Advanced Photographer reviews ten SLR camera straps. The Custom SLR C-Loop + Split Strap System ranked #1 Best in Test with the high score of 95/100.

1. Photo Kit Camera Straps Test Photo Kit Camera Straps Test
custom sLr c-Loop + split strap vItal StatIStIcS...
c-loop + SplIt Strap £36 NEOPRENE AND NyLON SPLIT SHOuLDER STRAP WWW.cuStoMSlr.coM
coMparISon teSt
camera straps test Based in San Francisco, Custom
SLR is a new company whose Split
Strap camera strap design was
slightly less free-roaming – and with
both cameras, the non-glide version
of this strap was one of the most
hoW It rateS
FeatureS 24/25
The world of single-strap camera supports is a veritable melting pot of styles, fabrics, design, funded by the public via the website comfortable we tested. Split strap and quick-release circular clips
KickStarter. The funding request The C-Loop connecting device in
features and technology – you’re bound to find one that suits your shooting style. We tested paid off in March 2011 and the straps itself is impressive: the C folds out
coMFort/SecurIty 24/25
ten different models from manufacturers big and small to find the best are now available to buy. to form a handle when turning the
Neoprene absorbed shock and was comfortable
perForMance 24/25
BEST The split design allows weight to screw and the two arms freely spin,
WordS CHARLOTTE GRIFFITHS IN One of the best we tested
TEST be distributed more evenly. For this making set-up very easy. On both
value For Money 23/25
It’s surprising how many people stick with cards? Need more padding? Don’t want something different to your box-supplied test we tried the more traditional versions of this strap it connects to Expensive and overseas supplier but excellent
the neck strap that came in their camera’s your camera stolen? Look no further. I tested support. To test, I used an Olympus E-30 camera strap and the ‘Glide’ loop the camera via two nylon cords that
box when there’s such a wide variety of a variety of single-strap camera supports, and 12-60mm lens (weighing 1.3kg) plus a version: the latter doesn’t have you attach to the C Loop on the bight OVERALL 95/100
feature-rich camera supports on offer. both shoulder/neck straps and sling, loop Nikon D3s with 70-200 VR (weighing 3.1kg) quite as smooth an action as other by looping them through each other Both choices are superb camera straps
Running out of places to store memory or cross-body types, all of which offer and got both a male and female opinion. slide straps. That’s the only major – this looked less secure but seemed
proS Comfortable split strap design, easy set-
niggle: the Split Strap’s design makes fine when testing. up, simple to use
it noticeably comfortable on the On the underside of the split
conS Price and shipping
shoulders, even when weighed down shoulder pad area are sticky custom
by the D3s. When the Nikon was logos that help reduce slippage and
on the Gliding Strap, the stopper the hole in the centre of the pad made
made it feel more secure as it was it comfortable to wear on the neck.
Gripper by Domke (741-1BK) vItal StatIStIcS...
£15 NATuRAL RuBBER AND HEAVy-DuTy COTTON WEBBING, GRIPS SHOuLDER WWW.doMkebagS.co.uk
Another quick-release strap, this rest of the length and any adjusting
is Domke’s bestselling accessory required is done within the thinner,
hoW It rateS
by far and claims to offer the same nylon quick-release straps. These
non-slip security as the company’s straps are secured by plastic-coated FeatureS 22/25
Simple – quick release and gripping rubber
camera bags. Features-wise, it’s metal carabiner-style locks, which tracks offer non-slip performance
much more stripped down than other are strengthened and supported by coMFort/SecurIty 22/25
manufacturers’ straps and comes subtly branded leather ends. These Awkward on heavier cameras – ideal for lighter
with two metal rings and leather sections connected to the camera are set-ups
triangles that offer extra protection much longer than on the Tamrac so perForMance 23/25
should your camera not come with depending on how you’ve adjusted Definitely didn’t slip off
its own eyelets. On our test cameras them, you could end up with 30cm of value For Money 23/25
the Olympus didn’t have eyelets so I strap flapping on either side. One of the cheaper straps on test
threaded the strap through the metal When on the D3s this strap started OVERALL 90/100
bars on the camera’s body, whereas on cutting in, but was definitely more One for those who value simplicity
the D3s I replaced the manufacturer comfortable when on the E-30 and proS Didn’t slip off shoulder, streamlined look,
rings with the Domke versions. would be fantastic for CSC users. quick-release straps
The nylon and rubber strap itself Perfect for street photography or conS Not practical for larger cameras, no give
is comparatively small, measuring casual use – plus the stripped down
just 50cm including its loops. The appearance may appeal.
