Opinion on Wrist Straps?

[Strawberry Fields]

I don't like using neck straps when I travel. I just prefer to keep the camera holstered in my bag when not in use. No need to keep it on display for thieves and such. Instead of a neck strap, I'm thinking of using one of the wrist straps available from Op/Tech. I'll be using it for a 5DmkII with mid-sized lenses (17-40L, 35L). The two that caught my eye are:




http://www.optechusa.com/PRODUCTIMAGES/medium/medium_XEP-wnQKiP.jpg

The Op/Tech GOTCHA Wrist Strap (http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=15&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=)








http://www.optechusa.com/PRODUCTIMAGES/medium/medium_XEP-Y3AvRg.jpg

The Op/Tech SLR Wrist Strap (http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=80&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=)





Any opinions on either one of these products?

[Oteck]

not realy sure about quick release straps on any setup. Does anyone feel having QR make it more easier to steal? Just a squeeze a way it's off your neck/wrist

[jr_senator]

My wife and I both use the Op/Tech GOTCHA . It's a good strap.

[Strawberry Fields]

My wife and I both use the Op/Tech GOTCHA . It's a good strap.



I'm leaning heavily towards the GOTCHA strap, because the alternative looks too bulky. Do you feel that it's sturdy enough for a mid-sized SLR with mid-sized lens? I had my heart set on getting the GOTCHA, until I saw the SLR Wrist Strap version. It made me wonder if SLR Wrist Strap model implied that the GOTCHA version was inappropriate for SLRs.

[SuzyView]

I have not seen those yet. Interesting. I have handstraps for more help when shooting, but I've never even considered a wriststrap. Tell us if it's good.

[Pete Gl]

Now I'm reallllyy confused :confused:, I thought a hand strap and a wrist strap were one and the same thing???

Can anybody possibly provide a shot of a hand strap to compare with the above?

Thanks

Pete

[Headshotzx]

Canon E1 Hand strap + Optech Pro-Loop strap:
http://img389.imageshack.us/img389/4562/img37891ax3.jpg

Weird hand position to show how I mounted both together.

I don't use wrist straps-- find them too weird to use with a bulky camera.

[Pete Gl]

Thanks Headshotzx.

Pete

[MattMoore]

I feel the same way about those as I do about fannypacks.

Functional...kind of, practical...to some.

Would I sport one....no way. Handstrap (and neckstrap) is about as far I go.

[tgara]

You may want to consider the Prostrap line.

http://www.prostrap.com/

I use one with my G9, and I like it a lot. They have several models with detachable hooks, as well as loop, belt, and snap straps. Nice leather and they come in good colors.

[Pinto]

I have used hand straps for years but I guess I don't understand the function of a wrist strap. Is it just insurance in case you drop your camera?

[jr_senator]

I have used hand straps for years but I guess I don't understand the function of a wrist strap. Is it just insurance in case you drop your camera?

Or if someone tries to grab it.

[Wilt]

I have used hand straps for years but I guess I don't understand the function of a wrist strap. Is it just insurance in case you drop your camera?


Or if someone tries to grab it.

It would seem safer to have a closed loop SLR wrist strap, and not a open loop Gotcha that is depending upon hook and loop tape to remain closed! Something or someone would have to break something to get the camera off the wrist, if it was a closed loop. They only have to yank hard to get the hook and loop to release!

The hook and loop Gotcha would seem to be the more comfortable to use, by forming a loop around the arm which is a bit larger than the size of your wrist, rather than the skin-hugging SLR wrist strap.

[Bill Roberts]

It would seem safer to have a closed loop SLR wrist strap, and not a open loop Gotcha that is depending upon hook and loop tape to remain closed! Something or someone would have to break something to get the camera off the wrist, if it was a closed loop. They only have to yank hard to get the hook and loop to release!

The hook and loop Gotcha would seem to be the more comfortable to use, by forming a loop around the arm which is a bit larger than the size of your wrist, rather than the skin-hugging SLR wrist strap.


Actually I have one of these things, I don't use it much but Wilt's comment seems perfectly reasonable and I thought I'd get it out, fasten it on my wrist and then try to pull it off.

