Neckstraps: a Precaution, or a Menace?

[Strawberry Fields]

How often have you actually lost your grip on the camera, only to have the neckstrap save the day?

How often has your day been ruined because the neckstrap got snagged onto something, and caused an accident?

I have a working theory that the neckstrap actually causes more accidents than it prevents...

[FelixP]

I can't stand neck straps, the reasons you mentioned are a factor, so I use a hand strap like this:

http://www.fotodiox.com/shop/images/camera_accessories_2/hand_strap_19/ultra_leather_hand_strap.jpg

Comfy and secure. I can't physically drop the camera, and the strap cannot get caught on anything. Changing lenses with one hand is simple enough too, since your other hand holds the camera.

[Jim G]

I wrap mine around my wrist; I don't believe I've ever shot with it around my neck - not once. I have yet to let go of the camera and have it be saved by the strap but I frequently let the camera dangle from my hand, held up by the E-1 handstrap and neckstrap around my wrist.

[deadpass]

I'm with Jim, it goes around my wrist when i'm shooting, shoulder if i'm walking around.

[ehab]

I am usually walking around and I have to take the bulk ( even with the 50 on ) - thus neckstrap works for me.

It Is a menace, but nothing that I cannot manage.

[qtaran111]

I'm with Jim, it goes around my wrist when i'm shooting, shoulder if i'm walking around.

Me too. I thought by now someone would have come up with a combined hand/shoulder strap. Perhaps there is one?

[yogestee]

I'm never without a neck strap although my camera is usually slung over my shoulder.. Shoulder strap??

[watchtherocks]

For street photography, it works a charm wrapped around your wrist. Means no one can grab it and do a runner.

[ANGUS]

For street photography, it works a charm wrapped around your wrist. Means no one can grab it and do a runner.

No they will just cut it or take your hand with it :rolleyes:

[qtaran111]

Perhaps all us shoulder strappers need one of these ;)

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php?id=1

[Ephemeral]

I like the hands-free nature of having a neck strap.

[jra]

I always use my neck straps, not really to stop accidents but as a way to carry my cameras. I don't know how I could carry and have ready multiple bodies at once without them, not to mention that I can just let my camera hang to free up my hands when I need to.

[canonloader]

Perhaps all us shoulder strappers need one of these ;)

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php?id=1
Thanks for that link. I have been wanting something like this for years. Do you have one? :)

For now, I use the Nikon equivalent to the E-1, only it's nicer, but more expensive. But that sucker is like wearing a glove with a camera on it. I have it attached the way it should go, then the neck strap is attached to the left side strap loop at the top and the extra strap loop in the Nikon strap bottom mount for over the shoulder carrying. But his strap is what I really want. ;)

[ICee]

I've just got one of the black rapid straps and me first thoughts are positive. I do a lot of sports photography and use a 300 f2.8 on a monopod and this strap make it easy too change to the 70-200 as you don't get tangled with straps.

[Master-9]

I always used the neckstrap...but find it uncomfortable now that I use a grip

[EcoRick]

I use a long Domke strap and sling the camera around me like a messenger bag. I mover the camera behind me when walking and it doesn't hang over my neck, as to me it's an uncomfortable position. When I want to shoot, I swing the camera around and it's still around my neck. Having it around my neck has prevented a few mishaps. It's never been a menace to me.

[watchtherocks]

No they will just cut it or take your hand with it :rolleyes:

Nah, the crims aren't that hardcore in melbourne. It's just the concept of a deterrent. There's nothing you can do apart from keep your cam constantly locked in a safety deposit box if someone is serious about stealing it.

[Phil Light]

I've just got one of the black rapid straps and me first thoughts are positive. I do a lot of sports photography and use a 300 f2.8 on a monopod and this strap make it easy too change to the 70-200 as you don't get tangled with straps.

I think these things are a great idea. I want to get one but the clip looks a little lightweight to me. I emailed them about a month ago to ask if there is an option to "beef it up" a little. They said they're working on doing that and the new clip will be available soon. What are your thoughts on this ICee? Do you think that clip is heavy duty enough to handle a heavy body & lens?

I actually went back to that website earlier today to see if there is any update noted on their website. I'll buy one as soon as they do that.

[Sparky98]

I always have the neck strap on my camera and if it is not around my neck then it is wrapped around my wrist. I have snagged the neck strap when the camera was mounted on a tripod and I jerked the tripod off balance but it didn't fall over.

