Looking for Recommendations for an excellent Neck Strap for a Canon 5D Mk IV

I have used a Wapiti neck strap for quite a few years and really like it. It is getting a little worn, so I am thinking it might be time to order a replacement

Black Rapid Sport

So far I like Peak Design Slide, though as SYS mentioned the quick releases make me a bit nervous. On the other hand, it's nice to be able to easily remove the strap when needed as well. Now SYS has me interested in the holsters though.

hobs1466 wrote in post #19377223
So far I like Peak Design Slide, though as SYS mentioned the quick releases make me a bit nervous. On the other hand, it's nice to be able to easily remove the strap when needed as well. Now SYS has me interested in the holsters though.

There's no reason to be nervous about those connectors; you're going to break before one of those things gives. I like both the Leash (old version) and the Slide, with the Leash being a smaller profile and compacting much better; I'm not as much of a fan of the newer Leash that adjusts like the Slide mechanism...it doesn't offer the same level of fit and adjustment that the original version did. If you are interested in the lower profile, I'd check out the PD used marketplace for someone offering that v1 model.

hobs1466 wrote in post #19377223
So far I like Peak Design Slide, though as SYS mentioned the quick releases make me a bit nervous. On the other hand, it's nice to be able to easily remove the strap when needed as well. Now SYS has me interested in the holsters though.

I'm not sure why the QR system of Peak Design straps makes people nervous. I've been using PD straps exclusively for 3 years on 3 different bodies and my confidence in the system has only grown.

The disk portion of the QR locks into the receiver with a satisfying click and I don't see any way that it would unintentionally work itself free. The strap lugs on modern cameras are about 3/8" wide so the 1/4" nylon webbing at the lug end of traditional straps are as likely to fray as the PD string connectors. And, the PD strings apparently give ample warning about when they're starting to go bad. Internal string cores are color coded so that any fraying becomes obvious - or so I'm told. It hasn't come up yet in my world.

Camera straps are the most hazardous parts of any kit. I learned a rule a long time ago and I keep that piece of caution firmly in the front of my brain whenever I'm handling a camera: Mind the strap. Never let it hang off the edge of a table. Make sure it's not tangled up with anything else.

And that's one of the reasons - maybe the main reason - I like PD adjustable straps. It's wonderful that I can adjust the length for around the neck, over the shoulder or bandolier style in about 2 seconds. Even more important, I can shorten it up to nothing so it's less likely to inadvertently get tangled or yanked on a table or in a bag.

Snydremark wrote in post #19377240
There's no reason to be nervous about those connectors; you're going to break before one of those things gives. I like both the Leash (old version) and the Slide, with the Leash being a smaller profile and compacting much better; I'm not as much of a fan of the newer Leash that adjusts like the Slide mechanism...it doesn't offer the same level of fit and adjustment that the original version did. If you are interested in the lower profile, I'd check out the PD used marketplace for someone offering that v1 model.

drsilver wrote in post #19377242
I'm not sure why the QR system of Peak Design straps makes people nervous. I've been using PD straps exclusively for 3 years on 3 different bodies and my confidence in the system has only grown.

The disk portion of the QR locks into the receiver with a satisfying click and I don't see any way that it would unintentionally work itself free. The strap lugs on modern cameras are about 3/8" wide so the 1/4" nylon webbing at the lug end of traditional straps are as likely to fray as the PD string connectors. And, the PD strings apparently give ample warning about when they're starting to go bad. Internal string cores are color coded so that any fraying becomes obvious - or so I'm told. It hasn't come up yet in my world.

Camera straps are the most hazardous parts of any kit. I learned a rule a long time ago and I keep that piece of caution firmly in the front of my brain whenever I'm handling a camera: Mind the strap. Never let it hang off the edge of a table. Make sure it's not tangled up with anything else.

And that's one of the reasons - maybe the main reason - I like PD adjustable straps. It's wonderful that I can adjust the length for around the neck, over the shoulder or bandolier style in about 2 seconds. Even more important, I can shorten it up to nothing so it's less likely to inadvertently get tangled or yanked on a table or in a bag.

It's mostly a psychological thing. After all, PD's current anchor is their 4th update upon numerous well-known reports of the anchor failure with the previous editions. When a product goes through a number of anchor updates, it's not exactly confidence boosting regardless of how improved their latest edition might be. To their credit, they've apparently gone through extensive tests to find the cause of these failures and have made improvements with the latest edition. In my personal opinion, I think PD has made a design mistake to begin with regardless of the anchor quality and dependability. If a wildlife/bird photographer like myself with a rather heavy gear worth anywhere from $5K to $15K dangling off the strap by those very thin black shoe strings that supposed to prevent your gear from hitting the ground, it's not exactly a confident feeling you get.

