Recommend a Strap? (not Op/Tech Pro)

[stargazer78]

I use the 5DII mostly with mid-sized lenses: 17-40L, 24-105L, 35L, and 85 f1.8. I rarely use large telephoto lenses. Can anyone recommend me a good neck strap? What i'm looking for:

Something that looks plain, and won't attract attention.
I don't want very broad neck straps.
High quality materials --- cost is not an issue.

Any suggestion is appreciated.

[Familiaphoto]

Check out the Domke straps. I use their 1.5". They have the gripper strips as the Domke bags, holds on my shoulder like champ.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16178-REG/Domke_742_6BK_1_5_Web_Camera_Strap.html

[stargazer78]

Check out the Domke straps. I use their 1.5". They have the gripper strips as the Domke bags, holds on my shoulder like champ.



Thanks for the suggestion! I looked up that strap, and it does seem to offer everything I wanted. Simple, sturdy, and comfortable.

However, I'm worried about Domke having used metallic quick release clips instead of plastic. Whenever I put the camera into a bag, I would usually just stuff the strap into whichever space it would fit into. Metallic clips may scratch into cameras and lenses nearby. Lowepro and Crumpler, for example, seem to have gone to great lengths in avoiding the use of metallic parts in their products.

[Headshotzx]

SmugMug's free strap over at the POTN Lounge.

[ANGUS]

Thanks for the suggestion! I looked up that strap, and it does seem to offer everything I wanted. Simple, sturdy, and comfortable.

However, I'm worried about Domke having used metallic quick release clips instead of plastic. Whenever I put the camera into a bag, I would usually just stuff the strap into whichever space it would fit into. Metallic clips may scratch into cameras and lenses nearby. Lowepro and Crumpler, for example, seem to have gone to great lengths in avoiding the use of metallic parts in their products.

They make one without quick releases too.

SmugMug's free strap over at the POTN Lounge.

The plastic on them is brittle and i think the OP wants the strap this year.

[SuzyView]

http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/759

This one is actually a very nice strap from the POTN shop. I was tempted to get one, but I like having my POTN ones. I just bought the Reporter strap this week, very handy.

[Wilt]

LowePro Super Classic strap is what I use on my cameras now. I have used (and still own) Domke, both the narrow and the wider strap, and think it is a fine product, but prefer not having the metal hardware, too. The Domkes are now on my Quantum battery packs.

Super Classic not as wide and bulky as the Pro, uses same quick release ends as the Pro or other ends from Lowepro; padded, soft, controlled stretch, non slip surface, plastic hardward

[Collin85]

and i think the OP wants the strap this year.
:lol:

[MKphoto]

Your best bet is to just go to a local photo store and try some out.

[tdodd]

I manage OK with the Canon original straps, although I dare say there are superior designs available. I haven't tried anything else, myslef, but many recommend the Upstrap for its unwavering tenacity when hanging a camera from the shoulder....

http://www.upstrap-pro.com/

Another alternative is the R-strap, which I have also not tried, but the deisgn looks interesting. There are threads here that discuss the merits or otherwise....

http://www.blackrapid.com/

[sOid]

I manage OK with the Canon original straps, although I dare say there are superior designs available. I haven't tried anything else, myslef, but many recommend the Upstrap for its unwavering tenacity when hanging a camera from the shoulder....

http://www.upstrap-pro.com/

Another alternative is the R-strap, which I have also not tried, but the deisgn looks interesting. There are threads here that discuss the merits or otherwise....

http://www.blackrapid.com/
+1 for UpStrap. I've used it for about a year now and it's great. It isn't very comfortable to carry it around your neck though, but for shoulder carry it's amazing.

[Familiaphoto]

Thanks for the suggestion! I looked up that strap, and it does seem to offer everything I wanted. Simple, sturdy, and comfortable.

However, I'm worried about Domke having used metallic quick release clips instead of plastic. Whenever I put the camera into a bag, I would usually just stuff the strap into whichever space it would fit into. Metallic clips may scratch into cameras and lenses nearby. Lowepro and Crumpler, for example, seem to have gone to great lengths in avoiding the use of metallic parts in their products.

I've never had a problem with the metal straps scratching things, but I am careful when putting cameras in bags. Personally, I prefer it to plastic, but that is just me.

