Camera Straps for Comfort

One piece of equipment that can make your photo excursions more comfortable is a proper camera strap.  I have a drawer full of brand new straps that accompanied my cameras as I unpacked the boxes.  This is not to say that all straps that are included are bad, I just find the straps with new cameras are too rigid for me.

Straps are definitely a matter of personal choice and what one person finds perfect may be completely uncomfortable on someone else.  Because we do a lot of hiking and travel, I have discovered straps that have some give cut into my shoulder less and make for more pleasing long days with heavy equipment around my neck. 

There are several factors to consider: the weight of your gear, how long you will have the camera dangling from you, cost and how much security you need are just a few considerations.  If you have lighter bodies and lenses and are not planning on long days, then a more rigid strap may suit you fine.  Several innovative straps have been introduced to the market over the past several year that provide different ways of carrying cameras.  Some screw into the tripod mount on the bottom of the body.  Others provide extra security when you will be moving about.  Scanning through camera magazines or online provide many options.

After trying several different straps over the years (many of them pretty good as well) our go to strap are ones made by OP/Tech (Super Pro) and Tamrac (Boomerang).  These straps are made of combination of neoprene mixed with an elastic strap.  For me these provides a comfortable surface on my shoulder and neck while slightly stretching (and not digging in) while on treks.  The straps come in different styles and colors and are reasonably priced. 

After leading several workshops where we put some miles on our boots, I have heard more than one photographer complain about needing to get a new strap or discussing a better way to carry their camera.  This is one of the lowest cost investments to improve your quality of life while packing a camera especially, if you are one of the photographers whispering to yourself that there has to be a better way to haul your glass around!

Check out local camera stores as I have found many of them carry a variety of different brands and styles.  Make sure the part where the strap attaches to the camera body is well made and sturdy (another thing I like about the OP/Tech and Tamrac straps). 

For disclosure, I’m not paid by OP/Tech or Tamrac, nor have they every given me free equipment (I haven’t asked them for any either).  I just wanted to share about equipment I actually use and that works for me. 

These straps have several hundred miles on them