My experience in selecting a camera strap system
Nov 10, 2012 04:59:28 #
I'm posting this to help anyone who is looking for a new and better strap.
Here is quick summary of the advantages and differences between several camera straps that I own - things that have proven important to me.
Here are my priorities:
1) Comfort
2) Security
3) Flexibility
4) Quick access to camera
5) Easily and quickly removed from camera
Since I owned each of the following straps, I'm speaking from personal experience with them and how they met MY specific needs. A personal preference is ALWAYS involved when selecting a camera strap.
Black Rapid RS7 and Black Rapid R Sport
Does most things well.
Well made. Comfortable.
Handy anchorage for optional "Joey" storage pockets (if you really want them there.)
Anchorage to the camera system can scratch the bottom of the camera.
Direct anchorage to the tripod socket is not as strong as if a plate is used to counter torsional forces.
Strap anchor lug must be removed to mount camera on a tripod monopod, gimbal, etc. Too many removals and re-installs of the mounting lug invites a less than secure mount.
The quick disconnect can be opened with one hand, a liability if careless and it makes it easier for thieves when traveling in foreign locales.
The camera connection has a potential weak link at the end of the locking swivel hook that can wear and fail. (But I have never heard of one failing to date...)
See: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/curve
and: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/sport
Cotton Carrier
Very comfortable (but restrictive)
Awkward twist required to free it from the clunky metal chest plate; especially so with a long telephoto (and geeky looking).
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod, but now a adapter plate is available that allows use with an L-bracket.
The vest system is needed to comfortably carry a heavy camera, and it is fairly heavy by itself.
It also did not fit easily into my back pack and camera bags.
I just did not like it. Personal preference, so personal bias is involved.
see: http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-carrier-camera-vest-p/635rtl-s.htm
Carry Speed CS-Pro and FS-Pro
(Specifically the FS-PRO camera sling strap with F-1 foldable mounting plate)
Better anchoring system to tripod mount by using a standard Acra Swiss plate with a pivoting swivel ball for attaching the camera strap mount. Stronger and more flexible as it can go off and on a tripod without removing the strap anchor from the camera.
The camera strap has a double lock disconnect which is more secure and works well.
Supplied with a second security strap for long telephoto lenses.
Comes with an easy-to-use wrist strap which connects to the same mounting ball. A secure feature to have when mounting and un-mounting the camera from a tripod.
Widest and most comfortable strap of the lot. Great for heavy lenses.
The ball and socket connection is probably overkill, so that appeals to me. Very very secure.
See: http://www.carryspeed.com/products/fs-pro-camera-sling-strap-with-f-1-foldable-mounting-plate
and http://www.carryspeed.com/collections/camera-straps/?ref=N11912
and http://www.carryspeed.com/collections/ds-series
Luma Labs Cinch
A solid design by a small firm without a big advertising budget.
Uses both the tripod mount and one camera body strap lug; providing double security anchorage and less stress on one mount.
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod.
Offers a well designed adjustable strap for keeping the camera at your side, and adjusting the strap on the fly. Takes some getting used to, but it works and is a good concept.
See: http://luma-labs.com/products/cinch for more information.
So which is best?
There is no winner. They all work far better that any OEM strap that came with your camera and offer worthwhile advantages. So it quickly becomes a personal choice based on your priorities (see mine listed above).
If you carry a camera around all day, comfort is a primary concern. Cotton Carrier Vest, Carry Speed Pro and Black Rapid Sport are best in that regard.
If you are carrying a heavy telephoto on a less expensive DSLR, the tripod mount could be over stressed (my opinion). The Luma Labs Cinch and Carry Speed (when using the second lens strap) are the best choices. Both have a more secure mounting system. (The more expensive "pro-sumer" and professional DSLRs have a stronger tripod mounting plate.)
If you want to carry some very small items on the strap, the Black Rapid system offers pouches that are easily attached to the strap in addition to the one that is integrated into the strap. This convenience is important to some folks. I never used it as I did not want to carry a CF card full of images and risk losing it if the camera was ever stolen or lost.
If you want to carry two cameras the Black Rapid DR-1 and the Carry Speed Pro CS-double have good options to address this. This allows flexibility without having to buy two straps from the onset and easy conversion back to one camera.
(The Cotton Carrier also offers a 2 camera option, but I found it cumbersome and restrictive so I sent it back.)
At the end of the day, only you can decide what strap system works best, and you often can only do that after you try out the most promising straps for several days.
Here is quick summary of the advantages and differences between several camera straps that I own - things that have proven important to me.
