After using wrist straps for the last couple of years, I decided to branch out and try a sling strap. I figured it would lighten the load a bit, as well as free up my hands between shots while I'm out and about.
I then started researching the various sling straps available - the Black Rapids, the Luma Loop, the Sun Sniper, etc. Just like most things, each of them had their own strengths and weaknesses. I'm sure I would have been content with any of them, but I just could not decide between which strap would suit me best.
So, I decided to build my own sling strap in an effort to minimize any compromises that I saw in the straps mentioned above. I wanted a strap that was (above all) secure, fairly minimalistic, and easy on the eyes. I ordered a bunch of ingredients and proceeded to wait patiently for the man in brown to show up. I ended up with enough stuff to make 2 straps, which I'm going to call the "Budget Strap" and the "Ultimate Strap" for the purpose of this guide.
The Budget Strap
For about $20, this is a comfortable and virtually bomb-proof strap. I built this one as a gift, and thought it turned out pretty well for the money. This sling will screw into any tripod mount via the FastenR3. Note - the 4' long sling works best for someone around 5' 2".
Ingredients:
4' x 1.5" seatbelt polyester simple sling from Strapworks.com
1.5" metal webbing-to-cordage reducing loop from Strapworks.com
1.5" inner diameter steel quick link from your local Home Depot
1" inner diameter steel quick link from your local Home Depot
Black Rapid FastenR3
Instructions:
Slide the reducing loop onto the sling
Fasten the sling together with the 1.5" quick link
Attach the 1" quick link to the reducing loop
Attach the FastenR3 to the 1" quick link
This sling strap will most likely cost more than any of the straps that you can buy online. That being said, it works perfect for me, and looks great to boot. It's also compatible with any Arca-type plates/brackets. Note - I went for a 5' long sling, as I'm aroung 6' 3" and need the extra length.
Ingredients:
5' x 1" polypropylene simple sling from Strapworks.com
1" inner diameter steel quick link from your local Home Depot
California Sunbounce Sun-Sniper Bear screw
Kirk QRC-1 1" Arca-type Quick Release Clamp
Billingham SP10 shoulder pad
Instructions:
Slide the Bear screw onto the sling
Fasten the sling together with the 1" quick link
Fasten the shoulder pad to the sling
Screw the quick release clamp onto the Bear screw
Thoughts on the straps:
I'm pretty happy with the results so far. Both sling straps function well - they're comfortable, secure, and stay put on the shoulder. Some of you may be thinking that the non-adjustability of these straps is a negative; however, I think this is one of their greatest strengths. I never have to worry about the straps slipping through any buckles on me, and there is less "bulk" to worry about (no plastic hardware or excess webbing is a good thing in my book). Let me know what you think about the straps, and feel free to make your own and contribute to the thread!
I have a similar approach like Alpenglowing, using a RRS B2-mAS clamp, widened the hole to fit the connector from an old Manfrotto Tripod, and a V2A stainless steel carabiner with a spring loaded clasp from a divesupply shop.
The strap itself is a 1,5" webing from an old shoulder bag, with length adjustment, sewed to an Optech neoprene shoulder pad, very comfy
Wow I've been worrying all day about how I was going to switch between my blackrapid strap and the plate for my ball head while hiking. Your ultimate strap has given me the solution Thanks very much!
I've made a DIY camera strap, from a guitar strap. I have a few higher end guitars, that
I trust these to ($3000 guitars). They weight 8 - 9 lbs.
I watched a number of youtube vids of BR style straps in action. Most have the
"glider" on them, but they always seem to have to reposition their strap when they
finish shooting. Mine is extremely easy to reposition. Since I already had the strap, ($25), I
only needed some hardware. I bought a Black Rapid Fastener for the camera socket, a
larger keyring, and a 1" inner diameter steel quick link. I had used a carabiniere, but
one day found that it wasn't doing it's job. The quick link has to be screwed together manually, so you're certain it's secure.
I attached a Flash card holder from a Lowepro neck strap, to carry a few spares with me.
I've used my DIY strap for about 2 years, with no issues. There is a multitude of
guitar straps out there. I'm a big Cheap Trick fan, and originally, guitarist Rick Nielsen
sewed 2 checkerboard camera straps together to create his signature checkerboard guitar straps.
I thought it was fitting to reverse his idea.
Thanks a lot picfox. I just had no idea how the RRS plate hooked up to the camera... haha. That looks really snazzy.
Johnny, I love the idea. You can definitely add some style to your camera strap because of how stylish guitar straps are!
I bought all the parts for the OP's "budget" strap. I looked at carabiners @ REI and it doesn't look like any of them are small enough - went with the link instead. I'm going to add a modification to the strap which allows me to lash the lens, at the mount, to a hiking pack hip strap. I want to see if I can stop the whole camera from bouncing on the hip while hiking.
nanogram wrote:
Wow I've been worrying all day about how I was going to switch between my blackrapid strap and the plate for my ball head while hiking. Your ultimate strap has given me the solution Thanks very much!
Glad it helped!
ontime wrote:
I bought all the parts for the OP's "budget" strap. I looked at carabiners @ REI and it doesn't look like any of them are small enough - went with the link instead. I'm going to add a modification to the strap which allows me to lash the lens, at the mount, to a hiking pack hip strap. I want to see if I can stop the whole camera from bouncing on the hip while hiking.
Sounds like a nice addition to the strap - I hope you like it!
I really don't get why anyone would want to add a clamp to the end of their sling strap. It seems like it would be a very vulnerable connection to slip loose and let the camera fall.
I use a BlackRapids strap with FastenR3 (like the top picture above). I screw that into my lens or camera plate (most camera plates have holes you can screw the FastenR3 into). When I want to switch to a tripod mount (not very frequently) I simply unscrew the FastenR3 from the plate and attach the camera to the tripod.
Why would anyone want the additional weight, bulk and risk by adding a clamp to their sling strap?
Richard Nye wrote:
I really don't get why anyone would want to add a clamp to the end of their sling strap. It seems like it would be a very vulnerable connection to slip loose and let the camera fall.
Why would anyone want the additional weight, bulk and risk by adding a clamp to their sling strap?
That's a valid point. I give up the extra weight and bulk in exchange for the convenience. Whenever I need to remove the strap, I simply turn the knob a quarter of a turn and slide the camera off.
As far as the extra risk goes, it's not as much as you'd think. If you add some Loctite to the FastenR3 (or the Bear screw) before you screw it into the Arca clamp, the risk is minimized at that point. The next weakest point that I see will be the Arca clamp's screw, which I can trust as it is not load-bearing. There is still some risk at that point, but it is harder than you'd think for it to become unscrewed on its own.
Richard Nye wrote:
I really don't get why anyone would want to add a clamp to the end of their sling strap. It seems like it would be a very vulnerable connection to slip loose and let the camera fall.
I use a BlackRapids strap with FastenR3 (like the top picture above). I screw that into my lens or camera plate (most camera plates have holes you can screw the FastenR3 into). When I want to switch to a tripod mount (not very frequently) I simply unscrew the FastenR3 from the plate and attach the camera to the tripod.
Why would anyone want the additional weight, bulk and risk by adding a clamp to their sling strap?...Show more →
Have you never thought about how many people carry their heavy set up on a tripod or monopod fixed with a clamp? Slung it over their shoulders, running and hiking with it? Clamps are made for this reason as well and from the design point of view an arca-swiss clamp has to be opened almost completely that a camera can slip, not to talk about the convenience to remove the clamp or strap, if necessary, in a second.
For me, screwing in and out a fastener, would be scary enough and I'm still strong enough to carry additional 2.4oz of weight
Thanks very much!
