Canon R7 Camera Strap for R7 + RF 100-500 Lens

[Salmo Trutta]

I recently acquired an R7 together with an RF 100-500 lens. As there are no strap lugs on the lens, my usual method of carrying this combination is with a PD Slide strap attached to the lugs on the camera. This is a relatively heavy lens and I wondered if this could cause any damage to either the lens or camera mounts.

 

[koenkooi]

A word of warning: the tripod collar that comes with the 100-500 has a section in the manual showing how to properly close and tighten it. If you decide to attach a carrying thing to the tripod collar, please read that section of the manual.
A number of people on the fredmiranda forum didn’t read it and were very surprised when the collar opened and dumped the lens+camera to the ground.

As for carrying the lens+camera on the lugs: it has worked for my R5 so far, but for anything other than very short walks it’s
going into my backpack or shoulder bag.

 

[Only RF]

I have that lens. I use PD and have several Really Right Stuff rails from other uses. I attached one to the foot. Any type will do. Been doing this for 4 years with other lenses with no issues. Carried a 400 DO II that way once.

 

[PhotoJim58]

I recently acquired an R7 together with an RF 100-500 lens. As there are no strap lugs on the lens, my usual method of carrying this combination is with a PD Slide strap attached to the lugs on the camera. This is a relatively heavy lens and I wondered if this could cause any damage to either the lens or camera mounts.

I have a strap made by Magpull that attaches to the camera or the lens, which is where I mount it. That way all the weight is on the lens and not the camera mount.

 

[Dean Wilson]

I carry my R5 with any lens (including the 100-500) without a strap, but with an L-bracket. I don't have an issue carrying it around all day. However, it's the next day....

This is the case when I am walking around with one lens, if I have more, then, of course, they are in the camera bag.

 

[SYSO]

I dropped my brand new R5/RF 800 shortly after purchasing them due to a failure in the single connection system, so this is how I carry mine ever since, a PD Slide modified with QD connection for my camera and a safety tether with QD connection for my lens plate.

 

[Woodbadger]

Note that in the EOS R7 specs, there is the following note:
”Note that total camera mount load capacity for camera, lens, microphone, and other accessories should not exceed 1 kg /35.3 oz.”
At 1525g (including tripod mount) the RF 100-500 exceeds the manufacturers limit if you carry by just attaching to the camera body lugs. I have the smaller lighter RF100-400 which comes in under at only 635g. It has no tripod foot. I currently am attached to both lugs with Optech sling strap. However, I plan on adding an Optech/USA lens sling as main carrying point with a quick release strap attached to the righthand lug as as a safety backup. I realize Neither method reduces stress on the camera mount but I think the loop will get in the way less than a strap mounted to the lefthand lug. YMMV!

 

[Only RF]

Forgot to add that when I purchased my PD strap it came with older version anchors. This was about 5 years ago. I immediately purchased V4 which has thicker nylon strapping. It well exceeds the camera mount specs but piece of mind goes a long way. I have spares and check for wear and tear every year. I see they still only offer V4 so it appears that was a successful version.

 

[koenkooi]

Forgot to add that when I purchased my PD strap it came with older version anchors. This was about 5 years ago. I immediately purchased V4 which has thicker nylon strapping. It well exceeds the camera mount specs but piece of mind goes a long way. I have spares and check for wear and tear every year. I see they still only offer V4 so it appears that was a successful version.

One of the versions didn't meet expectations and was recalled, I think you can get PD to replace the affected ones for free.

 

[Only RF]

One of the versions didn't meet expectations and was recalled, I think you can get PD to replace the affected ones for free.

That is correct. Now I recall this event. I was in Europe and lost my strap which was a Camdapater. We weren't in a major city and the Best Buy, etc type stores didn't carry those types of heavy duty straps. I finally found an actual camera store but it only sold PD. I was a little sceptical at first but didn't have much choice. After getting back to our place I did some research I read about the recall so the next day I went back to get the V4 anchors. When back in Canada I made the claim with PD Canada. Because I purchased in Europe they could not refund but they gave me the equivalent in store credits so I just bought more anchors for spares.

As for PD I was a little skeptical but since then I have never looked back. I love the design. The plastic anchor links and the anchors do not scratch anything. Very solid design and after about a year I removed my self designed back up strap. 4 years later and no issues. I check and if needed replace the anchors as required.

 

[Salmo Trutta]

I carry my R5 with any lens (including the 100-500) without a strap, but with an L-bracket. I don't have an issue carrying it around all day. However, it's the next day....

This is the case when I am walking around with one lens, if I have more, then, of course, they are in the camera bag.

Thanks for all replies. I have purchased a PD Dual Plate which attaches to the tripod collar on the lens and allows for the strap to be attached to the plate.