I don't remember ever having dropped a camera unless it was when I used a disposable. I am generally pretty careful with my cameras but who knows I may drop my camera for the first time today. If I do it will be because I don't have the neck strap around my neck or wrist.

[Jim_T]

I've never had the neck strap save me from dropping the camera.... I have had a few close calls when I've snagged the strap while picking up the camera and almost had it pulled out of my hands.

I've learned to pay close attention to the strap when I handle my camera so it is no longer a problem.

Like others, I also use my strap as a shoulder strap rather than a neck strap. I don't like the camera bouncing on my chest when I walk.. The shoulder method makes carrying the camera more comfortable when I have a heavy lens attached.

[chevysales]

How often have you actually lost your grip on the camera, only to have the neckstrap save the day?

How often has your day been ruined because the neckstrap got snagged onto something, and caused an accident?

I have a working theory that the neckstrap actually causes more accidents than it prevents...


i would say your "working theory" doesn't work.

[canonloader]

I never put the strap around my neck, sometimes over my shoulder. And I can't think of a time my hand ever fumbled the camera or actually dropped it, however, the strap did catch on a steel bar once when I was shooting the hull of a boat, pulled out of my hand and dinged my Sigma 105 Macro lens on the area the lens cap goes on, and the threads got smooshed so you can't screw on a filter now.

[ed rader]

How often have you actually lost your grip on the camera, only to have the neckstrap save the day?

How often has your day been ruined because the neckstrap got snagged onto something, and caused an accident?

I have a working theory that the neckstrap actually causes more accidents than it prevents...

my neckstrap always goes around my neck when i grab my camera. always.

ed rader

[RPCrowe]

I will never shoot with a single camera. I guess that this is because I cut my photographic teeth with prime lenses and IMO a multiple camera system is the only efficient way to shoot with prime lenses. I think it is ridiculous to be switching lenses in the field in the middle of a shoot and also think that using one of those relatively slow-focusing, small aperture, mediocre IQ, zooms with the extensively wide focal range limits the capability of any photographer.

I want relatively instantaneous focus, a wide zoom range, decent apertures and, above all, top-notch IQ when I am shooting. My lens duo of choice is the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses on two bodies. I am willing to pay the price in extra weight. There is no real problem regarding extra cost. I use a 30D and a 350D in this system - the two cameras are worth less than a 40D.

I will always have these two lenses on dedicated cameras and will carry the camera with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS lens around my neck on an Optech Reporter Strap and will have the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens in a holster case at my left hip. I have a hand strap on the camera with the long lens and will not use an OEM hood with this lens because the OEM hood is far to big and bulky and restricts easy removal from the holster case for shooting. My wife has sewn Velcro tabs on the left shoulder of the vest and I can fit the Velcro belt tab of the holster over the waist adjustment strap of the vest. That way, the holster case doesn't swing around when I run. Speaking about running or climbing. I have an OPTECH Stabilizer Strap which fits around my chest that has a neoprene pad with a lens hole. Slipping this pad over my camera will secure it to my chest and not let it swing. It slows down the use of the camera a bit but, I will only use this type of security when I am doing manuevers which could cause the camera/lens to be damaged if it was not secured tightly to my chest.

Instead of the OEM hood, I use a round screw-in hood which is a LOT MORE COMPACT (the OEM hoods for the 70-200mm series lenses are designed for full frame cameras and are overkill with 1.6x format gear), will shade the lens equally if not better, will facilitate the use of a CPL and will protect the lens from impact damage as well (if not a heck of a lot better) than the OEM hood. As an example, I fell to the concrete one day while shooting with a 30D and an L lens around my neck. The screw-in hood took the impact of the fall and broke but, it saved the lens. I don't know if the OEM hood could have done as well - but, would certainly not have done any better. Instead of a Canon lens cap, I use an OPTECH Hood hat to protect my lens. It is easy and quick to remove and place in my pocket.

I will often shoot with other configurations with my several lenses depending upon the needs of the shooting day. I have replaced my Tamrac Holster Case with a Think Tank Holster Case because the Think Tank has a zipper extension which will accommodate a longer lens.

When I shoot with my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and my 300mm f/4L IS lenses on two cameras; I will have the shorter lens around my neck on the strap and the longer lens in the case with hand strap.

