Opteka MCH-25 Multi Camera Carrier Harness Holster System for Digital SLR Cameras

I don't know the Cotton Carrier so I cannot compare, but functionally-wise, this is going to help my neck a lot.The knobs to be attached to the cameras are metal and seem to be just fine. I don't know if this is expected but I got 4 with my harness, together with four rings and two keys.The rails in which these knobs are supposed to slide are made of hard plastic and seem to be resistant enough. I am somewhat weary of hanging much weight from a battery-grip-equipped camera, though; if the lens does not rest on your body, the weight and motion might induce lots of torque and wear the rails faster.I still find it convenient even with my grip-equipped 7D when using a long lens: I attach a knob to the lens tripod ring and hang it from there. It is very convenient, whether attached on the chest or on the side.I found that the angle at which the knob is best positioned on the camera depends on whether you wear the camera on the front or on the side. Don't forget either the provided key or some screwdriver if you want to change it.The security strap that attaches to the camera I find marginally too short and the attachments proper are plastic. I am not absolutely sure how efficient they would be at stopping a free-falling 5lbs camera+lens (but I do not intend to try).Now the good surprise is that the side attachment can be used on its own on any belt. Choose a comfortably broad belt and velcro the thing around it, and you can carry a camera right there without any weight on the shoulders.While this is not convenient in all situations, I find it very efficient when only using a shoulder strap: the camera does not bounce around and the shoulder strap only provides the security. It works perfectly when attaching the knob to the lens and the shoulder strap to the battery grip.Suggestion to Opteka: sell as a separate product the side mount and a thin, light shoulder strap for the security and I will be advertising it.______________________________________Updated after a two-days shoot in NYC - I used the full harness on one day and just the side on the other day and I confirm my impression: the safety lines are somewhat light but the ensemble is fully functional.Only thing to think about when using only the side (not the full harness, i.e. not the way it was intended in the first place) is where to attach the safety line - I had a backpack so it was not a problem except you want to make sure that you untie the camera from the backpack before you drop the latter.I still change my rating to 5 stars._____________________________________Two years later: I have nearly not used this since that earlier week-end in NYC. I find that it is less practical than a decent shoulder strap in most situations, although I still thought it would be good for motorcycling, climbing or skiing with a camera. I find I use my top-loader pro from Lowepro for these occasions.I pop that star back out: the harness works as intended but I just don't need it.

I read all of the reviews associated with this product before I chose to purchase it. I was most compelled by its price, when compared to the Cotton Carrier. The main misgiving that I have about the Opteka carrier is that the mount that screws into the camera's tripod mount has no provision so that I may attach it directly to a tripod. This is not a big issue for I do believe that I am more likely to be without a tripod when using the carrier, but I like having these choices. Since my tripod features a quick release plate, I will have to remove the Opteka mount in order to attach the plate and then vice-versa.The carrier comes with two safety straps that attach to your cameras. You are going to need the OP/TECH USA Utility Loop Connector in order to use these straps. They come with some split rings that I just don't see attaching directly to my cameras body. I think it would be wise for Opteka to include the loop connectors in this package, even if it means a slight rise in the price.There is a another issue I feel is worth noting. I found it difficult to adjust the Opteka's straps in order to get a good fit. I was able to get it adjusted to where I was comfortable with my initial use. I haven't actually used the carrier out in the field and I suspect that further adjustments will be necessary. I'm 5'11" and 200 lbs, so I have a bit of a belly. If the photographs here of this item are representative of the recommended location of the main carrier, then I have a problem. Right now, the main carrier is most comfortable up higher and against my sternum.That should not be construed as a flaw against this product. It is also worth noting that this product comes with a single sheet of paper that is supposed to be some type of user guide, but it is worthless in every sense. You're really on your own in trying to figure out which adjustments should be made first.This is what worked for me:1) set the velcro adjustment strap that is at the main carrier to be loose, for you are likely to want to tighten it up last.2) set the height adjustments to get the main carrier at a comfortable location3) set the side adjustments to create a snug fit4) finally, use the velcro adjustment to fine tune that fit across your abdomenI am going to give this carrier some time to determine if it is really worth it to me to spend the extra $160 for the Cotton Carrier