Straps? Love 'em or Hate 'em?

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I have several combinations of the OpTech system. I too like their snap system. I have a sling that I use in the backseat of my car that I created from the OpTech tripod carrier. I loop it around the back seat headrest then I have a strap that fits neatly around the 200-500 lens just in back of the lens hood. I have one OpTech connector that I leave on all my cameras that connects to the other end of the strap. With this system I can have the camera/lens quickly available for use and have no fear of the camera flying off the rear seat during a hard braking. At worse it might swing a little from centrifugal force but the straps are just long enough to attached to the camera and lens yet let the camera rest on my seat while driving. I just need to quickly disconnect the two quick release snaps to use the camera. OpTech has a lot of parts available to let you create different combinations of straps. I'm currently using a neck piece wit two adjustable quick release straps to carry my D5 around my neck, or I an add longer straps to use it like a sling. endless combination for support or carrying system can be created. I feel the OpTech quick release snaps are a stronger system that the Peak Design, and the snaps can be left permanently connected to the camera the same as the Peak Design buttons.
 
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I don't go anywhere without my BlackRapid shoulder strap. The main reason is sometimes I want use of both hands without having to put my camera down somewhere. I've tried many different kinds of straps, this is the one for me. The other thing I do which is different from most right-handed people is to use a left hand strap. My left hand is gripping the camera tripod foot, when I take a shot all I have to do is bring it up to my eye, grab the grip with the right, and hit the shutter.
 
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Graham Clark said:
D5 with Kirk plate. Black Rapid single strap with Magpul MS-4 Quick Detach (QD) added. Using this set up on a Black Rapid dual harness too.

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How reliable do you feel about those Quick detach? All my Kirk and RR body plates/L-brackets have the female connection holes but The RRS look to be a little smaller that the Kirk's. I've thought about trying one in the past but I'm unsure about their ability to hold up to many connects and disconnects over time.
 
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Rogereh said:
How reliable do you feel about those Quick detach? All my Kirk and RR body plates/L-brackets have the female connection holes but The RRS look to be a little smaller that the Kirk's. I've thought about trying one in the past but I'm unsure about their ability to hold up to many connects and disconnects over time.
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Not had any problems at all, although I've only used Magpul QD's (not tried the Kirk or RRS ones). On the dual harness I've often had the D5/300mm f/2.8 on one side and a D500/500mm f/4 on the other. Also used the Magpul system on rifles in the past, again with no reliability issues (y)
 
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Rogereh said:
How reliable do you feel about those Quick detach? All my Kirk and RR body plates/L-brackets have the female connection holes but The RRS look to be a little smaller that the Kirk's. I've thought about trying one in the past but I'm unsure about their ability to hold up to many connects and disconnects over time.
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For my D850 I'm using a RRS L-bracket with their QD accessory that's just a simple male end hardwired to a small D ring (see pic). Then I attach the full size Peak Designs strap to the D ring.

It's the best of both worlds: a great strap when I want one, zero strap or leftover dangly thingies along the grip of the camera when I don't want one, I don't have to swap out plates to use a tripod, and attaching or removing the strap takes less than 5 seconds.

The QD attachment system has been rock solid so far for me, but I purchased all the hardware through RRS. I haven't tried mixing and matching yet with Kirk or others.

Whatever you do, don't buy RRS' QD sling. It's very heavy and very fiddly with way too many strap adjustment points that are difficult to get right.

qd-ss-d.main-1.png
 
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Graham Clark said:
Not had any problems at all, although I've only used Magpul QD's (not tried the Kirk or RRS ones). On the dual harness I've often had the D5/300mm f/2.8 on one side and a D500/500mm f/4 on the other. Also used the Magpul system on rifles in the past, again with no reliability issues (y)
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I just checked on RRS and Kirk. Loos like they are both Magpul QD's. I might order one to check it out. The carabiner D-swivels are only $12.
PS: I also use the Dual BR harness but currently have the 1" Kirk clamps on both straps. It would be real easy to just remove the carabiners and try the QD swivels.
 