If I have my 300mm or 400mm lenses on a tripod, I will hang the holster case from the hook at the bottom of the tripod center column. With the 70-200mm lens configured like I described above - it is easy to reach into the holster remove the camera/lens and start shooting hand held. Hanging the holster keeps me from holding the weight of the camera/lens when I am shooting with the tripod mounted camera/lens and also keeps the holster safe from being tripped over or ripped off by a thief.

It is very quick to flip open the holster, insert my hand into the hand-strap, withdraw the camera, rip off the Hood Hat and start shooting. It takes a heck of a lot less time to do it than it does to describe doing it. AND - it is one heck of a lot faster than trying to switch lenses in the field.

Here are links to my equipment:

Reporter Strap:
http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=24&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=4
U use this strap because I occasionally will carry a third camera and lens. Three cameras used to be my standard load before I got the 17-5mm f/2.8 IS and was able to cut down to two cameras and lenses most of the time.

Hood Hat:
http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=16&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=6

Think Tank Case:
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_DgtlHlstr.php

Hand strap:
http://cgi.ebay.com/For-Canon-400D-350D-300D-40D-30D-20D-5D-Hand-Grip-Strap_W0QQitemZ290222971498QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6434 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I don't like the type of hand strap which secures to the wrist because it is not as fast to use when removing the camera from the holster.

Round screw-in hood:
http://cgi.ebay.com/67-mm-67mm-New-aluminum-metal-lens-hood-black_W0QQitemZ110243533031QQihZ001QQcategoryZ7899 9QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Stabilizer:
http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=58&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=4

[timnosenzo]

I like the hands-free nature of having a neck strap.

Same here, camera comes out, strap goes over my head, no chance I can drop my camera. If you have a neck strap on your camera but don't use it, and just hold your camera in your hand with the strap flying around, you're asking for trouble. Its much too easy to snag something with the strap and have it ripped out of your hand.

[canonloader]

It is very quick to flip open the holster, insert my hand into the hand-strap, withdraw the camera, rip off the Hood Hat and start shooting. It takes a heck of a lot less time to do it than it does to describe doing it. AND - it is one heck of a lot faster than trying to switch lenses in the field.
Why not just hire a babe to stand next to you and hold the other camera? For what you spend on accessories, you could hire two. ;)

[_aravena]

Sometimes it's around my wrist, but a lot o times I have it hanging by my side for just walking around. Hardly does it just hang in front of me

[ed rader]

now here's an accident waiting to happen:

http://www.fototime.com/42ADDE4B2BBF996/orig.jpg

ed rader

[ryant35]

I only use a neck strap when I am walking some where like the zoo or Disneyland but only when my kids are there because I always need 3 free hands to wrangle them. So 2 free and my camera hanging is the best I can do.

I will shoot with 2 bodies for the first time this weekend and I will be using 2 straps.

The last time I went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park I had my 40D, 70-200 f2.8 with a pouch on my belt that fit the lens, and a 300 f2.8 hanging from my neck. So the only time I had to deal with strap is with it hanging from the lens mounts.

[Wilt]

40+ years of photographic background, several times straps have been the reason why a camera did not hit the ground, and no events where it ever caused an accident or mear-accident. But I rarely use the strap as a neck strap, but use it mostly as a shoulder strap while walking about, and if I am shooting the strap gets looped around my arm a couple of times.

[ed rader]

40+ years of photographic background, several times straps have been the reason why a camera did not hit the ground, and no events where it ever caused an accident or mear-accident.


do you shoot with the strap around your neck?

ed rader

[Wilt]

do you shoot with the strap around your neck?

ed rader

I guess you read my message before I edited it to add "and if I am shooting the strap gets looped around my arm a couple of times."

[Phil Light]

I have a neckstrap on 99.9% of the time. There was one horrifying instance while standing on concrete steps where I started to let go of my 5D with 24-70 L lens to grab something else. I was in the process of releasing my grip on it when I realized I wasn't wearing the strap. I caught myself just in time. That would have made a very expensive noise.

[Madweasel]

I once tore the bottom off a flash gun mounted to my Contax 139 (film SLR) when the strap caught on the corner of a bench as I was picking it up. It yanked the whole lot out of my hand. I'm so clumsy I always shoot with the strap around my neck, but as you can see, it's a close call whether it causes more accidents than it prevents.

