Optech Dual Harness

[Trevoreast]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

I've been following this because I have optech straps and I like them, this product looks good.

I went to the optech website and watched the video, they breifly mention having a camera bag, but they don't dwell too long on it.
To get to your bag you'd have to unclip the lenses, set them down, remove the harness, then get you bag off.
Seems like there's an extra step if you have a rucksack type camera bag.
I use a two cam setup with bag, would remove two camera inc straps, then get to the bag.

All that aside, This would stop the twisting tangle I find myself in somtimes, and give you more support with the weigh.
Colin would you reccomnend this product for 2 xxd bodies 24-70 + 70-200 2.8 each with flashguns with bag for a 5 hour stint on foot, with a possible two or three times having to get the to the bag.
Maybe no bag, plenty of pockets, and lens pouches would be better with this harness, what do you think ?

Trev

[colin C]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

There was a lady present!

Time for a quick update:

It was good and solved the initial problem, but walking too quickly, the lenses were banging against my legs. A quick adjustment lunchtime improved the situation, but I think I still have a small adjustment to make. It was a bit of an ultimate test of two 1 series bodies, a 500mm f4 and a 300mm f2.8, but it handled them well and they seemed lighter to carry with this arrangement.

So far so good!

Colin

[djguk47]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

Very disappointed in you Glenn...we were all relying on you to post something "hanging"....

David

[Glenn]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

Come on Colin... Give us a modelling shot with your big ones hanging

Dam!! Knew I forgot to do something yesterday at HCT

[Canon-Fodder!]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

Weather protection isn't really an issue, as 1 series bodies and L lenses are water proof...

So I believe; but I don't think I'd be game on to really give it a test.

I did manage to blow one body up (an XXXD) when caught out in a sudden and torrential downpour a good few years back... Fortunately the insurance coughed-up...

[colin C]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

Come on Colin... Give us a modelling shot with your big ones hanging

All the girls say that!

Weather protection isn't really an issue, as 1 series bodies and L lenses are water proof, though I tend to look after my kit and don't rely on that. I have thin waterproof bags that cover each lens and body, or I can wear the harness beneath my jacket if the weather is really blowing a gale. But by that time I am heading back to the comfort of the car!

Colin

[Canon-Fodder!]

Re: Optech Dual Harness

Come on Colin... Give us a modelling shot with your big ones hanging

Looks a good solution... all I need now are the big lenses & FF bodies to look 'cool & professional' (along with the hat of course - although I'm still unsure how you shoot through it !)...

Only 'downside' that immediately springs to mind is weather protection in the event you're caught out...

As an aside; I frequently use the LowePro Field Belt with pouches that I can stuff my kit into pronto if it starts to rain... Another reasonable solution if you don't want to lug a backpack...

[colin C]

When I am trekking about for wildlife, carrying a load of heavy gear can be a pain. Wherever possible, I try to restrict things to a couple of bodies, the 300mm and 500mm, with converters for emergency. If I use a backpack, I tend to carry more than I need (just in case) and if an unexpected opportunity arises, I can’t often react quick enough. So the other option is just the bodies and lenses with a strap over each shoulder. I can react quickly when needed to, but they aren’t very secure and I have had a couple of near misses where the kit nearly hit the deck.

I saw an Optech solution at a Pro Camera day and didn’t take a lot of notice, as my mind was on lots more interesting goodies. But, after a recent near miss, I thought it was high time I tried this out. I now have one and it is a brilliant solution where you regularly use two bodies.

• Even with big lenses on, they don’t knock against each other.
• They are fully secure.
• It is very comfortable, considering the weight.
• The “slip loop” rear strap means that both straps are of equal length in the down and shooting position.
• Because I use Optech straps as standard, it is just a couple of clicks to convert from a normal strap to the double harness.

Further details available here. UK price is around £36.

Colin