Camera strap alternatives?

[losfp]

I have an op/tech pro loop strap that I use with my D70s. It's absolutely brilliant and comfortable to use for long periods of time, but sometimes I feel it still gets a bit cumbersome (especially when bushwalking or sightseeing, and the camera is bouncing around). What I normally do in those circumstances is to tuck the lens (or flash) behind the strap on the left hand side so that the camera is more securely fastened to my chest (I contemplated adding "manly" before the word chest, but figured I shouldn't lie outrageously this early in the week). Makes the camera hang on an angle, but seems to be pretty stable...

What do you all do? Just get by with the standard Nikon strap (ewww)? Just the Pro Loop strap? I've been eyeing off the op/tech connectors with clips that you can attach to D-rings etc that you can find on most backpacks' straps (the other ends obviously click onto the strap "stubs" that are on the op/tech straps) as another possible solution. Some manufacturers also have camera harnesses that secure your camera etc.

[MCWB]

I use the Grip strap, as seen on the front page. As long as you don't have too heavy a lens on it, the camera behaves like an extension of your arm.

[losfp]

I use the Grip strap, as seen on the front page. As long as you don't have too heavy a lens on it, the camera behaves like an extension of your arm.

Cheers Trent, I HAD considered the grip strap (and some people might prefer it, so good suggestion!), but discounted it because I discovered that when bushwalking, it's often useful to have both hands free so you can fend off branches, climb over things etc.

[jdear]

op/tech makes a stabilser strap - here

Which would go with your existing strap system.

My only thought without using a backpack / beltpack system.

J

[Dug]

op/tech makes a stabilser strap - here

Which would go with your existing strap system.

My only thought without using a backpack / beltpack system.

J

We threw one out at the shop a while ago the most useless thing imaginable, you would never use it twice.

[losfp]

Thanks for the feedback dug, I was actually considering that one!!

What was wrong with it, if you don't mind me asking? So far I've just been using my "ghetto" method of tucking the lens behind the strap (so the bottom of the camera faces forward, and the lens points diagonally up and left) with reasonable success. Might just have to keep doing it that way.

[birddog114]

op/tech makes a stabilser strap - here

Which would go with your existing strap system.

My only thought without using a backpack / beltpack system.

J

Who use it? It's a useless product.

[birddog114]

Thanks for the feedback dug, I was actually considering that one!!

What was wrong with it, if you don't mind me asking? So far I've just been using my "ghetto" method of tucking the lens behind the strap (so the bottom of the camera faces forward, and the lens points diagonally up and left) with reasonable success. Might just have to keep doing it that way.

Not work as you seen and imagine!
Very hard to pull the camera out to use when needed or in quick raction shooting.
You have to live with the Pro Loop strap, the stock strap is more worst.
That what I have a vest and can hook the camera to it, free my both hands when needed.

[losfp]

Not work as you seen and imagine!
Very hard to pull the camera out to use when needed or in quick raction shooting.
You have to live with the Pro Loop strap, the stock strap is more worst.
That what I have a vest and can hook the camera to it, free my both hands when needed.

Birdy, how do you connect the camera to the vest? I think you use the D-rings? But what connectors do you use?

[birddog114]

Not work as you seen and imagine!
Very hard to pull the camera out to use when needed or in quick raction shooting.
You have to live with the Pro Loop strap, the stock strap is more worst.
That what I have a vest and can hook the camera to it, free my both hands when needed.

Birdy, how do you connect the camera to the vest? I think you use the D-rings? But what connectors do you use?

No, not with the Lowepro or modification required on the Lowepro vest.

On my vest from The Vested Interested, has two camera straps, those will connect to the existing hooks from Pro Loop Strap, and hanging the camera in front of my chest or I can carry two cameras, one attached to the vest and other to the Pro Loop Strap hanging around my shoulder.

None of other vest has this feature

[Nnnnsic]

Christ... that strap thingy looks awful and useless.

Someone must've gotten a bumbag / fanny pack and decided "yeah! this'll make a great place to stick a camera and a lens!"

[birddog114]

Christ... that strap thingy looks awful and useless.

Someone must've gotten a bumbag / fanny pack and decided "yeah! this'll make a great place to stick a camera and a lens!"

Perhaps it only used for new Canon converter

[jdear]

Perhaps it only used for new Canon converter

your just jealous

J

[Dug]

I have seen a velcro patch on a vest and on the camera back.

you just stick the camera onto the velcro patch.

the strap thing is just too slow to get the camera out of.

[birddog114]

the strap thing is just too slow to get the camera out of.

Dug,
No, the two little straps are on my chest in its position: "ready to shoot"

Here's the vest:
http://www.vestedinterest.com/still.htm

And with front camera strap, standard on the Khumbu model, optional on other models.

Shoulder pad used to hold your second camera strap, not slipping off your shoulder.

Shoulder Pads
These thick pads add comfort and cushioning. They are standard on the Magnum and Khumbu models but can be added to any of our other vests.

Camera Strap
This detachable strap allows you to carry a camera on the front of your vest and is standard on the Khumbu vest. It can be added to any other model we offer.

[Ronza]

Just me but I hate being seen with the camera around the neck, feel so touristy as it bounces aroumd. Prefer to dangle the strap across my chest so the camera rests on the ribs under my armpit with the lens pointing backward. Impossible to get a quick shot but feels more secure...

[sirhc55]

The best camera strap on the market is to have your servant carry the camera for you

[ABG]

I've been trying to work out a good solution to the same problem when bushwalking. Birdy, I'd like to have a close look at your vest next time I'm over if that's okay. It looks to have the makings of a good solution. The biggest worry I'd have with it, is whether it would wick sweat away effectively.

The last time I went for a decent walk, I borrowed a Lowepro photo runner. It was a great solution, but for 2 things. Firstly, it takes a little time taking the camera outta the bag - nowhere near as instant as having the camera around your neck. Secondly, everyone else that walked with me ridiculed my 'cod piece' Neither would stop me from using one again. Let's face it, it's not too often you need immediate access to your camera when walking - really only when you stumble on some unsuspecting wildlife. Most animals clear off well before you get near them and even if you do bump into them, they scatter that quickly that they're gone by the time you get your lens cap off anyway. The photo runner allowed me quick enough access to roll off a few shots of a large python sunning itself on the track. The only reason I haven't bought one is that I reckon I'd grow out of it pretty soon, especially if I was to purchase an 80-200 lens, or similar. Lowepro make some bigger bags that are very similar, called Off Roader from memory. I'm keen to try one on my next walk.

[birddog114]

I've been trying to work out a good solution to the same problem when bushwalking. Birdy, I'd like to have a close look at your vest next time I'm over if that's okay. It looks to have the makings of a good solution. The biggest worry I'd have with it, is whether it would wick sweat away effectively.

I always use my vest to do all shooting as many members. who tagged along seen it.
Sweat? you have to sweat if not you do not work harder

Yes, the vest is very comfy with auto air ventilation and conditioning built in.