[defordphoto]

I have the E1 and neck straps on all my cameras. I use the straps mostly for transporting the cameras and it's obviously handy when shooting two or more cameras. The neck strap is a must when shooting weird angles, especially up high or very low shots. I hold the neck strap in my left hand and shoot with the right. Works great when shooting over a crowd in case the camera gets bumped as I have a secondary safety grip holding the neck strap.

[GSansoucie]

25+ years of shooting (amateur) with the neck strap. I've never had it caught on anything.

I have done the "wrap around the wrist" thing a number of times. Today I was out shooting an old mill, I was standing on a bridge, hanging over a bit. Neck strap was definately in use!

[Jon]

Neckstrap around my neck or over the shoulder. I tried a handstrap, but you need to take it off to shoot Portrait comfortably, so it provides no insurance then. I usually hold the camera by the lens when walking around anyhow. And a neckstrap is the best solution to fast lens changes - you don't need to keep hold of the camera and both lenses.

[john_crichton]

I loose grip of my camera and it start falling into abyss....BUT....I caught the strap just in time.... Always have the strap on and quick-release UN-QUICK-RELEASE.

[Wilt]

For those who tote around a camera mounted on a tripod with QR, as they move from one shooting position to another, the neckstrap wrapped around the tripod or your arm has been known to save your butt when the QR releases at a time when it is not supposed to!

[SuzyView]

I have both a handstrap and the POTN stap on each of my cameras. This is for safety and for my grip of the camera. I have found that my tennis elbow is not aggravated if I have the handstrap to secure the grip. I also use 2 cameras at a time when I am shooting events and they both have neckstraps that I use. I just put the extenders of the 40D so the two aren't knocking together. I need my hands free and putting the camera down in a crowd is impossible. The strap is large and I have to account for the space in my F-5X, but it's okay. I can't live without it.

[canonloader]

the neckstrap wrapped around the tripod or your arm has been known to save your butt when the QR releases at a time when it is not supposed to
Hmmm, good tip. I can do that from now on. But around the neck? I just can't do it. It irritates, it's not long enough, and a 1D or 40D with grip and another 3 pounds of long glass is just too much for my old turkey neck. Besides, chances are good, I will fall flat on my face before I drop the camera by accident. ;)

[M Powered]

Perhaps all us shoulder strappers need one of these ;)

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php?id=1

You can make that with home depot parts for $2.

[basroil]

when shooting with two bodies, both stay around my neck or shoulder. one body, wrap the strap around the wrist or just dangle.. so far no incidents either way (except when i had a 300 2.8 attached and using the 300's strap; strap undid itself and the lens fell at least 3 inches before nearly destroying the body's mount.

[Jon]

Hmmm, good tip. I can do that from now on. But around the neck? I just can't do it. It irritates, it's not long enough, and a 1D or 40D with grip and another 3 pounds of long glass is just too much for my old turkey neck. Besides, chances are good, I will fall flat on my face before I drop the camera by accident. ;)Ever tried the Op/Tech POTN strap?

IMO This:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=257088&d=1206577599
is a real accident waiting to happen.

[Tom_D]

...is a real accident waiting to happen.In an earlier thread about straps someone said something like, "...if your camera goes in the drink, you should go in with it...". I use the POTN strap and usually have it around my neck but sometimes on my shoulder. The ($2?) Black Rapid strap looks interesting and something I am considering. I'd like to see more firsthand reports from folks here.

[DVS_WiNdz]

I've never lost grip of my camera before, but the strap helps my hand a lot.. holding my camera all day hurts my hand from the weight. With the strap I usually leave it dangling from my neck or shoulder

[canonloader]

Ever tried the Op/Tech POTN strap?
No, straps are straps. They are uncomfortable and never long enough for me. I will be buying that Rapid strap soon though. ;)

[donaldjl]

Like a few others, I use my strap around my neck, but usually over my shoulder, with the camera hanging at the opposite hip. With enough slack, the camera can easily be brought up to eye level and used without the strap hanging up or refusing to slide around my neck and back.

Often, even with a monopod or tripod, I'll toss the strap around my neck. I may be a bit paranoid, but it's worked for me so far.

[cowpix]

Why not just hire a babe to stand next to you and hold the other camera? For what you spend on accessories, you could hire two. ;)

:lol::lol:

I never use a strap, and have never had a drop. (big hands) For 24 of my 30 years of photography, I used a Hasselblad. Now, if I can carry around a boxy thing like that without a strap, a dslr is not going to be a problem!

