items - New Wearable Camera-Support Systems from Cotton Carrier
Cotton Carrier Camera Support Systems are a neat, practical and functional way to carry photo gear on the run. Harness-like in a one-size-fits-all design, Cotton carriers are available in two styles based on the type of (and how many) cameras you are using.
The basic unit is the Cotton Carrier 100 CCS, which is designed for use with most (D)SLRs. It is made of 1680 Denier polypropylene and features a Lexan camera receptacle and removable side holster. Included are two sets of camera inserts comprised of an anodized aluminum hub, a stainless-steel marine-grade bolt and high-density rubber washers.
The Cotton Carrier 122 CPF is similar in design and features to the Cotton Carrier 100 CCS, but is designed to be used with a wider range of camera options, single or multiple. Both versions claim to reduce back and neck strain on the job, and feature quick-release systems for fluid work flow and camera operation, which provide a good alternative to working from a traditional camera bag or backpack.
Comments
07/08/2010 - 14:22.
I just ordered one of these today - and will put it to a good test as I will be traveling aboard a Tall Ship for 11 days on the Great Lakes.
I will be using a Canon 40d and at times, a Sigma 50-500mm lens with it. It's a lot of weight to have around my neck, and I wouldn't feel safe climbing aloft with that sort of setup. I'm looking forward to seeing how this will assist in getting into positions I wouldn't dare otherwise.
07/08/2010 - 14:59.
My father bought one of these a couple of months back to use on a trip to Italy. He's taken similar trips in the past and didn't like lugging things around all day by shoulder/neck straps, etc. He said the Cotton Carrier was a blessing and that he'd recommend it to anyone. Haven't worn it myself, but he was quite happy with it.
07/08/2010 - 15:23.
I used the Cotton Carrier for two weeks all over Italy. It was a blessing.
The weight of the camera becomes a non-issue and the convenience of having it strapped on for easy access made it quick and easy to take shots without having to rummage through a bag to get to the camera. It is one of the best accessory purchase I've ever made for carrying the camera.
07/12/2010 - 08:56.
I just came back from Indochina, where I was for a month and a half. The cotton Carrier simply "rocks"
I leave today to go to Peru and the cotton carrier is already packed.
Two bodies, D700 & D300 and lenses well 2.8's.....
Happy shooting
07/12/2010 - 08:58.
PS: The only thing I wish is they make it in a tan or olive color, the black stands out a lot and you are very, very noticeable, sometimes when you don't want to.....
07/15/2010 - 12:04.
Looks interesting but how is it hot, humid, tropical climates?
07/15/2010 - 12:17.
I recently spent 3 weeks on safari lugging around heavy gear and a lot of glass. The cotton carrier was very comfortable and helped a great deal on both securing the camera on brutal road conditions and keeping me stay comforable without any neck fatigue. I would very highly recommend this product. Two other people on the trip with me have already purchased ones after seeing mine.
I agree with Ernesto that it would be nice if it came in other colors - Tan or Olive would be great.
To your question Randy on how is it in hot, humid climates... I was at the equator during rainy season and you know it is there for sure. Similar to a backpack but less fabric in direct contact with you. It was still worth the trade off in my opinion. I will not travel without mine regardless of conditions in the future.
07/15/2010 - 12:35.
I looks great but my concern is that my cameras have Really Right Stuff tripod plates on them. It looks like I'd have to remove the RRS plates to use the Cotton Carrier mount for the harness, then remove that and put the RRS plate back on to put it on a tripod. Is there any way around that?
07/15/2010 - 12:36.
I didn't know "indochina" was a place anymore... i am aware of Thailand, Vietnam, Lao, and Cambodia... but "indochina" is now a outdated term used when france had control over the area... not a good choice of vocabulary...
I just came back from Indochina, where I was for a month and a half. The cotton Carrier simply "rocks"
I leave today to go to Peru and the cotton carrier is already packed.
Two bodies, D700 & D300 and lenses well 2.8's.....
Happy shooting
07/15/2010 - 12:55.
This thing is very ugly looking... period. Maybe good for the time in jungle when no one sees you.
