Hand Strap??

[Kristy]

I've been thinking it would be nice to have a handstrap.... Anyone using one and how do you like it? Which brand and why? I have the 20D

[ripster]

I use the cannon handstrap on both my cameras! Lets me have a tight grip and ready postion for camera at all times! Try it, you will like it!......................Rip

[dicky109]

Do a search on "hand strap"

There've been a numer of discusions on this. As with all thing having to do with an opinion (we all have at least 3 on any given subject), many discussions starting as "neck strap" eventually evolved to hand straps too

[Mike K]

I have a handstrap on my 1dmkII and have really come to like it. The hand strap allows you to not have to grip the camera as tightly to securely hang on to it. This is particularily useful when you have a larger, heavier lens. Some straps come with a wrist attachments which straps around your wrist; its not coming off for sure then.

The largest problem is that the 20D without a vertical grip is that there is no lower lug for the handstrap to attach to. Thus the Canon E1 strap is out. There are some units like the Hakuba that use a plastic piece that screws into the tripod socket to provide the lower attachment point. On some this means if you want to use the tripod you have to unscrew it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=194968&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

There is a solution
http://www.camdapter.com/
this company sells a strap with a metal plate which again uses the tripod socket screw hole. However there is a secondary tripod screw hole (now off center) so you don't have to remove it to use the tripod. Better yet is the version with the bottom plate having a dovetail design to be used in an Arca Swiss style tripod head clamp. Now the lower attachment plate for your hand strap is your tripod quick release plate.
Mike K

[Doc Nickel]

I prefer a handstrap, but I didn't get the Canon padded one.

My 28-300 came with a nylon strap and the "buckle" arrangements for the ends. I simply cut a suitable length off the strap, then used the buckles to attach it, much like the Canon piece.

Now, the thin strap doesn't have the pad or width of the production one, but on a lightweight XT, it's perfect, and much less bulky. Never had a problem with it being too thin- chafing or cutting, etc. Definitely makes your grip more secure, and it was easier to use than a wrist lanyard.

If/when I upgrade (either a 20D w/grip or a 1D-etc.) I'll probably get the Canon strap, if nothing else just for the padding, since they're heavier cameras.

Anyway, you can see if you like the strap before buying the 'real thing" with any chunk of 1/2" wide nylon and some spare buckles. Give it a try, you'll probably like it.

Doc.

[Cadwell]

I use the Canon handstrap E1 on both my camera bodies. To be honest, when I'm using another camera without one it just doesn't feel right.

[Dave_G]

I want one of these now - best I can find is £22 from Mifsuds.

Anyone?

[BrianEE93]

I wondered about a hand strap. It seems great if you are shooting horizontal shots but what about vertical? Do you go back to the grip? Just pull your hand out and grab the grip?

[Blue Deuce]

I wondered about a hand strap. It seems great if you are shooting horizontal shots but what about vertical? Do you go back to the grip? Just pull your hand out and grab the grip?

I love my Canon handstrap but its of no use when taking pictures in portrait orientation.

[Az2Africa]

Got the Canon hand strap on both cameras and wouldn't be without them. I don't even have to remove them when mounting on the Custom Bracket for flash.

[DavidW]

Be aware - as has been mentioned before - that if you don't have a 1 series camera, you need a grip to have the bottom mounting point for the Canon E1 hand strap. There are solutions available to mount a hand strap on a camera that doesn't have a grip.

My 20D / BG-E2 grip has a Canon E1 hand strap permanently attached - I wouldn't want to be without it.



David

[Dave_G]

grip needed...http://www.sp30.co.uk/images/smiles/sadwalk.gif..... http://www.sp30.co.uk/images/smiles/console.gif

[Kristy]

Interesting answers. I do not have a grip.. Perhaps I should look into that first. What is the benefit of the grip anyway? Is it a plus for those guys with big hands? I have smaller hands than average so would need to consider the reasons. :)

[DavidW]

There's a few reasons why I have and like the grip.