[Molnies]

Always use a neckstrap, either around my neck or shoulder. I find it comfortable and easy to use for hikes and for things like changing lenses. I would never take off my strap, and I've never had any accidents with it what so ever but it has actually helped me quite a few times so for me the equation is easy.

[Jon]

No, straps are straps. They are uncomfortable and never long enough for me. I will be buying that Rapid strap soon though. ;)
Don't knock it until you've tried it. There is a difference.

[gary88]

I always, always use a neckstrap. When not in use, I just throw it over my shoulder. Never caused a problem for me. I like the freedom and versatility you get with a neckstrap as opposed to having your camera glued to your hand. Plus, as already mentioned, the strap doesn't help you much when shooting vertical, especially with a grip.

[Tyreman]

Well a neckstrap say with a large lens 300 400 and up is maybe a pain but can be good with small lenses.
It depends what you are doing and with whats on the camera

[Roy Webber]

I can't stand neck straps, the reasons you mentioned are a factor, so I use a hand strap like this:

http://www.fotodiox.com/shop/images/camera_accessories_2/hand_strap_19/ultra_leather_hand_strap.jpg

Comfy and secure. I can't physically drop the camera, and the strap cannot get caught on anything. Changing lenses with one hand is simple enough too, since your other hand holds the camera.

I like this idea

[canonloader]

I have the actual Nikon version of this one. It's great. Comfortable, strong, and so far, very dependable. It doesn't get in the way of anything either. If your on the tripod, your hand will go right through the straps to grip the body normally. Off the tripod, your hand goes up through the bottom two straps and you tighten it down. Makes you feel like your strapped into a Maserati. ;)

There is also a glove made by someone, more of a half glove, like a sailing glove, but I have forgotten the name.

[Strawberry Fields]

I have a neckstrap on 99.9% of the time. There was one horrifying instance while standing on concrete steps where I started to let go of my 5D with 24-70 L lens to grab something else. I was in the process of releasing my grip on it when I realized I wasn't wearing the strap. I caught myself just in time. That would have made a very expensive noise.


Wouldn't that have qualified as an accident deviously caused by the neckstrap? :)

[Double Negative]

I've never had the neckstrap save the day - or ruin it. It's a convenience to me, to hang the camera around my shoulder or neck. More often than not, I disconnect the shoulder strap part and just click together the short straps to keep it all out of the way (Op/Tech Strap, a.k.a. POTN strap).

Though one time I had my D30 hanging on my shoulder, went to take off my coat forgetting it was there - it slid down my sleeve and landed on the ground. If anything, the neckstrap slowed down the descent... The camera was unfazed. :p

[Jon, The Elder]

Never had much use for a neck strap. We shoot horses and getting something tangled in an arena or barn environment is a lot more hazardous than losing a camera.

[canonloader]

Never had much use for a neck strap. We shoot horses and getting something tangled in an arena or barn environment is a lot more hazardous than losing a camera.
Yeah, getting dragged through the cactus by the neck is no fun. :lol:

[tonylong]

I'm frequently trekking around with a big lens mounted, and having the kit slung around my neck can get bothersome. I'll either carry it by hand with an arm looped through the strap or if I'm carrying a monopod or tripod, which I frequently do, I'll carry the 'pod with the kit mounted over my shoulder with my carrying arm looped through the strap. If my kit is lighter, I have no problem using it as a neck or shoulder strap.

I have, a couple of times, gotten my quick release messed up and accidentally letting go of the camera, so precautions can be helpful!

[pradipkar]

I have used neck strap very effectively in my G2 for another reason ...Image Stabilization !!
If you have a shaky hand , stretching the the camera with neck strap around your neck, provides a soft tension point, and helps a bit in image stabilization.

This holds good for newer SLR where you compose via live-view, and the camera is lightweight. The newest kid on the block Rebel-XSi is perfect candidate. I believe, if you cannot carry a tripod, just stretch the camera with neck strap on, compose using live view, you might get a stop of IS. (in addition to your IS lens)

[Molnies]

This holds good for newer SLR where you compose via live-view, and the camera is lightweight. The newest kid on the block Rebel-XSi is perfect candidate. I believe, if you cannot carry a tripod, just stretch the camera with neck strap on, compose using live view, you might get a stop of IS. (in addition to your IS lens)
I sure hope people with D-SLR cameras don't do this... first off the LCD will never be as good as a viewfinder, but that's kinda beside the point. What I wanted to say is that you hold your camera much more steady when it's close to you, you should always try to keep it as close as possible. And if you have a longer tele lens on, you will not be able to place your hand underneath it to support the camera if you're holding it straight out...