Black rapid rs-5 / rs-W1 vItal StatIStIcS...
£69/£57 NyLON, STEEL, RS-5 HAS SILENT POuCHES, RS-W1 IS CuRVED For StockIStS call 01782 753304 Hama camera strap pro II (027506) vItal StatIStIcS...
£34 NEOPRENE & NyLON, TuRNS INTO HAND STRAP, ACCESSORy POCkETS WWW. haMa.co.uk.
Black Rapid is a relative newcomer to the extra strap when adjusting the More of a bat-belt than a camera accessory cases do flap around a little
the UK and specialises in sling-style length. This was easy to use when strap, the Hama Camera Strap Pro II when moving at speed. This would
hoW It rateS hoW It rateS
straps: the RS-5 comes with silent on my shoulder and offered acres of comes with two removable accessory also work as a cross-body strap,
accessory pouches and the RS-W1 storage – I ended up wondering what FeatureS 24/25 cases and a secret hidden feature – though women may have to remove FeatureS 24/25
Silent pockets excellent/curved padding comfy, Transforming into a hand strap impressed us
(left) is curved for female shooters. else I could put in it. metal connector makes sliding quick the main body of the strap detaches, the accessory cases altogether.
coMFort/SecurIty 23/25
The Black Rapid straps feature two The accessory pouches coMFort/SecurIty 24/25 enabling you to turn the quick- Speaking of those, the accessory Stayed on shoulder well though bulky while
stoppers (called bumpers) that limit didn’t seem to affect the RS-5’s Can be concealed behind coat, comfy release sections into a hand strap cases are big enough to hold extra round the neck
the free-sliding camera to a section performance adversely, and as a perForMance 23/25 (complete with neoprene sleeve to batteries and memory cards and the perForMance 23/25
of the strap, which I found better woman, the female-friendly RS-W1’s Supported both cameras well cover the joining section) and travel larger is a perfect fit for an iPhone. Both cameras supported well
than the stopper-less style. The metal curved padding definitely made that value For Money 21/25 even lighter. This is an ingenious use You can also add extra packs via the value For Money 22/25
camera attachment device makes strap fit much more closely. Impressive, but very expensive of those remaining ‘quick-release’ connectors and convert them to belt Expensive compared to others, though hand
the slide much smoother and the Both straps were comfortable sections that other manufacturers pouches, if that’s your thing. strap option is impressive
OVERALL 92/100
carabiner-type clip is reassuring. to wear, though when using longer Great, but expensive – one for the wishlist
would do well to adopt. You do pay for This is an impressive strap that OVERALL 92/100
The RS-5 has a large accessories lenses there’s the worry of screwing the cleverness though: this is one of would appeal to those who want A good choice for those who want options
pouch with a silent-opening magnetic the connector into the lens’ tripod proS Easy to set up, comfortable, RS-5 the more expensive straps on test. the versatility of a hand strap on
offered extra storage, RS-W1 curved proS Liked the convertability of the strap –
clasp that’s not strong enough mount, leaving the body free. Secure and stable as a shoulder occasion. Also ideal for those effectively two straps in one
to affect memory cards. It’ll take However, there’s no getting away conS Price strap, the bulky neck rest is who need to carry a lot of extra conS Bulky neck padding, accessory bags
business cards, a mobile phone, extra from it – these are the most expensive noticeable when worn around the paraphernalia with them but don’t potentially irritating
batteries and cards, and also conceals straps we tested. neck, and those seemingly useful want to carry a bag.
104 advanced photographer June 2011 June 2011 advanced photographer 105

2. Photo Kit Camera Straps Test Photo Kit Camera Straps Test
Lowepro Voyager c vItal StatIStIcS...
£15 NEOPRENE AND NyLON WEBBING, LEATHER ACCENTS, DESIGNED FORADVENTuRING WWW.loWepro.co.uk sunsniper steel vItal StatIStIcS...
