Straps? Love 'em or Hate 'em?

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tjphxaz

tjphxaz

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I have a love/hate relationship with straps. Here's my story:
Straps are great for moving bags and equipment from one place to another. But, when shooting they get in the way, make noise and get caught on things.
When I got serious about photography about 10 years ago I decided that the OEM straps that came with my DSLRs weren't the best system. After some research and a bit of trial and error I settled on Black Rapid straps. I later tried the Peak Design system but didn't like it for various reasons - mostly that hanging thousands of dollars in camera and lens on plastic and small cords did not give me confidence. When RRS came out with their QD system I adapted that to all my BR straps and attached QD adaptable plates to my cameras (photo attached). Problem solved?
I don't consider myself clumsy. However, with age I drop things more than I used to (or maybe I just notice it more since picking things up is harder than it used to be).
I have three cameras and all have the BR system. I use both sling and hand straps and the hand straps stay on the camera all the time except when I need the slings.
So, a few months ago the set up in the picture took a fall off the shelf in my office when I grabbed another camera and it was caught on the strap. A $1,300 repair to camera and lens resulted. I hate straps!
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FWIW, like you've I've long since abandoned the manufacturer provided straps, they serve no purpose for my photography. I do use Black Rapid straps though I've outfitted mine with Arca Swiss QR clamps and just clamp them onto the Arca Swiss lens foot or the camera L bracket depending on what camera/lens I'm running. But I don't ever leave straps connected to cameras or lenses when they're on shelves or being stored as I've seen situations like yours a few too many times when cameras hit the deck specifically because of a dangling strap or a strap that got caught up with some other piece of gear.
 
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DRwyoming said:
FWIW, like you've I've long since abandoned the manufacturer provided straps, they serve no purpose for my photography. I do use Black Rapid straps though I've outfitted mine with Arca Swiss QR clamps and just clamp them onto the Arca Swiss lens foot or the camera L bracket depending on what camera/lens I'm running. But I don't ever leave straps connected to cameras or lenses when they're on shelves or being stored as I've seen situations like yours a few too many times when cameras hit the deck specifically because of a dangling strap or a strap that got caught up with some other piece of gear.
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Yes, since my "accident" I take the straps off when storing them.
 
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I run Magpul slings with 2 carabiners. One for the lens foot with FR5 fastener and one for a backup on the body, again with FR5. Typically carry 2 bodies, 2 slings. Never had an issue..
 
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I'd sooner let a chimpanzee perform an un-anesthetized root canal on me than attach a strap to my camera. Not that I have strong options about it or anything :p

For me, straps just get in the way and I think you're about as likely to have a problem with them as to prevent a problem. I've seen workshop participants getting out of a truck with a strap hangin down and the almost stepped into the strap as they were stepping down (which would have been just as disastrous as you can imagine). I've seen them get caught in tripods, handles, you name it. As mentioned, it's also easy for one to catch on someone as they're walking by when the camera is on a table. They also like to blow in the wind and cause a lot of excess movement when shooting from a tripod / monopod.

I left the strap behind years ago and although it made me nervous at first, I've never looked back and I can't imagine using one now.

Of course, YMMV and I know I'm about the only one who actively avoids them. And of course, not using one can also prove a fatal decision for your camera. All I can say is I've yet to drop one of my strapless cameras. Although, who knows, maybe one day I'll find myself looking into a muddy river wondering if my camera is going to float back up...
 
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Steve said:
I'd sooner let a chimpanzee perform an un-anesthetized root canal on me than attach a strap to my camera. Not that I have strong options about it or anything :p

For me, straps just get in the way and I think you're about as likely to have a problem with them as to prevent a problem. I've seen workshop participants getting out of a truck with a strap hangin down and the almost stepped into the strap as they were stepping down (which would have been just as disastrous as you can imagine). I've seen them get caught in tripods, handles, you name it. As mentioned, it's also easy for one to catch on someone as they're walking by when the camera is on a table. They also like to blow in the wind and cause a lot of excess movement when shooting from a tripod / monopod.

I left the strap behind years ago and although it made me nervous at first, I've never looked back and I can't imagine using one now.

