Camera Straps - How do you connect yours?

Mentalblock

Mentalblock

Messages
2,175
Name
Neil
Edit My Images
No
I recently purchased the Sigma 150-500 to try my hand at some bird and maybe motor sport photography.
As you might imagine, the lens has a little bit of weight to it so I'm looking at new straps - the one Sigma provided is not very comfy on the neck or long enough to go over your head and on the shoulder.

My question relates to connecting the strap to the lens.
Most straps appear to have a bracket that screws in to the tripod mount and the strap then clips on to that, but as I occasionally use my monopod, I don't want to keep switching mountings on the lens.
The strap Sigma provided goes around the bar that I believe is part of the screw/ clamp for the tripod mount, so I'm thinking of clipping the new strap to that.
However, being a little bar, I'm not confident of it's long term ability and fear it may bend or break.

So......
- what do you all use to clip the lens to the strap?
- does anyone know of a Manfrotto compatible quick release mounting plate with built in strap loop?
- have you made something that works?
- And what straps do you find work well - I want it to go over my head and sit on my shoulder, not my neck!

Thanks everyone

Neil
 
Hi Neil,

I use a Sun Sniper steel, very comfy and strong.

not sure about an alternative connection though. It will be interesting to hear what others are using :)
 
I use a black rapid sport. You can use the FastenR T1 adaptor bolt to replace the standard screw that runs through Manfrotto RC2 plates. You can then clip straight onto the loop. I believe you. Can also get Arca type plate which have an additional thread to attach the adaptor to
 
I just use the Sigma strap attached to the bar on the mount. I appreciate it doesn't go over your shoulder as well as your head, but if I'm carrying it with the monopod attached it lays comfortably across my chest.
 
Take a look on Ebay
 
+1 for T1 adapter
I have the blackrapid sport and have T1 adapters in all the manfrotto mounts
Use the camera one with the small lenses and the tripod mount on the large lenses
 
ChrisHeathcote said:
I use a black rapid sport. You can use the FastenR T1 adaptor bolt to replace the standard screw that runs through Manfrotto RC2 plates. You can then clip straight onto the loop. I believe you. Can also get Arca type plate which have an additional thread to attach the adaptor to
Click to expand...

Yep I do the same with a ball head and a 300 f4, it's works really well and you soon get used to clipping and unclipping it. The only problem is you can't have the strap and monopod connected at the same time. I sometimes connect the loop that comes with the strap to the camera so I still have a strap attached to the camera/lens lens when on the monopod in case the monopod connection loosens. I was a bit worried at bempton in case I lost the camera and lens down a 100-200ft cliff!
 
Last edited:
Hi I use the optech harness with quick release system
The straps connect to the loops on the lens tripod mount on my 300 2.8 works well and very secure
 
minnnt said:
£67???? :eek: I'll stick with my £4 special. :D
Click to expand...

Not saying there's anything particularly wrong with cheap stuff, depending on what it's used/needed for, but I personally wouldn't have confidence in the very cheap straps/connectors to hang a couple of grands worth of heavyish gear from. You usually get what ya pay for.
 
Yes that's very true Carl. I have no expience of the one you have and when comparing the prices of the strap to the camera gear it's very insignificant I guess. My camera and lens aren't that heavy so the Caden Quick Strap and fixing plate are ideal for me. (y)
 
Norkie said:
Hi Neil,

I use a Sun Sniper steel, very comfy and strong.

not sure about an alternative connection though. It will be interesting to hear what others are using :)
Click to expand...
Thanks Norkie, had a look at some on-line and the straps look fine but not all stated what body/ lens weight they could handle.
The connection to the tripod mounting plate remains and issue though

minnnt said:
4 quid Caden Quick Strap sling from ebay connecred to tge tripod mount. :)
Click to expand...
David, the strap looks fine, but I agree with others on the cost balance and cheapness, I'd rather pay a little more for the peace of mind (all thought more money may not mean better quality!) when hanging a few grands worth of kit offit.

ChrisHeathcote said:
I use a black rapid sport. You can use the FastenR T1 adaptor bolt to replace the standard screw that runs through Manfrotto RC2 plates. You can then clip straight onto the loop. I believe you. Can also get Arca type plate which have an additional thread to attach the adaptor to
Click to expand...

Chris, I've looked at the T1 adapter, this is possibly closer to what I need, but I'd rather be able to keep the strap in place if there's a solution that permits.

rob-nikon said:
Yep I do the same with a ball head and a 300 f4, it's works really well and you soon get used to clipping and unclipping it. The only problem is you can't have the strap and monopod connected at the same time. I sometimes connect the loop that comes with the strap to the camera so I still have a strap attached to the camera/lens lens when on the monopod in case the monopod connection loosens. I was a bit worried at bempton in case I lost the camera and lens down a 100-200ft cliff!
Click to expand...
Yep, juggling the monopod and camera while un-clipping things could be the issue

artyman said:
I just use the Sigma strap attached to the bar on the mount. I appreciate it doesn't go over your shoulder as well as your head, but if I'm carrying it with the monopod attached it lays comfortably across my chest.
Click to expand...
Thanks Ken, how long have you used it this way and how is the bar holding up?
I don't think the clip would fit around the bar, but it could be the solution with a better strap - the Sigma one is pants and starts to hurt the neck


J H Foto said:
Take a look on Ebay
Click to expand...
A useful post Jeff, thanks :confused:
I wasn't looking for places to buy though, plus eBay hasn't made it to the Middle East unless it's an international trader and then the cost can go up and the delivery time.


brad131987 said:
+1 for T1 adapter
I have the blackrapid sport and have T1 adapters in all the manfrotto mounts
Use the camera one with the small lenses and the tripod mount on the large lenses
Click to expand...
Thanks, this is looking the better option at the moment.

LCPete said:
Hi I use the optech harness with quick release system
The straps connect to the loops on the lens tripod mount on my 300 2.8 works well and very secure
Click to expand...
Thanks Pete, not sure about those squeeze together clips, I'll have a look at them in the shop if I can find any as connecting to the tripod bar/ loop saves messing with the tripod plate.


Thanks for all the comments everyone, much appreciated.

Neil
 
Another option mig be the b-grip system which has a quick release platform. You can attach it to a belt or strap etc and simply up clip when you want to take the shot. I've never used it myself but just a thought
 
I looked at this. My only concern is that with long lenses, I tend to fasten the strap and QR plate to the lens collar. This plate looks rather bulky for use when hand holding
 
The only way to avoid his is either a system that uses the strap loops or something like the spider pro system. However I don't have that much issue unclipping to use the monopod it takes seconds
 
I just got a stunning new strap off my wife for Christmas it fastens in the traditional way (which I wanted) and its a good length and very comfy and looks great
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top