07/15/2010 - 12:52.
Leonardophoto-
I have RRS plates on all my equipment too. I bought 2 RRS lever-release clamps and attached the Cotton Carrier discs to the clamps. The clamps stay on the vest and I just snap the cameras / lens plates into the clamps. Adds some expense and weight, but totally worth it! Cotton has a modified version of their screws that can be used with the RRS unthreaded LR clamps. Look on Cotton Carrier's website and you'll find them.
Highly recommended!!!
I looks great but my concern is that my cameras have Really Right Stuff tripod plates on them. It looks like I'd have to remove the RRS plates to use the Cotton Carrier mount for the harness, then remove that and put the RRS plate back on to put it on a tripod. Is there any way around that?
07/15/2010 - 13:16.
Let's give the grammar cops the day off. OK?
07/15/2010 - 13:30.
While the cotton carrier appears to be a terrific piece of equipment, very well built and durable, I have been using a $25 binocular harness made by Eagle Optics (which I got through Audubon) with the same results - on National Geographic expeditions in the very humid rain forest, in the dry desert, and at sea (in the Sea of Cortez and the Mediterranean). The harness is strong enough to support my Canon 7D and the Canon 100-400mm lens all day, and spreads the weight to both shoulders. So if you are a bit cost conscious, the plain ol' binocular harness might do the trick.
07/15/2010 - 13:35.
I ordered one when it first came out and used it for a weeks worth of hiking in the Grand Teton NP. It worked great! Carried my 5DmII with my 24-105 on my chest and my 40D with the 100-400L on my hip. Loved it! Had that and my backpack with the rest of my gear. No problem, and I'm out of shape. :)
07/15/2010 - 13:59.
Which harness did you get from Eagle Optics??
07/15/2010 - 14:10.
This is an excellent product for multiple camera users! I have hiked, biked, and snowshoed with this system and it's never let me down. I've used it in everything from sand dunes to waist deep snow. In temperatures of +30c to -35c!
For years I struggled with 2 cameras shooting owls in deep snow with my 300mmf2.8is and 70-200f2.8is on pro bodies. Tried many solutions but usually ended up either dropping a camera in the snow or having snow collect on the front element of the lenses. The Cotton Carrier has solved all these winter shooting problems for me and allows a much more secure system than my previous setup of shoulder straps and waist packs.
Hiking with a pro body and 100-400 or even a 300f2.8 usually results in neck and back pain when using the traditional camera strap over the shoulder. Not so with the Cotton system! I can hike or bike for hours now without the pain I sufferred previous to getting the Cotton system. I recently biked 25km into a back country lake and hiked for another 10km in thick forest with a 7D and 100-400 attached to my Cotton carrier. The Cotton system allowed me easy access to my camera for the several encouters I had with bears and moose. I would have missed these opportunities had my camera been in a backpack!
The hub system allows you to attach hubs to your RRS or other Arca Swiss camera plates and still mount your camera to your tripod. I have hubs attached on my 1d4 and 1ds2 L brackets and leave them on permanently. I use the kirk mini clamps with hubs attached when using lenses with tripod rings.
In summary, I highly recommend this system to wildlife photographers or anyone that wants to be active and shot with multiple cameras.
www.prairiefoto.ca
07/15/2010 - 14:56.
Re" Indochina isn't a place any more!!!" For Gawwd's sake! Get over it. Everyone who read Indochina knew what it meant.
I didn't know "indochina" was a place anymore... i am aware of Thailand, Vietnam, Lao, and Cambodia... but "indochina" is now a outdated term used when france had control over the area... not a good choice of vocabulary...
I just came back from Indochina, where I was for a month and a half. The cotton Carrier simply "rocks"
I leave today to go to Peru and the cotton carrier is already packed.
Two bodies, D700 & D300 and lenses well 2.8's.....
Happy shooting
07/15/2010 - 15:58.
Anonymous wrote:
This thing is very ugly looking... period. Maybe good for the time in jungle when no one sees you.
My equipment is for shooting, not for impression making. That's why I purchased the 4/3 gear.
