Carry Lenses on your Legs?

AlbertZeroK

Okay, I'm a big guy, 6'2" and big enough to frighten a large child. I've always struggled to carry my gear as all photographers have. When I go out shooting, I like carrying two cameras ready to go and have two Black Rapid straps which fit the bill nicely. I've used cargo pants or shorts in the past, but they lack the ability to carry lenses well. I don't fit most vests, the one I've tried is too hot and interfers with the black rapid straps.

I am wondering if anyone has experianced putting a lowe pro lens case on your front of your thigh to carry when you are in the field? I hate backpacks with a lot of weight, plus, I'm normally tagged with carrying the family back pack.

I was thinking of sewing up a strap I could hook into my belt, then strap around my leg, then just put the lowepro lens case on the strap, although I think I'd need to use two verticle straps to my belt? Then maybe some way to allow the case to slide from being on the side of my leg or on the front?

Thoughts?

time2smile

No experience in this, but look at an army belt. take the buckle off, you will be able to cut it to length or loop it around you regular belt, use cable ties in the existing holes and sew or attach nylon loops to mount the case. You could probable use a piece of the army belt to make loops for the lowepro. Than use a couple of ball bungees to wrap around your leg, not to tight of course, or Even a piece is black nylon and again attach to one of the holes in the belt extension you made, just to keep from swinging while you walk.

On my lowepro zoom case I use a army belt to carry it as a fanny pack, I used an extra belt, removed the buckle and made an adapter to use the same belt as a shoulder strap, even with a couple of sliplocks attached. So when i get tired of the fanny pack style, I clip the buckle into the extra buckle on the lowepro bag, and use it as a shoulder bag for a while.

WillCAD

Sounds like you're loaded down like a pack mule, Albert.

Your thigh-mount idea would probably work, but my first impression is that it would be awkward as heck, and would probably bounce around uncomfortably when you walk.

If you're carrying one or two spare lenses, and you already have Lowepro lens cases for each that would fit on a belt, I recommend that you put together a Batman utility belt.

Start with a stiff 2" web belt. Shotgun shell belts from your local sporting goods store will work pretty well; just make sure it's a nice, stiff belt that won't double over on you when you load it up. A military pistol belt will also work, though they tend to be a little too heavy for my taste.

Onto this belt, you can add your Lowepro lens cases, plus any other belt-mountable accessories you might have, such as a water bottle carrier, a small bag, a cell phone holster, you name it.

The advantages of a utility belt are that it doesn't interfere with your camera straps or backpack, it's easy to put on and take off, and it keeps all your stuff readily accessible. The disadvantage is that you have to take it off before you sit down in a lot of places.

Dan7312

You should look at the Cotton Carrier. http://cottoncarrier.com/, that Sam suggested on another thread. It's along the lines of what you are describing for carrying lenes on your thighs. It looks like it might do a good job of preventing equiment bounce.

20DNoob

Have you looked into the ThinkTank product line yet? A touch pricy but I've yet to hear anything negative about their products.

Maybe a Pixel Racing Harness, one of the Speedbelts, and a Modular Set would sort you out. If not just return it or sell it on one of the boards for close to what's invested.

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

Freezframe

On your thigh !
I would be a little worried that if anything was mounted on the thigh that it would creep down giving the natural tapper of the leg. I would think that in that position that the lens may get some unwanted bumps that may get expensive.
Now the cotton carrier doesn't seem like a bad idea but at first glance it also worries me about a possible drop .Comparing to the blackrapid system your bodies/lenses are more secure with that strap arround your neck(shoulder) and probably a little faster to get too.

Just a few observations at a glance !

Brady

Scott_Quier

I tried using the thigh pocket of cargo pants to hold a small lens. That night, I had the worst bruise on my thigh! And, this was with a Tamron 28-75 - not the heaviest lens on the market. I would think that strapping a lens to the front of the thigh might be even worse.

Art Scott

I use a self made belt system consisting of: black Military pistol belt and suspenders (suspenders come in a couple of styles....H and Y......I use the Y.......) on this I can hang more than I want but have kept it to 2 LowePro 75 aw's for cameras, lenses and other necessities.....I also do not carry a lot of extra lenses....I am a zoom shooter.....so what is not attached to one of 2 bodies wil be in a bag........I can comfortably carry a large backpack over the suspenders with out any pain from the suspender straps being shoved into my shoulders......the LowePro 75AW were the most expensive part of this at ~~$75 each......the belt was around $10 and suspenders approx $8 at a local gun show.....the local army navy rip off store was about 3x as much but they are situated in a very nice strip mall...........

Ekaj

Sounds to me like you are carrying way too much gear. Two bodies on a family outting? I assume it's a family trip because you mentioned carrying the family backpack. There is something to be said to carrying one body with one lens.

I wouldn't lug around that gear unless I was there specifically I shoot. In which case I would minimize the distractions. i.e. Family, etc.

pathfinder

Talk to the guys at Kinesis Photo Gear

They make an extensive system of camera and lens bags, based on shoulder straps or waist belt systems. For long lenses, they make some great bags - i have at least 4, that will hold 500 + body, 300 + body, 200+ body, etc and they can be mounted on shoulder straps or a waist belt system. Water proof zippers and well made. I have used their gear for over 6 years and it has never failed me.

Call them ( 1-888-716-5550 ) a human will answer the phone, and they are open to suggestions for modifications as well.