Cotton Carrier Systems Camera Harness 2 Review

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[TheSignal]

I’ve hiked quite a bit with this system and love it. Havasu Falls, Arches, Canyonlands, to name a few. I needed something that would allow me to comfortably carry my camera as well as quickly have access to it. The standard neck strap was not an option, and I knew if I left it packed in my backpack I wouldn’t take nearly as many pictures. Camera always felt secure on my chest, allowed me to scramble using both hands. Money well spent.

[klackon]

Good, honest review, Dustin. I have owned my Cotton Carrier CCS-2 for about a year and it is brilliant. Prior to purchasing it I had, unwittingly, bought a Chinese copy from Amazon for about £25. It, too, was a great bit of kit but the weight of my Canon 300mm f2.8L IS lens and 7D mark II broke part of the retaining socket of the chest holster off. When I searched Amazon again for a replacement I discovered the genuine article. Though I paid about £125 it is really well put together and the retaining sockets are so much better. I currently use mine for up to 7 hours a day and carry a Nikon D500 + Nikkor 300mm f4 PF VR + 1.4 TC and an Olympus EM1 + Olympus 300mm f4 PRO + 1.4 TC. I endorse your view that it is necessary to carry an Allan key at all times; as heavier lenses can cause the the lug to work free occasionally if has been attached to the camera body, due to a pendulum effect when carried on the hip holster. If you are used to adjusting web belts and ammo pouches the Cotton Carrier is a doddle to set up and adjust.

[jeffdjtube]

I modified my system by adding a plate that takes both the original attachment lug and the plate for my tripod. This means I don’t have to unscrew anything when changing from vest to tripod. If the original design had adopted a universal plate attachment this would’ve been needed.

[klackon]

Dustin Abbott: I forgot to mention, I modified my Cotton Carrier. As I wear the hip holster on the right I sewed a "D" ring to the upper left (as I wear it) vertical strap and threaded a piece of fabric belt and plastic belt fastner through it. I hang my Sirui 204S hybrid monopod from it, which allows me to carry it hands free. It is quick and easy to release the monopod when needed.

[OrlandoMac]

great review as usual Dustin, definitely great for nature and hiking for the reasons you mention, for weddings I tend to go with the double black rapid harness system. As I prefer both cameras dangling hip height, for me that system works better in that situation. like you I like to have both cameras at the ready to capture that one moment. I also carry a messenger bag that allows me to have specialty lens at the ready like my 100mm macro and some primes. keep up the great work!

[soularproject]

I just received my Sony A7iv and three lenses. What would you recommend to carry my extra two lenses? I always trust your reviews, so thanks for your work.

[jameslarsen]

Great review. As I start doing more shoots for events and such, this looks like it'll be a real help.
Thanks for the thorough review!

[jamesljellison]

Dustin: As always, your video was very good and informative. Have you or any of your followers tried the SteadyShot that attaches to the harness?

[tomaskey]

I like your review. Lots of detail. Do you think a backpack could still be worn with this harness? I see the mfg sells an adapter for use with a tripod($40) and wonder how well it works.

[bzflowerbee]

I just received mine 2 days ago and realized I can't use the tripod and the harness at the same time. I mean I can dothat of course but then I have to change the tripod and harness plate back and forth. Too much work. Thanks for the reviews.

[robwasnj]

I realize this is a fairly old review but I was wondering if this could be used with a lens as large at the Sony 200-600 or the 100-400... I'm not a fan of attaching my carrying point to the camera with such heavy glass, I already caused some issues on my A7R3 from doing so because it pulls so hard on the lens mount, Could the affixment be placed on the lens or lens foot with this system? Thanks, als always love your reviews.

[mixxinmel]

im gonna have to look into this harness or one like it, Nice info and as always great video.

[georgecataulin]

How much padding is in the shoulder straps? How comfortable is this for a 10 mile hike?

[cesarebonazza]

I own Spider holster system, also the Custom SLR system with 2 body attachment but none of this 2 are still great this looks like a better camera balance for my event photography.
If you do wedding and you like it I will give it a try. Thank you

[UKPhoto]

Would you say it's the best harness system currently available?

[AlvaroReguly]

Thanks Dustin, I'll try it on B&H if it fits a big guy like me I'll ask santa for one

[BryanMiraflor]

wish they still made an all black version. for some reason the only color they have now is grey. so lame

[jdh_images]

Standing closer to the camera would be useful

[philindeblanc]

The copy that costs about $17(when they first came out) to $30-60(Opteka and with new features from Movo) has a flat head screw slot to lock the plate to the camera. While I think the knockoffs are a little less well made, I would not spend the money CottonCarries asks for their system. So far have been using the copy for 20 times and is holding up great. Yes maybe less stiff and solid than the CC, but its a moot point once adjusted. If the CC was maybe $80 I would consider it. I just don't think its $130-150 better. BUT, I do VALUE the originator of it, and I assume CCarrier is, and I would like to suport it, specially when they continue to make improvements, so that too have some value. The Movo has a model that carries a couple lenses, which is interesting to me.

[kavehjohn]

why are you standing so far away to the camera?? it is hard to see what you are talking about!!