I find it makes the camera handle better with fairly sizeable lenses on it (I've got an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L and an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS). I have the portrait mode controls, which I find much more ergonomic than trying to reach for the main controls. The grip makes it easier to load and unload batteries when the camera is in my Toploader 75AW, and when the camera is on a tripod or bracket of any description.

If I'm shooting a lot I can load two batteries at once (though I tend to load batteries sequentially). If I manage to flatten all the Canon batteries I have with me, I can load the battery magazine with AA batteries and shoot using those.

Finally, it's an anchor point for the E1 hand strap.



David

[J T]

Interesting answers. I do not have a grip.. Perhaps I should look into that first. What is the benefit of the grip anyway? Is it a plus for those guys with big hands? I have smaller hands than average so would need to consider the reasons. :)

Yes, it helps us men with larger hands. ;) I just bought one yesterday for my 350D and had it with me while I took photos last night at a club I work at. For some reason, it just felt more solid to photograph with, and now that I have discovered this strap (with the help of this thread), I'm definitely going to get that for added security. I'm finding the neck strap gets in the way and flops around when I'm taking quick photos as I just grab the camera and shoot (w/o time to throw it around my neck).

Also, it's nice to have dual batteries going for lots of shooting and little worrying about losing power. And, as David mentioned, the grip also comes with a AA battery back-up system just in case your main batteries die and you can't recharge them.

[gale]

I read (but haven't seen it to see for myself) that the hakuba LH hand strap has a tripod hole on it. Either way, that's the one I'm getting (soon).

[J T]

Thanks to this thread, which I read roughly two hours ago, I now have the Canon strap. :D Fortunately my local Canon dealer had one in stock. Uh oh, I'm getting addicted to accessories...

[Juan23]

I have this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=194967&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) strapped to my camera. It gives me a little more security when I'm shooting around all the little kids in my family, not to mention the dogs. If anything the strap will give you a little peace of mind when you're on the run, especially when you have your flash unit mounted up there.

[Cadwell]

grip needed...http://www.sp30.co.uk/images/smiles/sadwalk.gif..... http://www.sp30.co.uk/images/smiles/console.gif

Awww.... still, what a great excuse to go out an buy a grip! :twisted: ;)

[Dave_G]

Darn! haha

[Kristy]

There are some units like the Hakuba that use a plastic piece that screws into the tripod socket to provide the lower attachment point. On some this means if you want to use the tripod you have to unscrew it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=194968&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

There is a solution
http://www.camdapter.com/
this company sells a strap with a metal plate which again uses the tripod socket screw hole. However there is a secondary tripod screw hole (now off center) so you don't have to remove it to use the tripod. Better yet is the version with the bottom plate having a dovetail design to be used in an Arca Swiss style tripod head clamp. Now the lower attachment plate for your hand strap is your tripod quick release plate.
Mike K

Has anyone used this "Camdapter" brand before? It looks interesting to me. I'm not sure I want to add the battery grip... would make my camera heavier and larger to handle. Since I dont' have huge lenses (I'm a portrait gal), I don't feel the need for the extra weight on the camera.... (hopefully I'm not leaning the wrong way on this).

I would love to have a handstrap... I had the neck strap... it's always in the way and I only use it to carrying the camera on my shoulder when I'm not shooting at the moment.

I sure appreciate everyone's input here.. always a wonderful place to bounce ideas around.

[Cadwell]

I would have thought that the battery grip with its additonal shutter release and control buttons for shooting in portrait orientation would be a "must have" for a "portrait gal" ;)

[Kristy]

Yeah, I know... But I'm also a hand-holding freak. I like the freedom to move around and get different angles withoug wrestling with a tripod... and I have smaller hands so I wonder if this is going to be really big for me to hold.

Maybe I should go to the local shop and "try one on" to see how it feels before I end of kicking myself for not thinking about it more seriously... I do have a LOT to learn...