[ogre1231]

I use paracord aka 550 cord. Its small, holds anything I use, and when i turn the camera from landscape to profile, it doesnt get in the way.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/ogre1231/_MG_8862.jpg

[stargazer78]

+1 for UpStrap. I've used it for about a year now and it's great. It isn't very comfortable to carry it around your neck though, but for shoulder carry it's amazing.


Ah, that's too bad. I tend to keep my camera either hanging off my neck, or inside my shoulder bag. So it would probably be better to choose a strap better suited for neck carrying.



I use paracord aka 550 cord. Its cmall, holds anything I use, and when i turn the camera from landscape to profile, a huge strap doesnt get in the way.



Yikes! That doesn't look very comfortable for the neck at all. I'll admit it's definitely very inconspicuous and unobtrusive, though.



LowePro Super Classic strap is what I use on my cameras now.



I'm assuming you're referring to Op/Tech Super Classic Strap? I haven't seen Lowepro offer such a product.




Another alternative is the R-strap, which I have also not tried, but the deisgn looks interesting. There are threads here that discuss the merits or otherwise....


This one is actually a very nice strap from the POTN shop. I was tempted to get one, but I like having my POTN ones.



Lots of good suggestions --- I'll definitely get busy looking into these last three, and maybe the Domke w/o the metallic QR as well. Hopefully some of these straps will be available at local stores around here, so I can try them before buying.

Thanks a lot for all the advice guys! :)

[[CaliGirl]]

How about one of these R-Straps (http://www.blackrapid.com/rs2.php)? Check out the videos....

[scorpio_e]

+1 for the R-strap :)

[Wilt]

I'm assuming you're referring to Op/Tech Super Classic Strap?


Ooh, duh! Brain f*rt on my part

[4x4rock]

I'm using the free Smugmug strap now. It's smaller than than the op/tech so a bit easier to store.

[asysin2leads]

I use paracord aka 550 cord. Its small, holds anything I use, and when i turn the camera from landscape to profile, it doesnt get in the way.
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh114/ogre1231/_MG_8862.jpg

AHH, good ole OD 550 cord. I still have a crap load of 550 cord. That and duct tape are the 2 best inventions ever.

[Rellik]

+1 for the optech super classic. It's all I use.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/170171-REG/Op_Tech_USA_1001082_Super_Classic_Camera_Strap.htm l

[tvphotog]

I have the PacSafe 100 on both my cameras. It's unobtrusive, and very inexpensive ($20) and the best deal on the strap market, IMHO. It has two steel cables that prevent cut and run theft, which also give a bit of rigidity to the strap, so that when you carry the camera at your hip, you can quickly swing it up to eye level; the strap slips easily through the shoulder pad loops, which stays put on your shoulder because of a grippy undersurface. Two Neoprene sleeves cover the camera connections, which separate via a simple spring-loaded catch. Quickly adjusts to hip or neck length. I keep one in its wrapper in the closet in case the price goes up.

I saw it first on this site recommended by another member.

I don't know why more people don't use this strap. It's bettter than any other one I've tried. I've used it in Middle Eastern bazaars and in the middle of big cities with equal pleasure and feeling of safety. Very cleverly and well made.

Photo courtesy www.pacsafe.com (http://www.pacsafe.com).

[snails]

I like my Lowepro Voyager. Soft, comfortable, sturdy, no high-contrast logos.

[jacobsen1]

I use an r-strap, but I use a small loop of spectra on one camera lug over their connectR. My loop is just long enough to be a hand strap if needed. ;)

[ClickClick]

I got my R Strap 2 days ago and have played with it around the house (not on assignment yet) and I really really like it.

:p

[dan j]

I don't know why more people don't use this strap. It's bettter than any other one I've tried. I've used it in Middle Eastern bazaars and in the middle of big cities with equal pleasure and feeling of safety. Very cleverly and well made.
I went with this over the RapidStrap due to your recommendation and the lower price. I should have mine in the next few days.

I am really disappointed in Pac Safe's customer service department. I've sent multiple emails and no one has replied. I'm hoping that I don't get the old version of their strap - the one that has reportedly had problems. I'll compare mine with the photos on their website and see. If it's the old version I'll have to get in touch with them via phone.

dan

[tvphotog]

I went with this over the RapidStrap due to your recommendation and the lower price. I should have mine in the next few days.

