Neoprene straps?? I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Such straps are manufactured in a range of thicknesses and qualities. I’d suggest staying with well-known and respected neoprene sources like Op/Tech. Your common sense is the best judge of whether a particular strap will protect your larger, heavier high-end gear. I’ve been pleased with Op/Tech straps for some uses, but tend to rely on Peak Design in other uses. There is no right or wrong answer.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Thanks. I'll go with my first impulse to not use them for the above question. They do not seem to be very heavy-duty. I think they were originally used for binoculars.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I have several neoprene straps and I have no problem carrying a Canon 5DSr with a Sigma 150-600 Sport mounted. When dealing with that much weight I use 2 straps, one on the body and one on the lens. All my camera bodies have Op/Tech connectors on them and most of my straps are Op/Tech. I rarely use a knit strap any more and never on a heavier camera. The neoprene straps are more than adequately strong and a whole lot more comfortable.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

nadelewitz wrote:

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

N, welcome to the Hog.
I use these CPS neoprene straps on all my cameras.
I hang a Canon 1Dx with a 200mm f1.8 from it(about 10 lbs.) and have never had a problem. I use two cameras at the same time. One with a shortened strap and one with a long strap so they don't bump and I do that while I ride my mountain bike up and down hills and have never had a problem. Your mileage may vary!!!
SS
https://www.ebay.com/i/253724454986?chn=ps

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

I used Op/Tech neoprene straps with my Nikon F4S and long lenses for years. When I "went digital", there was never a reason to change. Use one with my D850 and D800.

rstipe Loc: S. Florida

I'm not sure what you mean by "neoprene" straps, but I shoot a Nikon D600 w/150-600mm occasionally. Believe me, they're heavy. I recently found this, https://hiiguy.com/products/camera-strap. It's a Black Rapid type strap without the Black Rapid price. It's extremely strong, comfortable & they even include a safety tether for additional security. Does anybody attach their strap to the lens mounting foot instead of the camera when using a heavy zoom?

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

nadelewitz wrote:

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

I have owned a couple of OpTech straps and they do work - to an extent. I suggest, however, that you take a look at a Cotton Carrier or cheaper Chinese copy, whichever suits your budget. I have been using one of each for years and they are brilliant. I actually purchased the Cotton Carrier after I broke my cheaper, Chinese copy (it was my fault, I cannot blame the carrier). The Cotton Carrier is expensive, but superb. No strain on your neck as the weight is taken on your shoulders. Takes a couple of minutes to initially set up, then seconds to put on.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

nadelewitz wrote:

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

I use neoprene straps on all my binoculars, but, I would not use them on a heavy rig you describe. I use black rapid straps or spider belts.

jwest Loc: South Dakota

nadelewitz wrote:

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

I have used a strap from Indigo Marble for 6 years. I have a Canon 6D, battery pack, 200/400 L lens, and 70-200 L. Cross body sling that holds the weight very comfortably. Attachment screws into tripod mount and has a safety strap as well. I use this all day shooting dog shows.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

When carrying two rigs, I go with an original Black Rapid and a standard neck strap.

TJBNovember Loc: Long Island, New York

nadelewitz wrote:

I have a couple of neoprene stretchy camera straps, and I'm wondering whether they are good to use with a heavy DSLR, with a long lens and even maybe a battery grip. Are they more comfortable than a canvas strap with or without a pad, and can I trust them to carry the weight, both fabric-wise and stitching-wise.

I've used OpTech neoprene straps with my Minolta 9xi Maxxum and a Tamron 200-400 auto focusing lens, not a light combination and never had a problem. Now use them on my D5100 and D750 with a variety of lenses with confidence.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

Been using no name, Chinese knock off neoprenes for years w/o issues. Be sure your connection is sound and you'll be fine.

Minx Loc: Vermont

I too use the Op-tech straps...they hold up well w/ little stretch. Recently I got a nice strap from Peak Design.
Although I do like the easily changed length, it's not as comfortable.

jtbdal

Take a look at the new Skout camera sling at CottonCarrier.com. Looks like a fantastic way to carry a camera.