How should I carry and support a 70-200mm f/4 lens on a lightweight Canon body?
Asked 9/23/2010
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I’m moving from a small 50mm prime to a Canon 70-200mm f/4L on a Canon 450D/XSi, and I’m worried about handling a larger, heavier lens without damaging the camera mount or making it awkward to carry. Do I need to actively support the lens while handholding, or is the camera mount strong enough for a lens of this size? Is it reasonable to carry the camera with this lens attached using a neck strap while hiking, or is a wider padded strap a better idea? For tripod use, is the camera body mount sufficient, or is a tripod collar worth getting for better balance and rotation? I’ll also be traveling by air and carrying my gear on, so any general advice on transporting a lens like this would help.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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In general Canon's L series are designed for professionals on the road and are built tough, I've seen sports photogs throw the 300 and 400 f/2.8s on the ground with abandon. In short I highly doubt you will break it accidentally provided you're not reckless.
Answering your specific questions in order:
The lens mount will take the weight of the 70-200 f/4 so you wont damage the camera but with the 450D being very light it will be rather uncomfortable to hold the system by the camera alone.
I used similar weight lenses using the standard strap and it's not the most comfortable thing in the world. I would recommend buying a wider more padded strap anyway.
Again the mount will take the weight though a tripod collar will probably be more convenient to use as it allows you to pivot the system closer to it's centre of gravity.
I have no idea about US airports, I've taken telephotos through several European airports in my hand luggage with no problems, I would avoid checking it into the hold without serious padding / a sturdy case. I would check all your gear is covered by travel / separate insurance as a matter of course.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A 70-200mm f/4 is well within what your Canon body mount can safely handle. You do not need special precautions to avoid damaging the mount, though it’s more comfortable and better balanced to support the lens with your left hand while shooting rather than letting the small body carry all the feel of the weight.
For carrying, the stock neck strap will work, but many people find a heavier lens less comfortable on a narrow strap, especially on hikes. A wider padded strap usually helps. Expect the lens to feel a bit bulky and swing around more than a small prime.
For tripod use, the camera’s tripod socket is generally sufficient for this lens weight, but a tripod collar is useful because it improves balance and makes it much easier to rotate between landscape and portrait orientation.
For air travel, carrying it on is the normal approach. A lens this size is not unusual for airport security; just pack it securely and be prepared to remove gear for inspection if asked.
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