Here are my priorities:
1) Comfort
2) Security
3) Flexibility
4) Quick access to camera
5) Easily and quickly removed from camera
Since I owned each of the following straps, I'm speaking from personal experience with them and how they met MY specific needs. A personal preference is ALWAYS involved when selecting a camera strap.
Black Rapid RS7 and Black Rapid R Sport
Does most things well.
Well made. Comfortable.
Handy anchorage for optional "Joey" storage pockets (if you really want them there.)
Anchorage to the camera system can scratch the bottom of the camera.
Direct anchorage to the tripod socket is not as strong as if a plate is used to counter torsional forces.
Strap anchor lug must be removed to mount camera on a tripod monopod, gimbal, etc. Too many removals and re-installs of the mounting lug invites a less than secure mount.
The quick disconnect can be opened with one hand, a liability if careless and it makes it easier for thieves when traveling in foreign locales.
The camera connection has a potential weak link at the end of the locking swivel hook that can wear and fail. (But I have never heard of one failing to date...)
See: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/curve
and: http://www.blackrapid.com/products/sport
Cotton Carrier
Very comfortable (but restrictive)
Awkward twist required to free it from the clunky metal chest plate; especially so with a long telephoto (and geeky looking).
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod, but now a adapter plate is available that allows use with an L-bracket.
The vest system is needed to comfortably carry a heavy camera, and it is fairly heavy by itself.
It also did not fit easily into my back pack and camera bags.
I just did not like it. Personal preference, so personal bias is involved.
see: http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-carrier-camera-vest-p/635rtl-s.htm
Carry Speed CS-Pro and FS-Pro
(Specifically the FS-PRO camera sling strap with F-1 foldable mounting plate)
Better anchoring system to tripod mount by using a standard Acra Swiss plate with a pivoting swivel ball for attaching the camera strap mount. Stronger and more flexible as it can go off and on a tripod without removing the strap anchor from the camera.
The camera strap has a double lock disconnect which is more secure and works well.
Supplied with a second security strap for long telephoto lenses.
Comes with an easy-to-use wrist strap which connects to the same mounting ball. A secure feature to have when mounting and un-mounting the camera from a tripod.
Widest and most comfortable strap of the lot. Great for heavy lenses.
The ball and socket connection is probably overkill, so that appeals to me. Very very secure.
See: http://www.carryspeed.com/products/fs-pro-camera-sling-strap-with-f-1-foldable-mounting-plate
and http://www.carryspeed.com/collections/camera-straps/?ref=N11912
and http://www.carryspeed.com/collections/ds-series
Luma Labs Cinch
A solid design by a small firm without a big advertising budget.
Uses both the tripod mount and one camera body strap lug; providing double security anchorage and less stress on one mount.
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod.
Offers a well designed adjustable strap for keeping the camera at your side, and adjusting the strap on the fly. Takes some getting used to, but it works and is a good concept.
See: http://luma-labs.com/products/cinch for more information.
So which is best?
There is no winner. They all work far better that any OEM strap that came with your camera and offer worthwhile advantages. So it quickly becomes a personal choice based on your priorities (see mine listed above).
If you carry a camera around all day, comfort is a primary concern. Cotton Carrier Vest, Carry Speed Pro and Black Rapid Sport are best in that regard.
If you are carrying a heavy telephoto on a less expensive DSLR, the tripod mount could be over stressed (my opinion). The Luma Labs Cinch and Carry Speed (when using the second lens strap) are the best choices. Both have a more secure mounting system. (The more expensive "pro-sumer" and professional DSLRs have a stronger tripod mounting plate.)
If you want to carry some very small items on the strap, the Black Rapid system offers pouches that are easily attached to the strap in addition to the one that is integrated into the strap. This convenience is important to some folks. I never used it as I did not want to carry a CF card full of images and risk losing it if the camera was ever stolen or lost.
If you want to carry two cameras the Black Rapid DR-1 and the Carry Speed Pro CS-double have good options to address this. This allows flexibility without having to buy two straps from the onset and easy conversion back to one camera.
(The Cotton Carrier also offers a 2 camera option, but I found it cumbersome and restrictive so I sent it back.)
At the end of the day, only you can decide what strap system works best, and you often can only do that after you try out the most promising straps for several days.
Nov 10, 2012 07:32:32 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
Here's one I made with all parts at my lovely Ace Hardware... Cost right at 10 bucks, minus strap, I already had that.... Works great - no neck strain and don'[t even know its on my shoulder...
