Less weight - do you use camera straps around your shoulder? HoldFast?

I am a wedding photographer. After a long day of shooting a wedding I am just so tired of having my cameras on straps around my neck.

I saw some people use camera straps around the shoulder which puts the weight on the shoulder rather than the neck area....

Do you use them? Which one would you recommend? How about HoldFast camera straps?

Thanks so much!

I use a couple of products but generally I prefer a wide, bandolier (sling style) strap that distributes the weight over a large area. I often carry 2 bodies with the straps criss-crossed all day without any issue of fatigue. I am presently using the PeakDesign Slide model. It is such an excellent strap but I do not have total confidence in the quick release tabs. They can wear quickly and although I keep an eye on them and replace them when they look worn I still always wonder if they are a disaster waiting to happen. There is a small US-based company called UPstrap that produces some of the best straps I have ever used. They offer a bandolier strap as well. It is slightly more narrow than the PeakDesign offering but it is still comfortable and the QR attachments are absolutely foolproof. I have one that has been in service for about 10 years. The rest of their designs are excellent as well. They have straps for both cameras and bags that you can wear on your shoulder without fear of having them slip off - and they work. I hope that helps you out.

I have a Holdfast Gear Camera Swagg (Same as the money maker just not leather) and it's A-mazing! The weight is much more evenly distributed and even with two FF's and a 24-70 & 70-200 you dont get the same fatigue as with regular straps. Plus they're both easily within reach at a moments notice.

I had a black rapid double strap, but switched to a Spiderholster instead.

the spider holster mounts on your belt, and allows you to go strapless - all the weight is kept on your waist not your neck/shoulders.

it takes a little getting used to (to get over fear of dropping the cameras or the pins falling out) but is well worth the effort.

Black Rapid Double R with two Peak Design Capture Pro clips. I shoot with four bodies. 2x 5D3 + 2x Son A7 series.

Those shoulder slings are a quick way to ruin your gear banging it into something...I know...I've done it. The camera swings too freely on those things.

I use capture clips to holster the cameras at my waist. Much steadier, takes the weight completely off of your neck and back, less bulk since there's no strap, and still very quick to access.

Before I quit on using of heavy FF, griped DSLR, lens gear for several hours on events I used https://www.cottoncarr​ier.com …roducts/ccs-camera-vest-2
One camera and L lens on chest, one camera and L on the belt. Easy and fast, but secure lock, unlock and safety harness is also provided.

mystik610 wrote in post #18170903
Those shoulder slings are a quick way to ruin your gear banging it into something...I know...I've done it. The camera swings too freely on those things.

I use capture clips to holster the cameras at my waist. Much steadier, takes the weight completely off of your neck and back, less bulk since there's no strap, and still very quick to access.

If that's the peak design style, it holds the camera in the same position as the Spiderpro camera holster ... which I own (double). It's hard not to bang camera and lens indoors going through a hall and limits pushing the bodies forward or back. For that exact reason, i'm considering Holdfast Money Maker because that style allows temporary moving of the cameras forward and back.

I will keep my camera holster for primarily outdoor use, but want straps indoors. Deciding on whether to get the double, or added triple camera option.

mdvaden wrote in post #18482784
If that's the peak design style, it holds the camera in the same position as the Spiderpro camera holster ... which I own (double). It's hard not to bang camera and lens indoors going through a hall and limits pushing the bodies forward or back. For that exact reason, i'm considering Holdfast Money Maker because that style allows temporary moving of the cameras forward and back.

I will keep my camera holster for primarily outdoor use, but want straps indoors. Deciding on whether to get the double, or added triple camera option.

Thats why I use both the peak design and the holdfast. The downside to the holdfast is that cameras swing around too freely...so there's a risk of banging them into something.

mystik610 wrote in post #18482839
Thats why I use both the peak design and the holdfast. The downside to the holdfast is that cameras swing around too freely...so there's a risk of banging them into something.

Are you familiar with the RL Handcrafts harness? I just learned about that brand today, and it's making the choice a bit tougher. Looks very similar in some respects ot Holdfast. Clips are different and a few other variation in design. Both look like they should be good quality. Price is close.

Another vote for Cotton Carrier. Love em.

Echo63 wrote in post #18170789
I had a black rapid double strap, but switched to a Spiderholster instead.

the spider holster mounts on your belt, and allows you to go strapless - all the weight is kept on your waist not your neck/shoulders.

it takes a little getting used to (to get over fear of dropping the cameras or the pins falling out) but is well worth the effort.

I had a BR double as well. The cameras swung around too much for my liking. I had to devise as way to keep them attached to my waist which was a pain. This was about 5 years ago and I stopped using it. In an non busy environment like an air show it is good.

I usually have it on the shoulder, but hang it so that it's in front of me, especially with the 70-200.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #18483797
I usually have it on the shoulder, but hang it so that it's in front of me, especially with the 70-200.

I will use my spiderpro outdoors, and the Holdfast moneymaker I ordered yesterday indoors or outside. But it's evident that another single strap may be in order too. I'm planning to stick with photography for a long time, so none of my purchases should be a waste.

The practicality of hanging shoulder or neck like you mentioned is why I did not buy the 3 camera design from Holdfast. I figured a 3rd camera may as well be on it's own strap, offering a similar 3rd camera carry, but providing a 2nd piece of gear instead of just being a mere detachment.

Holdfast sure makes nice stuff. I almost got one.