Grip or strap

What do you prefer, a hand grip or a camera strap? I have been trying both, on and off, for quite some time, and can't decide. They both have their pluses and minuses. Where do you stand, and why?

Can do both too if you want. There are ways.

Personally I have tried quite a few different options out there and honestly the best I have found is the good ole Op/Tech Pro Loop Strap still to this day.

Never liked hand straps because they usually only work in landscape orientation and do nothing in portrait.

It depends how often and what you shoot. I shoot weddings etc so a double strap like Black Rapid is the best option. It can be used with one camera as well.

I am using Canon E1 hand straps on both my cameras with Matin or LowePro neckstraps - both these neck straps are quickly detachable. For walking around with heavy lenses I have a shoulder strap, from a Think Tank backpack, attached to an Arca clamp which attaches to the foot on my larger lenses.

I purchased this a while back and more often then not I leave both on. It may look goofy but I like being able to switch back and forth. With the anchor system taking it on and off is a cinch!

I use the Op/tech pro strap. I take the neck strap off. I throw it in my thinktank speed changer.

I use a spider holster with no hand strap. No tether just grab and shoot.

Using dual bodies I'll use the primary camera with a pro strap and on my belt the second camera sits there.

I used the black rapid strap for a while but after the spider holster the BR sits and rot in my desk drawer.

AlanU wrote in post #17957889
I used the black rapid strap for a while but after the spider holster the BR sits and rot in my desk drawer.

Sounds like my BR.
It has lived in my locker for ages, only coming out for 2 reasons

1. Work at height (ladders, helicopters etc where i want the camera attached to me)
2. Working around water, for the same reasons as #1

Spiderholster is an awesome system, with many advantages.

But there is sometimes when you really need the camera attached to you, so it doesnt fall even if you let go.

Echo63 wrote in post #17970488
Sounds like my BR.
It has lived in my locker for ages, only coming out for 2 reasons

1. Work at height (ladders, helicopters etc where i want the camera attached to me)
2. Working around water, for the same reasons as #1

Spiderholster is an awesome system, with many advantages.

But there is sometimes when you really need the camera attached to you, so it doesnt fall even if you let go.

I did find using the spider system in conjunction with the BR helped alleviate weight when I had a 100-400/1dmk3 combo on my belt.

I no longer have either so I do not use the BR at all.

I use the think tank modular lens bags and it's a killer accessible system that I never leave home when I shoot.

So far on my 6d and sony mirrorless I have used neither. I just use the bare camera and when I don't want to use it I put it in my camera bag. But I ordered a knock-off black-rapid style strap that connects to the tripod mount and hangs to the side of the body. Looking forward to using that.

I absolutely hate neck straps.

ben_r_ wrote in post #17957211
Personally I have tried quite a few different options out there and honestly the best I have found is the good ole Op/Tech Pro Loop Strap still to this day.

Never liked hand straps because they usually only work in landscape orientation and do nothing in portrait.

Ditto Verbatim.

For medium/longer lenses like the 150-600mm I am considering trying again a shoulder sling style,. but usually I just use the Pro loop and "wear it like a purse" instead.

I use a combination of a Peak Design Clutch with a PD Slider or OP/Tech Pro Strap with extenders. The Clutch always stays on. Either of the straps clip on and off easily with their QD's. The Clutch adjusts very quickly for times that I have to wear gloves or mitts to shoot. I prefer the feeling of security the grip gives. The only time the strap comes off the body is when shooting off a tripod.

Scarily i don't use either, I have a capture clip and that's it really. Sometimes i pop my lanyard on my wrist when i'm hanging out of a moving car but other than that, freeholding for me.

Black Rapid Strap RS-7 screwed into my L-Bracket. It's good for when I'm chasing around my kids. Otherwise, I prefer no strap at all.

Two, totally different tools. Strap is for security while transporting and hand/wrist strap is for security while holding/shooting. I use both, quite a bit; especially if I'm out somewhere that I don't have my pack and Capture Clip with me (local festivals, walks around town, etc).