In order to impress I put on my red shoes, yellow tie and green hat.
07/15/2010 - 17:40.
It became difficult for me to lug around my xsi with the 70-200 2.8 IS when shooting my son's baseball games after a car accident that left me with permanent back damage over two years ago. I have upgraded to a gripped 7D now. This vest has been a lifesaver. It keeps the weight high on your chest and you really don't notice it much at all. I have once again began to take pictures because I am able to move around without having the weight of my gear aggravate my back or the neck strain from using the traditional strap. Not only do I take pictures at the park, but I carry my camera just about everywhere I had before. It is worth noting that using a cane while carrying a camera around your neck is no fun. Thank you Andy Cotton for this invention.
07/15/2010 - 18:15.
I have had one for about a month, and just returned from a trip to Alaska. I have the Manfrotto quick release. It is sometimes a little slow to attach, because I can't look down and see where it goes, but removing it is super fast.
I am using it with a Nikon D700 w/24-70 f2.8....total about 4 lbs. After all day it still gets a little heavy, but much more comfortable than a strap pressing on the back of my neck. The big benefit is the freedom of movement without the camera swinging around....very handy for car, bus, train, or small plane.
Very well made and durable, and I do recomment it.
07/15/2010 - 18:51.
Thanks everyone for the great reviews. Does anyone know where there are images that tell the story of this in use? The small pictures and list of parts are not really all that useful.
07/15/2010 - 18:54.
it is very nice
i can carry my canon 7 d on my chest and on my right i carry
my movie camera and on my left a lens case for a extra lens
07/15/2010 - 21:58.
I've owned this device since it first showed up in the photo magazines. It's one of my best purchases that I made in 2009. Great system! Great customer service! I called them to ask question the customer service person was not sure and wanted to call Mr Cotton himself and make sure. He took my number down(I live in USA New Jersey) and said he would call me back. And in 10-15 min he did and had my answer and suggestions. Now that's what I call customer service! Get it you won't be sorry! To bad you new people are not getting the introductory price but still it's not that expensive. And if you know anything about this business it can be very expensive!! Again Get it you won't be sorry!!!
07/16/2010 - 03:23.
I purchased the Cotton Carrier several weeks ago and use it with my Canon 7D and Canon 100-400mm L lens. I hike the mountains in California photographing wildlife from Bobcats to Raptors. What a well conceived, designed, and built device this Cotton Carrier is. The quality and workmanship is 1st rate. Previously I hiked with one hand holding the camera and long lens to my chest attempting to take the strain off my neck. Or cradling the barrel of the lens in one hand. So I had arm and neck fatigue. Today, I hike with both hands free and am only mildly aware that I have a heavy camera & lens secured to my chest. The weight of the camera is on my upper body, not my neck or shoulders. Now I won't go off without it. It is superb. My hat's off to Andy Cotton. Grand Slam. Oh, and BTW... I have been hiking in 90º+ temperatures and the Cotton Carrier does not cause overheating in any measurable way. Lastly, I feel safer with both hands free of gear while I'm hiking the mountain trails. Get one, you'll very likely be as happy with the product as I am.
07/16/2010 - 06:40.
Has anyone used this system with flashes attached to two bodies; not while hiking, climbing etc but rather in a more controlable arena like a basketball game or press conference where I might be 'stationed' in one spot but still needing my 70-200 and wide angle and where I have freedom to move about with a minimum of jarring? Is the weight of the flash units w/batteries too much weight for the shoe?? Thanks for your imput/suggestions.
07/16/2010 - 08:45.
I purchased this carrier for my trip to Alaska in Aug. 2010. I made a test run thru the Portland zoo with my Pentax k10D with the 80-200 zoom on the camera. It was great. I was able to pick up my granddaughter and put her up on my shoulders without putting down my camera. I simply hooked it to the carrier and had hands free control of my gear. I can't wait to hike in Alaska with my granddaughter while looking for that perfect shot of a bear catching salmon.
07/16/2010 - 10:01.
