Afraid......! Is my tripod bolt going to break!?

[Michael Lloyd]

I carry a 600mm f4 and 1DMK3 with an RRS angle bracket... probably 15 - 17 pounds quick release clamped in an RRS bracket on an RRS ballhead all mounted to a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod over my shoulder all the time. I have the camera and lens strap through my hand.. insurance... but I've never had a problem...

[venchka]

The connecting hardware may be fine. What has happened is the quick release plate releasing when it shouldn't. Double check that connection frequently. The back up lanyard sounds like a perfect "belt & braces" solution.

[Dave Hally]

I think that you don't have anything to worry about. Mycamera is about 6 lbs, without the lens. I have carried it for miles in rough terrain, Had it knocked over by wind, pulled over by a digital back tether, hit by a car backing out at Point Lobos. Th only damage was to the camera (front standard broke) and to the lens front ring. The tripod bolt (1/4-20) never budged, the Manfrotto 410 gear head never budged, and still works great and the camera bolt (1/4-20) never budged, or even rotated! The camera was repaired relatively easily and is still in use, as is all of the gear. Go out and take pictures!
Dave