I don't use a strap for a couple of reasons -- boobs. You asked!
OK, yeah, that really is the main reason, but there are others. I'm kinda short, so there just isn't a lot of room along the torso for gear on a strap. The lens I use most is longish and heavy; I don't want it swinging around. I move around a lot when shooting -- including crouching and climbing on stuff. I often carry two cameras with different lenses mounted when shooting events or sports, and switching between the two on straps (even hand straps) would be a nuisance. Other times I use a monopod; that's been secure enough for me. ETA: The point somebody made about straps getting caught definitely applies to me too; I've been there, and it was worse than the possibility of dropping a camera.
All that said, I recently picked up a SpiderHolster and I love it. Hanging the cameras on a belt is much more convenient at two-camera events than the big fanny pack I was using to hold one while I shot with the other. Only thing is I still have to get used to requiring more horizontal space to keep from bumping into things (or people!) with my stuff.
I try to avoid straps on my cameras and if I have a strap it's attached to a camera bag. Occasionally, I wear two cameras (24-70 and 70-200) crossed on either over y head side or secured by vest epaulets. Yes, I agree, eventually, any strap (even the remnants of a QD strap) get in the way. And no way will I use the stock straps that scream amateur or, worse yet, "not too bright uncompensated endorser."
SoundHound wrote:
I try to avoid straps on my cameras and if I have a strap it's attached to a camera bag. Occasionally, I wear two cameras (24-70 and 70-200) crossed on either over y head side or secured by vest epaulets. Yes, I agree, eventually, any strap (even the remnants of a QD strap) get in the way. And no way will I use the stock straps that scream amateur or, worse yet, "not too bright uncompensated endorser."
Someone overly concerned about looking like an amateur is usually a tell tale sign of a true amateur. Pros just use whatever works without giving a thought about how they look to others.
Well I am an amateur since I don't shoot for money. But I don't see any upside to calling attention to myself with branded straps. I even tape out the logos on my camera body and lens. Now if if I were a Pro and Canon/Nikon loaned me equipment to use with their straps attached I would honor the, implied, contract and leave the branded strap on.
Kirk makes a SS-1 which is an Arca/Swiss clamp on a strap. So you can hang your camera from it if you have a bottom or L plate attached to your body. This is just another carry option that may work for some people under some conditions. The virtue of it is that once removed there's nothing to flap around. It costs the better part of $80 plus the spud on the bottom of the camera.
Wolfr wrote:
Why is there a flash attached if your subject is so far away?
(Probably a good reason for it, just want to know)
Because I was using it at first light and not when I created the image above with my S100. I use my flash with my 800mm & 1.4x TCIII all the time with great success!
I always use straps--these days, my straps are DIY Frankenstraps made from Tamrac padded leather pads and Domke swivels. But I'd otherwise use Domke straps.
I stuck to straps back in my PJ days in the 70s, shooting everything from street protests to concerts. I was usually shooting with two cameras, one with a short lens around my neck and the other with a long lens over my shoulder. I frequently had to drop whichever camera was in my hands to ward off people with my hands, or catch myself in a fall (sorry, I'll risk the camera rather than break my arm. I can get a new camera more quickly than I'd be out of a cast).
These days, I'm no longer doing PJ, but I still always have a strap on the camera. I always loop it over my arm anytime I'm holding the camera, just in case I drop it.
For the rare times I might be carrying two cameras again, I've cobbled together a shoulder/belt system from military hardware: Y-style military gear suspenders and a web pistol belt. One camera is attached to hang on my chest, the other attached to hang over my shoulder. There are photo-specific ways of buying the same thing, but my military surplus model cost me less than $25.
For me it depends on the shoot. If I'm doubling down with two bodies and three lenses on a wedding, of course I'm using a strap, but if I'm casually shooting some portraits in a park or in a studio, there really isn't a necessity there.
I'm nearly always strapless... instead I use an Op-tech setup that enables me to switch easily between nothing (or basic pigtails for a carry handle), a wrist strap, a neck strap or a sling strap. Perfect combo IMO.
pipspeak wrote:
I'm nearly always strapless... instead I use an Op-tech setup that enables me to switch easily between nothing (or basic pigtails for a carry handle), a wrist strap, a neck strap or a sling strap. Perfect combo IMO.
I have a BR strap with a hand strap combo. I use an L bracket from RRS with a Kirk quick release. It works great as I like to just use the hand strap in studio, but feel more comfortable with the BR strap on when I'm walking around.
SoundHound wrote:
Well I am an amateur since I don't shoot for money. But I don't see any upside to calling attention to myself with branded straps. I even tape out the logos on my camera body and lens. Now if if I were a Pro and Canon/Nikon loaned me equipment to use with their straps attached I would honor the, implied, contract and leave the branded strap on.