I also learned the hard way that no strap connecting points are perfect. When I first got the ProMediaGear's SS2 (their proprietary "QD") a few years ago, I thought that was the perfect connecting system. Until it wasn't, and my then brand new R5 and RF 800 hit the ground. Even when they replaced the defective one with the new, my trust in the connection point was gone until I came up with my own DIY safety tether to go with the strap.

When I did end up getting the Slide in spite of my hesitation, it was because the Slide is the only strap that I know of that could slide-adjust the strap length and do so very quickly, as well as the assurance of the 4th gen edition's improved quality. Given the absence of any user reports of the latest edition's failings, my confidence has been boosted. I'm also further assured by my own personal carrying system that works for me extremely well, and that is, the bulk of my gear's load is carried by either Cotton Carrier Vest or SpiderPro belt holster mostly with the strap serving more as a "safety strap" with no stress put on it. This carrying system saves me from my neck or shoulder pain while providing additional safety measures.

I'm curious about the "numerous well-known reports of the anchor failure with the previous editions." Were those actual failures -- the thing broke -- or complaints about premature wear that might lead to failure?

PD put a writeup of their anchor revisions on their website. While there were other lesser changes, all the revisions were primarily done to improve the abrasion resistance of the cord. The tensile strength of an undamaged anchor was always good.

Failure from abrasion doesn't happen quickly. If you're running around with a frayed strap of any kind and it breaks, that's a little bit on you.

SYS, it sounds like you have some very specialized needs in support systems. I use big modern zooms, but even then, my heaviest setup tips in at just over 5 lbs. of lens and FF DSLR. The tensile strength of any quality strap should be plenty adequate for that. Honestly, if I was ever in a place where I was worried that my strap might break, I'd be a little concerned that the camera lug might be the weak point and I'd tear out the side of the body. That would have to be a pretty violent tug. I'd hope it didn't take an arm.

Obviously I want a camera strap that won't break. But for the gear I use and the way I use it, any good strap will do that. The differentiators come in price, comfort and functionality.

Defective gear that just breaks suddenly is a different story. Too many choices to give a manufacturer a second chance most times.

drsilver wrote in post #19377343
I'm curious about the "numerous well-known reports of the anchor failure with the previous editions." Were those actual failures -- the thing broke -- or complaints about premature wear that might lead to failure?

PD put a writeup of their anchor revisions on their website. While there were other lesser changes, all the revisions were primarily done to improve the abrasion resistance of the cord. The tensile strength of an undamaged anchor was always good.

Failure from abrasion doesn't happen quickly. If you're running around with a frayed strap of any kind and it breaks, that's a little bit on you.

SYS, it sounds like you have some very specialized needs in support systems. I use big modern zooms, but even then, my heaviest setup tips in at just over 5 lbs. of lens and FF DSLR. The tensile strength of any quality strap should be plenty adequate for that. Honestly, if I was ever in a place where I was worried that my strap might break, I'd be a little concerned that the camera lug might be the weak point and I'd tear out the side of the body. That would have to be a pretty violent tug. I'd hope it didn't take an arm.

Obviously I want a camera strap that won't break. But for the gear I use and the way I use it, any good strap will do that. The differentiators come in price, comfort and functionality.

Defective gear that just breaks suddenly is a different story. Too many choices to give a manufacturer a second chance most times.

I was trying to answer your statement, "I'm not sure why the QR system of Peak Design straps makes people nervous," and I think I did that, so no need to repeat it all over. I don't know how you were able to deduce from my explanation that I "have some very specialized needs in support system." Like everyone else, I do need a support system but not a "specialized needs" in support system. No one wants their expensive gear to drop to the floor due to a support system failure. In my four decades into photography, it has never happened -- until just a few months ago, for the first time ever -- and this from a total trust in the support system. No matter how great a product, a failure can occur. From this experience, I now have, and get this, a "special support system" that provides an additional safety measure that I'm very happy with.

I don't put this much lens weight on the camera lens mount or camera body strap slots.
Peak Design Slide.
Tamron 150-600 & Canon Mark IV body.
Comfortable and is working great.
I was skeptical at first but its tough enough for me.
I secure anchor links to the camdapter.
The camdapter is secured to the lens tripod collar mount.
The whole camera and lens is balanced and easily carried upside down.
I always check the anchor links before hiking.
I haven't worn out an anchor link in 2 years or approximately miles.