Tripod Straps

I'm looking to buy a tripod strap for my trip to Paris in October. Now, the reason for wanting a tripod strap is to be able to carry it on my shoulder along with my smaller shoulder bag. I was looking at the Op Tech or the Gitzo one but, I can't decide since I've never used one before. If you could post a pic or share your experiences it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi guys, this is my first post on the forum. I hope to drop by from time to time to learn something new from everyone here, and also to contribute to the forum when I can. I figured I'd start off with helping someone with my first post.

Here's the parts I used to make my own custom tripod strap.

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My Lowepro 400AW magnum bag has tripod straps attached to the top of the bag to secure the tripod or monopod with. Personal observation! I don't think this bag with a tripod secured will fit the standard carry-on dimensions.

I found a couple of pictures. As you can see I left the legs a tiny bit extended. I did this so the Velcro strap would stay put. When I was first testing the strap for size and fit, the strap kept slipping up the legs. Extending the legs a little bit made a "groove" area where the strap stayed put.

The strap in the picture is extended almost to it's full length, but I don't carry it around like that. I like it to be kinda short so it stays close to my back when I swing it behind me.

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For a trip to Paris, I strongly suggest that you NOT strap the tripod to your camera bag!!! Every time you walk into a museum you will immediately have to unstrap the tripod, to check it in because museums and many historic places do not permit tripods...they HAVE TO BE CHECKED!

Even ignoring that, it is better to have the tripod on its own shoulder strap, to balance the camera bag on the other shoulder. Less strain on the spine, rather than all the weight on one shoulder all day for hours and hours as you explore Paris or elsewhere.

The OpTech Super Classic is a nice strap for carrying a tripod...it is what I use to sling my Gitzo onto a shoulder.

CANONX$i wrote in post #10309789
Hi guys, this is my first post on the forum. I hope to drop by from time to time to learn something new from everyone here, and also to contribute to the forum when I can. I figured I'd start off with helping someone with my first post.

Here's the parts I used to make my own custom tripod strap.

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I had an old bag that I no longer used. The shoulder strap was still ok. I removed it from the bag and put it aside. I then went to my local dollar store and picked up a pack of Velcro straps (about 1-2 feet long each..?). I proceeded to remove the quick release latch from one end of the bag strap, and then inserted the end of one of the Velcro straps through the D ring (I left the quick release latch on the other side of the bag strap). I then sewed the Velcro on to itself and left about a foot and a half exposed. Then all I had to do was connect the quick release strap to the tripod head (there's a spot for this on mine), and then used the Velcro to wrap the legs together (I feed the end of the Velcro through the D ring once more and then stuck it to itself to hold the legs together). I then adjusted the length of the strap so it felt comfy while carrying it.

Total cost to make this was $2 (for the Velcro pack).

I traveled with it to Cuba this year, and it was very easy to carry around. It only took a few seconds to release the Velcro from the legs to set up the tripod. I didn't even need to unlatch the quick release from the tripod head ring. It just stays connected.

I think I have a picture of it somewhere. If I can find it I'll post it for you.

CANONX$i wrote in post #10309870
I found a couple of pictures. As you can see I left the legs a tiny bit extended. I did this so the Velcro strap would stay put. When I was first testing the strap for size and fit, the strap kept slipping up the legs. Extending the legs a little bit made a "groove" area where the strap stayed put.

The strap in the picture is extended almost to it's full length, but I don't carry it around like that. I like it to be kinda short so it stays close to my back when I swing it behind me.

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Hi Canon XSi. Welcome to POTN. Thanks for posting your DIY on the tripod strap. Looks pretty handy.

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #10309860
My Lowepro 400AW magnum bag has tripod straps attached to the top of the bag to secure the tripod or monopod with. Personal observation! I don't think this bag with a tripod secured will fit the standard carry-on dimensions.

I have backpacks but, my intention is to travel without the backpack and using a small shoulder bag.

Wilt wrote in post #10310139
For a trip to Paris, I strongly suggest that you NOT strap the tripod to your camera bag!!! Every time you walk into a museum you will immediately have to unstrap the tripod, to check it in because museums and many historic places do not permit tripods...they HAVE TO BE CHECKED!

Even ignoring that, it is better to have the tripod on its own shoulder strap, to balance the camera bag on the other shoulder. Less strain on the spine, rather than all the weight on one shoulder all day for hours and hours as you explore Paris or elsewhere.

