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How do you carry your Sony 200-600 in the field - advice appreciated about the tripod foot also

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21tones

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I've read in a number of places that the tripod foot on the Sony can be a bit problematic because of four small screws that can tend to come loose.

Some people have loctited them, others have bought alternative feet.

I don't know whether the problem is a result of the way that people carry the lens in the field so am interested to know how owners of the lens do it.

When I had a Sigma 150-600, on Canon, many years ago I carried the lens over my shoulder holding the substantial monopod it was attached to.

I don't know whether it was the cause of the problem but eventually the lens would not achieve accurate focus.

So advice about the best way to carry the lens/camera in the field, and any suggestions on securing/replacing the tripod foot would be appreciated

Thanks in advance of any responses
 
I use a neck strap on it, but I generally cradle it too. I haven't used the tripod foot so far. I kind of wish the ring was removable like on other lenses to get rid of more mass.
 
First off, an alternative foot does not get rid of the four small screws. And not on every lens do they become lose. The collar may have some play.

I carry mine with a sling strap attached to a foot with QD socket (Kirl LP-68), haven't taken a tripod with me on longer walks, yet.
 
21tones said:
I've read in a number of places that the tripod foot on the Sony can be a bit problematic because of four small screws that can tend to come loose.
Click to expand...
I've read those comments but have never had a problem with my lens.
21tones said:
Some people have loctited them, others have bought alternative feet.

I don't know whether the problem is a result of the way that people carry the lens in the field so am interested to know how owners of the lens do it.
Click to expand...
I don't like to carry mine mounted on my tripod. I know that a lot of people do it that way but I prefer to have it in my hands when not mounted. Another way I carry it is by using Peak Design's anchor link strap connectors. I have one on each side of the lens body that I attach to my shoulder strap and which lets me securely cradle the lens in my left arm. I don't let the lens and body sag onto my neck / shoulders...they weigh too much. I've found this a good way to carry it with me. IMO, this isn't a lens you want to keep in your hands for very long walks and if I plan on hiking more than a couple of hundred yards I'll carry it in my bag.

Anchor Links Strap Connectors | Peak Design Official Site

Anchor Links are quick-connectors that can be placed on the ends of any standard camera neck strap, giving it super-fast, uber secure quick-connection c...
www.peakdesign.com www.peakdesign.com

I changed the original foot to the Wimberley foot. It is a little bit larger (taller?) which creates a little more room for my hand between the lens body and foot. When I have this lens on my body I probably use if for a handle about 90% of the time.

21tones said:
When I had a Sigma 150-600, on Canon, many years ago I carried the lens over my shoulder holding the substantial monopod it was attached to.

I don't know whether it was the cause of the problem but eventually the lens would not achieve accurate focus.

So advice about the best way to carry the lens/camera in the field, and any suggestions on securing/replacing the tripod foot would be appreciated

Thanks in advance of any responses
Click to expand...
 
I have a hefty strap attached to the lugs on the lens, rather than the foot (that’s what the lugs are for, after all), plus I carry it with the body in my left hand, and the lens lying along my left forearm - looks a little odd, but it’s quite comfortable.

I would be unwilling to carry it by holding the monopod.
 
Thanks for your responses. I haven't seen this lens in the flesh so didn't realise that an alternative foot would still rely on the 4 small screws.
 
I replaced the OEM foot with Really Right Stuff as a first choice and Kirk as a second.

I think at the time I bought the 200-600 it was brand new, pre-order only. I think it was the Wemberely foot was the only one available and it kept loosening. Hated it, it was just a pain.

The reason is the connecting method with Wemberely is screw down and with RRS and probably Kirk you get the lock in then tighten which I think is better.

I use the replacement foot option on any lens that would use it. Like the Sony 100-400 now sold for the 70-200 GM II

I did and will keep my 200-600, really like it.

I have made changes to my tripod/ monopod brand. Mostly ProMediaGear options.
 
I use the Peak Design system with the wide strap. I normally use the medium strap with other lenses.

I have one connected to the top left eyelet, and one connected to the right side of the lens.

e19a2bbcf52149819ce4c7e5ba8b019e.jpg

It means the lens hangs down. I often carry it with my right hand when I'm hiking. I guess I could put both connectors on lens mounts. I'll have to try that, someday.

I have the RRS foot for the tripod mount.

e9a6112962e64830982a85ce279ab881.jpg

This is what it looks like if you put the Peak Design connector on the RRS foot



95d057c29cd045df8ea99c52d3a37dc9.jpg

It hangs more horizontally. I may try that this weekend!
 
Last edited:
21tones said:
I've read in a number of places that the tripod foot on the Sony can be a bit problematic because of four small screws that can tend to come loose.

Some people have loctited them, others have bought alternative feet.