[gale]

If I could swing it, I would get that camdapter and strap in a minute. But right now I don't have $50+ to spend on one so that's why the hakuba is on my list. I have too many other things I still 'need' to buy.

[rklepper]

Great investment. I use it all the time and it just makes the camera easier to handle when moving around a lot.

[Mike K]

I found another option to the camdapter...
Image tooling makes a unit equivalent, that is its an Arca Swiss camera plate with a slot for the Canon E1 or equivalent handstrap. It has the added advantage of having a curved lip which rests against the front of the camera and prevents the plate from twisting on the tripod. In addition, this unit is machined to remove excess aluminum, so the plate is a lighter than the camdapter plate.
http://www.imagetooling.com/
Mike K

[Kristy]

Mike does it again.... just when I thought the camadapter was a strong possibility... he adds another option to the mix.... I'll have to take a look at the newest link. Thanks a bunch!! I do appreciate you taking the time.

I'm going to be doing another post on tripod heads, so keep an open eye if you have an opinion... :) thanks as always.. everyone's feedback is awesome!! :)

[jtg]

Mike:

Just to mention that the Camdapter plate also has an anti-twist lip. Additionally the Camdapter hand strap is "hands" above the competition in comfort and adjustability.



I found another option to the camdapter...
Image tooling makes a unit equivalent, that is its an Arca Swiss camera plate with a slot for the Canon E1 or equivalent handstrap. It has the added advantage of having a curved lip which rests against the front of the camera and prevents the plate from twisting on the tripod. In addition, this unit is machined to remove excess aluminum, so the plate is a lighter than the camdapter plate.
http://www.imagetooling.com/
Mike K

[Woolburr]

OK...time to complicate things even more. I have grips and straps on both my bodies and wouldn't take them off for anyone. That said, I have big hands and the grips give me more surface to hold on to, plus I certainly like to have the added battery capacity. Now for the rub, the thing that no one mentions is that you have to remove your hand from the strap to use the vertical controls on the grip, if you wish to keep your hand in the strap, you must use the regular controls. There goes one big "benefit" of a grip out the window. If I didn't have big hands and want the extra battery power, I think the Camdapter plate is by far and away the best quality option that I have seen. Honestly Kristy, you need to go try the options out. If you can't find a camera store that will let you try...check for a local photo club. Odds are good that there is a member or two that would let you check out their gear and see what feels best to you.

[Pinto]

All these plates reference compatibility with Arca-Swiss style mounts. Are they also compatible with Manfrotto RC2 QR type mounts, or is that something else entirely?
Thanks.

[Mike K]

The Manfrotto QR plates are not compatible with the Arca Swiss format. The Manfrotto plates fit only specific Manfrotto clamps and no other. Arca Swiss is a format used by several ballhead, clamp, plate manufactures. The beveled plate design allows for adjustment in a back and forth direction but a very secure clamping mechanism with no twisting. For visual examples check out the web sites of:
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/
http://www.tripodhead.com/
Mike K

[Pinto]

Thank you for your response, Mike.
I really liked the plates from imagetooling, but they indicate that they fit only the Arca-Swiss mount. Think it is kind of strange that they don't make a plate for the Manfrotto. The Arca-Swiss may be superior, but I would think there would be more Manfrotto products to retrofit with their plates. Oh well, I'll have to look elsewhere.
Regards,

[BearLeeAlive]

I have been using the camdapter for a few months now and just love it, I never did like having a strap around my neck, but.......