Maybe I'm totally wrong here, but that method seems to go against all known ways to stabilize your camera. (I understand that the strap can stabilize things, but I think you'll loose more stability from holding the camera that way than what the strap makes up for.)

[canonloader]

Maybe I'm totally wrong here, but that method seems to go against all known ways to stabilize your camera.
It does work though, you have to see pictures or have someone show you. If you went through boot camp and the rifle range, then it's exactly like a tight strap will steady the rifle. :)

[tonylong]

I have used neck strap very effectively in my G2 for another reason ...Image Stabilization !!
If you have a shaky hand , stretching the the camera with neck strap around your neck, provides a soft tension point, and helps a bit in image stabilization.

This holds good for newer SLR where you compose via live-view, and the camera is lightweight. The newest kid on the block Rebel-XSi is perfect candidate. I believe, if you cannot carry a tripod, just stretch the camera with neck strap on, compose using live view, you might get a stop of IS. (in addition to your IS lens)

Hey! I tried this with my 1DM3 and my 300 f/2.8, and got severe wrist strain! Do you have a good lawyer:)?

[Roy Webber]

Wrist strain...usually the wife's complaint lol ;-)

[TeeTee]

I have used neck strap very effectively in my G2 for another reason ...Image Stabilization !!
If you have a shaky hand , stretching the the camera with neck strap around your neck, provides a soft tension point, and helps a bit in image stabilization.

This holds good for newer SLR where you compose via live-view, and the camera is lightweight. The newest kid on the block Rebel-XSi is perfect candidate. I believe, if you cannot carry a tripod, just stretch the camera with neck strap on, compose using live view, you might get a stop of IS. (in addition to your IS lens)

I would slap anyone I saw do this with an SLR.

[ANGUS]

I would slap anyone I saw do this with an SLR.

As would I, And i would hope everyone else would do so too.

[shotgunshooter3]

I use it to sling the camera over my shoulder while walking or doing something else with my hands. It also saved the XTi from falling into a swimming pool once because I slipped on the edge and though I was able to stop myself from falling had I been holding the camera I would've instinctively let go.

[FlyingPhotog]

How often have you actually lost your grip on the camera, only to have the neckstrap save the day?

How often has your day been ruined because the neckstrap got snagged onto something, and caused an accident?

I have a working theory that the neckstrap actually causes more accidents than it prevents...

Neck straps make sense when you're on the run with two bodies haning off of each shoulder. I've had several instances where one decides to jump off my shoulder and just a little bend of the elbow saves the day.

[silvex]

I use my neck strap 100% of the time. Either on my neck or wrap on my arms

[sfaust]

I use a shoulder/neck strap in combination with a wrist strap when I am walking around while shooting, such as while on vacation. I remove the shoulder strap when shooting on location or in the studio where I am constantly picking it up and down during the shoot. The neck strap is easily removable by a couple of clips, and it only leaves a small stub on the camera. I've never had any issues with the neck strap at all, and it has saved the camera from a fall when I grabbed the strap just as the camera fell off a table.

[pradipkar]

Hey! I tried this with my 1DM3 and my 300 f/2.8, and got severe wrist strain! Do you have a good lawyer:)?


OMG!! 1DMK3 300 f/2.8 is a "Light Weight DSLR" according to you ???
I meant Rebel-XSi and 18-55 lens..to be precise.

[tmcman]

Peace of mind,
strap over neck and one arm,
$2000 worth of fine machinery safe,
unless I fall!
Sometimes, while hiking over rocks,
in and out of the Slingshot with a handstrap seems the safest to me.
R2 sliding strap looks good but
I have the Kirk plate on the lens tripod mount
and it has no tapped hole for a tripod screw...

[ALT1MATE]

I usually have it on my right shoulder when i'm in photo-ready position. If I'm walking around for long periods of time I have it across my chest "black rapid" style. I was thinking of getting a black rapid strap but I like my red strap to match my future L lenses. :)

[JD1476]

More of a pain than anything else. I tried using it , but wasn't to my liking.
I'll go without them.