Of course, YMMV and I know I'm about the only one who actively avoids them. And of course, not using one can also prove a fatal decision for your camera. All I can say is I've yet to drop one of my strapless cameras. Although, who knows, maybe one day I'll find myself looking into a muddy river wondering if my camera is going to float back up...
Click to expand...
Steve said:
I'd sooner let a chimpanzee perform an un-anesthetized root canal on me than attach a strap to my camera. Not that I have strong options about it or anything :p

For me, straps just get in the way and I think you're about as likely to have a problem with them as to prevent a problem. I've seen workshop participants getting out of a truck with a strap hangin down and the almost stepped into the strap as they were stepping down (which would have been just as disastrous as you can imagine). I've seen them get caught in tripods, handles, you name it. As mentioned, it's also easy for one to catch on someone as they're walking by when the camera is on a table. They also like to blow in the wind and cause a lot of excess movement when shooting from a tripod / monopod.

I left the strap behind years ago and although it made me nervous at first, I've never looked back and I can't imagine using one now.

Of course, YMMV and I know I'm about the only one who actively avoids them. And of course, not using one can also prove a fatal decision for your camera. All I can say is I've yet to drop one of my strapless cameras. Although, who knows, maybe one day I'll find myself looking into a muddy river wondering if my camera is going to float back up...
Click to expand...
Steve said:
I'd sooner let a chimpanzee perform an un-anesthetized root canal on me than attach a strap to my camera. Not that I have strong options about it or anything :p

For me, straps just get in the way and I think you're about as likely to have a problem with them as to prevent a problem. I've seen workshop participants getting out of a truck with a strap hangin down and the almost stepped into the strap as they were stepping down (which would have been just as disastrous as you can imagine). I've seen them get caught in tripods, handles, you name it. As mentioned, it's also easy for one to catch on someone as they're walking by when the camera is on a table. They also like to blow in the wind and cause a lot of excess movement when shooting from a tripod / monopod.

I left the strap behind years ago and although it made me nervous at first, I've never looked back and I can't imagine using one now.

Of course, YMMV and I know I'm about the only one who actively avoids them. And of course, not using one can also prove a fatal decision for your camera. All I can say is I've yet to drop one of my strapless cameras. Although, who knows, maybe one day I'll find myself looking into a muddy river wondering if my camera is going to float back up...
Click to expand...
Steve said:
I'd sooner let a chimpanzee perform an un-anesthetized root canal on me than attach a strap to my camera. Not that I have strong options about it or anything :p

For me, straps just get in the way and I think you're about as likely to have a problem with them as to prevent a problem. I've seen workshop participants getting out of a truck with a strap hangin down and the almost stepped into the strap as they were stepping down (which would have been just as disastrous as you can imagine). I've seen them get caught in tripods, handles, you name it. As mentioned, it's also easy for one to catch on someone as they're walking by when the camera is on a table. They also like to blow in the wind and cause a lot of excess movement when shooting from a tripod / monopod.

I left the strap behind years ago and although it made me nervous at first, I've never looked back and I can't imagine using one now.

Of course, YMMV and I know I'm about the only one who actively avoids them. And of course, not using one can also prove a fatal decision for your camera. All I can say is I've yet to drop one of my strapless cameras. Although, who knows, maybe one day I'll find myself looking into a muddy river wondering if my camera is going to float back up...
Click to expand...
Pretty sure my camera and lens won't float.
 
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I gave straps an honest try. No thanks! As soon as I got my spider holster, I never looked back. Nowadays I just bring a monopod and rest it on my shoulder and just use my spider holster if I'm using a wider angle lens.
 
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I use a black rapid strap. After a shoulder injury, carrying a heavy camera / lens combination without the strap ends up being very painful after a couple hours.
 
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I've long ago realized I stray from the normal, but I've used the straps that come with the camera since I was 7 years-old, and it just feels natural to me. I hang it around my neck, instinctively grab the camera with my hand and guide it out of the way of objects, and manage well. That said, I do have a Cotton Carrier chest harness for times when I am hiking long distances or need to have both hands available to climb, move vegetation out of the way, etc.
 
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I usually use them, Optech Pro straps with extension straps and quick connects for lighter rigs (ex. Nikon body with a 24-70 f/2.8) so the strap is over my left shoulder and the camera hangs down belt level either a bit in front of or behind my right hip, or a Black Rapid with an Arca Swiss mini clamp on the lens foot for heavier rigs (ex. Nikon body with a 500 PF or 200-500 f/5.6). I often use a tripod, especially during landscape shooting, and those times when the camera isn't mounted to the tripod and I'm carrying the tripod over my shoulder, the strap frees up my other hand and makes the camera accessible without having to dig it out of a camera bag or pack. The quick connects on the strap makes it easy to disconnect the camera and place it on the tripod--in fact, when first attaching the body to the tripod (I have L-brackets on all my bodies) I've learned to leave the strap in place until the body is securely on the tripod, and then disconnect the straps. I've done too many dumb things attaching cameras to tripods...
 