The OpTech Super Classic is a nice strap for carrying a tripod...it is what I use to sling my Gitzo onto a shoulder.

I don't think I'll be using my tripod for midday shooting but, more for dusk/night shooting. PLus, I can bring the tripod along without lugging my backpack. Is this the strap you're talking about? Thanks!
http://optechusa.com …DUCT_ID=50&PROD​UCT_SUB_ID=

jdizzle wrote in post #10310510
Is this the strap you're talking about? Thanks!
http://optechusa.com …DUCT_ID=50&PROD​UCT_SUB_ID=

Wow, that basically looks like the one I made, but mine cost a lot less. I do like the way they used quick release clips for wrapping the legs with. Hmmm, I think I have an old hip pack I can scavenge the clips from to make a new leg loop like the one in the picture. Back to the man cave for modifications.

jdizzle wrote in post #10310510
I don't think I'll be using my tripod for midday shooting but, more for dusk/night shooting. PLus, I can bring the tripod along without lugging my backpack. Is this the strap you're talking about? Thanks!
http://optechusa.com …UCT_ID=50&PRODU​CT_SUB_ID=

Not right model. This one...http://optechusa.com …UCT_SUB_ID=&CAT​EGORY_ID=4, I use the binocular version which has no quick disconnect

Wilt wrote in post #10312135
Not right model. This one...http://optechusa.com …UCT_SUB_ID=&CAT​EGORY_ID=4, I use the binocular version which has no quick disconnect

Thanks Wilt. So, I guess you have one side fastened real short toward the top to make sure the pad sits on your shoulder comfortably? Where do you fasten the lower end part? On the leg? Or on the column?

jdizzle wrote in post #10314136
Thanks Wilt. So, I guess you have one side fastened real short toward the top to make sure the pad sits on your shoulder comfortably? Where do you fasten the lower end part? On the leg? Or on the column?

I have one end up high, looping about the base of the ballhead, and the other is looped about one leg of the Gitzo at the narrowest section. The top loop is short enough so that the padded section of the strap sits comfortably on my shoulder when the tripod is shouldered like a rifle. I used a somewhat similar arrangement on my prior Manfrotto, which had a hole in the spider of the tripod for connecting the Manfrotto strap, and the other end also fasted to one leg, but I had to use a hook-and-loop strap to tie the three legs together (since I did not like to use the bottom loop around all three legs...that would slow down setup and takedown. The Gitzo legs are stiff enough so far, that I don't have to strap the three legs together.

I use the optech tripod strap (original version). It works great and is quite comfortable. I don't have any experience with the Gitzo strap.

I keep the strap attached at all times; I only unhitch the loop around the legs when I want to use the tripod. The only (very minor) issue is that, when re-hitching the loop around the legs, you need to take care to align the leg loop with the the loop around the tripod collar to make sure the strap hangs properly on the shoulder. I'm not sure if this an issue with the swivel version of the optech strap, however.

Wilt wrote in post #10315775
I have one end up high, looping about the base of the ballhead, and the other is looped about one leg of the Gitzo at the narrowest section. The top loop is short enough so that the padded section of the strap sits comfortably on my shoulder when the tripod is shouldered like a rifle. I used a somewhat similar arrangement on my prior Manfrotto, which had a hole in the spider of the tripod for connecting the Manfrotto strap, and the other end also fasted to one leg, but I had to use a hook-and-loop strap to tie the three legs together (since I did not like to use the bottom loop around all three legs...that would slow down setup and takedown. The Gitzo legs are stiff enough so far, that I don't have to strap the three legs together.

I see now why you have the Super Classic Bino version after you explained it. It makes more sense since you don't have to unclip anything to use the tripod. Just set down the tripod and assemble. Thanks!

stax wrote in post #10315824
I use the optech tripod strap (original version). It works great and is quite comfortable. I don't have any experience with the Gitzo strap.

I keep the strap attached at all times; I only unhitch the loop around the legs when I want to use the tripod. The only (very minor) issue is that, when re-hitching the loop around the legs, you need to take care to align the leg loop with the the loop around the tripod collar to make sure the strap hangs properly on the shoulder. I'm not sure if this an issue with the swivel version of the optech strap, however.

Thank for your feedback Stax. I was looking at both straps and the one that makes more sense is to use is the swivel version. I don't want to waste time rehitching the loop around the legs. I just want to take it off my shoulder and then setup. Thanks again.