Every level of photographer from pro to novice gets tired of carrying their camera around for extended periods of time. I know it can get very tiring when you’re on a photo-walk for hours on end. Camera straps only go so far and can cause neck fatigue and cut into your skin. The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 aims to make it better for active photographers. The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 is a camera carrying system that makes your shoulders and body take the burden of that camera weight. This alleviates stress and fatigue on your hands, arms, and neck and gives you more mobility when you need it. Read on for the full review of the Cotton Carrier CCS G3, yet another winner of a Techaeris Top Pick Award for 2017!
Specifications
The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 has the following features and specifications:
- Secures one DSLR/Mirrorless camera with a long lens
- One-size-fits-all adjustable camera harness
- Made from Kodra Synthetic canvas
- Padded shoulders
- Ventilated back
- C&C machined, anodized aluminum camera hub
What’s In The Box
- Camera harness for one camera
- Rain cover
- Anodized aluminum camera hub with rubber washer
- Camera hub mounting bolt
- Camera tether strap
- Allen key
- Tether split-ring
- 3-year warranty against manufacturing defects
Design
If you’re not a photographer you’re probably looking at the Cotton Carrier CCS G3 trying to figure out just what it is. The CCS G3 looks like it could be used as some sort of weapons holster but it’s far from being that.
The CCS G3 is super lightweight, something you’ll really appreciate because carrying extra weight on a photo-walk is a pain. It’s made of really high-end materials that are really nice to the touch. The padding on the shoulders is appreciated and the ventilated back is a nice touch.
All of the straps and buckles feel and look very premium and I expect they will last for a very long time. The aluminum camera hub is also well made and you can tell Cotton Carrier took care in making this a super efficient design. There’s even a nice rain shell to quickly cover your camera should you get caught in a shower.
Overall I like what the company has done with this design. It’s functional, is good looking, and utilizes really great materials that both feel good and are long lasting.
Comfort
The Cotton Carrier CCS G3 is actually super comfortable. I found the shoulder straps provided nice padding and the waist strap helped to distribute weight evenly. The canvas material is also nice to the touch and not annoying. It sounds funny but it’s a bit like a front facing baby carrier but for your DSLR/Mirrorless.
Even with the camera in position, it doesn’t feel overbearing. The comfort level versus just a basic camera strap that goes on your neck is miles better. If you’re out in the field for hours, this carrier will make a world of difference in how comfortable you are.
Overall this is really a huge comfort upgrade to any camera strap out there.
Performance
The CCS G3 is a solid performer when it comes to comfort and carrying your camera. There are a few things you should know about this thing first, which mainly revolves around the camera hub. You should read all instructions before using the Cotton Carrier CCS G3, here’s what the company notes about the camera hub:
INSTALL THE CAMERA HUB – use the included tightening tool (Allen Key), tighten the Camera Hub as TIGHTLY AS POSSIBLE. Adequate tightening causes compression of the rubber washer, this is what keeps your camera securely attached to the Camera Mount. Check it until you are satisfied it is not loosening through the turning action of the camera.
Frequently check the condition of both the Hub and Camera Mount for any signs of wear or damage. Be sure to keep both the Camera Mount and Camera Hub clean and free of any grit and debris, and clean regularly as you would with any camera component.
This is probably the most important step in ensuring your CCS G3 is performing its best and the most important step in making sure your camera doesn’t take a faceplant. If you don’t install the camera hub properly, you’re risking a lot. So I highly suggest you read all instructions and double check your work before going out on that photo-walk.
Once you have everything properly mounted, it’s pretty simple to twist your camera to unlock and slip it out of the holder. It does take some practice to get it right and to get it smooth so expect a little bit of a learning curve. Overall, the CCS G3 works exactly as advertised and performs as you would expect it to.
Price/Value
At $119USD this is a little pricey but I think if you’re an active photographer it’s a great investment. Besides, if you’re an active photographer $119USD is not much compared to the gear you already have packed in your bag.
Wrap Up
This is a must have for photographers who are out in the field for an extended duration of time. It’s far more comfortable than a neck strap, it’s well built, and made from high-quality materials. I’d recommend this for the most active of photographers. Weekend shooters who are out and about for an hour or two, unless you get really tired of carrying your camera, it’s probably not for you.
*We were sent a sample of the Cotton Carrier CCS G3 for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on October 2, 2017.
