Hand strap option for 40D

I had a battery grip with my XTi, but the 40D is the perfect size for me and I don't want a battery grip. BUT, I hate neck straps and use only a handstrap. There are several options, but to me this is the best one. It's the Canon E-1 handstrap, used with the Camdapter Manfrotto QR plate. The setup is kind of pricey, but its quality. The plate has a neoprene bottom that prevents twist, and you still have access to you battery compartment. You never have to take the plate off, and it works on my tripod perfectly.

WTH Canon don't just put another eyelet at the bottom of the body is beyond me. Oh - is it so they can sell another accessory? <gasp>

I have been thinking about adding a hand strap to my 40D. I had originally planned to purchased the battery grip and the Canon strap. However, I've come to realize that I like the size and weight of the 40D alone. I also liked the idea of the Camdapter plate which doubles as a built-in quick release for my Bogen tripods. But, I wanted the option to use a neck strap too and the Camdapter's neck strap mounting point isn't appealing to me.

I never thought of mixing and matching the products as you've done. Thanks for the good idea!

Do you find the plate pokes you in the palm of your left hand when supporting the camera with short but weighty lenses (in my case the 17-55 f2.8 IS)?

Gizmo, the E-1 hand strap allows you to use the neck strap in the normal way with your camera hanging horizontally. There is an extra eyelet on the metal clip on top of the camera that you attach the neck strap to. Hard to explain until you see it.

Jason-I use it with the Sigma 10-20 and experience no problems at all. There are no downside other than the $70.

irishman wrote in post #4247912
Gizmo, the E-1 hand strap allows you to use the neck strap in the normal way with your camera hanging horizontally. There is an extra eyelet on the metal clip on top of the camera that you attach the neck strap to. Hard to explain until you see it.

Irishman: Yes, I know about the extra eyelet on the Canon E1. That's why I commented about not liking the Camdapter plate's neck strap mounting point. I would much rather have the neck strap mounting point provided by the E1.

You see, I thought I was going to have to choose between one of the following scenarios:
1. Getting the E1 for the more desirable neck strap mounting point, but having to also buy the unwanted battery grip in order to attach the E1.
2. Getting a Camdapter plate/strap combo which gives me the Bogen quick release feature, but also leaves me with the less desirable neck strap mounting point.

It hadn't occurred to me that I could combine the E1 with a Camdapter plate. I just assumed that I would have to purchase a battery grip in order to use the E1. Your post showed me that I could have the best of both worlds by simply attaching the E1 directly to a Camdapter plate.

irishman wrote in post #4247912
Jason-I use it with the Sigma 10-20 and experience no problems at all. There are no downside other than the $70.

I've had mine hooked up this way for quite some time, but having the plate on the bottom bugs me, hence my asking.

Clean the dust off of that thing man!