Every year or so I post about my camera setup, and the gear I use to carry it while hiking, etc. Here is this year's update...
You can go back and read
last year's post, or my
2010 post to see how I've changed over time.
Since last year, I've upgraded from the Nikon D300 to the D600. Since it is now a full frame, I also switched my primary lens to the D600 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 kit lens. Both the D600 body and the lens are smaller than D300/17-55 f2.8 I carried before, although I did give up some speed on my walk around lens.
Camera Mount
The
Cotton Universal Adapter is constantly attached to my camera. With its Arca-Swiss compatibility, it can easily be mounted on my Tri-Pod and Mono-Pod, as well as carried using the Cotton system. I also have the
Cotton Hand Strap attached as my primary strap. I don't like or use a neck strap.
Hiking/Walking
I continue to find the
Cotton Strap Shot to be the ideal carrier solution while hiking. Mine never leaves my REI daypack, which I carry on just about every day hike. It holds the camera securely and out of the way while hiking, but I can still have it up and ready to shoot in seconds. The tether is a nice bit of extra security as I don't keep a neck strap on my camera.
While I own the
Cotton Carrier Vest and
Side Holster, they don't see a ton of activity. The vest is great if you want a really stable mount for your DSLR, but I find that for most activities where it would make sense (biking, skiing), I carry my GoPro instead. I do occasionally use the side holster, and it is a good companion to a waist pack, where you have a heavier belt meant to support weight of it. I used it once this year on a shorter hike where I just wore a waist pack and it worked well.
For more casual walks, I use my
BlackRapid strap. It screws right into the Cotton Universal Adapter so it is quick to throw on the camera and works great for casual walks where you are taking a lot of pictures. It isn't stable enough for more intense walks or hiking, but if you are walking around town it is a great option. I've had my RS-1 since 2008, and it continues to perform well. Well worth the $44 dollars I spent, although it looks to be a bit more expensive now.
Tri/Mono Pods
I have a Gitzo Basalt Tripod (GT2932) that continues to work very well, and a Sirui P-326 Monopod that I like as well. The Sirui's padding is starting to split a little after only 6 months, but it is fine otherwise. Both with Arca-Swiss compatible mounts.
GoPro
In addition to the DSLR, I added a GoPro Hero3 to the mix this year as well. I primarily use it while skiing, although I have used it while swimming and snorkeling in the ocean this year as well. For carrying the GoPro, I use three main options:
The
GoPro Chesty works great if you are primarily shooting video of yourself skiing. It provides a very stable platform (your torso), and makes the camera accessible to you, allowing you to control it directly instead of using a WiFi control (iPhone or Remote).
The
Helmet Mount works well if you are taking video of someone else skiing. It allows you to steadily track them while you move back and forth across the mountain. It is more difficult to control, and pairs well with a WiFi control, although this really drains the battery, especially in cold conditions.
I like both of the above and end up switching back and forth during the season. Either is a solid option.
This summer I picked up the
Wrist Housing, primarily for my trip to Hawaii for use while swimming/snorkeling. I found it worked well. It was not overly obtrusive while swimming, and easy to control, even underwater. I also used it on a kayak trip, and again, it didn't bother me while paddling and kept the GoPro available for nearly every opportunity.
Bags
My main camera bag is the Lowepro SlingShot 200. I've used this bag for about 4 years now, and it is my primary carry bag. It fits the D600 with the 17-55 mounted, as well as my 80-200 and a couple prime lenses. This is really my main carry solution, as it works well to carry the DSLR when you want to have your other lenses available as well. You can quickly rotate the back from your back to your chest and pull out the camera. It also provides a steady platform for changing lenses on the move. It looks like the
Slingshot 202 is the current iteration of this bag.
I also added a travel bag, the Fastpack 350. This allows me to carry my camera, all the lenses, as well as my laptop and assorted cables. This is my carry on bag when flying. Although I often throw my SlingShot in my checked luggage if I'm traveling for more than a weekend, so I can use it once I've arrived.
Summary
Overall, I'm very pleased with the solutions I have in place. I'm not looking to replace any of the solutions I have now, although I'm sure as new products come out I will be tempted.
Note: I purchased almost everything myself, including the Cotton Carrier Vest, SideHolster and various adapters, but Cotton did provide me with the StrapShot and Universal Adapter plate for free.