 

[MikeZ]

I've used PD straps for years and have never had a problem. I love that you can easily and quickly remove the strap, if need, and that the strap favors cross body carry. That's really comfortable, and is so much more secure than carrying the camera on my shoulder or around my neck.

 

[NorthernGal]

Note that in the EOS R7 specs, there is the following note:
”Note that total camera mount load capacity for camera, lens, microphone, and other accessories should not exceed 1 kg /35.3 oz.”
At 1525g (including tripod mount) the RF 100-500 exceeds the manufacturers limit if you carry by just attaching to the camera body lugs. I have the smaller lighter RF100-400 which comes in under at only 635g. It has no tripod foot. I currently am attached to both lugs with Optech sling strap. However, I plan on adding an Optech/USA lens sling as main carrying point with a quick release strap attached to the righthand lug as as a safety backup. I realize Neither method reduces stress on the camera mount but I think the loop will get in the way less than a strap mounted to the lefthand lug. YMMV!

I am trying to find where in the R7 Manual it says this, and so far, I have not found it. I did find this note in the Canon EOS R7 Specifications listed (for Europe ) on the following site:
https://www.canon-europe.com/cameras/eos-r7/specifications/
However, I cannot find it in my downloaded R7 users manual. Just curious, but I really would like to know about this spec. There are A LOT of R7 users who have an RF 100-500 L lens on their R7!! Are we all running the risk of damaging something??
Also, I am honestly a big confused about what Canon means with this note. It says ", ..total camera mount capacity for camera, lens, microphone.....," should not exceed 1 kg. That sounds like they are referring to something other that the lens mount being the limiting factor. Are they referring to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera????

Given that the lens weighs substantially more than the camera, I plan on attaching a strap to the lens foot, as others on here have done. But, I still wonder just exactly what Canon meant.

 

[Dean Wilson]

Anna Kuzma

It may be in reference to using the Canon HG-100TBR Tripod Grip as noted in this Forum on R7 Accessories as well as Canon USA
In viewing the size of this dainty piece of equipment I can see why.

It also noted on Canon Europe Footnote 29, also applies to the R8, R10, R50; however, this cannot be found on the Canon USA website.

 

[NorthernGal]

Anna Kuzma

It may be in reference to using the Canon HG-100TBR Tripod Grip as noted in this Forum on R7 Accessories as well as Canon USA
In viewing the size of this dainty piece of equipment I can see why.

It also noted on Canon Europe Footnote 29, also applies to the R8, R10, R50; however, this cannot be found on the Canon USA website.

Thank you, Dean Wilson, for the information and those links. I had not seen either of those links about the tripod grip. Very interesting!

 

[Jake Shoots Birds]

I am trying to find where in the R7 Manual it says this, and so far, I have not found it. I did find this note in the Canon EOS R7 Specifications listed (for Europe ) on the following site:
https://www.canon-europe.com/cameras/eos-r7/specifications/
However, I cannot find it in my downloaded R7 users manual. Just curious, but I really would like to know about this spec. There are A LOT of R7 users who have an RF 100-500 L lens on their R7!! Are we all running the risk of damaging something??
Also, I am honestly a big confused about what Canon means with this note. It says ", ..total camera mount capacity for camera, lens, microphone.....," should not exceed 1 kg. That sounds like they are referring to something other that the lens mount being the limiting factor. Are they referring to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera????

Given that the lens weighs substantially more than the camera, I plan on attaching a strap to the lens foot, as others on here have done. But, I still wonder just exactly what Canon meant.

Like you I tried to find it in the manual and couldn't. I also looked for it in the R5 manual and couldn't.

With that said, this says specifically, "camera mount load capacity", not "camera lens mount". For me this means the tripod mount screw, which then makes the rest of the sentence make much more sense. But having taken 5 semesters of physics in college I also know that a well balanced camera sitting on a tripod head isn't putting the full weight on the mount, it's on the bottom until you then tilt the camera. So I would look at this and ask, "When would I want to mount a bracket to the camera?", and not, "How heavy a lens can I put on?"

There are a lot of Canon pros out there carrying the 100-500mm around on bodies without worries or straps mounted to the lens foot. I can't vouch for any difference between the mount on the R7 and the R5, if there is one, but I would not be concerned about it. I think lens weight is not an issue in and off itself, it's more a torque issue when you hold the camera parallel to the ground with no support for the lens creating a gravitational pull against the top part of the mount. A lens hanging straight down with the strap only on the camera is going to do less of a problem... provided you're not jumping up and down with it.

