lens

. It's still away on repair in Japan

. I am not saying you shouldn't carry it this way but am giving a friendly warning to be careful.
Peter

Jethro Tull · #15 (**permalink**) 08-05-2009, 06:49 PM

Get yourself an 86mm Metal Hood for the Bigma, better than the plastic petal shaped original and also offers better protection to your lens. Another point is the Bigma plastic hood is £40+ to replace metal one's can be found on Ebay for approx £15.00 and don't drop off as easy.
Cheers
Brian

NickCantle · #16 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 01:54 PM

Not to mention an 86mm filter

I got mine for £13.00 but that was a while ago.

Deer Hunter · #17 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 09:38 PM

Not so much how to carry a Bigma - but regarding a seat. Forget the seat, Kneeling Pad or whatever. An old pair of Waterproof Trousers with the legs cut off, making them into a pair of shorts keeps the old B....m dry. Takes up no room in the camera bag or pocket. Been using mine for years.

1957split · #18 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 04:50 AM

Cheers all

Badllarma · #19 (**permalink**) 16-05-2009, 09:14 PM

I've a 120-400mm Sigma that lives in my AW 200 backpack but when in use I use both the camera strap and the one on the lens and have them over my shoulder.
Note one has to be longer than the other but it's worth hanging the camera up until you get them both the same length (when on your shoulder).

That way the weight is taken by both straps equally and so less stress on the kit.