JD

[dustyporch]

I use a neck strap all the time, just for safety and convenience. The Tamrac strap I have is very comfortable, so I don't mind it at all. It has quick release connectors on it, so I remove the strap if I'm working on a tripod for awhile.

[neil_r]

I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps :-)

[Kevin034]

I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps :-)
haha :)

I agree, if you are using 2 bodies, you'd definitely need the straps. I typically have my 5D over my left, with strap around my neck and left arm. I'll shoulder my MKIII over my right shoulder, with hand strap attached.

When I'm moving fast, which most likely means MKIII in 3 frame (high speed) bursts, I don't have to worry about my 5D. When I'm stationary and shooting w/ 70-200 (attached to the 5D), I can just dangle my MKIII over my right shoulder.

[Jon]

I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps :-)Agreed. I also wonder what the "handstrap" users do when they need to shoot in portrait orientation, and how they enjoy one-handed juggling of lenses for a lens change.

[cdifoto]

Without a shoulder strap, I can't put it over my shoulder, so it doesn't really matter how annoying or potentially harmful it is otherwise.

[Photography Krazee]

After dropping a camera from a bridge into the river well below and it was lost forever, I always use a neck strap vs. not doing so years ago. As arthritis has gotten more into my hands is another reason I always use it. Plus comfort rather than having to hold the camera in my hand all the time.

Have never tried the hand grasps or any other types of straps.

[Bill Boehme]

Why not just hire a babe to stand next to you and hold the other camera? For what you spend on accessories, you could hire two. ;)

What if she turns out to be a blonde who has colored her hair?

I have been using the Op-Tech strap for about six months and the padding makes it feel comfortable, but I like to wear the strap bandoleer style and the Op-Tech is not long enough so I have trouble rotating it around to bring the camera up to my eye. I have not found any other strap yet that works well wearing it this way. Wearing it around my neck used to work when I only had the kit lens, but with the much heavier lenses that I now use, that does not work well unless I keep on hand around the lens ... which is what I usually do ... I am not a happy camper doing it that way so I am still looking for something better.

One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

[TeeTee]

One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

Zip-ties.

You can zip-tie the connecting ends of the QR buckles which should provide insurance. I shared your concern and figured this simple solution. Black zip ties make it inconspicuous, and they're strong enough to still support a 1D with zoom so...

[ed rader]

What if she turns out to be a blonde who has colored her hair?

I have been using the Op-Tech strap for about six months and the padding makes it feel comfortable, but I like to wear the strap bandoleer style and the Op-Tech is not long enough so I have trouble rotating it around to bring the camera up to my eye. I have not found any other strap yet that works well wearing it this way. Wearing it around my neck used to work when I only had the kit lens, but with the much heavier lenses that I now use, that does not work well unless I keep on hand around the lens ... which is what I usually do ... I am not a happy camper doing it that way so I am still looking for something better.

One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

you just never hear of that happening. in fact there was a poll awhile back and there wasn't one case of a quick release failing or opening.

i'd be more concerned about a pro loop breaking .... i don't use them.

i never use the quick releases so if i were worried i would close them permanently with epoxy :D.

ed rader

[jafrknb]

just subscribing-interesting reading how other folks manage their kits...

[Jason C]

I don't like the neckstrap, but I do use it. I may look like a 'tourist', but I can care less.

Now, when I let others use or even just look at my 40D, I make them use the neck strap.

[neil_r]

I may look like a 'tourist',

In that case it is amazing how many newspapers, magazines and publications send out "tourists" to cover their stories for them :-)

[Jason C]

In that case it is amazing how many newspapers, magazines and publications send out "tourists" to cover their stories for them :-)
I've been called that on a few occaisions...:p

[canonloader]

I think the newspapers, magazines and publications tourists use them so their brethren don't "pick up" the wrong camera by mistake. ;)

[Karl C]

But I rarely use the strap as a neck strap, but use it mostly as a shoulder strap while walking about, and if I am shooting the strap gets looped around my arm a couple of times.

Exactly. Never once had a problem of gear being dropped in 15+ years of shooting.

[alexf9496]

Never had a problem with my neck/shoulder strap. Wouldn't think of not having one. To each their own...