I don't know whether the problem is a result of the way that people carry the lens in the field so am interested to know how owners of the lens do it.

When I had a Sigma 150-600, on Canon, many years ago I carried the lens over my shoulder holding the substantial monopod it was attached to.

I don't know whether it was the cause of the problem but eventually the lens would not achieve accurate focus.

So advice about the best way to carry the lens/camera in the field, and any suggestions on securing/replacing the tripod foot would be appreciated

Thanks in advance of any responses
Click to expand...
I suspect that you "read in a number of places" the same comment being re-re-repeated in different forums. The internet echo chamber at work. I don't dispute that someone had those mounting screws fail. I suspect that there was some forceful initiating cause like being dropped.

My preferred foot is from Hejnar. Lots of length to adjust balance and good vertical clearance for carrying. With a QD sling in the foot the camera+lens hangs horizontally which is better for walking. I have peak design anchors in the lens' strap lugs. It hangs vertically on the lugs which is better in close quarters or crowds.
 
Hi,

I've also read about the broken screws but on my 200-600 there's nothing wobbling or loose or giving the impression of lacking stability.

For normal carrying on short moves on location I have cam and lens secured either on their strap and hanging around my neck, the strap fixed on the lenses lugs a bit shorter so this takes the weight.

For a bit more walking around I'm crossing the strap fixed on the lens beneath its foot so it hangs in front of my chest almost horizontally, supported on the lugs on one side and on the foot by the crossed strap on the other side. Even if not exactly comfortable to carry this way, it's fast and easy to get it back into action and, most important perhaps, in front of my chest it doesn't bang around at my legs. Much easier to walk and better for steps uphill or downhill - and no need for a special harness. If terrain gets to steep the lens goes back into the backpack anyway...
 
kirk foot ,magpul rifle (type) connector , peakdesign strap
 
I carry mine by the stock foot.
 
I have a Think Tank Glass Limo backpack which holds the camera and lens with hood attached, and TC. The combo lives in this and gets carried when I start out on a walk, as soon as I start taking pics I carry it over my shoulder, usually with a hand on the lens. I don't find it too heavy but have been doing this for years with different outfits.. Nearly always shoot handheld occasionally with a monopod which has a quick release and straps to the side of the bag when not needed.

--
Geo Cocker

Photography by George Cocker - GEC.photography

www.gec.photography www.gec.photography



fd0d04b5bdf049e8b3951a65324edc40.jpg
 
Thanks to further responders. It looks like my old habit of carrying the lens over my shoulder attached to a monopod isn't a good idea?
 
It is pricey, but I absolutely love my RRS replacement foot and MAGPUL strap with XQD connection. Seconds to change from sling to tripod and back.
 
rsmithsd73 said:
It is pricey, but I absolutely love my RRS replacement foot and MAGPUL strap with XQD connection. Seconds to change from sling to tripod and back.
Click to expand...
Same here - although I also attach a light weight safetystrip from the sling to the lens body in the rare case I didnt seat the quick release or the foot properly. Its happened.
 
I haven't worked out a consistent approach yet. I don't have a either a tripod nor monopod head that I'm fully happy with but have carried on/over the shoulder with this or other cameras/lenses when moving about. That requires a certain amount of space to move around in and a crowded viewing area might make this tough.

Carrying it off tripod/monopod, I'll sling it. Currently using it with the Magpul on a Kirk replacement foot. That's a bit awkward on the transition to a tripod because my qdr takes a "just right" push so a bit fumbly. I may also carry by the foot or stabilize the slung load depending on circumstances.

I haven't convinced myself that the Peak Design filament loops and the strap loops on the lens body are perfect for each other. Like I wouldn't use just a strap but might consider with a closed sling so a single little loop failure doesn't crash the whole load.

I have a moderately large panel opening pack that it will fit with enough room for a variety of other gear, haven't worked out the inserts yet. It really depends on how much and how far one might ned to carry the gear.
 
Never heard of loose screws on the lens... but that can just be me.

I use a tripod foot with integrated arca swiss cutaway, so I don't have to put any plates on the foot:


It works great, but you have to tighten the screw on the side pretty hard, because it tightens the foot pretty late. But once tightened, it doesn't come loose. Also it is a little longer than the original foot what makes the hand-holding a little more comfortable.

Another way to carry it (without tripod) would be with a camera strap attached to the lens, which also works very good. I use a little wider strap from peak design with the anchors attached to the strap eyelets on the lens.
 
I don't have the lens in my possession yet, but I ordered it last week. I plan to carry it with the included pouch in a rolling bag to location. Then I will use Peak Design anchors on both sides with a Peak Design strap. I will order a replacement foot with Arca so that I don't have to screw on plate to mount.
 
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