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
Pics:
The Ultimate Strap
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
Pics:
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!
Apr 02, 2011 at 05:14 PM
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