Camera strap around your neck..? I just read an article on 7 tips to make you a cooler photographer, and the very first one says to avoid wearing your camera strap around your neck...

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

I just read an article on 7 tips to make you a cooler photographer, and the very first one says to avoid wearing your camera strap around your neck unless you have a desire to look incredibly uncool.
I have to strongly disagree with that. I worked hard and long to save up enough money for my camera, lenses, and other equipment, and although it's not "top of the line", to ME it's very precious. If I were to drop it due to not wearing the strap around my neck, and that caused partial or complete loss of the use of my camera, it would be a long time before I could buy another. So, I don't care HOW I look when I walk around with my camera, I'd rather feel that my camera is secure than to take any risks.

Do YOU carry your camera using the strap around your neck?

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

wtompkins wrote:

I just read an article on 7 tips to make you a coo... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: I always do too, for he same reasons!!

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

Its on my shoulder, not my neck. I rarely wear it around my neck.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I much prefer a "Sling" type strap as the weight is born by your shoulder rather than your neck. This is especially welcome if your have ever had any neck or back injuries. This is the model I recommend highly:
http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have equipment that I can't afford! I also have neck back problems. I love vertical battery pack. I use Optech pro loop. I have my camera attached vertically. I have the strap on my right shoulder and right hand on camera. I can shoot fast. I am a shooter and don't care what I look like to anyone but me. That being said I have walked by press lines and back stage with only my AARP card showing. J. R.

Photo Phledgling Loc: tiny island between Hudson and East rivers

I hold the camera by the lens close to my chest, but keep the strap around my neck for safety in case it ever slips.

Photo Phledgling Loc: tiny island between Hudson and East rivers

Gifted One wrote:

... I have walked by press lines and back stage with only my AARP card showing. J. R.

That's hilarious.

gusto7670 Loc: Tampa, FL

If you are concerned about the safety of your camera, and don't want to look "un-cool", you can have your wife carry it for you.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

wtompkins wrote:

I just read an article on 7 tips to make you a coo... (show quote)

Personally I could care less if I look cool or not. This past Saturday I hiked 8 miles on the Columbia Gore trail 440 in Oregon. At times the trail was only about 2 feet wide with a rock wall on 1 side and a 300 foot drop on the other. yes my camera strap was around my neck. I, like you have and love what I own and no it is not the best.

Here is a shot from the trail.

So was I cool or smart?

Pappy

LLucas Loc: Upstate South Carolina, USA

I prefer to carry mine over my right shoulder, too. It's less conspicuous and I can keep my right hand on the grip. Then I'm ready at a moment's notice!
Great photo, Pappy!

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

New Optech double strap arriving Friday. Like the fact that it attaches were a normal camera strap attaches and not to the tripod mount on bottom of camera. You can use this as both a single or double hookup for two camera's. If I did have camera strap around neck, I still held camera by lens in front of me.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

I used too 100% of the time it was not on my tripod - now I use an Optec camera harness with elastic straps for even more camera safety and accessibility.
But with the dual harness and cameras on I do look like a geek tourist at times. LOL

wtompkins wrote:

I just read an article on 7 tips to make you a coo... (show quote)

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

juicesqueezer wrote:

New Optech double strap arriving Friday. Like the fact that it attaches were a normal camera strap attaches and not to the tripod mount on bottom of camera. You can use this as both a single or double hookup for two camera's. If I did have camera strap around neck, I still held camera by lens in front of me.

I found these Optec harness a few years ago while climbing pyramids in MX- they keep your camera close to your chest but still swing into action quickly - I used my dual harness last wed with my 2 DSLRs - one with 18-55 and one with 100-300 - it sure made my trip having both so handy and no lens changes. I also use Optecs battery and card holders that fit on the straps. With tethered lens caps I had a very comfortable day shooting fall colors in the high Sierras.

wtompkins Loc: Northern Michigan

pappy0352 wrote:

Personally I could care less if I look cool or not. This past Saturday I hiked 8 miles on the Columbia Gore trail 440 in Oregon. At times the trail was only about 2 feet wide with a rock wall on 1 side and a 300 foot drop on the other. yes my camera strap was around my neck. I, like you have and love what I own and no it is not the best.

Here is a shot from the trail.

So was I cool or smart?

Pappy

Cool AND smart! Nice shot!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who looks "uncool".
A sling-type strap is hopefully going to be a gift from Santa this year :)

colo43 Loc: Eastern Plains of Colorado

I'm with you!
My strap is around my neck.