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For this shoot of an Evenki reindeer roundup in Russia, I'm using a ThinkTank Digi Holster, perfect for fast access to a camera and two lenses. Photo by Max Holmes. |
How To » Carry the gear
Until they start including a free assistant with every DSLR system sold, the challenge of "how do you carry all this junk" remains a tough one. The problem is compounded when you consider that in order to capture a fleeting moment, you may be required to get a camera out of a bag and up to your eye in seconds.
Over the years, I have tried bulky, padded photo backpacks, shoulder bags, and even a custom-made messenger-style bag my wife and I designed. Nature photographers have been the biggest supporters of photo backpacks. Backpacks distribute the weight, but at the expense of accessibility. Every time you want to take a photo, you have to take the backpack off, put it down, open it up, and get out the gear. Try doing that in the middle of rush hour in a Moscow metro station, or while shooting oyster farmers in two feet of freezing seawater. My other beef with these behemoths is that they can weigh close to 10 pounds empty.
Photojournalists have long relied on rectangular-shaped, compartmentalized shoulder bags. While solving the problem of easy access, the danger of spinal damage becomes very real when carrying an array of f/2.8 zooms and professional bodies that can weigh over 30 pounds since the load is borne entirely by your shoulders and back.
I currently use a ThinkTank holster and waist belt system. A camera and favorite lens can be accessed within 5 seconds from the holster, and the weight is split between your shoulder/back (the holster) and hips (extra lenses and accessories). ThinkTank, founded by a group of photojournalists, is a relative newcomer to the camera bag scene. Their cases are designed for working photojournalists who need fast access to their equipment. Zippers are sturdy and the bags are trim. Little things, like mesh pouches on the outside of lens cases to hold lens caps, are thoughtful add-ons.
Ok, like I said earlier nothing is perfect. You do look a bit dorkier with a toolbelt and scads of pouches hanging off of you. But look at it this way, with the money you will save in chiropractic bills you can afford a nicer shirt and some new shoes.
For a typical assignment, I load a Digi Holster 50 with a Nikon D300 & battery grip, 17-55 f/2.8, and 12-24 f/4. A stealthy side pocket holds a cable release and extra memory cards. On the heavily padded "Steroid Speed belt" waist belt I carry a 70-200 f/2.8 in a LC75 pop-down case (handy because you can opt to either load the lens with the hood reversed or extended), an SB-800 speedlight in a Lightning Fast pouch, and a Speed Changer pouch, which holds a 1.4x TC, 10.5mm fisheye, and an assortment of filters, batteries, and business cards. If I need a 300mm f/4, it also fits nicely in a second LC75 popdown. For airport travel, all of this (not including the 300 f/4) fits into a discrete rucksack (I use a Black Diamond Sidewinder 30-liter pack since it is long and narrow, keeping the weight close to my back, and has a beefy clamshell zipper.)
If I need a tripod I either carry it by hand or sling it using a thin strap.
Ultimately, whichever carrying system you decide on should allow you to carry the equipment you need in a way that you can access it quickly without causing too much pain.
