AnneHW Loc: Monroe, Wisconsin

Recently I upgraded my camera to a full frame Nikon and I’m surprised at how much heavier it is than my D5500, especially when I add a larger lens. I also got a strap that I think is called “cross body,” meaning it goes over one shoulder and to my side. That seems to cause shoulder pain, plus it gets in my way when I turn my camera sideways. Any thoughts on a harness style? I’m 5’4” and about 105 lbs. I’m open to other suggestions, too. Thank you.

rwilson1942 Loc: Houston, TX

I almost never use a camera strap since I mostly shoot with a tripod but I have used harness style straps for years for binoculars.
I find them very comfortable and they would let you bring the camera up to your eye easily.
I'm not sure how they might work when turning the camera vertical since you don't need that with binoculars.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Most cross body style straps (like Blackrapid or Op Tech) are attached to the camera body using the tripod mount and thus are designed to allow the camera to hang "upside down" at your hip when not in use. If this is what you have, and when you say it "gets in your way" when you turn the camera to portrait orientation (turn it sideways) then it may be just a matter of learning to flick your wrist as you bring the camera up to your eye in a manner that moves the strap out of the way. Frankly, I've used these straps exclusively for over 10 years without any issues like that.

Oh, and don't let the panic patrol whinge about the bottom of the camera falling out because this is not the proper way to connect a camera strap to the body - that is pure nonsense, particularly for any of the full frame cameras out there that are built stoutly enough to handle the weight.

As for it hurting your shoulder - is it due to the weight itself? Maybe one of the systems that allow you to attach the camera to your body (check out the Cotton Carrier, for instance - lots of folks here seem to like it) to keep the weight off your shoulder entirely.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Anne, before got my current (mirrorless) camera, I had a heavy beast of a camera with even heavier lenses. I still use it from time to time for tripod work, but not to carry around. However for that camera I have an OpTech bino-harness: It goes over both shoulders and I found it very comfortable to use.
https://optechusa.com/bino-cam-harness.html
Note that it attaches to both sides of the camera, not just one point of attachment.
I never found it was in the way of turning the camera to portrait orientation.
I bought that strap at the end of 2010 or early 2011 and despite its use, still looks like new.

vortipor Loc: Bath, UK

I have used Op/Tech straps for a few years now. They sell cross-body and neck straps.
The bit that goes round your neck/shoulders is neoprene - very comfy.
The ends of the straps can connect to your camera with QD loop connectors - very useful if you are a tripod user.

mpetrun

Try a harness rope or harness strap with swivels. Weight is distributed on shoulders and not the neck. Works for me.

AnneHW Loc: Monroe, Wisconsin

Thank you for the detailed response. The one I got has a loop that attaches to one of the neck strap “hooks.” (Sorry, I can never remember all the terminology!) But, I appreciate your advice about the tripod hookup.

Part of my problem is I injured myself exercising and the camera seems to exacerbate any pain from that! As soon as I feel okay, and I get my camera out for a hike, I end up having shoulder or arm/wrist pain! I have started using a monopod (which has definitely improved my photography) so I’m not trying to balance all that weight. But the side strap doesn’t seem to be working well for me. I’ll definitely check out Cotton Carrier. Thanks again.

AnneHW Loc: Monroe, Wisconsin

Thank you! I’m almost worried that I took on too much re size, but I do love the camera! I’ll take a look.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

That exercise will get you every time! I also get shoulder pain from carrying weight on one side. The harness style strap gets all rhat weight distributed evenly, letting me use my body to help support the weight.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Black Rapid attaches to the tripod mount, Op Tech attaches to the strap lugs. But otherwise, good information and observations.

AnneHW Loc: Monroe, Wisconsin

Thanks for the affirmation! I’m so frustrated lately because I’m 66 and want to stay in shape! I was working on chin ups, and had managed to get to 3 in a row. Then I started having pain in my hands and wrists (that’s a new one). So now, it seems like everything I want to do aggravates it!

I looked back to see if you had already recommended a harness, but don’t see anything. Which one(s) do you like?

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

I can't do any above-the-shoulder exercises anymore, whether it's weights or using the arms on my elliptical - my old joints get irritated.

I bought the Opetech bino harness because it wasn't too expensive -$20 at Adorama. My camera hangs in front and the weight is well-distributed across my back and both shoulders.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Sorry, but Optech straps do NOT attach to the tripod socket like Black Rapids do. Optech straps all attach to the cameras strap lugs! Yes even their Sling Straps.

chuck1376

I recently started using Peak Design's Capture. It is a clip that attaches to my belt and that seems to work better for me than my Black Rapid sling when I want to limit the swinging (hiking and crowds). As all new things it has taken a bit of getting used to but I rarely notice it on the hip. At 67 I carry a Nikon D750 with a Tamron 24-70 G2 most of the time, not a light weight setup.

unclebe1 Loc: NYC & Wellington, FL

I also recently purchased Peak Design's Capture and their Capture Lens. I have them attached to a LowePro Belt that I bought some years ago. I used them for 10 days in July on a Danube river cruise. Before that I used a Black Rapid cross shoulder strap for years (and sometimes still do). I found carrying the camera and a second lens on my hip to be significantly easier than carrying the camera over my shoulder. It did take some getting used to getting in and out of cars/busses and walking through doorways (you need to be aware of the camera and not bang it into doorways and other objects. After a brief learning curve, I was very glad to have gone to the hip mount.