Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

When I shoot with my d500 and 80-400 lens it weighs almost 7 lbs. I am looking for suggestions for a padded camera strap that doesn't kill my neck. The more you spend with Nikon the worse the strap seems to be.

mstuhr Loc: Oregon

LOL...I will watch for answers. You are right on!!

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262479020555?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The link is to a strap I bought on Ebay. It is wide neoprene with quick release clips, two storage pouches on the strap. I use mine to carry a D90 with a battery grip and 18-105mm lens. It is very comfortable. $10.99 and the seller paid the shipping.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Check out the different types of straps at OpTech/USA. I use the sling strap.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Many UHH members recommend OpTech straps. OptechUSA.com. Lightweight, durable and very comfortable.

alby Loc: very eastern pa.

i have one made almost identical with out the small pouches... cost me a little more... neoprene is very comfortable

jrushphoto Loc: Flint, MI

If you use the search option, you will find numerous discussions of various straps that will alleviate the discomfort of the standard neck strap. Most UHH's recommend Optech or Black Rapid, but there are several other options as well. Personally, I have a Black Rapid Sport and I absolutely love it. A little pricier than some of the other options, but well, WELL worth it in my opinion. Whatever you decide, you will NEVER, go back to a standard neck strap. Good luck.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I have used this one with that exact combo. Wife had to have one as well. I use a locking D-ring for quick removal.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/878356-REG/BosStrap_bosg315_Generation_3_Sliding_Sling.html

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I use a black Rapid, Ilove how it feels, and h ow the camera is now at my side my only regrets is I didnt buy the double....to carry both cameras.

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

I have the double but don't like how the cameras swing around. Just me.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

My cameras are moderate weights but I never had a problem with the OEM strap killing my shoulder or neck. However, I got tired of having the strap limit the mobility of the camera occasionally, and also the camera would swing around on my hip and bump into things. (PS: I saw a tip online way back to reverse the camera so the lens would be pointing inward when it's hanging down. That way the lens will be more protected and not bump into things as often.)

I tried wrapping the strap around my wrist and just carrying the camera in my hand but the strap would slip off, or if I made it tighter I couldn't always reach all the camera controls. I tried a wrist strap, but that had the same problems limiting the accessibility of the controls, and in particular I couldn't use the portrait grip with the wrist strap.

Eventually I gave up and I now just use the camera bare. No strap. I hold it in my hand. With a wrist strap my camera was tied to my right hand and that made it difficult to use my right hand for other things (writing, coffee, etc.) Just carrying the camera without a strap allows me to either put the camera down to use my right hand for something else or I can place the lens in the crook of my left elbow and hold the camera that way, freeing up my right arm and hand.

I have been doing this for about 5 years now and have never had a problem with the camera dropping or bumping into anything while I'm walking. I shoot events that last up to 12 hours.

When I'm using multiple bodies I have a sling bag. When zipped up, it slides around to my back. I can slide it around to the front and it provides a platform to rest my elbows on for stabilizing the camera (although the newer versions of the VR on my Nikon lenses are significantly better than the older versions so stabilization is not as important). I can unzip the bag and have a large container in front of me to hold one body while I'm using the other.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Maybe what you need is a different way to wear the strap.

I'm going to assume you wear the strap over your neck putting all the pressure on your spine. That's bad on so many levels but especially with a heavy lens.

I've learned over time to place the strap over my neck but also place my right arm through it changing the weight from my neck to my neck and shoulder which bears most of the weight. Not only can I wear a heavy camera longer, but it also alleviates that annoying swinging back and forth that I hate.

Put the strap on as normal, then place your right arm through it. It takes a few minutes to get used to but drops most of the weight. Enjoy! S-

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Basically that is why I finally settled on a shoulder strap. When hiking up inclines or through hanging limbs or brush,the free hands are useful and I don't have the bouncing camera in front of me. I can use my hand to occasionally guide the camera near my waist/hip when walking and the weight is much less noticeable.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I use my neck strap the same way for the same reasons typically tucked at my side. It's so much more comfortable! Cheers! S-

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Look at a Black Rapid Sport, or anything from Black Rapid. The camera does not swing when you apply the locks for movement. Release 1 and bring your camera from your hip to your eye.