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I did away with mine because it annoys me when it start blowing around when I'm using a tripod. If I've spent the time to setup my tripod ( which I do 99% of the time ) the last thing I need is the strap blowing around.
 
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I also have the OpTech Pro strap. When hand-holding, I just used it with the 2 shorter pieces that attach to the camera body and then use those connections as a wrist strap. This was for walking short distances. On long walks, I'd use the whole strap. BUT, I never really liked using the setup. So I bought the Peak Design Anchor Links along with the adapters which I attached to the OpTech. So now I find if I'm using the tripod I don't have to deal with any part of a strap. After I purchased the 200-500mm I added the Magpul Sling which works with all my RRS brackets. So far I've only used it attached to the RRS lens foot if I'm hand-holding. One thing I really like about the D750 is the handgrip is narrow and deep. It feels secure in my hand.
 
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I have a Carryspeed Pro Mk 111 that I purchased a few years ago. Works very similar to a Black Rapid sling strap. Using this makes for the most comfortable carry of my camera with wide-to medium zoom lenses when walking around a different city as a tourist. I use that when I'm not going to be using a tripod or monopod. If I'm walking somewhere to shoot wildlife where I need the long lens I'll also attach the strap to the lens foot and sling it over my shoulder while carrying the tripod loose in one hand. I dislike carrying the tripod over my shoulder with the camera and long lens attached - it's too uncomfortable. If the camera goes on the monopod I don't use the strap at all. With the camera attached to the Wimberley Monogimbal it's comfortable enough to carry that combo over a shoulder.

When shooting hand-held off high points, if not the Carryspeed, then I attach the regular OEM camera strap with Peak Design clips and put the strap around my neck. I'm getting old enough that a stumble could potentially cause my camera to have a great fall, and you know what happened to Humpty Dumpty........ :)
 
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Both :) (love / hate). So, I looked into Peak Design's straps - they're amazing. Their anchor system enables you utilize either approach within 2 seconds. There are times I absolutely want/need my camera attached to me, and times I don't. Perfect solution. I have the Leash (the lightest one they make) and also the Cuff (wrist strap). You can also adjust the strap length instantly. Highly recommended.

Outside of Peak Design, the only other brand of strap I've ever used was Domke. They still make a lightweight, comfortable, durable strap for around $15-$20.

The giant logo-splashed straps that come with cameras never see the light of day - right back in the box... :LOL:
 
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I use a Black Rapid sling with a Kirk mini arca-swiss clamp that I attach to the lens foot, if there is one, or base plate/L-bracket for smaller lenses. Just recently I opted to try a Peak Design leash strap for my Z7. I like the idea and the strap is small enough I can just roll it up and stick it in my pocket when I don't need it. Yesterday I finally gave it a try. Had to wait for some snow to melt. I think it's a good design for the Z cameras but not sure about heavier DSLR's. I recently bought a D5 so now I'm trying to decide what to use on it?? It's very heavy so I'm thinking not a Peak Design. My BR w clamp has been dependable on the D850 with the 200-500 and similar large zooms clamped to the foot but the D5 weighs way more and I'm uncertain as to what strap to use on it. I need a strap on my cameras because I'm now too old to carry a camera too far and last year, unlike Steve< I actually did drop my D850 with a brand new 24-70 lens right on a park bench and it bounced down to the grounds. Needless to say I was sick. I was afraid to pick it up and see how much damage there was. somehow the lens hood took the brunt of the impact and just suffered a few scratches to the hood. No real damage. Another testimony to adding a mostly useless filter on the lenses. anyway what are you D5/D6 camera users using for a strap (other than Steve)?
 
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I like to use Optech straps because of their connection system. I have looked at the Black Rapid system but I don't like the idea of the metal connector clanking against my camera, I haven't tried it, I just don't like the idea of it. I have the Optech short web connectors attached to my cameras and snap both ends together for normal use making a short wrist strap that gives me a little added security. If I am out driving in search of photo opportunities I wear the strap but don't connect the camera, I can manage the camera in the car and feel comfortable getting in and out without risk of strap tangle, but I can connect the camera if needed.
 
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I don't use neck-straps because I normally use the camera (and the heavy 200-500 zoom) on a Monopod with the Wimberley Mongimbal (a MUST have!!!) or my heavy-duty tripod.

But I DO have a safety strap..." just in case" They are just long enough to save the camera if it comes off the mount but not get in the way. I make them from good quality boot laces (FYI...I tested them with a 20 lb anchor attached and they did not break!)
 
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