I am really disappointed in Pac Safe's customer service department. I've sent multiple emails and no one has replied. I'm hoping that I don't get the old version of their strap - the one that has reportedly had problems. I'll compare mine with the photos on their website and see. If it's the old version I'll have to get in touch with them via phone.

dan

FWIW, the present buckle works fine. That was the one I put through the wringer in the bazaars.

[claybuster]

I went with this over the RapidStrap due to your recommendation and the lower price. I should have mine in the next few days.

I am really disappointed in Pac Safe's customer service department. I've sent multiple emails and no one has replied. I'm hoping that I don't get the old version of their strap - the one that has reportedly had problems. I'll compare mine with the photos on their website and see. If it's the old version I'll have to get in touch with them via phone.

dan
I got my pac safe 100 a couple of weeks ago. How do i know if I got the new version?
Mike

[tvphotog]

I got my pac safe 100 a couple of weeks ago. How do i know if I got the new version?
Mike

The first strap had the standard slip-through fasteners. The second version has buckle fasteners. Either will work fine.

I received a message from the head of development at PacSafe, who wrote:

"We are again changing the connectors from the “watch buckle” to exactly the same as the industry standard with a few improvements to stop any slipping whatsoever."

Sounds like they are going back to the slip-through. Not sure what the improvements will be, but I don't think the strap needs that much work to make it great.

[condyk]

For a single camera I prefer a hand-strap, but for two camera walkaround I doubt you can get a better solution practically than the Up Strap. They never slip from the shoulder and you can stay fairly stealth in urban shooting. They're pricey, but very good indeed.

[k4show]

I love my free smugmug strap :D

[Grentz]

http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/759

This one is actually a very nice strap from the POTN shop. I was tempted to get one, but I like having my POTN ones. I just bought the Reporter strap this week, very handy.

That one looks identical to the Smug Mug free strap...minus the logos of course ;)

[argyle]

I use the 5DII mostly with mid-sized lenses: 17-40L, 24-105L, 35L, and 85 f1.8. I rarely use large telephoto lenses. Can anyone recommend me a good neck strap? What i'm looking for:

Something that looks plain, and won't attract attention.


Any suggestion is appreciated.

Attract attention? You don't have to worry about that...most people that gawk at a photographer's gear are not looking at the camera strap...

[ed rader]

Attract attention? You don't have to worry about that...most people that gawk at a photographer's gear are not looking at the camera strap...

ain't that the truth. i think most of the "atracting attention" stuff happens between the ears of the self-conscious photographer :D.

ed rader

[claybuster]

The first strap had the standard slip-through fasteners. The second version has buckle fasteners. Either will work fine.

I received a message from the head of development at PacSafe, who wrote:

"We are again changing the connectors from the “watch buckle” to exactly the same as the industry standard with a few improvements to stop any slipping whatsoever."

Sounds like they are going back to the slip-through. Not sure what the improvements will be, but I don't think the strap needs that much work to make it great.
Thanks ! I have the watch" buckle type". Now I feel better because I hang a 40D w/grip and a 70-200 2.8is from it.

[dan j]

The first strap had the standard slip-through fasteners. The second version has buckle fasteners. Either will work fine.

I received a message from the head of development at PacSafe, who wrote:

"We are again changing the connectors from the “watch buckle” to exactly the same as the industry standard with a few improvements to stop any slipping whatsoever."

Sounds like they are going back to the slip-through. Not sure what the improvements will be, but I don't think the strap needs that much work to make it great.
Wow, again? Well, they told me that they'd replace it if I bought the old model so I guess they'll be replacing it.

Actually, maybe I'll just sew it shut. It's not like I'm taking it off. I'm still really impressed with the Pacsafe 100. It's so comfortable. We did the zoo and I barely felt it on my neck.

dan

[dan j]

Attract attention? You don't have to worry about that...most people that gawk at a photographer's gear are not looking at the camera strap...
I dunno, I think a bright strap draws attention. We went to the zoo today and folks with the big red-writing Canon & Nikon yellow straps had folks craning their necks to see their gear. Meanwhile, most folks missed the little red ring on my 24-70L thanks to my Pacsafe 100.

OEM straps are for posers :p

dan