Ever stop to think about what is holding your camera when your hands aren’t? Lots of photography tutorials focus on cameras, lenses, and lighting. Even bags and filters get a lot of press. However, there is one important piece of equipment that gets neglected and choosing the wrong one can be a literal pain in the neck. So, we’re going to take a look at various camera straps and how they indirectly impact your photography.

The Importance of Camera Straps

A camera strap is an important piece of equipment that a lot of people pay little attention to. We subconciously rely on it to hold our camera securely whenever we’re hands-off. It dangles precariously from our shoulder or it’s yolked around our neck. A camera strap is a lot like a car’s seatbelt, many times it’s the only thing that saves you from a crash. So investing in one may just be necessary.

Stock Camera Straps

For many people the strap that comes with the camera is sufficient for supporting your camera. However, they tend to lack some features that professionals or serious amateurs enjoy. Some of these shortcomings are cosmetic while others are functional. The first thing thing one would notice about the stock strap is that it is usually emblazioned with the manufacturer’s logo and camera model in attention-grabbing colors. My DSLR is conspicuous enough, perhaps spare me the need to be a walking advertisement for a camera company.

Secondly, the strap doesn’t grip onto the shoulder very well, gradually slipping off especially when wearing artificial fibers or a coat. This becomes a huge problem when using multiple bodies with heavy lenses attached. It’s also a distraction during a shoot if you’re frequently needing to re-adjust your cameras on your shoulder. Finally, the leather or faux leather, that is stitched into one side of the neck strap is usually pretty thin and cheap-feeling. It doesn’t absorb sweat very well and does little to prevent slippage. Even the “pro line” leather of these stock straps are only marginally better than their prosumer counterparts.

 

 

Despite its shortcomings, the supplied strap works sufficiently for its purpose. So, if you’re unwilling or unable to spend a little more on something better or better suited to your needs or style, keep the stock strap

Neoprene or “Comfort” Straps

If there is one thing you need to know about neoprene straps is that they are amazing. Word on the street is that, a typical neoprene strap have better weight distribution across your body parts and get this, depending on the particular brand of neoprene you are getting, it can lighten the weight of your camera by 40%!

Neoprene straps are generally marketed as straps that provide additional comfort by being softer and a bit stretchy. They are thicker than the stock strap and by comparison, much much much more comfortable. The added comfort however is not without shortcomings for the serious working professionals.

 

 

 

What is good about these neoprene straps, for instance the Op/Tech straps is that they are curved to provide better ergonomics for the neck. Their curved shape claims its better for the shoulder too. However, like all things equal, some may find that it is not any better than the straight neoprene straps. Op/Tech has a range of neoprene straps which are pretty extensive. With the rise of innovators such as CustomSLR and their Split Strap Technology, the neoprene straps in the market just gets better and better.

 

 

Neoprene straps are great for casual use especially with heavier DSLRs dangling around the neck or hanging over the shoulder. Their grip comparatively way better than your regular stock strap

 

Sling or “Speed” Straps

Sling/Speed straps help address two problems at once: slippage and getting the camera up to the eye quickly. There are quite a few quality brands that do this well. Most manufacturers have sling straps that accomodate varying camera sizes. These kind of straps usually work better for the professional, but may be seem unnecessary in the end to some

One great benefit of using a sling strap is that the danger of the camera slipping off your shoulder is eliminated. This is because the camera isn’t slung over your head and shoulder and any swaying or tension actually provides additional security. It is securely hung across your shoulder diagonally. Brands like CustomSLR, Black Rapid, Sunsniper or Op/Tech offers such functionality to photographers

 

 CustomSLR C-Loop system

Another benefit is the added comfort by slinging the camera over the shoulder and across the body. More of the weight is distributed over better load-bearing points on the body, mostly the shoulder and a little of the hips. This is a much better alternative than carrying a DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens around the neck.

Of course, you can wear any camera strap like this, but these straps have a pass through attachment on the camera itself. Conventional straps with any grip will catch and pull your clothing if you pull the camera from your hip to your eye. This eliminates that problem because the strap never moves. The camera slides up and down the strap.

One of the other selling points of these sling straps is their speed. While you can get the camera up to your faster, the difference isn’t really all that much. I’ve found that a decent strap at the right length does very well indeed. They are a little faster and a little more secure than the over-the-shoulder method, but it’s not worlds apart. However, though marginal, it does make a difference by the seconds.

The final shortcoming of sling-style or “speed” straps is that they usually use the camera’s tripod mount as the attachment point, requiring it’s removal whenever you wish to use a tripod. It’s not a huge deal to move to a tripod, but critics of these systems have said the tripod mounts aren’t designed bear loads that pull at them. Innovators like the CustomSLR comes up with an awesome alternative for us in this case.