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Your strap needs depend on where you are shooting and what body and lens you are using. It also depends on how mobile you are when shooting. In many public areas, I would not shoot without some type of strap system to prevent "snatch and run" disappearance of equipment. This may be a hand strap or some type of neck/shoulder system. I have used a strap connected to the camera body lugs with the strap wrapped around my wrist to keep it out of the way and to prevent dropping the camera or having is run off. With larger lens, I use a strap connected to the lens foot for drop prevention. In locations where I'm relatively still or moving with sure footing, I may not use a strap. If I'm "on the go" with a camera ready (on a trail to a waterfall or overlook), I always use a strap. Over the years I've only had two lens hoods destroyed from falling gear when out shooting.
 
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Like most things, it depends. Different scenarios: 1) just wandering around 2) 2nd camera with shorter lens with 1st on tripod 3) hiking, most gear and tripod in pack, camera out 'just in case' 4) camera on tripod. I use a bunch of different strategies, depending. 1) Think Tank strap with Peak design disconnects, 2) Black Rapid strap 3) Peak Design shoulder strap clip 4) nothing. No one single thing works. But it's good to have something supporting the camera body when you're fiddling with a lens and three filters at the same time :)
 
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I would never own a camera without a strap. They are a third hand when changing lenses or adding a teleconverter. When I started using a SLR for underwater photography I also began using straps with quick release buckles so the strap could be taken off quickly when I wanted to put the camera into a underwater housing. When shooting with a long and heavy lens mounted on a tripod I would at times catch the strap and nearly take the camera and lens to the ground and so I again used straps with quick release buckles so when the camera was attached to a lens that was mounted on a tripod I would remove the strap.

I found that some quick release buckles would release from the connector if only one side was pushed in and this was an accident waiting to happen. I switched to Tamrac and then to Op/Tech straps that have exceelent quick release buckles and also have springy neoprene main sections. The neoprene acts like a shock absorber and minimizes the effects of a heavy camera and lens hung around my neck.

I tried camera holsters and other approaches but they made it more difficult to get around and more likely that I would get caught on something. So I went back to using the camera strap to hang one camera off my neck while using a second camera in my hands. I did this when photographing weddings and I still do it when I have a super telephoto on a tripod and a shorter zoom lens on a second camera hung off my neck.

I want to have a camera mounted to a tripod or in my hands or in a shoulder bag or in a backpack 99% of the time. The idea of mounting something to the tripod mounting hole on the bottom of the camera never made any sense to me. Why have a camera and its lens swinging around to hit something by accident? With a strap attached to the camera lugs I can have the strap over one shoulder and the camera resting against my back where it cannot snag on anything when moving through the brush and if I fall flat on my face the camera is at my back and protected. This approach has served me well for the past 55 years in all kinds of terrain.
 
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Yesterday I went hiking for 5 hours with a 300/2.8 lens (and today I am realizing the blisters on my feet). I am glad I had a BR strap attached. I feel a monopod would have been a challenge at certain points in my wandering, as three points of contact were desired for balance. Everything is gives and takes and a good strap can be a wonderful tool. This thread is a great reminder never to store a camera with a strap attached. Thank you.
 
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Another though. I have used the camera strap to help stabilize the camera when hand holding in low light. Shorten the strap and push on the camera using the strap and your body as a brace. (Hope I described that right.) I think I was using a Black Rapid strap at the time. I don't always use the same strap for every type of shooting.
 
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MorganP said:
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 just got a Black Rapid Breathe shoulder strap and I love it. I agree straps and tripods don't play together well. However, when I shoot with a tripod the strap is removed and left on my shoulder. Seems like the obvious solution to me. I shoot handheld frequently and my gear weighs in at 7 1/2 pounds and at 70+ years I don't relish carrying it around even part of the day. Of course, if you use a tripod 99% of the time you really have no need for a strap. I guess it all depends on the individuals needs.
 
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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...
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If I were your age I would totally agree. In another 35-40 years I would venture your mind will change. Us seniors remember when 10 pounds being lugged around all day was nothing but aging will rearrange your thinking. Love my Black Rapid Breathe.
 
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My balance has declined over the past seven decades. When on snowshoes or slippery trails, I now make use of trekking poles. This does not leave my hands free for carrying a camera. I use a Peak Design slide strap in sling mode. I like the anchor links as I can quickly remove the strap. I have one anchor attached to the left D-ring of my D850 and one on the bottom of my L bracket. I also have one on the foot of my 500mm PF. I find that carrying the camera with the 500mm works well when walking with my trekking poles. I can bring my camera up pretty quickly when I spot a bird.
 
