Hi, Zexun!
See answers below...
Hey there, I've got a few questions on the Cotton Carrier system and I
hope you can answer them.
Firstly, I think this looks to be a great product that will give me
the ability to shoot with two cameras without the need for straps. I
very much prefer to go strapless (other than hand straps).
Question 1: Will the following work when I want to use a tripod often?
(From 'top to bottom' - in relation to the camera itself)
Canon 5D mark 2 (camera)
Camdapter Manfrotto Plus Quick Release Plate + Canon E1 hand strap
(connected to top right strap lug of 5D2 and the lug on the QR plate)
Manfrotto 323 RC2 Quick release adapter
Some sort of 3/8" to 1/4" adapter and possibly a washer around the
adapter for security
Cotton Carrier Camera Insert (Standard)
Cotton Carrier Vest
Yes, it will perfectly work with all these conditions (see attached
diagram). *
Question 2: Is the above setup 'safe'? I'm quite hesitant to go this
way because there are no less than 5 contact points between each of
the elements stated above where all sorts of weird things can happen
to cause my camera to drop to the ground.
Yes. If you go to our FAQ page, and click on question 2, you will see an
image of a small motorbike weighing around 200 lbs. suspended from the
Cotton Carrier.
That being said, we do suggest you wear your neck strap, which will have no
weight on it, until you are completely comfortable with the system. You have
to monitor and ensure you have the camera insert securely tightened to the
base of your camera at all times, and fully slid down the track. Doing this,
the system is being used as it was designed to be, and can hold any weight
of SLR and lens combination. Using the Cotton Carrier over a period of time
will eventually "earn" that level of trust with you for your valuable camera
gear.
Question 3: Has anyone (or have you) experienced sweat dripping onto
the camera for such a setup? I'm thinking that if I'm shooting on a
particularly hot and humid day, I will perspire and sweat from my head
can drip onto the camera in such a position.
The last wedding I did was is 90 degree weather **, and yes, I sweated a lot.
My 5D Mark II has some level of weather protection, and had no issues.
Although I cannot guarantee the weather type sealing of all or any cameras,
I do not feel sweating on them will cause any issues. They all have some
level of seal design to them. Also, this would be the same issue if I was
wearing a neck strap.
Question 4: Would having two cameras on the vest & holster not allow
me to wear a standard backpack?
This shouldn't be an issue. We had one customer come back from a trip
reporting he had done just that; wear his Cotton Carrier and then a
backpack, and feel no real noticeable difference. The second camera carrier
can be removed and slipped on your camera backpack waist belt if it has one.
Lastly, Question 5: Has anyone (or have you) tried using the system
with an external flash unit mounted onto the camera? Does it feel
unwieldy? The idea of having 30cm of gear protruding from my chest
doesn't seem practical. I'm fine with using the Cotton Carrier without
a flash.
Yes, I did this for a wedding with my 5D Mark II with battery grip, a 580 EX
II flash, and a 24 - 70 f2.8 L on the vest. Is that something I preferred to
do? Absolutely not. But the system had zero problems of holding it securely,
and alleviated a ton of hand strain so I was thrilled to have the option.
Any comments would help! Might be selling an R strap to afford this if
I get positive answers.
We do have a full 100% return policy if returned within 14 days after
purchasing and not satisfied for any reason. Personally, I doubt you will
take advantage of this detail. : )