I really don't like the fact that it ofsets the tripod mount, it then offsets my flash when I use it on my flash bracket causing a shodow on the left side of whatever I am shooting, and it is a real pain to get off, you need a hex wrench (supplied, but easy to misplace) to remove it

[Mike K]

Thank you for your response, Mike.
I really liked the plates from imagetooling, but they indicate that they fit only the Arca-Swiss mount. Think it is kind of strange that they don't make a plate for the Manfrotto. The Arca-Swiss may be superior, but I would think there would be more Manfrotto products to retrofit with their plates. Oh well, I'll have to look elsewhere.
Regards,

I was going to say that only Manfrotto makes Manfrotto plates, but thats not quite true.
http://www.tripodquickrelease.com/Manfrotto_Quick_Releases.htm
However it is true that Manfrotto plates will be far more restrictive in camera plates (Manfrotoo ones all twist and loosen), lens plates, flash adapters, etc than the Arca Swiss format. the Manfrotto plates/clamps are not interchangable between the models, each head is quite shape specific. I have an old Manfrotto head with several plates that is sitting around discarded. If you look at the RRS catalogue (in previous post) you will see that they supply camera L brackets, lens plates, circular flash adapters, panning clamps and rails, and a variety of other specialized photo attachments using the Arca Swiss plate/clamp format. Since this format has been picked up by at least 5 different manufactures I think it is likely to stick around.
Mike K
Mike K

[Gary W. Graley]

Love the strap, I had made one out of a neck strap before getting the 20D,
but ordered that in the order of all things good.

The battery grip is really nice, adds balance when shooting and I just upped to
using two batteries, got a couple sets from SterlingTEK, seems to work just fine
and very reasonable rates and very fast shipping!

But to answer a question earlier, if you go for the vertical grip, you do need to
take your hand out of the strap to utilize the button on the battery grip for vertical
shots.

The only other minor complaint would be that unless you have longish piano player type
fingers, the access to the top row of buttons is a bit limited, you gotta really stretch
but you can reach them if needed, I would never consider not using that strap, it's just
that comfortable to me!
G2

[Pinto]

the Manfrotto plates/clamps are not interchangable between the models, each head is quite shape specific.
I think there are a very large number of Manfrotto heads that all use the RC-2 Quick Release Plate system and are interchangeable.

But what you are saying is, if I want to use an Arca Swiss plate I have to throw away my current Manfortto heads and buy all new heads that use the Arca type.

I have had zero problems with my Manfortto heads, so I guess I'll pass.

Thanks for your informative response.

Regards,

[sunbeast]

I wondered about a hand strap. It seems great if you are shooting horizontal shots but what about vertical? Do you go back to the grip? Just pull your hand out and grab the grip?

I still use the hand strap. Apparently my fingers are long enough that I use the regular shutter release button as if I didn't have the battery grip. Works fine...in fact better for me because I seem to have a steadier (is that a word?:rolleyes: ) grip on the camera.

[Headcase650]

If your looking for a simple hand strap for a 20D with no Battery grip, sunpak makes one, I picked mine up at ritz for $20, It has a plate that screws into the tripod hole and in the center of the tightening wheele there is an additional hole for mounting your quick release plate from your tripod of choise and keeps it in the same location as it should be on the camera just spaced out about 3/8 of an inch.It also has an additional loop to mount your neck strap to.

[Pinto]

Thanks, Headcase650. Is the plate metal or plastic?

[O/confusion]

If your looking for a simple hand strap for a 20D with no Battery grip, sunpak makes one

This is the one I use on my 20D. I found it really easy to get used to, once I figured out that the trick is to slacken off the strap to allow enough play for the fingers to reach the top row of buttons. It felt a tad sloppy initially, but I soon came to appreciate that this leads to less of a "death-grip" on the camera, and therefore less cramping. It's also easier to let go of the camera when you want to!

The mounting plate is a composite material of some sort, and flexes a bit when the knob is really tightened up, but I've had no issues with it yet. The nice part is that there are attachment points on both ends of the plate, so once the hand strap is fixed to the right side of the plate and the right camera lug, the neck strap can still be attached to the two left side points (which lets the camera hang in a "portrait" orientation when off the hand strap).

And it's only $23 CDN!

regards,
Terry

[Pinto]

Thank you O/confusion.