LOOKING FOR ADVICE PLEASE

[mikeaspinall]

Hi everybody

For some time now I have been struggling with neck and shoulder problems which result in my not taking pictures. If
I carry a gadget bag with an across the shoulder strap I get back and neck pains after a while but then when I hang the camera
on a neck strap the pain is much worse.
Am trying out a lightweight backpack to help carrying the camera instead of the gadget bag but need advice to see if there are
any ways to cut down the weight of the camera from my neck. I have seen adverts for a camera shoulder harness and am wondering
if anyone has had the use of one. Some harnesses allow two cameras to be carried but that would not suit me.


Any suggestions please?

[John]

Keeping things light helps of course, but a camera sling might be one answer. I have found that even quite heavy camera/lens combinations can be easily carried this way, plus the kit is always ready for use.

[mikeaspinall]

Thanks John

Good advice as usual. Can you recommend any particular model which doesn't cost a fortune?

[John]

They are not expensive, anything from £5 upwards on Amazon and eBay, but choose a substantial one so it's secure. Sue uses one as well and it is so much better than a neck strap.

[Paul Jones]

If I carry a gadget bag with an across the shoulder strap I get back and neck pains after a while but then when I hang the camera
on a neck strap the pain is much worse.

Any suggestions please?

Thinking a bit differently, instead of looking for a different type of neck strap, why not change your camera system?

If I was in the same position I'd consider selling my SLR gear and investing in the Fuji X series mirrorless system. Great picture quality, but much lighter to carry.

[Janice Freeman]

Hi mike. I have had the same problem and with 2 frozen shoulders the pain becomes really bad! I use a camera sling strap which has a body or u def arm strap to keep it on your shoulder. If I need to carry additional gear then I use a simple lightweight back pack. Works for me. I bought my strap from amazon £15 it’s strong and also has an additional safety strap. Withlin camera strap with safety tether.

[mikeaspinall]

Hi again

Thanks Janice. I will be looking into a strap. Paul - nice idea but a strap for £5 to (say) £20 is a lot easier on my pocket
than a change of gear. Thanks anyway.

[Pensioner]

Hi Mike,

A couple of things from me.

a) Have a look at the Lowepro Slingshot. It comes in two sizes, with a waterproof cover, not expensive, with the great benefit of not having to take it off to get full access top your gear. I've had one for some time, initially to carry my DJI Mavic Pro and accessories, and currently to carry my camera gear - which brings me on to my second point,
b) I wholeheartedly support Paul's point - "If I was in the same position I'd consider selling my SLR gear and investing in the Fuji X series mirrorless system. Great picture quality, but much lighter to carry." That's what I have, together with a 65 years old knackered back!. It can hold two bodies (Fuji X-T2 and X-E3, both 26 mp), three IS zoom lenses (10-24mm, 18-55mm and 55-200mm, covering 15mm to 305mm in full frame terms), assorted Lee ND grad and big stopper filters and holders, remote control, spare batteries, circular polarisers, and screw on ND filters. The total weight is less than my old Nikon 801 and 70-200mm alone. If you want to go even lighter take a look at the Olympus mirrorless system - I had one of those bodies and 4 prime lenses to use on my old DJI Inspire 1 Pro.

Would I revert back to full frame DSLR? Not a chance. Would I go back to a backpack bag? I think you know what my answer to that is ...