Who makes a genuine professional neck camera strap that will not fail?

I have several expensive Canon L lenses finally picked up two very nice Tamron lenses. I have gotten used to the lens weights now. So far the peak design slide is comfortable and working great. I combined it with a camdapter plate that uses an allen wrench to secure it to the tripod mount / lens collar. I discovered product this later on. For extra convenience I'm considering a quick release from. https://www.kirkphoto.​com/quick-disconnect-system.html What are your thoughts?

We may have different standards, ( 1/8" diameter "aircraft cable" or wire rope, is rated at 2,000 pounds static load. Usually get a 3-4X leeway vs. actual breaking point, ie: it will break at more like 6,000 pound load.. I'm not sure what the practicality of that kind of strength is for carrying a camera.)

... but it seems to me there are many very good solutions out there.

I prefer one of the more affordable options in today's market. Once highly regarded as "the best", but these days there are FAR more expensive options,.. I don't know that any of that additional cost makes them "better"

Optech is what I have used since about 2003.

I use some variation of the Optech pro loop system 100% of the time.
This includes all my neck straps, a dual harness, and a sling. Also the long lens strap on my 500mm Prime.

I've used the Optech's with heavy pro wildlife gear on 4 continents, in the desserts of Namibia, in the rivers of the Okavango, in the Andes two miles high in Peru, and on boats and islands in the Galapagos. I have never had a failure.

20 years ago, this was the best. These days people are seeking out steel and leather, but frankly those solutions are a lot more "old school" than neoprene, and a lot heavier and less comfortable for slinging 18 pounds of gear around your neck. The plastic connectors on the Optech will last I assure you.

I've never had a Canon strap fail. I mean, how strong do you need it? I'm assuming that you're not swinging a camera around like a hammer thrower.

I think the biggest problem I have with canon straps is that they're not comfortable on the bare back of your neck for hours. But I've certainly never had one fail, nor even worried about it. CPS straps are MUCH more comfortable (and I think made by Optech). Haven't spent the money on the many other options out there... but I'd certainly *trust* anything by Optech or Blackrapid, at the very least.

vision35 wrote in post #18830693
Who makes a genuine professional neck camera strap that will not fail?

I performed a search and found all kinds of junk being sold as neck straps. Anyone with a hot glue and a sewing needle is selling some sort of non professional junk that will fail.
I've seen from scarves to climbing ropes, braided para cord, quick releases recalls on popular brand names that fail and tripod screws upside down devices that wear too fast.
I'm seriously considering purchasing plastic coated aircraft cable and tools to crimp the cable then stitch leather and padding around it.

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The Canon straps that come with the cameras are extremely durable. . I have used them extensively for years and years and not only has one never failed, they have never even shown any signs of abrasion.

I don't understand why you've searched and searched for a strap that won't fail, when the standard Canon straps fully meet your stated requirement.

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I've had the same 2 Optech shoulder straps for 12 years. They are still in good condition (no fraying, minor fading, no tears). Neither one has ever failed in any way.

I would buy one again but don't need to as of yet.

Personally I hate having a camera hanging from the back of my neck. Very annoying. My go to strap is the BossStrap shoulder sling. Simple, wide, ready access to the camera and versatile.

Another vote for Optech straps. I use the Optech Super Classic, as I find the Pro Loop too bulky for my tastes. I don't use a bulky 1Dn body nor any super teles.

But for my gear bag I use the Optech S.O.S. Strap, as it is a bit thinker and broader, for the heavier load.

Never had one fail. The main failure point for most straps are where it connects to the camera or the locking mechanism if it has a quick release. The more complicated the strap the more fail points. Over the shoulder sling is much more comfortable than neck straps.


I have a carryspeed pro which is the sling style for very heavy camera gear, basically a cheaper version of one of the black rapid straps. It's good for a big camera+lens but for general everyday-walk-around-town-stuff I have a couple of cheap neoprene straps from China via ebay, only ~$5-$10 each and they aren't breaking anytime soon.

We tend to over-think and over-engineer some of this stuff.

OP hasn't been around since March 18th so perhaps still working on that invention...

vision35 wrote in post #18830693
I'm seriously considering purchasing plastic coated aircraft cable and tools to crimp the cable then stitch leather and padding around it.

My canon strap works a charm on my tripod

I was using the Peak Design Leash for the last year+ and loved it .. but now I'm going through a wrist strap phase.

I use OpTech as well. The Canon straps are both too short for me and uncomfortable on my neck. I have the one in the photo, but I added 2 8" extensions to it so that it works like a sling strap. I can put my arm through it and just swing it up to shoot, then let it fall back on my hip. I've used this setup for 7 years on my 60D and just transferred it to my new 6D II. Still looks and feels like new.

Last thing I would use is something with plastic as above...

I'm using Canon neck straps since 1999 or so. They are all holds full frame Canon DSLR and L zoom, plus flash.
Same for my Bessa film cameras and digital Leica M. OEM straps. They works.

-Duck- wrote in post #18857548
Personally I hate having a camera hanging from the back of my neck. Very annoying. My go to strap is the BossStrap shoulder sling. Simple, wide, ready access to the camera and versatile.

I agree, too much stress on the neck. I now use a shoulder strap - BR - and the Cotton Carrier for my large lens.