Birding Gear : Cotton Carrier FirstLook

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A few months ago, we took a look at how we transported the Nikkor 200-500mm lens when we were out birding. In that post, we gave a quick mention of two slings which we thought might let us more quickly access the D850/Nikkor heavy combo when we shot handheld.

Originally, the FirstLook posts of the slings were scheduled for late Summer/early Fall. However, enough readers let us know that they were eager to learn more about them that we decided to move them up the  FirstLook calendar.

Cotton Carrier

The Skout G2 Strap is what we’ll take a FirstLook at today. This strap made the cut because of their claim the user can “run” with the camera securely attached. While we are not big on “moving at pace,” we LIKE that idea that we could should we choose to 🙂

Features

Included in package

Comfort (padding) and airflow (mesh) were part of the harness design, as well as consideration for unexpected events (security strap).

The G2 harness is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use. We think Cotton did everything right in creating this and we are eager to take it out into the field!

Anchor

The “secret” to a secure mounting of the Cotton Carrier system is the anchor. It must be oriented in a very specific way for it to work, i.e., “triangles pointing to the lens and the body.” With the triangles clearly etched into the anchor, it is pretty hard to mess that up 🙂

Some may wonder, what if the anchor works itself loose over time? That possibility is lessened by the use of a hi-density rubber washer. Instead of using a metal washer, a rubber washer will compress when tightened, acting as a “lock” washer, but without the downside of marring things.

Using the supplied allen key, and taking note of the orientation of the anchor, we tightened the bolt such that the rubber washer was compressed onto the foot of the lens mounting. Once tightened, nothing moved.

NOTE: With the anchor attached, it would probably be fine for use with a monopod, but we are not confident about how stable it would be to mount everything onto a tripod.

With the anchor attached, we slipped it into the slot and tested out the entire assembly. With the orientation of the camera pointing “down” relative to the opening of the slot, we were not able to pull it out…a good sign!

There is a also a tether for extra security in case of some unexpected failure or the camera slipping out of the hand. It is designed to attach to the body of the camera, with the length long enough to not interfere with normal use.

Harness

The Skout G2 harness fits over the shoulder. You order the one for the shoulder you’ll be slinging the camera on, as the harness is not reversible. We opted for the left shoulder.

Putting the harness on was a simple matter of slipping into it and securing one buckle around the chest. Quick, simple, and secure.

True to Cotton’s claim, locking in the camera and removing it really was a quick “twist & lock/unlock” process…no fumbling about. When pointing down, the camera is securely locked in harness.

To release the camera, all that was needed was to move it to horizontal and lift. With the big lens on, we needed two hands (one on the lens, one on the body) to do it comfortably…maybe it is a sign for us to do more arm curls!!!

FirstThoughts

The harness was easy to put on and take off. When loaded w/ the D850 and 200-500mm lens, the combo stayed secured in the slot when anchored. A quick turn and lift freed it from the slot. We found the design to be both functional and robust. Of course, while everything felt very secure, carrying close to eight pounds on the chest is going to take some getting used to. We’ll see what happens out in the field!

For the FirstUse test, we’ll take it with out on a few different kinds of hikes (level ground, easy climb, etc) and report back. Look for it closer to the end of Fall/early Winter…unless you tell us otherwise, LOL.

Links to items mentioned:

• Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Strap
• Nikon D850 body
• Nikkor 200-500mm zoom