Shoulder Strap for DSLR???? Non-slip!!!!!!!!!!!!!
infiniteMPG
18-250/3.5-6.3 DI II Macro Lens. The stock strap that came with the
A100 is narrow, pretty slippery and not the most comfortable of straps
on my shoulder all day. Was looking at some different straps like the
Lowpro "Speedster" but wanted to see what shoulder straps people would
recommend for the A100.
Also, with the Tamron 18-250 attached, the lens tries to pull the
camera down but the strap clip locations are on the top back edge of
the body, so the camera sits kinda hangs half-way between horizontal
and vertical. Would much prefer the camera to hang from my shoulder
with the lens straight down but don't think this would happen without
duct-taping a brick to the end of my lens. Anyone have any secret
ways to shoulder carry a camera like this and not have it sticking out
banging your arm while you hike?
Thanks/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Pete D
"infiniteMPG" <57cl...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ea39bae9-20e8-42b5...@i28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
I use a neoprene strap from LowePro, simply brilliant.
DRS
news:ea39bae9-20e8-42b5...@i28g2000prd.googlegroups.com
> 18-250/3.5-6.3 DI II Macro Lens. The stock strap that came with the
> A100 is narrow, pretty slippery and not the most comfortable of straps
> on my shoulder all day. Was looking at some different straps like the
> Lowpro "Speedster" but wanted to see what shoulder straps people would
> recommend for the A100.
I've been happily using Optech (OP/TECH) straps for many years.
http://optechusa.com/category/second/?CATEGORY_ID=4
David Kilpatrick
We have a bundle of nice old (new) wide fabric straps made for the
Minolta Dynax system -
http://www.photoclubalpha.com/club-offers/bags-cases/
It's the last offer on the page. I don't know why Sony didn't continue
with this type of soft fabric strap - the new ones for the A200/A350 etc
are even worse than the A100 trap, very scratchy and stiff. My wife uses
a really old soft leather Dynax strap on her A700, but nothing like that
is made now either. The new Sony 'leather' strap available at a premium
is very stiff, double layered, narrow and does not even scrunch up
neatly in a camera bag.
The above strap can also be got as a free gift (p&p only added) when
subscribing to Photoworld magazine. You might like to see this issue:
http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1703k/PhotoworldSummer2006/resources/index.htm
It has the full report from the launch of the Alpha 100 back in 2006.
David
Timmo
I use my standard camera strap as it's not bad, however I've heard people
recommending Optech straps for years. I keep meaning to try them out, but
just haven't got round to it. I quite like the look of the Optech Super
Classic (link below), which comes with two different ends, either pro loop,
or 3/8" webbing, and looks quite low key. Optech also make wider straps
such as the Pro straps, but maybe a bit overkill.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Optech-Super-Classic-Pro-Loop-Camera-Strap-Review.aspx
I also hear of quite a few people using the Upstrap for shoulder use.
As for having the lens facing down, I don't think there is much you can do
about it because of the location of the strap mounts on the body.
Blachrapid make a strap that mounts to the lens tripod mount (if you have
one), but that will keep the camera/lens horizontal behind your back, as
opposed to vertical.
David Ruether
"infiniteMPG" <57cl...@gmail.com> wrote in message news:ea39bae9-20e8-42b5...@i28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>I have a Sony Alpha A100 and my standard lens is my Tamron AF
I have detested camera shoulder straps since I began photographing
almost a half century ago. I could never figure out why anyone
would tolerate a noticeably heavy odd-shaped object bobbling
against themselves, especially if suspended by a strap insecurely
not placed over the head, but somehow balanced on a shoulder.
A real mystery.....;-) My solution has always been to place the
camera (with a shoelace wrist strap) and attached lens in a bag
with easy access (with the top left unlocked when shooting). I add
a wide pad to the strap at the area of contact. I have never felt that
I have "missed a shot" as a result of doing this, and when it is time
to quit shooting, the gear is essentially "prepacked" in a case that
also holds an additional lens plus whatever other minor items may
be needed for the day.
