What strap do you use?

[NateS]

Just curious as to what camera strap everybody uses and if they like it. I use a homemade version that's a mix between the black rapid and a luma loop. I really like carrying it on my side as a sling type strap but it's bulky and a little difficult to get on and off. Thinking seriously about getting a luma loop, but $60 is a lot for a strap.

So, what do you use? Do you like it? Are you wanting to get a different strap?


Oh, and did you guys realize that TPB has no forum for equipment to discuss lenses, straps, bags, bodies, etc....??

[invisible]

So, what do you use? Do you like it? Are you wanting to get a different strap?
I like my stuff to be inconspicuous, therefore I dislike the flashy look of Nikon straps. I'm using a Lowepro Transporter (http://products.lowepro.com/product/Transporter,2065,41.htm), which is a very basic strap but does what needs to do. My only problem with it (and with most -- if not all -- Lowepro straps) is that its plastic buckles don't look too sturdy... not what you'd want your expensive gear to hang from. (Then again, I haven't heard of any horror stories of buckles breaking... at least yet.)

Oh, and did you guys realize that TPB has no forum for equipment to discuss lenses, straps, bags, bodies, etc....??
And I like it this way! One of the things I enjoy the most about TPB is that it's all about the photos, and the gear takes a step or three back.

[Overread]

HEY! Gear is important too you know ;)
Sure the arty side is kinda important - but you know you just won't get that same attracting feature if you don't have the latest and the greatest gear ;)

As for straps I use an OPtech strap like this:
http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=23&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=

A fantastic thing that is worlds more comfortable than the canon strap - the added padding makes such a difference when using almost any lens at all - especailly more heavy setups. The clips are also a great feature as you can unclip the strap, clip up the loose ends around the camera body and then go to using it on a tripod (for example) without having a strap getting in the way the whole time.

Another item I use is a canon wrist strap (you need a battery grip or a 1D body to use one of these) and its a great little slip on thing that I also use a lot. When walking around it lets me hang my arm long, with the lens attached and relax my hand a little against the wrist strap. The camera is in hand and ready to shoot, but I'm not having to grip it quite so hard. It's also pretty small in size so you can easily slip your hand over the strap to shoot quickly if you don't want to faff around getting your hand back into the strap.

[NateS]

I agree that gear isn't as important as the photos you get....BUT.....we wouldn't get ANY photos without the gear we use. It would be nice to have a place to ask what people think about the strap they are using, if they like said lens, what scanner would you recommend for scanning negatives, etc.... No big deal as I don't make these types of threads that often...I guess I'll keep throwing it into the best fitting area that we have....

Overread - that Optech strap looks extremely comfortable. It looks like I could make that optech strap into a sling style strap pretty easily. I hate the flash Nikon strap as well which is why I use my homemade strap right now (though I never even use my strap when around my house, my yard, or friends and family's houses....only when doing a lot of walking around).

[Antarctican]

I too use an Optech strap....and rave to everyone who will listen about how comfortable it is. I really love it

[CW Jones]

I use a Crumpler "industry disgrace" strap and LOVE it! so comfortable and feels much stronger than the one they give you with the camera. only $30 too.

[Terri]

I agree that gear isn't as important as the photos you get....BUT.....we wouldn't get ANY photos without the gear we use. It would be nice to have a place to ask what people think about the strap they are using, if they like said lens, what scanner would you recommend for scanning negatives, etc.... No big deal as I don't make these types of threads that often...I guess I'll keep throwing it into the best fitting area that we have....

I hear ya, Nate, and I don't disagree. :) But as Invisible was saying, here at the Beat, we do seem to focus more on imagery than anything else.

Being able to ask opinions on gear, or compare notes is important, though. I guess I consider it part of the conversation (as opposed to needing a forum to be the conversation, if that makes sense), so I'd encourage you to do exactly what you've been doing, and just post equipment-type threads in whatever forum it seems most relevant. Discussions about the best scanners for negatives, for instance, could go right into Film Q&A and be a perfect fit.

Back to topic - I have a couple cheapy straps that came with their respective cameras that are adequate. For my older, heavier camera, though (a Mamiya 645 1000S) I use only an Optech - and I'm a huge fan! :thumbup: I like the design and the extra padding. Makes carrying a heavy camera/lens combo much more comfortable! I'd like to get another one, eventually.

[Mohain]

I use an Optech one for my digital SLR. I've yet to get one for my Mamiya but I will eventually get an Optech for that too. Can recommend them enough.

[Mike]

I also use the Optech straps. I have two of them, both with 'TPF' on them.

They are comfortable but I rarely wear them around my neck. As someone mentioned, you can unclip the padded part and clip the ends together and use it as a wrist strap, which is what I do most of the time. When I carry two bodies, I clip both pads into one strap, making it long enough to wear across my chest/shoulder.

[icassell]

I use an Optech as well (mine is an inconspicuous black color) and like it. The OEM Canon strap was miserable.

[Heck]

Another Optech user here. I have the thin fasion model and would like to upgrade to the thicker one. I been oh short hikes with the D300 and (heavy) 70-200 2/8 lens and it helps to have a little give/flex in the strap to make it feel lighter.

[Hertz van Rental]

For one dizzy moment I thought this thread was about bondage.

[Antarctican]

:raisedbrow:


So? What's your answer then?

[René]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iSbjfUon-lY/SxKjbq3jOBI/AAAAAAAAByA/5-nPHVjQkLg/s1600/bonecalinda.jpg

I searched everywhere, found this on google images, its close to the type of strap I use. Don't use the ones that ever come with the camera, this is like a guitar strap, doesnt slide off your shoulder and has velvet on the inside so its comfortable hanging around your neck.

[Hertz van Rental]

:raisedbrow:


So? What's your answer then?

Mountaineering webbing.
Takes them longer to chew through it.

[mentos_007]

I use the TPF strap :) it is different from all those nikon/canon straps and it is much more comfy :)

[Ockie]

As for straps I use an OPtech strap like this:
http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=23&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=

same here, but with the logo of some other online photo forum... :batterup:

[Matt Needham]

I like the Op/Tech straps too.

Recently my wife, who likes to sew, has been re-covering all the Canon brand straps I've accumulated but don't use. Get rid of those logos and add some padding, and those straps aren't half bad. ;)