I’ll always remember my first wedding as a second shooter. I had just been there for about 8 hours when I left with a migraine to die for. After recovering for a few days, I thought, “Well, maybe weddings are not for me.” In fact, my neck was so stiff that I had to visit my chiropractor. He suggested I experiment with a different camera strap. For all those hours, I had been using the regular neck strap that came with my camera, and it was too much for my neck to bear. Since then, I’ve been searching for the ideal camera strap and have learned there are a huge variety of options available for various kinds of photographers. We’ll assist you in choosing the best camera strap type for you in this article. Visit our post on the finest camera straps and holsters to discover our precise suggestions.
Kit Neck Chain
Every DSLR camera kit normally includes this strap. It is often composed of a sturdy synthetic material and displays the camera’s brand name. This strap is just fine, and I’ve been using it for years as a hobbyist. Why shell out cash for a new strap if current one is serving you well? You can buy replacement kit straps from B&H or another significant shop if you like them and need them.
Artisanal or Decorative Neck Strap
Being a fellow fashionista, I’ll admit that artisan and stylish leather camera straps make me drool. Well-crafted camera straps made from materials like leather, silk, scarves, knit fabric, and more are available from brands like Capturing Couture and Artisan & Artist. Nevertheless, I haven’t purchased them because I’m not certain how well these straps will work.
These are worth looking at if you’re a hobbyist or photographer who occasionally conducts quick shoots. These would also be wonderful if you use a rangefinder or a micro 4/3 camera. I would strongly explore other options or at the very least thoroughly try these straps before you buy if you plan to do rigorous, all-day photography with a heavy DSLR. Check the return policy carefully.
Strap Sling
My chiropractor really suggested the Sling Strap for all-day shooting, and he made sure I kept my word that I would wear the strap equally over both shoulders throughout the day. I consulted my local wedding photographers, and several of them suggested the BlackRapid Sling Strap, so I chose it. I found it interesting that they had one made only for ladies. It was actually 100 times better than wearing my standard neck strap during the few time I used it.
Nevertheless, I experienced some problems with this specific strap. I didn’t enjoy how my camera was swinging about by my hip and occasionally bumping other objects. Also, a number of my acquaintances had their camera or lens seriously damaged when the strap abruptly came undone. Yikes! My neck was still feeling the pressure from it. After a while, I stopped using the strap altogether and started wearing nothing at all. This was not a good idea for the person known as “Butterfingers.”
At WPPI in March, I came across the Peak Design Slide strap, and they let me take one home (yeah!). I didn’t see how it would be very different from the Black Quick Sling strap, so I was dubious. I did appreciate the versatility of this strap—it may be used as a neck strap, sling strap, or shoulder strap.
I’ve been using it for a while, and I adore it. It’s easy to adjust and comfortable on my shoulder. I can slip my camera around to the back and have it nestle there comfortably rather than having it swing by my hip. It is reliable and securely fastens to my camera. I’m keeping it!
Hand sling
Peak Design also allowed me to try out a hand strap. Since it relieves some of the burden, I genuinely believed that this would be the greatest option for me. Thus, I was shocked when I discovered that I didn’t particularly enjoy it. When posing or moving the lighting, I discovered that I missed having my hands free. I need to have my hands free, especially while working with children, so laying my camera down on the ground was not a suitable idea.
A hand strap would be ideal for someone who uses a lighting and posing assistant or who takes street photos. At various price points, several brands are offered. Excellent things have been said about the Spider Pro Hand Strap (check out a full review by clicking here).
Wrist band
I adore a wrist strap for small point-and-shoot cameras or lighter cameras. Indeed, the Peak Design Cuff is made to support up to 100 pounds! So in theory, you could use your DSLR with it. Its thicker strap than most, ease of adjustment, and wrist-sealing security (remember the Butterfingers?) are things I enjoy.
The good thing about wrist straps is that they can sometimes be a less expensive solution to secure your camera. The Joby DSLR wristband costs slightly more than $10. The Ruggard Floating Wrist Strap, which costs only $4.99, is one alternative for keeping your waterproof point & shoot cameras afloat.
Hard-core wedding photographers who carry two camera bodies about for the duration of a full day of shooting require a sturdy method for doing so. One possibility is a twin camera strap. Although I haven’t personally tried one, I know numerous photographers who love them. They are produced by numerous brands. The Blackrapid models have gotten amazing reviews, and this one, the Moneymaker by Holdfast, looks really hot on Jay, don’t you think?
Camera pouch
Recently, I’ve developed an interest in holster designs like the Spyder Pro Holster. These appear to be quite useful, and I’ve personally observed photographers like Sue Bryce and David Beckstead using them. This seems to be the best option if you need to free up your hands while yet keeping your camera safely tucked away for convenient access. Even two can be used, one on each hip.
Conclusion
Choosing a camera strap is not always simple. The choice takes comfort, general physical health, and even personal style into account. I hope this list has enabled you to make a more focused decision. What kind of camera strap do you use? Which would you choose to try?