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Rogereh said:
How reliable do you feel about those Quick detach? All my Kirk and RR body plates/L-brackets have the female connection holes but The RRS look to be a little smaller that the Kirk's. I've thought about trying one in the past but I'm unsure about their ability to hold up to many connects and disconnects over time.
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I have used the RRS QD for almost two years. Very reliable and secure. I have them on all my BR straps and the strap on my RRS tripod. I think you would like them and since you already have the compatible plates not much $ to spend.
 
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I think the clue might be in the name - QUICK RELEASE! My habit of using a Magpul strap is to ONLY use it when it is across my shoulder. When out and about or in and out of vehicle LEAVE THE STRAP ON YOUR SHOULDER. Walking a long distance with a gripped D850 with 500pf and no strap is just too risky for elderly fingers. I have also just added the extra weight of off camera flash and Better Beamer. It is essential to have all that weight supported by a strap. Another habit I learned quickly was to always release the strap if putting the camera on tripod or monopod. If you get this 'wearing only" habit, the strap will never be attached to a camera at home, getting out of vehicle, in transit, or when on tripod.
 
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SandyW said:
FWIIW I've used Peak Design straps on my heavier DSLRs (D850) without problems for a number of years now. Never had a problem so far, but I understand being wary of those little cords. There was a problem with wear on some of the old anchors several years ago, but they replaced those.
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The PD v4 anchors are rated & tested to a break strength of close to 250 lbs 💪
The company suggests periodically rotating & replacing the anchors over time. While some might find this inconvenient, the benefits of these straps far outweigh any minor inconvenience. The anchors are inexpensive, but their straps also come with 2 sets - so chances are you'll have extra anchors laying around (I do).
 
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When walking or hiking with a general purpose or landscape lens (not my large teles), I almost always keep a Black Rapid strap on to avoid accidentally dropping the camera and to allow for the use of both hands when needed. In the past I would simply screw the BR strap directly into the camera body or lens foot (depending on weight / size of the lens). However, I just recently picked up a couple of RRS QD D-rings ($12 at Adorama) which I have found work perfectly fine with the Kirk replacement foot on my 500pf.

One note of caution. When first looking for the QD D-rings, everyone was out of stock (RRS, Adorama, B&H), so I ordered a set of 4 off of the bay. Chinese manufactured I think, but shipped from the US. Those Ebay QDs seemed to fit the Kirk foot QD hole, but I found that if I pulled hard, they would pop right out. The RRS QD D-rings can not be pulled out.

Needless to say, I threw the E-bay set in the trash so I am not tempted to use them. Lesson learned. (again :rolleyes:)
 
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Like @Steve: Always without - or at least wherever possible ! The only exceptions might be securing the camera in particular situations (e.g. on a tower outside safety barrier, open aeroplane door, in a tree etc.) but then the strap is not attached to me but to a stationary subject around me heavy enough to keep the camera from following gravity.

In fact I had four situations up to now where my gear got damaged. Three of them were actually caused by a strap.
 
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I have always used straps. I switched from the standard neck strap to BlackRapid ages ago, but was worried by the risk of breaking the carabiner or the attachment unscrewing. Neither happened to me, but it was a risk. I then used the newer models, and was concerned that the plastic/ nylon clips were not strong enough to carry the weight, so I changed to Magpul and QD. Last week I walked a fair distance with this setup and my D5 and 500pf kept bumping my hip. It was really uncomfortable. I know, small price to pay etc, but my hip is still uncomfortable after 5 days! I might need to go back to BR and snug the bumpers down.
 
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The Black Rapid carabiner could pull a car without breaking, It's steel. The new ones have the plastic lock whose soul purpose it to be a safety feature if you would forget to screw down the carabiner latch lock. On the old ones I would put tape around the plastic lock but I haven't done that in years. I have 1" Kirk arca-swiss clamps on all my BR straps (single & dual) with the screw-in D-rings tightened in the plates with blue Lock-Tite. They never move at all. All my tripods, camera body plates, and lens feet have Arc-swiss grooves or plates on them. I have never had a single problem with this setup but I don't particularly like carrying two cameras with long teleies on the dual straps, especially if in need to kneel or get low. I favor carrying my Z7 with 24-200 on the left strap and a camera on the right with the 500pf. When I carried the 200-500 I usually didn't need the 2nd camera for closer objects.
 
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