Choosing a Strap

[Canon 500D]

I am looking to get a strap. I am asking about types though, rather than brands, as there are several around.

I don't know whether to get a fixed or sliding strap.

One photographer on Youtube didn't like the sliding style, but a large number of others do.

The rig is a 500D with lightweight lens, and the smallest of straps can acdomodate 5KG, I think, so it's not a problem.

[theorigamist]

I'm a big fan of my BlackRapid strap. I find the strap across the shoulder to be much more comfortable. It's better for carrying any noticeable amount of weight (for me, any DSLR + lens is more than I would want around my neck), and I find the neck padding of traditional straps makes my neck sweaty and gross. Also, the BlackRapid strap has a bunch of small compartments for things like CF cards and a phone. I should point out, however, that you wouldn't want to use an across-the-shoulder BlackRapid strap with a backpack. I tend to carry other stuff (additional lenses/netbook/etc.) in other across-the-shoulder bags, so the BlackRapid doesn't get in the way. YMMV.

[Trevor Harris]

I don't have a black rapid, but I do have a cheap knock-off of it. After using it for a while now I can't imagine anything else. It's really useful during outdoor photoshoots when I spend time messing around with light stands, I don't have to worry where I laid down my camera. Forget putting it around the neck, that's just a pain.

[RexGig]

My wife and I both use sliding-type Sunsniper straps, which work like the Black Rapid straps. She prefers the version with the metal cable that reinforces the strap against cutting. I prefer to be able to cut the strap in event of an emergency entanglement situation. I am not sure whether the Sunsniper or the Black Rapid was marketed first, but we found the Sunsniper at a local camera shop first. (Both are simple copies of cavalry carbine slings.) I prefer the lower-profile one-piece Black Rapid mounting point, and purchased one of them as a separate component. If I misplace my Sunsniper, I would be as likely to buy a Black Rapid as a replacement, though the next paragraph will discuss another possibility.

I have temporarily attached a Magpul MS2 sling to a camera, using a Black Rapid attachment point. This is a rifle sling, made for firearms, which is a high-quality product. It is quick-adjustable for length, can be used as a single-point sling, has a quick-release feature, and has been superseded by an improved MS3. I plan to investigate this option further, now that availability of Magpul slings has recently improved. (My one Magpul sling is used for its intended defensive weapon role; I wear a badge and possess weapons for official purposes.)

The Think Tank neck strap works really well on my Nikon FM3A. I have purchased a second one, to try on a heavier Canon DSLR, but have yet to mount it on any of them. There are times a simple neck strap seems more appropriate, and the Think Tank product seems very intelligently-designed.

[Canon 500D]

The Sunsniper mini version looks nice.

[AnderssonPhoto]

I just use Camulet AirCell Curved shoulder/neck strap.... They're really good and cheap

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/produ ... rap/rm2004

I use them for both cameras and they're also detachable

but for heavier gear like what Im using I modded mine to be more safe because of the strap loosening overtime, I use a simple method to fix that by using safety pins

[HikingMike]

love my blackrapids r-strap

[AnderssonPhoto]

oh I also have Cottoncarrier ^^ its a holster thing for cameras, also mounts on ur chest, looks like a mini version of a body armor

[margaux]

Loved my BlackRapid RS-5 strap, but after I lost it, got the RS-W1 for women, and it's far more comfortable and size-appropriate for me. Just don't forget to give the fastener a twist every once in a while; you never know when it gets loose.

[Mr.Bell]

Can you get a Blackrapid RS-5 strap with an option such as used with the ProtectorR? It has a 1.5mm steel cord, against cutting. An RS-5 Cargo would be a good choice for me.

[Mr.Bell]

Can you get a Blackrapid RS-5 strap with an option such as used with the ProtectorR? It has a 1.5mm steel cord, against cutting. An RS-5 Cargo would be a good choice for me.

[Canon 500D]

I like the look of the RS5 and RS7 (sports). I have no experience with them though.

[Mr.Bell]

I think looking at the photos on their website it looks very well thought out, I think I would buy one of their straps plus the feedback here in this thread seems quite favourable. The price isn't even that bad, well in my opinion anyway!

[dubaiphil]

Blackrapid for me

[maxjj]

recently got a black rapid rs4 , love it, should have done it ages ago.