--DR
infiniteMPG
Always open to suggestions so could you expand on your suggestion and
tell me what kind of "bag" you're referring to? A backpack kind of
bag or a waist pack kind of bag? Often when I am walking I also have
on either my Camelbak M.U.L.E. or a fully loaded gear back pack. I
also have hunting knife, GPS, PDA (we geocache a lot) and other items
hanging from my belt. Can't put the camera over my neck as it would
be whacking me in the chest constantly. If it was smaller then that
would be an option, but a full sized DSLR with zoom lens is a load to
have bouncing.
I like the idea of a pack as we're in Florida so the sun becomes an
issue baking an exposed camera so the "bag" idea caught my attention.
And thanks to all for the strap suggestions, will most definitely shop
around before I buy.
Chris Malcolm
If you hike in rough enough places that you sometimes stumble and
possibly fall, you may find it much cheaper in the long run to carry
your camera in a well padded quick access bag.
Do you sometimes hike to the summit of a craggy mountain? Popular
spots for photography. If so, are you as familiar as I am with the
toe-curling sound of someone's DSLR bouncing off a rock? :-)
--
Chris Malcolm
infiniteMPG
Guess I need to look up "quick access bags" as I am familiar with
waist packs, back packs and straps but not that. Any examples/links?
> Do you sometimes hike to the summit of a craggy mountain? Popular spots for photography. If so, are you as familiar as I am with the toe-curling sound of someone's DSLR bouncing off a rock? :-)
I've hiked to the summit of every mountain I could find in west
central Florida, and almost made it to 100-feet in altitude
once! :O) I know that sound, though. When I had my DiMAGE Z3 I
picked up my little Tamrac backpack and felt something hit the back of
my foot. Looked down to see my USB cable laying on the ground...
which was the same amount of time it took to register that I forgot to
zip my bag up.... which was all the time my Z3 needed to jump to it's
freedom onto the concrete and smash into a dozen pieces. Thanks to
SuperGlue, JB Weld, hot melt glue and some cut pieces of bicycle inner
tube it still works. You would think after dunking it to the bottom
of the Little Manatee River I would of learned (no, the Z3 is not
waterproof... trust me) :O)
Here the biggest fear is dropping the camera in the sand, once that
happens nothing works right so the "quick access" needs to be balance
with "secure hold".
Thanks!
Timmo
> news:ea39bae9-20e8-42b5...@i28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
>>I have a Sony Alpha A100 and my standard lens is my Tamron AF
>> 18-250/3.5-6.3 DI II Macro Lens. The stock strap that came with the
>> A100 is narrow, pretty slippery and not the most comfortable of straps
>> on my shoulder all day. Was looking at some different straps like the
>> Lowpro "Speedster" but wanted to see what shoulder straps people would
>> recommend for the A100.
>>
>> Also, with the Tamron 18-250 attached, the lens tries to pull the
>> camera down but the strap clip locations are on the top back edge of
>> the body, so the camera sits kinda hangs half-way between horizontal
>> and vertical. Would much prefer the camera to hang from my shoulder
>> with the lens straight down but don't think this would happen without
>> duct-taping a brick to the end of my lens. Anyone have any secret
>> ways to shoulder carry a camera like this and not have it sticking out
>> banging your arm while you hike?
> I use my standard camera strap as it's not bad, however I've heard people
> recommending Optech straps for years. I keep meaning to try them out, but
> just haven't got round to it. I quite like the look of the Optech Super
> Classic (link below), which comes with two different ends, either pro
> loop, or 3/8" webbing, and looks quite low key. Optech also make wider
> straps such as the Pro straps, but maybe a bit overkill.
> http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Optech-Super-Classic-Pro-Loop-Camera-Strap-Review.aspx
>
> I also hear of quite a few people using the Upstrap for shoulder use.
>
> As for having the lens facing down, I don't think there is much you can do
> about it because of the location of the strap mounts on the body.
> Blachrapid make a strap that mounts to the lens tripod mount (if you have
> one), but that will keep the camera/lens horizontal behind your back, as
> opposed to vertical.
