Neck, Hand or Wrist strap?

[Gerry]

When I started photography there were basically 2 methods of carrying a camera around. The tourist crowd almost had their camera in a brown, or black, leather case hung around the neck with the front flap hanging open. The "Pros" on the other hand didn't own camera cases and had their gear hung around their necks with the longest lens being the most obvious object in sight. Working as a Press snapper I always had my gear hanging from my neck and shoulders for ease of access. There weren't really any other options then, except for the very few who carried a strapless camera in one hand, with any others in a shoulder bag ready to be taken out when needed. As a documentary photographer with the US Army having the cameras around the neck, and close to the body was the safest method of transport in Military vehicles and helicopters.

With those days long past, and content with a single camera body I started thinking about how best to carry the camera around with me. My E-M1 iii came complete with a very wide and boldly coloured Olympus neck strap, as opposed to the much thinner ones that I had had on older cameras. Basically the same as those offered by just about any camera manufacturer but just a tad too bright for my liking.

With the thinner older neck straps I could wrap one around my wrist, but this super wide one just wouldn't work the way that I wanted so I started to look around for alternatives online and ended up getting a Gitzo wrist strap, and I'm quite happy with it. I don't have any issues with this even with the 12-200 lens on the camera, and it's a dream with the 8-25 lens.

I looked at a few hand straps, but decided against getting one because I think that they restrict the hand movement too much. With the wider leather wrist strap that I have I can let the camera hang loose for a short time if I need both hands.

What's the general opinion among other users here? Which method do you prefer, and why does it suit you?

Always interested in input from the group here, so please spare a few moments if you can to answer.

[wornish]

I agree the supplied neck straps included with the Olympus and OM cameras are way too bright and they ust get in the way. I have never used them.


I got this simple wrist strap from Amazon in 2015 for £13.99 and used it ever since. It is easy to use, and doesn't get in the way or draw attention to you.
By simply adding a twist you can make it tighter if needed.

[MJ224]

The problem with this strap is that you don't have both hands free. And the camera is quite heavy. I do have this sort of strap on my 2nd camera, an EM5 mk2, and find it a pain.....jmho

[Wreckdiver]

I tend to use a neck strap on my E-M1X but with long lenses like the 300mm f/4 it becomes impractical, so long lens combinations go into a holster type shoulder sling. My EM1s (mk1s) both have hand straps which I find absolutely perfect. I also use hand straps on my E-5 and E-30 (when they ever come out).

My D810 with 200mm lens on a neck strap is way out of the question and because of it's size is usually kept in the back-pack without a strap and used on a tripod.

[blackfox]

funnily enough I have just picked my new custom made leather neck strap , tried it out today and so far very pleased ..pics to follow later

[Gerry]

Custom made? Can't wait for the photos.

[blackfox]

just going to post in a separate thread

[drmarkf]

Depends what I’m doing.

For street and some travel photography with a short prime or small zoom I use a small leather wrist strap to the adjacent strap lug - I bought a couple of nice handmade straps in the US around a decade ago and they’re still doing good service. The camera stays in my hand at all times.

For other uses I go for a cross-body sling strap - for hiking and other travel shooting I put the E-M5iii on a Peak Design Leash, attached to the strap lugs. For wildlife, sports etc I use the OM-1 or M1iii and hang the gear off a heavier-duty BlackRapid sling: to the lens foot if there is one, but to the camera tripod screw if I’m using the 12-100 or similar.