 

[Only RF]

I'm no expert but I read this somewhere long ago. I can't verify it is correct. It just makes sense to me. Heavier lenses can put a lot of stress on the camera and lens mount. It is better to distribute it between the body and lens. One end goes to the foot. The other is attached to the a plate I have attached to the camera. I would not hesitate to use the body strap mount for the second connection.

I'm only using that location is because I attach the lower part of the Camdapter hand strap to it. I've used the hand strap for probably 15 years so while it is not necessary if I take it off it feels like something is missing. When I was younger I would carry a camera with a walk around lens like a 24-105 all day with just that hand strap and no shoulder/neck strap.

The 100-500 has a foot so I lift using it because the lens is heavier than the body.

 

[NorthernGal]

Like you I tried to find it in the manual and couldn't. I also looked for it in the R5 manual and couldn't.

With that said, this says specifically, "camera mount load capacity", not "camera lens mount". For me this means the tripod mount screw, which then makes the rest of the sentence make much more sense. But having taken 5 semesters of physics in college I also know that a well balanced camera sitting on a tripod head isn't putting the full weight on the mount, it's on the bottom until you then tilt the camera. So I would look at this and ask, "When would I want to mount a bracket to the camera?", and not, "How heavy a lens can I put on?"

There are a lot of Canon pros out there carrying the 100-500mm around on bodies without worries or straps mounted to the lens foot. I can't vouch for any difference between the mount on the R7 and the R5, if there is one, but I would not be concerned about it. I think lens weight is not an issue in and off itself, it's more a torque issue when you hold the camera parallel to the ground with no support for the lens creating a gravitational pull against the top part of the mount. A lens hanging straight down with the strap only on the camera is going to do less of a problem... provided you're not jumping up and down with it.

I agree, it's got to be more about the torque issue, when the lens is sticking out there parallel to the ground, and sort of hanging off of the lens mount.
I always support the lens when I'm shooting, but on the other hand, I know that sometimes I get excited when I see an animal and grab my camera!! I have small hands, and it's actually hard for me to grab the barrel of the lens on the RF 100-500!! I've started having the foot in a place where I can easily grab it. I'm pretty much a grab-n-shoot photographer, as it seems I seldom have time to set up a tripod. I haven't had this thing mounted on a tripod yet!!

 

[NorthernGal]

I'm no expert but I read this somewhere long ago. I can't verify it is correct. It just makes sense to me. Heavier lenses can put a lot of stress on the camera and lens mount. It is better to distribute it between the body and lens. One end goes to the foot. The other is attached to the a plate I have attached to the camera. I would not hesitate to use the body strap mount for the second connection.

I'm only using that location is because I attach the lower part of the Camdapter hand strap to it. I've used the hand strap for probably 15 years so while it is not necessary if I take it off it feels like something is missing. When I was younger I would carry a camera with a walk around lens like a 24-105 all day with just that hand strap and no shoulder/neck strap.

The 100-500 has a foot so I lift using it because the lens is heavier than the body.


View attachment 16209View attachment 16210

Thanks for the pictures. It's always great to how other photographers have found ways to make things work!!! I have never used a hand strap, so that's interesting to see. I did just order a shoulder strap setup to attach to the foot tripod plate like you have. I'm not sure if I'll attach both end of the shoulder strap to the foot, or attach one end to the camera, like you have it.
You're right, it just makes sense that you'd hold it by the heaviest part, not grab the lightest part (the camera) and fling it around like the hammer throw in the Olympics!
I'm anxious to see how my new strap and anchors work when I get them!

 

[JHG]

Oh, seems like I am a bit late on this thread.

I use the 'Custom SLR C-Loop' together with PD attachments for my lenses with tripod collars (70-200L, 100-500L) and find it to be very good. I've got the older version which requires an Allen wrench to attach. It also spins freely so you can basically sling your lens+camera sideways comfortably.

 

[Dave Addo]

Note that in the EOS R7 specs, there is the following note:
”Note that total camera mount load capacity for camera, lens, microphone, and other accessories should not exceed 1 kg /35.3 oz.”
At 1525g (including tripod mount) the RF 100-500 exceeds the manufacturers limit if you carry by just attaching to the camera body lugs. I have the smaller lighter RF100-400 which comes in under at only 635g. It has no tripod foot. I currently am attached to both lugs with Optech sling strap. However, I plan on adding an Optech/USA lens sling as main carrying point with a quick release strap attached to the righthand lug as as a safety backup. I realize Neither method reduces stress on the camera mount but I think the loop will get in the way less than a strap mounted to the lefthand lug. YMMV!

Gosh the lugs must be much weaker than those on earlier DSLRs. I've always carried my 6D and 60D around with the EF100-400L lens attached just on a strap clipped to the lugs.