Here's a couple more nice straps: I like the second one best. ;-)
http://www.flickr.com/groups/hasselblad/discuss/72157606056117482/#comment72157606081352310
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photofarmer/2458730415/sizes/l/
Actually, I have just done a search for straps, and it's not as easy as you
would think to find a decent strap. I tried looking for a strap with the
following criteria, but not a lot really stood out:
1) Low key. Plain black with no logo's, patterns, etc.
2) Grippy enough so that it doesn't slide off shoulder
3) Not harsh for times you need to wear it around the neck
4) Not too bouncy
5) Not too narrow/wide (ideally 1.5", 2" max)
6) Not too bulky/thick
7) Flexible
8) Packs away in the bag without taking up too much space
9) Absolute minimum cr*p on the straps, which can potentially either scratch
the screen, etc in the bag, or get in the way when shooting in vertical
position
10) Tough and well put together so that you can trust it 100%
11) Simplistic/minimalist elegance
Some people are using hand straps instead, which sound like a good idea
(well for me anyway, because most of the time I use the strap as just an
additional security measure wrapped around my right wrist or little finger).
But, I still personally prefer the idea of a neck strap, as opposed to a
hand strap, especially for times where you're taking a break, you can just
sling it over your shoulder.
Come to think about it, I quite like the standard Canon strap that came with
my camera (don't know who makes it, possible Domke?), but would prefer a
plain black strap. Mine isn't too bad though because it's an older strap.
The later straps have the camera model on them though, which is just gay.
Bruce
>
>Actually, I have just done a search for straps, and it's not as easy as you
>would think to find a decent strap. I tried looking for a strap with the
>following criteria, but not a lot really stood out:
>
>1) Low key. Plain black with no logo's, patterns, etc.
>2) Grippy enough so that it doesn't slide off shoulder
>3) Not harsh for times you need to wear it around the neck
>4) Not too bouncy
>5) Not too narrow/wide (ideally 1.5", 2" max)
>6) Not too bulky/thick
>7) Flexible
>8) Packs away in the bag without taking up too much space
>9) Absolute minimum cr*p on the straps, which can potentially either scratch
>the screen, etc in the bag, or get in the way when shooting in vertical
>position
>10) Tough and well put together so that you can trust it 100%
>11) Simplistic/minimalist elegance
Pretty good list! My priorities would be much the same, although I have
never seen them expressed quite so precisely. ;-)
The nearest I have found to the perfect strap - one that satisfies all
of the above requirements when used with a medium weight DSLR and lenses
up to 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom - is the Super Classic Strap from Op/Tech.
http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=45
I cannot fault its comfort, and it wears well too. It's worth comparing
prices for Op/Tech as I have noted a large variation between stores.
Lloyd W.
news:ea39bae9-20e8-42b5...@i28g2000prd.googlegroups.com...
I've been using an RS-4 strap from Blackrapid.com and have been very
satisified w/ it. I do mostly event and sport shooting with a long lens.
I'm not a shill for blackrapid, just a satisfied user.
Rob
David Ruether
"infiniteMPG" <57cl...@gmail.com> wrote in message news:4898eaa3-d320-41b5...@x31g2000prc.googlegroups.com...
>>>My solution has always been to place the camera (with a shoelace
>>>wrist strap) and attached lens in a bag with easy access (with the top
>>>left unlocked when shooting).
> Always open to suggestions so could you expand on your suggestion and
> tell me what kind of "bag" you're referring to?
A canvas bag of an appropriate size and proportion to hold what you
want (NOT everything you own! ;-) with quick and convenient access
to anything you want works well for me...
> A backpack kind of
> bag or a waist pack kind of bag?
The conditions above preclude use of a backpack or "stuffed" waist
bag. Take only what you want for the day - it generally doesn't really
need to be much (at least for me). Limit yourself to one or two lenses
with one body, and you may be happier walking/hiking...
> Often when I am walking I also have
> on either my Camelbak M.U.L.E. or a fully loaded gear back pack.
Yikes! ;-)
> I also have hunting knife, GPS, PDA (we geocache a lot) and other items
> hanging from my belt.