[Calicajun]

Have always use a neck strap on all my cameras with no problems. The only one I ever worried about breaking was the all leather ones, as the leather ages it starts cracking and breaks. The only cameras (2) I have ever dropped were because the camera case wasn't close when picked up and the camera fell out. Maybe I should hook the camera strap to the camera case, well maybe.

[malevy]

That is a cool strap has anyone tried it. I found a place - pro photo supply has it for 30 and 40.00 that is interesting considering the blackrapid site says its 55.00 .. so i ordered it for 30 lol.

Perhaps all us shoulder strappers need one of these ;)

http://www.blackrapid.com/video.php?id=1

[JDubya]

That is a cool strap has anyone tried it. I found a place - pro photo supply has it for 30 and 40.00 that is interesting considering the blackrapid site says its 55.00 .. so i ordered it for 30 lol.

Generally things are more expensive when you buy direct from the manufacturer as opposed to a reseller.

Do a search for R-Strap, you'll find some threads on it.

[malevy]

Alright I will do that. Hopefully the threads have good things to say

Generally things are more expensive when you buy direct from the manufacturer as opposed to a reseller.

Do a search for R-Strap, you'll find some threads on it.

[rklepper]

A precautionary menace.

[Bill Boehme]

Probably the biggest aggravation that I have with neck straps is that the rubber eye cup on the viewfinder gets knocked off as the camera rubs against my clothing. At about twelve dollars a pop, it is an expensive annoyance. I suppose that I could try Loctite, a set screw, or a C clamp (G cramp in the UK, I think) to hold it in place.

[mikegli]

Custom wrist strap made of 550 paracord. Fits nice and snug on my wrist, and is filthy cheap.

[BlackRapid]

BLACKRAPID 5/8/08


Safety Precaution

To provide an extra measure of security we're now
including a plastic sleeve to prevent the gate of the
hook from opening accidentally. Please use to insure a
safe shoot when using our revolutionary camera strap.
If you have any questions regarding our plastic sleeve
please contact us at.
www.blackrapid.com (http://www.blackrapid.com/)
PS.
Thanks to all the photographers who have made the
Rstrap part of there shooting experience.
The R-Strap is the most innovative camera strap on the market.

[JDubya]

BLACKRAPID 5/8/08

Safety Precaution

To provide an extra measure of security we're now
including a plastic sleeve to prevent the gate of the
hook from opening accidentally.
haha A couple months ago I made a strap and this problem concerned me so I used a sleeve of black plastic. I thought I was just overreacting but apparently not ;)

Yes, I stole your design but it's such an awesome concept http://images.honda-tech.com/set1/smile/emthup.gif

[Canon Soldier]

i use my neck strp just because i don't want to hold it, and its easier to let it rest on my neck. I wish there was an easier way though, because a while ago on an old slr i had a cheapie lens on and i went to pick up the camera really fast cuz i was in a hurry but i was stepping on the neck strap and i ripped the lens from the mount. Grrr neckstraps. Ruined cam and lens. O well, wasn't very much anyways.

[Canon Soldier]

A precautionary menace.

I think its a menacing precaution.

[b.d.bop]

I have been using the Op-Tech strap for about six months and the padding makes it feel comfortable, but I like to wear the strap bandoleer style and the Op-Tech is not long enough.

What does "bandolier style" mean? I've heard the term, don't know what it is, though.

[stathunter]

What does "bandolier style" mean? I've heard the term, don't know what it is, though.
Over the neck and under the arm on on side. Unless you have a longer strap it makes it tough. I wear my MkII with my 70-200 2.8 this way -- so it is close to me-- but I now use a smugmug flexible strap on it-- long and flexible-- nice and cushy!

[ben_r_]

I certainly prefer to shoot without a neck strap, but I ALWAYS use one (Op/Tech Pro Loop). There is just no way to beat the hands free convenience offered by a neck strap when working on the go, especially while changing lenses!

[NorCalAl]

Since I found the camdapter (www.camdapter.com), I use both a neck strap and hand strap. I use an UpStrap neck strap. The pad absolutely will not slip. A bit heavy when it's hot and no mesh or anything to breathe but the best solution I've found. The camadapter is not as good as the E-1 (well, not as comfortable, personal opinion), but way better than other solutions I've tried.

I've tried quite a few different neck and hand straps, but these are the best (for me) I've found.