Nov 10, 2012 09:54:00 #
Festina Lente wrote:
I'm posting this to help anyone who is looking for a new and better strap.
[....snip....]
If you are carrying a heavy telephoto on a less expensive DSLR, the tripod mount could be over stressed (my opinion).
[....snip....]
At the end of the day, only you can decide what strap system works best, and you often can only do that after you try out the most promising straps for several days.
[....snip....]
If you are carrying a heavy telephoto on a less expensive DSLR, the tripod mount could be over stressed (my opinion).
[....snip....]
At the end of the day, only you can decide what strap system works best, and you often can only do that after you try out the most promising straps for several days.
Festina Lente, thank you for posting this.
I did not have the experience of owning different camera straps, but asked friends to borrow theirs....
Because my camera with favourite lens weighs just shy of 5 pounds (2.25 kg), a tripod mount fastener was never an option for me - regardless of what anyone says, I just don't trust them.
I finally settled on an OP/TECH Bino/Cam Harness:
http://optechusa.com/bino-cam-harness.html
It divides the weight to both my shoulders, I have carried it this way for 7 hours at an airshow, no problem.
But I must say, when walking, I hold my hand on the lens's tripod collar - I don't really trust the lens mount on the camera either.....
Looking for something I can buy or make to take some of the lens weight to the strap instead of all to the camera.
EstherP
Nov 10, 2012 19:34:59 #
Wow. Carrying five pounds for 7 hours - that is a good testament for your OP/TECH harness.
I did not try the OP/TECH harness because I did not like nor trust the two clips holding it to the camera (that and the camera's orientation when hung from the camera's strap lugs). One squeeze of either clip and your camera and lens may vrash to the ground.
Also I thought the straps were too narrow for my comfort (I'm probably hoofing around 7 pounds with a full frame and a Canon L-series 70-200 IS 2.8 telephoto.)
Thanks for the information EsterP. The OP/TECH is also a lot less expensive than the straps I tested (that's more $ for another lens...! :roll: )
I did not try the OP/TECH harness because I did not like nor trust the two clips holding it to the camera (that and the camera's orientation when hung from the camera's strap lugs). One squeeze of either clip and your camera and lens may vrash to the ground.
Also I thought the straps were too narrow for my comfort (I'm probably hoofing around 7 pounds with a full frame and a Canon L-series 70-200 IS 2.8 telephoto.)
Thanks for the information EsterP. The OP/TECH is also a lot less expensive than the straps I tested (that's more $ for another lens...! :roll: )
Nov 10, 2012 19:49:13 #
[quote=donrent]Here's one I made with all parts at my lovely Ace Hardware... Cost right at 10 bucks, minus strap, I already had that.... Works great - no neck strain and don'[t even know its on my shoulder... [/quote]
This appears to be a good example of a DIY project that saves money - good old Yankee ingenuity.
But I would feel guilty if I did not let you know that the leverage the 1/4-20 eye bolt can place on the camera's threaded tripod insert can damage your camera should it see a sudden jolt.
For that reason alone, I do not recommend using it. It simply is not worth the savings over one of the many under $25 straps that do a better job in that area.
Torsional loads on the threaded insert were not a part of the camera maker's design. That is why a mount with a wide base is so important.
Tripods have a wide mounting base. Carry Speed and Cotton Carry straps have well engineered wide based.
Black Rapid does not have one it its base model, but the specially designed eyelet Black Rapid uses is 2 to 3 times shorter (much less leverage) than your Ace Hardware eye bolt!! And as such it posses much smaller risk.
Be careful Don and reconsider a possibly penny-wise pound-foolish notion.
This appears to be a good example of a DIY project that saves money - good old Yankee ingenuity.
But I would feel guilty if I did not let you know that the leverage the 1/4-20 eye bolt can place on the camera's threaded tripod insert can damage your camera should it see a sudden jolt.
For that reason alone, I do not recommend using it. It simply is not worth the savings over one of the many under $25 straps that do a better job in that area.
Torsional loads on the threaded insert were not a part of the camera maker's design. That is why a mount with a wide base is so important.
Tripods have a wide mounting base. Carry Speed and Cotton Carry straps have well engineered wide based.
Black Rapid does not have one it its base model, but the specially designed eyelet Black Rapid uses is 2 to 3 times shorter (much less leverage) than your Ace Hardware eye bolt!! And as such it posses much smaller risk.
Be careful Don and reconsider a possibly penny-wise pound-foolish notion.