YIKES! But, what about the "kitchen sink"...? 8^)
> Can't put the camera over my neck as it would
> be whacking me in the chest constantly. If it was smaller then that
> would be an option, but a full sized DSLR with zoom lens is a load to
> have bouncing.
I have n-e-v-e-r tolerated the "bouncing camera" feeling - and it it
a good way to get it damaged, or at least very dirty/dusty.
> I like the idea of a pack as we're in Florida so the sun becomes an
> issue baking an exposed camera so the "bag" idea caught my attention.
Yes - and it also can protect things from sudden rain if a thin plastic
bag is tucked somewhere in the bag (BTW, do avoid those fake
"leather" bags - they are water-sponges, being FAR from waterproof).
> And thanks to all for the strap suggestions, will most definitely shop
> around before I buy.
Think about what you want - it took a LONG time for the general
camera-toting population to get past those "never-ready" leather camera
cases and "vault-like" gigantic heavy leather camera bags that were once
so popular. I dropped the "camera on a dangling-get-in-the-way" shoulder
strap with those terrible "quick release" clips many decades ago in favor
of a simple/cheap/better shoestring wrist strap plus small side bag to drop
the camera into or grab it from. But, whatever...8^)
--DR
Frank ess
Mr DR has good ideas.
My strap recommendation is this one:
http://www.cartom.virtual-space.com/photop.htm
Cheap, so if you don't like it, no biggie. I have two, a black one
(20D) and a blue one (5D), and don't need any others at the moment.
In practice, I consistently carry the active camera in one hand, with
the strap dangling. I leave it attached in case I need a quick hang on
a shoulder, neck, or knob, while I change lenses or cameras. Gathering
the strap in unoccupied fingers of the carry hand has become automatic
and eliminated any interference with action or composed execution of
photography moves. The recommended strap provides for a short
hand-strap in case the long one is a real impediment.
There is no camera-bounce problem with this arrangement.
I have a good butt pack that usually holds the non-active camera with
one lens attached, and one alternate lens or extender, and a filter or
two, and an extension tube. I only strap it on when it's a long walk
to the big bag in the trunk, a circumstance I work at avoiding. For
longer excursions I have a Domke Reporter Somethingoranother with
straps that convert the ordinary shoulder bag to a backpack in
seconds.
Prior to the recommended straps I used Nikon straps, nylon, pretty
wide and pretty non-slip with leather patches. They spread the load
pretty well, and folded themselves into quite small volumes when in
the shoulder bag. I have a yellow and black one (A1) and a maroon and
yellow one (F1n). Very nice, and they were on the newer Canons before
the recommended straps.
--
Frank ess
frank
> "infiniteMPG" <57clas...@gmail.com> wrote in messagenews:4898eaa3-d320-41b5...@x31g2000prc.googlegroups.com...
I'd think you'd want one of those holster type camera bags, one lens
on the body, somewhat padded.Lowepro makes them. In the environment
you're talking about, regular just non padded bags wouldn't be a good
idea. There are probably others 3rd party. You might want to look at
REI and see what they have even if its NOT a camera bag.
C J Campbell
I use that strap, too. I am very happy with it. For those unfamiliar
with this strap, the camera is attached to the strap via its tripod
mount and a rectangular ring that slides up and down the strap like a
zip line. Thus, the strap is not removed when shooting. The camera
hangs lens down on your hip when not in use. The strap also includes a
clip that will prevent the camera from slipping off the strap in the
event the strap inadvertently comes undone.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor
David Ruether
"frank" <dhssres...@netscape.net> wrote in message news:7c398c0c-3b99-4dc7...@s21g2000vbb.googlegroups.com...
-- That could work, but I would want quick access, without the
-- possibility of the camera slipping out if I sat down...
In the environment you're talking about, regular just non padded bags wouldn't
be a good idea.
