fotogfile

It's been awhile (2014) since someone posted questions about this and am looking for a well padded & solid attaching shoulder sling for my D850 & 500 pf5.6 & TC1.4 combo.

Anyone w/recent (last couple years) experience that has some recommendations and tips using them are greatly appreciated. This will primarily be used on several mile hikes for wildlife photography.

Thanks!

BadPhoto Loc: Maryland

I use Black Rapid slings exclusively. I have left, right and double. And very small. I have 25mm Arca Clamps on the end, and use them to clamp onto the Arca base plates on the cameras or tripod collars on the lenses.

For climbing, I use a Cotton Carrier vest.

For miles of hiking, I put the camera in a backpack.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Black Rapid, Cotton Carrier, Peak Design, Sunsniper

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

Black rapids or optech.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

Black Rapid

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

I prefer the Op/tech straps that give two point attachment to the sides of the camera. I tried a Black Rapid, but was uncomfortable with the single attachment to the tripod socket. I was always worrying about it working loose. Also it interfered with keeping a qr plate on my camera.

Bill_de Loc: US

All the units recommended are probably very good. But nobody can tell you what will be comfortable for you!

Try it, you'll like it ... or not!

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Quixdraw Loc: x

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

Ditto on both . . .

I prefer the balance and strength of a 1/4"-20 bolt over the two tiny lugs and the tiny plastic buckles and thin cord used to attach the camera to the strap - even if there are two. No one would hesitate to put a camera and lens on a tripod using the tripod socket - often with an offset load. The lugs are strong, but not as comfortable to wear and use as the tripod socket approach. And, unless you use a tether that attaches to the tripod socket - the Optech lug attachment is just as failure prone as a single point of attachment.

Nikon even sells a rebranded Black Rapid strap, which now includes a tether as a back up in case the main attachment fails. It is my understanding that the lugs can easily handle 60 lbs without failing. The fail point is reportedly 125 lbs. I have never seen test data for the tripod socket. Either way, both methods are fine - it's up to one's comfort level.

I've used the tripod socket with up to a 4 lb load (D810+24-70mm F2.8) without issue, and up to an 8.5 lb load (D810+Sigma 150-600 Sport) using the tripod socket on the lens' tripod collar and also no issues.

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

I no longer use a shoulder strap because they get in my way in Florida Wetlands. But when I did, I used the following ones. I really liked them.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=black%20rapid&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

[quote=BadPhoto]I use Black Rapid slings exclusively. I have left, right and double. And very small. I have 25mm Arca Clamps on the end, and use them to clamp onto the Arca base plates on the cameras or tripod collars on the lenses.

Can you tell me more about the clamp you use I have been looking for a way to attach a camera with an "L" bracket to my Black Rapid

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

OP/TECHUSA

pahtspix

The PEAK DESIGN "SLIDE" carries my Nikon D500 w/grip attatched to a Tamron 150-600mm G2, and it will free up your ARCA style tripod mount in seconds if you wish to use that tripod... At 77 years of age, I find no problem going miles with this combo cross carried on my chest withe the lens pointed down around my hip or behind me with NO BOUNCING around like many other designs..About $65 USD at Hunt's photo and video, B&H, and Adorama.. Get on http://www.peakdesign.com and check out their videos on the
SLING strap! IMHO..I think you'll be glad you did!!

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

I've had great success with OpTech.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Urban Sling by OPTECH USA https://optechusa.com/urban-sling.html
The only thing that I might expand on is that the OP/TECH USA URBAN Sling (cross body) works very well by keeping the camera load well distributed and close to the body.
OP/TECH USA also sells handy attachments for all (go to their "Home Page") of their straps, such as battery holders, memory card holders, provision for extra bodies, etc.
The "Urban Sling" strap is almost infinitely adjustable with a simple pull strap, and it has no visible brand markings. It also has the (rear) embedded cable to prevent the slash and grab thief.
I adjust the "Urban Sling" strap so that I can comfortably keep my hand on my camera grip. Using their Sling straps you may always raise your camera to your eye in one quick motion as demonstrated on their video.
I personally have three OP/TECH USA Slings and they have been all over the world serving me well in all respects. They are made in the USA with quality materials and have a generously padded strap.
Two final points, Their prices are excellent for the quality you receive, and I do not work for OP/TECH USA. 
https://optechusa.com/urban-sling.html