Basically I couldn't, it stretched a bit but just wouldn't give way.
It's really easy to remove in the normal way because you're pulling the hooks upward from the loops. But when you're trying to yank it off you're pulling sideways and it just doesn't give way. Evidently it's a lot stronger than you'd think.

[ALT1MATE]

I use the stock wrist strap of my SD1000 just because the darn thing is so small I don't want to drop it. I wouldn't ever use one for a DSLR though.

[Wilt]

Actually I have one of these things, I don't use it much but Wilt's comment seems perfectly reasonable and I thought I'd get it out, fasten it on my wrist and then try to pull it off.

Basically I couldn't, it stretched a bit but just wouldn't give way.
It's really easy to remove in the normal way because you're pulling the hooks upward from the loops. But when you're trying to yank it off you're pulling sideways and it just doesn't give way. Evidently it's a lot stronger than you'd think.


Good to know that it holds!

[Strawberry Fields]

I have used hand straps for years but I guess I don't understand the function of a wrist strap. Is it just insurance in case you drop your camera?


Yup, the wrist strap is insurance in case the photographer loses their grip on the camera.

Turning your question around, I gotta ask: What is the function of a handstrap? I bought one for my SLR a few years ago, and found it to be totally useless. All the handstrap ever did was provide me with a false sense of security. It made me feel like my grip has become more secure, when in fact it hasn't. If I were to accidentally lose my grip on the camera, the handstrap does absolutely nothing to prevent a disaster. If a thief tries to wrestle the camera off my hands, the grip does absolutely nothing too.

I don't understand the point of a handstrap at all.

[jr_senator]

I am fond of my hand strap. I certainly gives me a better hold on the camera. I also have the camera equipped with a neck strap which should satisfy your concerns.

[ALT1MATE]

Yup, the wrist strap is insurance in case the photographer loses their grip on the camera.

Turning your question around, I gotta ask: What is the function of a handstrap? I bought one for my SLR a few years ago, and found it to be totally useless. All the handstrap ever did was provide me with a false sense of security. It made me feel like my grip has become more secure, when in fact it hasn't. If I were to accidentally lose my grip on the camera, the handstrap does absolutely nothing to prevent a disaster. If a thief tries to wrestle the camera off my hands, the grip does absolutely nothing too.

I don't understand the point of a handstrap at all.

A handstrap is great when you don't have a neck strap. It allows me to let the camera hang off my knuckles (using leverage) and rest my hand from gripping it for long periods of time.

[Pinto]

Yup, the wrist strap is insurance in case the photographer loses their grip on the camera.

Turning your question around, I gotta ask: What is the function of a handstrap? I bought one for my SLR a few years ago, and found it to be totally useless. All the handstrap ever did was provide me with a false sense of security. It made me feel like my grip has become more secure, when in fact it hasn't. If I were to accidentally lose my grip on the camera, the handstrap does absolutely nothing to prevent a disaster. If a thief tries to wrestle the camera off my hands, the grip does absolutely nothing too.

I don't understand the point of a handstrap at all.

I guess it is something you have to get used to. It changes the way you grip your camera. As I mentioned in another thread, just as soon as I found out my 5D MKII was shipping I ordered a Camdapter handstap for it. A camera just doesn't feel right without it.
If a thief tries to wrestle the camera off my hands, the grip does absolutely nothing too..
Is this really a recurring problem for a lot of people? ???

[jr_senator]

Is this really a recurring problem for a lot of people? ???

Recurring? Once would be one too many times for me.

[Pinto]

Recurring? Once would be one too many times for me.

Just curious. It sounded like some posters were very familiar with the subject.

[MattMoore]

Recurring? Once would be one too many times for me.

I've never met a photographer whose had this problem...I pity the poor soul who tries it on me.

[Samgoit]

I just purchased a Gordy's wrist pad:

http://www.electricedge.com/gordy_s_straps/store/wrist-pad/index.htm

[ssracer]

I saw a handstrap on ebay that had a piece that hooked around the wrist right on the back of it...kind of a hybrid I guess