-- I agree. All of my many bags (for different gear choices) are
-- padded except my very small travel-kit bag, which can hold a
-- Nikon FA with folding handle, 85mm f2 MF (tiny), 35mm f2 MF
-- (same size), 20mm f2.8 MF (smaller yet), and sometimes the
-- compact 16mm f3.5 - plus 20 36-exposure rolls of film (I will not
-- claim that this bag is convenient in use, but it does hold an amazing
-- amount of gear in an amazingly small package, making plane travel
-- more pleasant - and at the destination, the bag can be partially
-- unloaded, with a couple of items left out, if desired). If I ever switch
-- to digital for travel, I will need to rethink the kit, of course...;-)
There are probably others 3rd party. You might want to look at
REI and see what they have even if its NOT a camera bag.
-- My first bags were army surplus gas mask bags...;-) I have also
-- used coolers with typewriter/large-mouse-pads for separators for
-- carrying camcorders.
-- DR
Paul Furman
> David Ruether wrote:
>> infiniteMPG wrote
>>
>> The conditions above preclude use of a backpack or "stuffed" waist
>> bag. Take only what you want for the day - it generally doesn't
>> really need to be much (at least for me). Limit yourself to one or two
>> lenses with one body, and you may be happier walking/hiking...
>>
>>> Often when I am walking I also have
>>> on either my Camelbak M.U.L.E. or a fully loaded gear back pack.
I usually carry a day pack with a ton of gear too <g>. But sometimes
just the camera with one lens & another lens in my pocket.
>> I dropped the "camera on a dangling-get-in-the-way"
>> shoulder strap with those terrible "quick release" clips many decades
>> ago in
>> favor of a simple/cheap/better shoestring wrist strap plus small side bag
>> to drop the camera into or grab it from. But, whatever...8^)
>> --DR
>
> Mr DR has good ideas.
>
> My strap recommendation is this one:
> http://www.cartom.virtual-space.com/photop.htm
>
> Cheap, so if you don't like it, no biggie. I have two, a black one (20D)
> and a blue one (5D), and don't need any others at the moment.
>
> In practice, I consistently carry the active camera in one hand, with
> the strap dangling. I leave it attached in case I need a quick hang on a
> shoulder, neck, or knob, while I change lenses or cameras. Gathering the
> strap in unoccupied fingers of the carry hand has become automatic and
> eliminated any interference with action or composed execution of
> photography moves. The recommended strap provides for a short hand-strap
> in case the long one is a real impediment.
I kind of like that short arrangement. I don't like a long neck strap
and the shoestring wrist thing I tried, I ended up not using, or I'd
want to be able to use my hands to steady myself while
climbing/scrambling and the camera would drag on the ground making the
strap useless. This thing could be slipped on your forearm like a
woman's purse for that need. I have a small black soft fabric lunch bag
type thing with a similar handle I use this way. It just fits the camera
with a medium large lens and can be crumpled up in my pocket. It is
worn out though, so maybe one of these short straps and a soft bag that
can be pulled over the camera somehow still using the strap as a handle...
--
Paul Furman
www.edgehill.net
www.baynatives.com
all google groups messages filtered due to spam
Timmo
news:c9pev49khvo1h1783...@4ax.com...
Yup, still the best I have found. Most people seem to like the loop ends
with quick release, however I prefer the look of the 3/8" ends without quick
release (the Binocular, or "Bino" version).
Frank Deux
news:RsudnY-2ydfcup_X...@pipex.net...
Looks like one here unless I'm mistaken:
http://www.shanghailights.com/dpreview/D300Borneo.jpg
C J Campbell
The DOMKE Gripper has been pretty much the standard for news
photographers ever since it was introduced. It stays put when you want
it to, but is not so sticky that it disturbs camera movement when you
pull it off.
However, I do not use it because I think it is obsolete. I use the
Blackrapid R4 instead. Hanging the camera by the tripod mount allows it
to hang more naturally at your hip. The zip line style slide works
quickly and smoothly without disturbing camera motion. And it even has
clips that prevent a crash to the floor in the event that the strap
comes undone. This is the strap of the future. It is, however, even
more expensive than the DOMKE strap.
Paul Furman
> Frank ess wrote:
>>
>> My strap recommendation is this one:
>> http://www.cartom.virtual-space.com/photop.htm
>>
>
> I kind of like that short arrangement.
Well, I mocked up something like that with string and didn't like it.