Neckstraps: a Precaution, or a Menace?

I use a neck strap all the time, just for safety and convenience. The Tamrac strap I have is very comfortable, so I don't mind it at all. It has quick release connectors on it, so I remove the strap if I'm working on a tripod for awhile.

I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps

neil_r wrote in post #5421288
I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps

haha

I agree, if you are using 2 bodies, you'd definitely need the straps. I typically have my 5D over my left, with strap around my neck and left arm. I'll shoulder my MKIII over my right shoulder, with hand strap attached.

When I'm moving fast, which most likely means MKIII in 3 frame (high speed) bursts, I don't have to worry about my 5D. When I'm stationary and shooting w/ 70-200 (attached to the 5D), I can just dangle my MKIII over my right shoulder.

neil_r wrote in post #5421288
I must confess I have not read the entire thread so this may have been said. Neck (shoulder) straps are essential when using more than one camera, I am having amusing thoughts about using two cameras with hand straps

Agreed. I also wonder what the "handstrap" users do when they need to shoot in portrait orientation, and how they enjoy one-handed juggling of lenses for a lens change.

Without a shoulder strap, I can't put it over my shoulder, so it doesn't really matter how annoying or potentially harmful it is otherwise.

After dropping a camera from a bridge into the river well below and it was lost forever, I always use a neck strap vs. not doing so years ago. As arthritis has gotten more into my hands is another reason I always use it. Plus comfort rather than having to hold the camera in my hand all the time.

Have never tried the hand grasps or any other types of straps.

canonloader wrote in post #5367020
Why not just hire a babe to stand next to you and hold the other camera? For what you spend on accessories, you could hire two.

What if she turns out to be a blonde who has colored her hair?

I have been using the Op-Tech strap for about six months and the padding makes it feel comfortable, but I like to wear the strap bandoleer style and the Op-Tech is not long enough so I have trouble rotating it around to bring the camera up to my eye. I have not found any other strap yet that works well wearing it this way. Wearing it around my neck used to work when I only had the kit lens, but with the much heavier lenses that I now use, that does not work well unless I keep on hand around the lens ... which is what I usually do ... I am not a happy camper doing it that way so I am still looking for something better.

One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

bill boehme wrote in post #5424001
One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

Zip-ties.

You can zip-tie the connecting ends of the QR buckles which should provide insurance. I shared your concern and figured this simple solution. Black zip ties make it inconspicuous, and they're strong enough to still support a 1D with zoom so...

bill boehme wrote in post #5424001
What if she turns out to be a blonde who has colored her hair?

I have been using the Op-Tech strap for about six months and the padding makes it feel comfortable, but I like to wear the strap bandoleer style and the Op-Tech is not long enough so I have trouble rotating it around to bring the camera up to my eye. I have not found any other strap yet that works well wearing it this way. Wearing it around my neck used to work when I only had the kit lens, but with the much heavier lenses that I now use, that does not work well unless I keep on hand around the lens ... which is what I usually do ... I am not a happy camper doing it that way so I am still looking for something better.

One other concern that I have about the Op-Tech strap is the quick release fasteners ... they are handy when I want to shorten the strap by removing the padded part, but I live in fear that it is going to suddenly release one of these days. I guess that I need the equivalent of a safety chain.

you just never hear of that happening. in fact there was a poll awhile back and there wasn't one case of a quick release failing or opening.

i'd be more concerned about a pro loop breaking .... i don't use them.

i never use the quick releases so if i were worried i would close them permanently with epoxy .

ed rader

just subscribing-interesting reading how other folks manage their kits...

I don't like the neckstrap, but I do use it. I may look like a 'tourist', but I can care less.

Now, when I let others use or even just look at my 40D, I make them use the neck strap.

Jason C wrote in post #5425202
I may look like a 'tourist',

In that case it is amazing how many newspapers, magazines and publications send out "tourists" to cover their stories for them

neil_r wrote in post #5425216
In that case it is amazing how many newspapers, magazines and publications send out "tourists" to cover their stories for them

I've been called that on a few occaisions...:p

I think the newspapers, magazines and publications tourists use them so their brethren don't "pick up" the wrong camera by mistake.

Wilt wrote in post #5367194
But I rarely use the strap as a neck strap, but use it mostly as a shoulder strap while walking about, and if I am shooting the strap gets looped around my arm a couple of times.

Exactly. Never once had a problem of gear being dropped in 15+ years of shooting.