Better way to secure strap to camera body? Went out tonight for the first time with my new 70-200 2.8 lens. Heavier than anything else in my bag. I usually hold camera in my hand and...

stlevine

Went out tonight for the first time with my new 70-200 2.8 lens. Heavier than anything else in my bag. I usually hold camera in my hand and put strap around be my neck. Shooting in clubs, I need to be extra secure. About an hour or so in, one side of the strap came loose from the loop on the camera. I figure it’s due to the weight.

I know how to properly attach the strap but am wondering if there’s something different and totally better that securely attaches to the camera and then to my neck strap? Thanks!

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

I use a shoulder type strap that attach to the threaded tripod mount socket. When I use my old 80-200 lens I attach to the shoe on the lens and it balances pretty well with the camera.

http://www.blackrapid.com

Bill_de Loc: US

If it was really properly attached it probably wouldn't come loose. Check out this recent thread and look carefully at the instructions / images.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-594275-1.html

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rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Take a look at Peak Design straps and quick release connectors. The connectors are also used on certain straps made by Op/Tech and some camera manufacturers. They are surprisingly reliable.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

stlevine wrote:

Went out tonight for the first time with my new 70... (show quote)

You need top support the 70-200 from it's foot, not from the camera. The Weight of the lens is too much for the buckle type strap and the flange mounting on the camera body if it is not supported correctly. I use a RRS mini screw clamp on the lens foot (Tamron with integral ARCA Swiss mount) and a lug for a Black Rapid strap.

https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/b2-fabn

Holds the camera/lens combo securely.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I learned a few things about camera straps from this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b6YoLOTb6A

duckfan48

I had similar experience with my D200 years past. For my new mirrorless I ordered a cuff style from PeakDesign. Very happy. Though it’s a mirrorless SONY a6000 I am able to support a larger heaver lens with my left hand, and have my right for setting and taking the shot. I like the Cuff style from them, and soon will order the adapters to attach to my favorite neck strap soon.

Ollieboy

stlevine wrote:

Went out tonight for the first time with my new 70... (show quote)

I use a Black Rapid strap but don't attach it to the tripod mount on bottom of camera. I put a key ring through one of the strap triangles and attach the strap caribiner to this ring. Much more secure and never have to worry about any screws getting loose. I already have a screw loose as it is.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

Gasman57 wrote:

I use a Black Rapid strap but don't attach it to the tripod mount on bottom of camera. I put a key ring through one of the strap triangles and attach the strap caribiner to this ring. Much more secure and never have to worry about any screws getting loose. I already have a screw loose as it is.

Out of interest are you using this method with a lens of similar weight to a 70-200 2.8?

I have a Black Rapid on order at present and considering methods for use with a D800 + 70-200.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Gasman57 wrote:

I use a Black Rapid strap but don't attach it to the tripod mount on bottom of camera. I put a key ring through one of the strap triangles and attach the strap caribiner to this ring. Much more secure and never have to worry about any screws getting loose. I already have a screw loose as it is.

The tripod socket and Black Rapid's socket mount is considerably stronger than and split ring. I use my Black Rapid sling with the supplied hardware on the tripod socket of my Sigma Sport 150-600 and a D810 with a battery grip - about 9.5 pounds. No issues.

I would be extremely careful of the single attachment point that you are using. It was not designed for that kind of loading. That's why there are two of them. An Optech Strap, which is a sling that uses BOTH strap lugs, is what you really want. Or you can always use the BR strap as it was designed.

In 12 years of Black Rapid ownership (I have a dual and single strap) I have never had the lug unscrew itself from either the camera or the tripod socket on a lens collar - I check the BR lug every time I go out - right after I check the memory card and check the charge on the battery.

IR Jim Loc: St. Louis

rjaywallace wrote:

Take a look at Peak Design straps and quick release connectors. The connectors are also used on certain straps made by Op/Tech and some camera manufacturers. They are surprisingly reliable.

I agree with Peak Design. I've had a couple high end straps that have used the tripod socket on the camera. Those are secure but got in my way when changing setups.
I currently use Peak Design Slide model. It's worked out wonderfully so far. The quick release tabs connect to the cameras eyelets instead of the tripod socket. I can carry a full frame body with a 150-600 lens without issue. I tend to tuck the lens' tripod collar into my front pocket to keep it from swinging around too much if I'm walking a far distance.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

IR Jim wrote:

I agree with Peak Design. I've had a couple high e... (show quote)

For me, I have used a Blackrapid sling strap for years now, used on at least 4 camera bodies over the years.

I use a Blackrapid Arca-Swiss plate with recessed ring for quick connect/disconnect for easy tripod use. I keep another BR plate on my large telephoto lenses for quick connect to my BR strap when needed.

Have never had an issue yet.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Best solution I've found: Black Rapid (as others have mentioned)...
It has become an industry standard for very compelling reasons...

I've actually used it with the AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6...
Great solution... In fact I wouldn't purchase a lens over 800g without a tripod foot... it is that important to me for shooting events....

Leitz Loc: Solms

stlevine wrote:

Went out tonight for the first time with my new 70... (show quote)

The lens has a tripod mount for a reason.

stlevine

Thanks all. I ordered a Black Rapid. That will make me feel much more comfortable carrying with that lens especially in clubs where a tripod/monopod isn’t feasible.