I bought the carrier in 2009 shortly after it came on the market. My first serious test was at Churchill, Manitoba last October for the polar bear migration. I carried my Olympus E3 and 100-400mm f2.8 lens all day on 5 different days without aches or pains and camera equipment banging around. Also, if you're a birdwatcher you can carry your cameras and use your binoculars at the same time which is what I also use it for. If you need your camera(s) configured to be used on a tripod, the company is very accomodating in helping you sort that out. My cameras are configured to be mounted on a Velbon tripod using the Velbon quick attach plates. If you have heavy equipment and are the outdoor type then this is the system for you. I highly recommend it based on personal use.
07/16/2010 - 16:51.
I have been using this system all race season long, and I love it. One of the best buys I have made. Found it in a magazine and have not had one bad experience with it. I used it over the Winter months while shooting High School basketball games, at the track... dirt track racing, and have yet to find a problem with them. If you want to be able to carry your equipment with knowledge that it's secure, and have no neck wear and tear then this is the ticket. I hang a good bit of gear on it and feel very comfortable wearing it. I am not a small man by any stretch. I have lost 62 lbs since January and it has molded to every loss and I feelo very comfortable with it. GET ONE... you will not be sorry with this investment.
07/19/2010 - 19:03.
I am delighted that B&H is now carrying the Cotton Carrier. I have used mine extensively and found it to be absolutely the best system I've come across so far. In fact, I wrote to Cotton urging him to let B&H carry his system, and to B&H urging them to carry it. I use mine with a Royal Robbins vest with lots of pockets for my filters, etc. Works well, although I "rattle" a bit when I walk. It does seem like it can be worn under my backpack, but I have tried that yet. I did create a cover for my camera out of an old lens changing bag to protect it from salt and sand. I have found carrying two cameras a bit awkward, but no problem at all with just one. I also use the Manfratto adapter plate; it works well. I suspect that there are work-arounds for most tripod mounting systems. There's lots of good information - including several videos - on Cotton's site - BUT buy this from B&H; the shipping charges from Canada are outrageous.
07/21/2010 - 16:59.
I looks great but my concern is that my cameras have Really Right Stuff tripod plates on them. It looks like I'd have to remove the RRS plates to use the Cotton Carrier mount for the harness, then remove that and put the RRS plate back on to put it on a tripod. Is there any way around that?
I have the RRS L-bracket on my camera. I had to purchase an additional screw- on-clamp (from Cotton Carrier) that attaches to the L-bracket and then attaches to the carrier. I learned how to remove the clamp from the L- bracket in seconds to mount the camera on to the tripod with RRS ballhead. I love the cotton carrier system! I had been having trouble carrying the camera with heavy lenses and this system works great for me.
No problem even though I had concerns at first. You need to have a place to put the screw-on-clamp once you remove it. I had pockets so I could stash the clamp in a pocket while the camera was on the tripod. It was never a problem for me.
Just completed a lengthy trip to Banff, Glalcier and Yellowstone. Could not have made the trip without my cotton carrier. Never had neck strain! Highly recommend the system.
08/03/2010 - 16:37.
I am a photographer not a glamor model.
Anonymous wrote:
This thing is very ugly looking... period. Maybe good for the time in jungle when no one sees you.
My equipment is for shooting, not for impression making. That's why I purchased the 4/3 gear.
In order to impress I put on my red shoes, yellow tie and green hat.
09/21/2010 - 20:22.
I've also used a binocular harness; however, it leaves your camera very loose and unprotected, so, technically, I don't agree that it 'supports' a camera unless it's a point and shoot. The CottonCarrier was the solution.
While the cotton carrier appears to be a terrific piece of equipment, very well built and durable, I have been using a $25 binocular harness made by Eagle Optics (which I got through Audubon) with the same results - on National Geographic expeditions in the very humid rain forest, in the dry desert, and at sea (in the Sea of Cortez and the Mediterranean). The harness is strong enough to support my Canon 7D and the Canon 100-400mm lens all day, and spreads the weight to both shoulders. So if you are a bit cost conscious, the plain ol' binocular harness might do the trick.
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