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Heavy Weight

.gpadgham
03/17/08 11:13 PM GMT
Question out there for all you pros, an people who know more than me in the photography world, which pretty much equals everyone... I've recently been building my collection of camera equipment. Needless to say, its not quite to where I want it to be (but honestly, will it ever be? LOL). Anyhow, my full time job is sending me down to Antarctica in a few days, and I've rented a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Lens... I'll be attaching it to my Rebel XTi. I figure this way, I can only blame myself for my poor shooting skills, and not my equipment.

All I have to say is this lens is heavy (and really cool. Not looking forward to sending it back)! Am I going to ruin my camera body if I let the camera hang from the neck strap with this lens attached? I don't plan on doing it much, if I can avoid it anyway, but if I have to pick up and move stuff, will I be safe? I can't exactly find any rating on the camera that says the mount will only support lenses up to X lbs in weight. I do have the tripod ring for the lens, so it is mounted properly when on a tripod.
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::egggray
03/17/08 11:52 PM GMT
Hello Gerrit, I had the XTi with the same lens, but non IS. I never had any problems with it hanging on my neck, but I would set the camera down before you pick up and move stuff, also make sure your camera strap is attached to the camera body securly. Since you rented the lens, I would make sure it has a filter so you don't scratch that prime glass, hope this helps you. Gregg.
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.gpadgham
03/18/08 1:42 AM GMT
Thanks for your comments Gregg, it does help. It was exactly people like yourself I was hoping would provide feedback here. I did get a Polarizing filter for the lens, and have also insured the lens (so as long as I can return it, IE, I don't drop it in the frigid Drake passage, I should be good). I'm just thinking more of hiking around and keeping the camera ready to catch a good shot. I only have a backpack thus far. One of those sling bags is on my list :)
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+trisbert
03/24/08 1:55 PM GMT
I never had any problems using a 400mm 5.6 on a 300D. However I never dropped it :-)

The polarising filter will protect the lens but you need to adjust it before each time you use it. If you want to get the camera into action fast (birds n wildlife) you might be better using an UV filter, which never needs adjusting.

I bought a slingbag and used it for one day and haven’t used it since. It was good for getting gear in and out of fast but all the weight is carried on one shoulder. 7 kilos on one shoulder starts hurting before lunch and its agony before teatime. The backpack is better for me because both shoulders hold it in place but the weight is carried on my back. 7 kilos never hurts me in the backpack.

I hope this helps in some way.
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::bean811
03/24/08 8:51 PM GMT
...I also use a backpack while hiking, but I primarily have my camera attached to my tripod at all times and just hike while carrying my tripod. It's a lot easier than pulling things in and out of the backpack and if you're shooting wildlife, etc., you're always ready (or almost ready) for action!

Some people use vests instead of backpacks, so that's an option, but I definitely recommend carrying your tripod with the camera attached, at least when you're hiking on some easy to moderate terrain (maybe some parts you'd be better off putting everything back into your pack so you don't drop it or fall)
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+regmar
03/30/08 6:46 PM GMT
I do the same thing, bean, but I ruined my 400mm lens by carrying it around all the time. It took about a year and a half of bumping, jolting, etc. on my scooter before the barrel came apart and parts fell out. Fortunately all the glass was fine, so it only cost me an arm to fix it. They let me keep my leg.
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ж Regmar ж

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