Realizing the need for a good strap. I am interested in recommendations. I hate to spen $60 on a strap that doesn't work for me. Unfortunately I have not found anything locally like a black rapid. I know its just $50-$60 but I am trying to buy a few lenses at the moment and every dollar counts. A $25 strap would be great.
I previously had jury-rigged a number of home-brew sling straps, not being willing to pay >~$50 for a black-rapid or the like. While other sling straps may have some features that make them work even more optimally, this one works well enough for me.
And for the many people who already own a traditional Op/Tech strap, they sell a kit that just includes the pieces needed to convert it to a sling strap.
I attach it to the camera via a loop in my tripod plate, or the tripod plate/foot of my longer lenses.
This is what came with my camera, and I have grown to like it. I used a handstrap on my 1Ds the last few years, so getting used to a strap is a slow progess
I went strapless for a few years, but putting the camera down whenever I needed both hands got to be a nuisance. I switched to a Crumpler Industry Disgrace that I am very happy with. The solid black one is discreet and very comfortable, and I'm still able to keep my tripod plate on.
I have the Black Rapids RS-7, which I'm a bit torn about. Super comfy, but it was expensive and I don't trust screwing into the tripod mount. Plus, I'm often shooting from a tripod--unscrewing it gets annoying. I haven't been using a strap at all lately, which I don't think is too safe with all of this ice around.....
sb in ak wrote:
I have the Black Rapids RS-7, which I'm a bit torn about. Super comfy, but it was expensive and I don't trust screwing into the tripod mount. Plus, I'm often shooting from a tripod--unscrewing it gets annoying. I haven't been using a strap at all lately, which I don't think is too safe with all of this ice around.....
I've been using the RS-7 for about 2 years now and I can tell you for a fact that its safe. I've had my D4+70-200 2.8 and nothing has happened. As long has you screw it in properly you're fine. Though i agree with the constant switching between tripod plate and RS-7.
What are you looking for? Just a regular strap? I really like the Crumpler Industry Disgrace strap... simple, solid, adjustable and comfortable.
If you're more of a "hang the camera on the shoulder" guy, then I highly recommend UPStrap. Comfortable and doesn't move around.
I have since moved to UPstrap's bandolier strap with QR's and I love it. I need to be able to switch the strap between my body and the big telephoto, and this strap is perfect for that.
My favorite, it's an over the shoulder kind of sling. I don't enjoy carrying a heavy camera with all the weight on the neck pulling down to the front...
EDIT: I forgot that optech I posted up there is the one I use on my hassy, and I think it only connects to MF cameras and not dslr's, just browse their strap page:
See my problem is neck strain. I don't mind paying good money for a good product, but lately I have spent a good amount of money on stuff that has been junk. I am in the try before I buy mode now or find cheaper options especially stuff like accessories. I want a strap that doesn't just hang 5-6 lbs from my neck. I have arm issues from neck strain.
I previously had jury-rigged a number of home-brew sling straps, not being willing to pay >~$50 for a black-rapid or the like. While other sling straps may have some features that make them work even more optimally, this one works well enough for me.
And for the many people who already own a traditional Op/Tech strap, they sell a kit that just includes the pieces needed to convert it to a sling strap.
I attach it to the camera via a loop in my tripod plate, or the tripod plate/foot of my longer lenses.
popinvasion wrote:
See my problem is neck strain. I don't mind paying good money for a good product, but lately I have spent a good amount of money on stuff that has been junk. I am in the try before I buy mode now or find cheaper options especially stuff like accessories. I want a strap that doesn't just hang 5-6 lbs from my neck. I have arm issues from neck strain.
I like the UpStrap as well for it's sturdiness but it's not that comfortable. I found the answer at Amazon by buying a couple of sheepskin seat belt covers for around fifteen bucks the pair. You can't beat the comfort. I would attach a picture but I'm out of town on business.
popinvasion wrote:
See my problem is neck strain. I don't mind paying good money for a good product, but lately I have spent a good amount of money on stuff that has been junk. I am in the try before I buy mode now or find cheaper options especially stuff like accessories. I want a strap that doesn't just hang 5-6 lbs from my neck. I have arm issues from neck strain.
This strap I found is best to relieve neck strain. It's well made and feels great. I have 3 of them.
I've been using an Op/Tech Pro strap for 20+ years. It's great at making the camera feel lighter and I can wear it as a sling or 'normally' and it is very comfortable. http://optechusa.com/straps/pro-strap.html
I have settled on the Op/Tech Bino/Cam webbing harness. I have developed arthritis in my neck after 40 years of straps and this works fine for one camera. No neck strain at all. The other camera is on a monopod or with a regular Op/Tech strap over one shoulder. Available at B&H or Amazon or my local birdwatchers store
I have two of the Op/Tech Utility straps also. I add the extenders so that the camera can be extended up to my eye before it tugs on the slide strap. Total cost is still less than $30.
I hook a loop to each camera lug and it slides up and down the strap just fine. If I will be switching from landscape to portrait format a lot, I unhook the right side loop. If want to remove the slide strap and use the shoulder pad like a regular camera strap, I have to switch the position of the loops on the camera body. The system offers amazing versatility and quality for a fraction of the cost of the tripod bolt slide straps.