Nov 11, 2012 05:53:35 #
Thanks Festina Lente for well written review. I just purchased the Luma Labs Cinch. I had some of the same concerns about the tripod socket. They've added an optional extension piece called a "membrane connector," for an additional $15.00.
If the person doesn't have a quick release plate with the slot to connect the strap and/or is not using a battery grip (that has this slot) then the membrane connector will meet the need. I have a Manfrotto quick release plate that doesn't offer that option so this works well for me. I purchased it so that, I could keep the QR plate on my camera for faster tripod mounting. Purchasing the Cinch is well worth it. I can comfortably carry my camera using a sling strap and avoid the neck strain.
If the person doesn't have a quick release plate with the slot to connect the strap and/or is not using a battery grip (that has this slot) then the membrane connector will meet the need. I have a Manfrotto quick release plate that doesn't offer that option so this works well for me. I purchased it so that, I could keep the QR plate on my camera for faster tripod mounting. Purchasing the Cinch is well worth it. I can comfortably carry my camera using a sling strap and avoid the neck strain.
Nov 11, 2012 06:15:40 #
Don,
What Festina says makes sense. Why not just put a large washer on, then the nut? Thanks for showing your Idea; now out to the shop I go.
What Festina says makes sense. Why not just put a large washer on, then the nut? Thanks for showing your Idea; now out to the shop I go.
Nov 11, 2012 06:48:45 #
Well done Festina.
This is a well crafted piece of advice to anyone looking at alternative straps.
Like most of us, he has discovered that one size does not fit-all and for maximum effectiveness and comfort you could well end up with a collection of straps. But, is that a bad thing? We happily collect lens for different purposes, filters for different jobs, even tripods and monopods, some of us even different cameras. I am prepared to bet that 99% of us have more than one camera bag. At last count I had 7 speedlights!!!
So, why not more than one strap?
This is a well crafted piece of advice to anyone looking at alternative straps.
Like most of us, he has discovered that one size does not fit-all and for maximum effectiveness and comfort you could well end up with a collection of straps. But, is that a bad thing? We happily collect lens for different purposes, filters for different jobs, even tripods and monopods, some of us even different cameras. I am prepared to bet that 99% of us have more than one camera bag. At last count I had 7 speedlights!!!
So, why not more than one strap?
Nov 11, 2012 07:42:36 #
EstherP wrote:
quote=Festina Lente I'm posting this to help anyo... (show quote)
I also use the Op/Tech for the same reasons Ester cited and the way it is set up you have the option of switching the weight from shoulder to neck if you shoulders need a rest. It is designed to use with two cameras, one under each arm, but not having two cameras I use it when I have my monopod with me and want both hands - I sling the camera under one arm and the monopod under the other.
Nov 11, 2012 07:59:16 #
I do have the Black Rapid, and carried my Nikon D300 for over 8 hours walking in New York, always had my camera at my hand for safety, and had no neck strain. With the extra battery and storage for extra cards, unless I'm needing extra lenses or probability of rain, I don't need my bag. Love it..
Nov 11, 2012 08:16:34 #
I bought my Black Rapid strap a year ago and never looked back. Yes, I must remove it when mounting my Manfrotto quick release on the camera, but that only takes a moment, and I don't do that six times a day. I didn't know about the Luma Labs Cinch when I made my decision, but would have considered it seriously. I just wanted something other than the manufacturer's provided strap, which, IMO, is a bother.
Nov 11, 2012 08:36:13 #
Festina Lente wrote:
...the clunky metal chest plate;
The reference to the metal chest plate would lead me away from the CC. :D
Excellent post. This should be saved in the FAQ. :thumbup:
Nov 11, 2012 08:38:51 #
Festina Lente wrote:
...good old Yankee ingenuity.
Ooooh! You might have made an enemy for life. Donrent is from Florida! :D
Nov 11, 2012 08:42:24 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
photophool wrote:
I bought my Black Rapid strap a year ago and never looked back. Yes, I must remove it when mounting my Manfrotto quick release on the camera, but that only takes a moment, and I don't do that six times a day. I didn't know about the Luma Labs Cinch when I made my decision, but would have considered it seriously. I just wanted something other than the manufacturer's provided strap, which, IMO, is a bother.
You can buy the screw in piece for your monfrotto quick release plate so the Black Rapid attaches to the Manfrotto plate. A year ago Manfrotto was at Photo Expo in NYC and the rep gave me one and actually installed it in the plate for me.
Nov 11, 2012 08:49:07 #
sueyeisert wrote:
quote=photophool I bought my Black Rapid strap a ... (show quote)
Lucky you! They're GBP17 here!
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