Many people have been talking about the G3 Harness from Cotton as the best camera carrier made. This review will look at my initial thoughts on this harness and how it handled my gear. Cotton is a family owned business located in British Columbia Canada. For those who do not know, I am a professional photographer based out of the southern United States. I have been photographing wildlife for 20 years and I know a thing or two about what is needed in the field.
Test 1 - G3 Carrier loaded with a Sony a9 with grip and Sony 200-600 G lens
This one was painful. All the weight pulled the back panel all the way up to the base of my neck. Within 5 minutes of testing, I could begin to feel the subtle pain of a headache forming. Even this simple, hand holdable rig was too much for it. I would have been in total pain after using this for one hour. Honestly, my Black Rapid knockoff I paid 25 bucks for, has stood the test of time and is more comfortable.
Test 2 - Sony a7R III with grip and Canon 100mm Macro
This one was much more ideally suited for this rig and frankly I will use it for this rig and not the first one. If you buy it, buy it for this rig. Although, arguably, the first rig would be much better for me to use. I just can't use it with that much neck strain.
Conclusion
I did speak with Cotton about these issues and their support was very kind. The had me adjust the straps to be more snug, but honestly it just made it worse. I also gave them some suggestions about how better to distribute weight, which they did not reject. In the end, for me, it is about pain reduction and making the trip as pleasurable as possible. This carrier did not meet my needs. I hate to admit that because I had extremely high hopes for this gear. You know that I give honest reviews and I just couldn't paint a better picture.
Here is what needs to happen or not happen to make this a truly good solution:
1. Wider straps - this is the first item to help distribute weight more evenly.
2. Wider front plate - this is so small, that the harness connectors are simply too close together. This causes more of a single point harness problem.
3. More comfortable straps - the straps are just narrow with no padding to speak of. If you are wearing a thin shirt as we often do in 90 degree heat, this will not be comfortable.
5. Back panel is too flimsy - The back panel is made of a light material. Because of this, the straps are not kept wide enough and the back panel just squishes and pulls up to my neck.
6. Supplied rain cover? Why? Put the money into a better harness.
7. Front pocket - It is nice, but not deep enough on the front. Not sure what i would use it for, but overall pretty cool.
8. Essentially, you are paying 150.00 for discomfort of various degrees, depending on what gear is used and the makeup of your body. That is unacceptable at best.
I'd give it about 3 out of 5 stars. Look for a video review coming out soon, where I show you exactly what I am talking about.