 

CustomSLR M-Plate is the world’s first integrated universal tripod plate system

 

If a sling-strap is your style, then try getting the CustomSLR series. They’re well made and the attachment points are made of aerospace grade aluminium which meant to last. They also have a bunch of videos on their site that will give you a good idea of how these straps work. They are expensive for sling straps and if you’re into saving a little, just get a regular strap and sling it diagonally across your body.

Grippy Straps

Users with two professional DSLRs with professional f/2.8 lenses — quite a heavy setup — a strap with a great ability to grip onto the shoulder securely is important. During a wedding or photojournalism assignment, who would have time to worry if thousands of Ringgit worth of equipment is about to slip onto the floor — and that’s just one shoulder.

 

 

Grippy straps are like stock straps except they have a non-slip lining on one side. They’re usually about the same width and have similar weight distribution properties as their stock counterparts. Their selling point is that your camera will stay in place when on the shoulder.

When looking for a grippy strap, it is important to test which fabrics it holds onto. The test is not just for grip strength but also grip consistency. The strap should hold very well and do so with a variety of fabrics, including artificial fibers found in many raincoats and wintercoats. No use owning something that isn’t going to work all the time.

The downside to these straps, Domke’s specifically, is that over time (5-10 years) the rubber in the straps can break down. I’ve seen more than one old Domke straps that has gooey rubber that can leave a residue on your hands and clothes.

Fashion Straps

If you want your camera strap to make a statement, then go with a company that makes fashionable or trendy camera straps. There isn’t any reason for your sense of style not to extend to your camera strap. Unlike the other straps mentioned in this article, most are not made by a photography or camera-related company. Little is known about their reliability, durability, or features aside from the fact that they’re fashionable.

 

 

One would assume that these are somewhat of a cosmetic upgrade to the stock strap, but not much more. It’s not a common sight to see any serious, professional, or world-class photographer trusting their equipment to such things. Like many things that are chic, suspecting that some won’t hold up well to years of photographic torment. It all probably depends on the materials and manufacturing on the person or company making it.

However, these straps look to be more than fine for casual use and a better alternative (appearance-wise) than what comes in the box with your camera. You’re sure to find something that fits your style and personality on Etsy or some indie shops

 

Leather Straps

If you want a reliable, old-school feel that will last for years, then leather camera straps are the way to go. Leather is one of the most durable and reliable materials known to man. In many ways, leather is a cornerstone material of human civilization. Because of its history of dependability, leather camera straps have longevity on their side and in many cases comfort, too.

Unlike the neoprene, sling, grippy, and fashion straps, not many companies manufacture leather straps. For one, good leather would cost quite a bit. Therefore if you are ever looking for one, try the smaller specialised companies that provide professional, handmade leather camera straps. In many ways these professional handmade straps are wonderful best-kept secrets. Although they tend to be more expensive than your usual strap, the extra cost is well worth it.

One brand that we particularly fancy would be the Gordy Camera Straps

 

 

One other company is Wapiti Straps. Though not as wide as standard straps, the leather and build quality make it just as comfortable. The nylon webbing stays wide until it nears the camera connection point, increasing strength and reducing twisting. And it out-performs the Domke Gripper in keeping the camera on the shoulder, albeit only slightly.

Like Domke, Wapiti makes straps for the working professional photographer and is a favorite amongst photojournalists who are known to put photography gear through unimaginable situations. And through those situations only quality materials and equipment are going to perform and come out the other side ready for the next job. Good leather goes a long way.

DIY Straps

Since many quality leather straps are handmade, there’s no reason not to include the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) camera strap category for the ultimate in quality control, expression, and features. With DIY straps, you’re in control of the materials and build quality, which is a sacrifice one makes when buying from a third party. Creativity in this area allows for some interesting materials and unique straps to be made.

We have seen some great straps made from chainmail, interwoven rubber bands, a car’s seatbelt, and usb cables. The connection points can be just a unique as well as durable: key ring, carabiner, or metal snaps. Another customizable aspect of DIY straps is the length adjustment mechanism. You can use a belt buckle, D-ring, or strong velcro.

 

 

There is a caution when using a DIY camera strap. Since you’re in control of the materials, build quality, and features, the strap will only be as good as the materials and craftsmanship. So, a crappy job or flimsy materials will place your precious camera equipment at risk. Also, using hard materials, like chainmail, without some sort for cushioning can be very uncomfortable.

Even, Petapixel recently had an article about weaving your own camera strap out of paracord. You can check it out here.

If you’re crafty and wish to make your own, unique strap DIY is the way to go. With some time and good materials you may as well make the best strap you’ve ever owned.

Conclusion

At first glance your camera’s strap looks to be insignificant to your photography. And in many ways it is. A camera strap, like any piece of equipment or accessory, isn’t going to improve your photographs. However, a good strap can make your shooting experience much more pleasant and less stressful. Knowing your camera isn’t going to suddenly slip off your shoulder or that your neck isn’t going to be sore after an hour or so is one less thing hampering your focus: capturing the decisive moment.

 

 

This article is written by Cameron Knight for PhotoTuts and is edited by Rachel Tan