Camera Strap or Harness
Apr 5, 2022 13:44:35 #
I often have back and neck pain after a while when I’m out birding with my camera and 400mm lens hanging around my neck, so I want to buy a harness or shoulder strap. I assume a good quality shoulder strap would distribute the weight much better than my current neck strap, right? Do shoulder straps and harnesses provide equal support? If they do, I think I’d go with a strap. My impression is that a shoulder strap would be less obtrusive and more practical to put on and take off than a harness.
What other considerations are there? I like UHH user MT Shooter’s advice in another thread: “I MUCH prefer the Optech as it attaches to the camera lugs. Any strap that attaches to the tripod socket is a PITA as always causes issues. Also the manufacturers didn't design their cameras to be hung upside down from that tripod socket in the first place.”
As for brands, Peak Design, OP Tech and Black Rapid seem to be popular strap choices based on what I see posted on UHH. What about harnesses – is Cotton the best brand?
Thanks for any thoughts or advice, Hogs.
What other considerations are there? I like UHH user MT Shooter’s advice in another thread: “I MUCH prefer the Optech as it attaches to the camera lugs. Any strap that attaches to the tripod socket is a PITA as always causes issues. Also the manufacturers didn't design their cameras to be hung upside down from that tripod socket in the first place.”
As for brands, Peak Design, OP Tech and Black Rapid seem to be popular strap choices based on what I see posted on UHH. What about harnesses – is Cotton the best brand?
Thanks for any thoughts or advice, Hogs.
Apr 5, 2022 13:57:01 #
globetrekker wrote:
I often have back and neck pain after a while when... (show quote)
Cotton Carrier.
Apr 5, 2022 14:26:31 #
The adjustments on the new Peak Design series are very helpful with a long lens. Check out their video explaining the Peak Design system.
Apr 5, 2022 14:28:19 #
Apr 6, 2022 02:33:16 #
UTMike wrote:
The adjustments on the new Peak Design series are very helpful with a long lens. Check out their video explaining the Peak Design system.
Thank you, UTMike! I did check out their video, plus a video by Shane Bethlehem. I love the way this strap works. I think I'll go with the Slide model (not Light).
Apr 6, 2022 05:16:46 #
Apr 6, 2022 06:31:26 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
globetrekker wrote:
I often have back and neck pain after a while when... (show quote)
I use no strap for my sensitive neck. I carry my lens with this handy carry handle.
Apr 6, 2022 06:46:03 #
Apr 6, 2022 07:08:52 #
photon-collector
Loc: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
I use the Op/Tech system for all my cameras, including some very formidable Bronica GS-1. Very comfortable and easy to configure for two camera carry, or single carry left, right, or center. I also use the Peak Design anchor links, which provide a fast, easy, and secure coupling between the harness and the camera.
Apr 6, 2022 07:19:41 #
billnikon wrote:
I use no strap for my sensitive neck. I carry my lens with this handy carry handle.
I use a Peak Design strap but the handle you use looks interesting. I will have to find that handle. Thank you for your informative post, Dale
Apr 6, 2022 07:38:22 #
globetrekker wrote:
I often have back and neck pain after a while when... (show quote)
I Love my OP/Tech USA Straps. I have them on all of my camera bodies. They are comfortable, well made, very reasonably priced, and highly customizable.
https://www.optechusa.com/
https://www.optechusa.com/straps.html
I personally recommend the "Urban Sling" for security and comfort as it is Instantly adjustable so that you may carry your camera low and at hand or pull on the adjustment strap to bring it up as high as you like. I use this sling for day-long tours when I have my Canon 5DIV w/Canon 28-300mm attached.
https://www.optechusa.com/urban-sling.html
These straps make me . . . .
Smile,
JimmyT Sends
Apr 6, 2022 07:44:54 #
You might look into a waist holster. Your waist bears the grunt of the weight and they have quick release hooks.
I have one, I’ll try to photograph it once CA wakes up.
I have one, I’ll try to photograph it once CA wakes up.
Apr 6, 2022 07:54:55 #
globetrekker wrote:
I often have back and neck pain after a while when... (show quote)
I replaced my camera strap with one made by "pro master". I've been very happy with it and found it to be way more comfortable than the original. It is wider than the old strap, so it spreads the weight more evenly, and it is made of neoprene, (like wetsuits), so it is slightly "stretchy" and acts like a shock absorber, again aiding the comfort. The underside of it is a kind of grippy rubber that really stops it from sliding around when walking/running /climbing, etc. It also has "quick release" snaps so it's easy to take off and on again, (I remove it much more than I thought I would now it's so easy, especially when using a tripod). I can't remember how much it cost, but I do know that it was very reasonable. I'm sure there are many "better", brand - named, and more expensive straps out there, but I'm very happy with mine! Hope this helps,
Ray.
Apr 6, 2022 07:57:39 #
If you are having problems with an around the neck strap, then any strap that goes over around the neck is going to end up bothering you. I have tried all of them. The best bet is the vest type or the waist type. The vest distributes the weight across shoulders and the body. The waist type hangs on the hips. The only problem with that is if you have a long lense it will bunce on your leg all day long and that is no bueno either
Apr 6, 2022 08:26:06 #
I use Peak Design Slides, both regular and lite. It’s very easy to adjust length so I can carry cross body. Not only does that reduce the strain in my neck but it keeps the camera from bouncing around when I’m hiking.
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