Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

I'll be purchasing a Sling strap soon but I have an odd question of use.

In all the pictures that are shown while in use the straps are either attached to the camera's normal attachment points or to the camera tripod thread.

Yet when using a heavy lens with cameras and a tripod is used it is recommended to attach the lens at the lens mounting ring on a tripod with statements that the weight of the lens is too heavy for the camera mount to bear in the long run.

Example looks like a Canon 100-400 L lens is used in some demo pictures. Why is the lens too heavy for use when a tripod is used but; attaching to the camera or tripod thread ok while in a sling? Even in the demo pictures some of the lenses have tripod rings on them yet they are not using them to attach the sling to the camera/lens.

When use on a tripod it is generally steady for the most part and highly recommended to use the lens ring point of attachment. On a sling, the camera and lens will be swinging and subject to shock as the person is walking and the full weight is on the lens/camera mounting point.

Yes, possibly as you walk take some weight off by holding the lens, but in all the demos, they just let it hang and walk. Isn't that real life, especially after 2-4 hour hike?

So are camera lens mounts that strong to take the abuse, or the statement of needing to mount a heavy lens on a tripod ring mount puffing? I do not wish to harm my equipment, but this is perplexing.

Can anyone who has used slings report good or bad situations in use while using a heavy lens and a sling and how did they mount it?

Geegee Loc: Peterborough, Ont.

Simply put, if the camera weighs more than the lens attach the sling strap to the camera. If the lens weighs more than the camera attach the strap to the lens. The lens mount on the camera is part of the frame and therefore quite strong. It will easily take the weight of the camera if the strap is attached to the lens.

If your camera does not have metal body it is not recommended to use a sling strap attached to the tripod mount as it has been known that the plastic around the tripod mount can rip out if enough pulling force is applied to it.

When walking with any camera/lens combination it is easy to keep your hand on the camera to keep it from swinging and bumping into things as all the weight is on your shoulder. When walking in a crowd keep your hand on it and let it hang slightly behind you so it will give you more clearance on the side. Black Rapid offer an attachment for the back of the strap which has a wire running through it so that nobody can approach you from the back, cut the strap and make off with your camera.

I hope this helps.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I use and Optech sling strap. When a smaller lens is attached I use the clips on the camera mounts. I have an exttra clip (available from Optech) mounted on the tripod foot. When I'm carrying the 70-200 the clip on the left side of the camera is unclipped and then clipped to the tripod mount which takes the weight. ;)

Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

Thank you for your response. Much appreciated.

Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

Thank you for your response, I do appreciate it.

I just ordered a Joby Pro sling because it has a quick adjustment to take up slack (reduce banging on the body)as well as a secondary security strap that connects from the single point of a tripod mount to the camera lug. I have had a couple of near misses when I just had the regular neck strap on the camera. Guess I was too quick and not paying attention to make sure it was secure when I attached it. Could explain but too much detail needed. Was quick enough to catch the strap as it started to free fall off me and save the 100-400 L lens and camera from hitting the ground. So I definitely want a secondary catch system. Wonderful thing of having 35 years as a martial artist to react quickly to an event.
Once is an accident
Twice is a coincidence
Three time and someone is out to get you.
It happened twice - I don't want a third!!!! ;)

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

Question. Do any of the strap solutions allow for a this connection to the lens ring. I think peak design does but not sure.

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I meant a third connection

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I got back to my computer and checked - peak design has several solutions that allow for the flexibility of easily attaching and detaching your camera and gear to a strap in multiple different ways. You can attach to the standard lugs for a neck strap, easily switch to the tripod sling strap style and/or attach to the lens ring and either a neck strap lug or tripod mount. The system allows you to quickly connect and disconnect to utilize the right solution for the gear you are carrying. I personally use a spyderpro belt and the peak design leash strap setup as a safety strap). You can check out their products and video's at www.peakdesignltd.com

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I got back to my computer and checked - peak design has several solutions that allow for the flexibility of easily attaching and detaching your camera and gear to a strap in multiple different ways. You can attach to the standard lugs for a neck strap, easily switch to the tripod sling strap style and/or attach to the lens ring and either a neck strap lug or tripod mount. The system allows you to quickly connect and disconnect to utilize the right solution for the gear you are carrying. I personally use a spyderpro belt and the peak design leash strap setup as a safety strap). You can check out their products and video's at www.peakdesignltd.com