DSLR Straps?

[W I S N E R !]

My pocket sized point and shoot has died so it looks like I'll be hauling my DSLR on my next trip into the Sierra. Having the neck strap on for extended periods while hiking gets annoying. Any good tips on straps or harness systems? Preferably DIY but I'm open to any simple/cheap solutions.

How do you carry yours?

[Rick Reno]

Lowepro case with the neck strap removed; attach it to each shoulder strap with mini-biners. Extra lenses go in the pack, wrapped in (clean) socks. Works great for me.

[Bob Gross]

What you want will depend a lot on the weight and length of the DSLR gear and also on what kind of shooting you do.

When I am going light, I have only a small 1.5-pound camera in a padded case. It is on a neck and shoulder strap. Actually, it came with a wide strap, and I substituted a narrow strap that was lighter. All of that rides in position over my right front pants pocket, so I can whip it out in a hurry for wildlife. Wildlife will not wait around for you to fool with a zipper.

When I am going heavy, the camera with lens goes about 6 pounds, so I have it in a long padded case with a strap in similar fashion. Some of these cases are referred to as camera holsters and are intended to be quicker to open.

When I am going extra heavy, the lens alone fills up an entire LowePro AW600 backpack, and the DSLR body just gets stuffed into some cubby hole.

–B.G.–

[Mark V.]

Tamrac used to make a strap for a backpack. It was basically two lengths of webbing with a quick release on each one. They would attach to the backpack straps to allow the camera to hang like a neck strap. You could interchange between a neck strap and the backpack straps. I used an old set when I would carry a 35mm SLR. I don't know if they still make them though, but I'm sure it would be easy to make.

[W I S N E R !]

I rigged a makeshift strap like the BlackRapid…

http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/rs-4/

…but I'm not sure a want it around my neck/shoulders all day anymore.

I think I'm going to go the route Richard mentions and use 'biners to connect my camera bag to my shoulder straps. No extra lenses so it'll be a small enough kit.

Thanks!

[Bob Gross]

Something else to think about.

If you attach a camera pack on your chest, supported between two shoulder straps, it may block your view of your feet. For me, it starts me stumbling over trail rocks. So, I keep mine slung over one side to avoid that. Yet, it still keeps your camera fairly handy for the quick wildlife shot.

–B.G.–

[Rick Reno]

Bob-
In that case you might try attaching both 'biners to the same strap, one down by your hip belt and one in the middle of your chest or one there and one way up by your shoulder. Might not work so well with your 500 f/5… In that case do what my wife does:make your husband carry it!

[Bob Gross]

"Might not work so well with your 500 f/5"

Whose 500 f/5 is that?

One lens weighs 13 pounds soaking wet, and I'll be damned if that is going to be hanging off some shoulder strap.

–B.G.–

[Gene C]

I've abandoned straps and gone to the PeakDesign Capture Camera Clip. It lets you clip your camera onto your backpack shoulder strap. With the clip, my camera is very accessible, but I don't have to worry about it bouncing around or getting in my way.

Gene

[Bob Gross]

"PeakDesign Capture Camera Clip"

It seems that the quick release plate for this thing would conflict with the tripod quick release plate that is already on the camera body.

–B.G.–

[Christoph Blank]

I'm using an Fstopgear Navin: http://shop.fstopgear.com/us/product/dakota/mounting-systems/navin.html (straps are at the bottom, can be used with something else as well).
It's padded, so depending on what you, do might come in handy.

In addition I've got a Peak Design Capture Pro. They are nice, but the downside is that they are a bit heavy and your backpack straps (or wherever you want to put it) needs to be able to handle it (not too thin) as it acts like a lever (not sure if this is the correct word :) with attached camera.

[Michael L]

"It seems that the quick release plate for this thing would conflict with the tripod quick release plate that is already on the camera body."

My PeakDesign quick release plate works with my tripod.

[Ian]

I use the Peak Design Capture Pro as well. There are a couple plate options so tripod compatibility shouldn't be a problem.

I also bought their cuff, which I run the sternum strap through when I'm hiking. It serves as a backup if the system ever fails (hasn't yet) and I can let the camera comfortably hang this way as well if I need to free up both hands.

I've carried my Sony A6000 with 55-210mm lens like this and think it's ideal for me.

[Gene C]

As Ian mentioned, the Capture Clip plate is compatible with tripods.

I agree that it is a bit heavier than I'd like, but it's worth it for me to not deal with a camera bouncing around my body or having to bring along a camera bag. I recommend the basic Clip, not the Pro. The basic one is plenty sturdy for my smaller DSLR and is lighter than the Pro.

I drape a waterproof bag over the camera while it's on the Clip if there's a bit of precipitation, and pack it away entirely if there's a lot of precip. I also carry a PeakDesign strap (their older no-frills very light version) for times when I am leaving my pack behind but still want the camera with me.

I haven't had any problem with stress on the shoulder strap from the camera, but I could imagine that a larger DSLR combined with a less sturdy backpack may lead to issues. I'm currently using an Elemental Horizons Aquilo and it works great.

Gene

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