Two simple accessories that make carrying my camera and tripod more comfortable, convenient and practical when I’m out photographing.
When I’m out with my camera, I want to spend my time looking for photographs, not looking for my gear. Whether I’m walking through the woods, exploring a new location or photographing the changing colours of fall, having my equipment accessible and comfortable to carry makes a real difference.
That’s why I like the Think Tank Photo Camera Support Straps V2.0 and Tripod Suspension Kit. They address two everyday challenges for photographers: carrying a camera without putting all the weight on your neck and shoulders and transporting a tripod without having to hold it in your hand or repeatedly attach and remove it from your backpack.
They’re small additions to my kit, but they make the whole process of getting from one photograph to the next a little easier.
Camera Support Straps V2.0: Keep your camera close
The Think Tank Photo Camera Support Straps V2.0 are designed to connect a camera (if your strap eyelets are large enough), or a camera strap, such as the Think Tank Camera Strap V2.0, to your backpack or harness. Instead of having the camera’s weight hanging entirely from your neck, the straps transfer much of that load to the backpack’s shoulder straps.
I use them with my FocusPoint 30L and DarkLight 25L backpacks, depending on what I’m carrying and where I’m heading. The setup keeps my camera close at hand while allowing me to walk comfortably with my hands free.
What I particularly appreciate is how quickly I can get my camera into shooting position. I don’t have to take off my backpack, open a compartment, pull out the camera and then reverse the entire process when I’m finished. My camera is already there, ready when I spot something worth photographing.
That accessibility is especially useful when I’m exploring outdoors. Fall is a perfect example: the light changes constantly, leaves catch the sun at unexpected angles and an interesting composition can appear when you least expect it. I might be photographing with my digital camera one moment and using my film camera loaded with Ilford HP5 or Harman Phoenix the next. Whatever I’m shooting, having the camera readily accessible makes it easier to react to the scene in front of me.
The support straps are also a practical option when I’m carrying more than one camera. Most often, my film camera is attached to the these straps while my DSLR is safely stored in my backpack.
It’s a simple idea, but it solves a real problem: less time managing your camera, more time using it.
Tripod Suspension Kit: Carry your tripod without the hassle
The second accessory I reach for is the Think Tank Photo Tripod Suspension Kit, which I use with my Vanguard VEO3+ 263CB carbon-fibre tripod.
A tripod is invaluable when I want to work carefully with composition or keep the camera steady, but carrying one between locations can be awkward. Holding it in one hand becomes tiring, particularly when I’m also carrying a backpack and camera. Attaching it to a bag can work, but I don’t always want to stop and fiddle with mounting straps every time I need to take it off.
The Tripod Suspension Kit provides a more convenient solution. Its adjustable connection straps and custom aluminum clips secure my tripod to any of my backpacks, allowing me to carry it hands-free while keeping it accessible.
With my Vanguard tripod attached, I can move between shooting locations without having to carry it separately. When I reach a spot where I want to set up, I can release it from the suspension system and get to work.
That makes a difference when I’m walking along trails, exploring a landscape or looking for a particular angle. I can keep moving until I find the composition I want, rather than letting the inconvenience of carrying a tripod determine where I stop. Another added bonus is that I don’t have put my pack in the dirt or mud just to get my tripod out.
The VEO3+ 263CB is a useful companion for this setup and the suspension kit helps make transporting it less of a chore. It’s one of those accessories you appreciate most when you’re covering more ground than you originally planned.
As with any tripod-carrying system, it’s important to secure the tripod properly, use both connection straps and balance the load. The kit supports a maximum attached weight of 9kg/20lb.
One added bonus – it can turn your tripod into an armrest!
Two accessories, one more practical workflow
What I like about these two Think Tank Photo products is that they work together to make carrying my equipment more manageable.
The Camera Support Straps V2.0 keep my camera accessible and help reduce the strain of carrying it around my neck. The Tripod Suspension Kit keeps my Vanguard VEO3+ 263CB close without requiring me to carry it in my hand.
Together, they make it easier to walk, explore and move between locations with my gear ready to go. Whether I’m photographing autumn colours, working with my film cameras or simply exploring somewhere new, I can spend less time handling equipment and more time thinking about the photograph.
Neither accessory will compose an image for me, of course. But they make it easier to be ready when an opportunity presents itself … and that’s a pretty good place to start.
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Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