[tmp]

with the EM1mkII/EM1X and the 4/300 I just wrapped the supplied neck strap around my wrist and carried like that all day.
i then added an A9 and FE200-600. more weight and unwieldly size to manage so I pulled out my 10 year old 'unused' sling strap. i hated every moment of using that sling strap as I always had to hold the combo out and away from rubbing on my hip/leg all day and hold it so it wasn't swinging around knocking into trees all day too. my shoulder ached after two minutes and until i quit for the day. I never did get comfortable with that sling strap after months of use.
when I got the OM-1 (using with the 4/300) I simply carried the combo by hand, no neck/wrist straps. I still do now with the 150-400...carry the combo by the lens tripod foot.
less secure yes but i can change carrying hands all day long to even the load. much better to for shooting from inside the vehicle too as the strap would always snag something inside the vehicle and/or will have me slow the process (getting the camera off the seat next to me and pointed out the window, or me getting out of the vehicle, as quickly as possible).
i put a lens coat on the 150-400 to protect it from rubbing/scrapes and scratches so I might decide to have another try with the sling strap for when i'm on foot.

[TakaPyon]

The OM-1 and E-M1 Mark II are mainly used.
The shoulder strap is a BLACKRAPID CROSS SHOT BREEZE with a FALCAM F38 quick release clamp.
On the camera side, a FALCAM F38 quick release plate and a PEAK DESIGN CLUTCH hand strap are used using the holes in the plate and the strap fitting on the camera body.

This ensures stability with the hand strap while using the shoulder strap when using a telephoto lens or when shooting for long periods of time.
The quick-release mechanism also allows the camera to be easily detached from the shoulder strap and used with the hand strap alone when using lightweight single focal length lenses or when taking short walks.

[MJ224]

Cross-body strap for me. The wider the better. The strap uses the camera strap lugs. For the 300mm F4, I use the tripod lug to catch my coat pocket, it takes the weight off my neck, and is a secondary safety method in case of strap failure....

[moggi1964]

I use Peak Design wrist strap and Peak Design Leash on my EM1 MkII. Thinking I want to pick up a used Peak Design Slide Lite or Slide at some point to try out.

On my Mamiya C3 I use a leather strap from Deadcameras in Portugal and I use the handle strap from that set on my 4x5.

[Melaka]

I use .an Optech wrist strap and then hold the lens in my hand. It works up to 100-400 but I don't usually walk great distances carrying a camera. The EM10ii and 14-42 fit in a cargo pocket so don't usually need a strap

[gramps]

I use a shortish rope neck strap on both of my E-M5 Mk3 bodies - very comfortable and convenient for quick use.

[pdk42]

Biggest lens I have is the 40-150/2.8. I only ever use a wrist strap - suitably long and attached at the left hand side of the camera.

[Tram]

Wrist strap for me, got a few of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263267395...Bk9SR5CfvdaYYQ
Used to do them with the PD connector, hut I think they got a bit too pricey.
Although I'm mainly right handed I attach the strap on the left lug and carry the camera in my left hand.

[Downwind Dec]

I usually use a Peak Design Cuff wrist strap these days, for 12-40mm Pro and various primes. If I'm not out for a long expedition, I may also use it for the 40-150mm Pro.

If I'm out on the bicycle, or a longer walk, I use a PS Bagworks Rider Strap with Stabiliser. This strap has a handy quick release buckle that allows me to quickly deploy and stow my Em1ii one-handed while cycling, and the camera sits snugly against my lower back like it's not there - this can be a lot of fun. If walking, I can stow it behind or sling it at my hip. The strap is fitted with Peak Design links, so I can swap easily for the Cuff. The one thing I dislike about this strap is that adjusting the length is a pain, compared to some of the Peak Design straps. And I had to pay for international shipping, as there was no EU or UK reseller.

Recently, I purchased a Peak Design Capture Clip for mounting on a small rucksack while hiking. I'm not sure yet if I like it, as it feels like a lot of stress on the bottom plate and it's probably not a great job with the 40-150mm. The problems that I was trying to resolve are that using the sling and rucksack together is a bit of a bondage session, and eliminating the strap/sling leaves my neck free for binoculars.

[Dave in Wales]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075X13M83/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BUT THROW THE QR CONNECTORS AWAY.

A great strap, long, goes across me chest, leaving both hands free.

Or wraps around me wrist on the odd occasion and its CHEAP.

Fabulous, used em for years.

IMVHO, QR = that which can come undone will come undone....I NEVER trust them.