£49 pOLyESTER AND STEEL, WHICH IS uNCuTTABLE WWW.tFc.co.uk
Designed for adventure looking up when it’s worn on the Another sling-style cross-body strap, camera connector give it a smooth
photographers, the Voyager C is back of the neck. A peculiar-looking hoW It rateS the SunSniper has had rave reviews action when sliding your camera up hoW It rateS
typical Lowepro fare: well-designed non-slip backing on the padding’s for quite a while. Supplied with a to take a picture. The stretchy shock-
FeatureS 23/25 FeatureS 24/25
and seemingly thought out with underside helps to keep it on your Accessory holder, quick-release straps and non- freely rotating screw mount that absorber section seems to work well. Smooth and easy slide action and freely
photographers in mind. Another shoulder, and works even when slip raised design comes with a rubber washer to avoid The strap itself is 1in wide and I rotating camera mount
quick-release strap, this is connected coupled with the weighty D3s. The C coMFort/SecurIty 24/25 scratching the bottom of your camera found that it started to cut in a little coMFort/SecurIty 23/25
to the camera via triangular metal notation in the strap’s name marks it A lot of give thanks to the neoprene and double or lens, the SunSniper Steel connects on my side after extended use. Evenly distributes weight, steel wire and
rings that are nail-breakingly fiddly to out as curved for ergonomic comfort ladder locks stop any slippage to the D-ring on the tripod via a My only gripe is the padding carabiner makes it safer
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED connect but once they’re on, they’re – the strap is also available in S perForMance 23/25 small but sturdy carabiner. I still feel section that sits on the shoulder of perForMance 24/25
on. If your camera doesn’t offer these configuration, which is designed for Quick to set up and flat against the body for uncomfortable attaching it to the lens the wearer. This is a little bulky and Glide action and secure as well
when on the move
eyelets they’re easily removable. cross-chest wear. This is a fraction mount of the 70-200mm f/2.8 – but the edges started to rub after a while, value For Money 22/25
The strap’s double ladder locks too short to wear across the chest. value For Money 24/25 maybe I just need to get over this. though it does help to tidy away the Expensive, but performs well
Great all-round strap and very good value
keep your camera extra secure and On the strap itself, the accessory An anti-cut steel cord runs loose ends of the strap by Velcroing OVERALL 93/100
certainly look the part, plus the large pouch is slim and discreet: I didn’t OVERALL 94/100 through the whole of this sling strap them inside. It can also be removed
Expensive but a great all-rounder
clip buckles are sturdy and would even notice it at first. It’s easily An excellent choice for upgrading your strap and SunSniper is so confident in for using smaller cameras, though
withstand any jolts caused by moving detached via Velcro and holds two CF its security that if a camera thief the comfort level suffers slightly. proS Easy to set up, simple operation,
proS Neoprene construction, subtle card comfortable, secure
quickly over unlevel terrain. cards comfortably. The construction holder, double ladder locks
manages to cut your SunSniper, SunSniper says that the strap should
The 2in-wide breathable neoprene of the strap is sleek and sturdy and you’re insured to 400€ or $500. be able to “form itself snug-tight to conS Didn’t feel secure on lens, shoulder pad
conS Fiddly metal connectors – none really rubbed a bit
neck/shoulder padding area is I thought this was one of the better- In use, the strap is comfortable to the shape of every individual body” –
comfortable and flexible enough for looking on test. wear and the rounded edges on the and it certainly did that.
pacsafe carrysafe 100 vItal StatIStIcS...
£17 NyLON, NEOPRENE, STAINLESS STEEL WIRE SLASHPROOF AND SuPER SECuRE WWW.pacSaFe.coM tamrac Boomerang N5057 vItal StatIStIcS...
£18 NEOPRENE AND NyLON BOOT THREAD WITH CARD POCkETS WWW.Intro2020.co.uk
This strap boasts turn and lock that its strap is slash-proof and offers The Tamrac Boomerang requires curved (hence ‘Boomerang’, we’re
strap hooks, translating as the most many anti-theft features such as the you to attach two miniature straps to guessing) to fit into the contours of
hoW It rateS hoW It rateS
complex carabiner-style clips I’ve wire within the strap itself. your camera in order to use the quick- a shoulder – plus you can quickly
ever seen. I also pushed these further The straps are also edged in a FeatureS 23/25 release aspect of the strap, which reverse it to have your camera lens FeatureS 23/25
Neoprene sleeves and super security, plus Neoprene construction and card pockets always
than they were meant to go and I’m hard-wearing nylon that’s stitched quick-release straps initially looked quite complicated pointing in to your body, if that’s how come in handy
not sure how long the locks would down to help resist fraying, and this is coMFort/SecurIty 24/25 but are surprisingly simple to attach. you prefer to travel. The neoprene coMFort/SecurIty 23/25
last, though they’re certainly clever. the only strap on the test that had this Not going anywhere, though not comfy with Once they’re on, detaching your does tend to slide but it took some Ergonomic curving makes it comfortable to
Once this is on, it’s not going to be particular feature. There were also no larger DSLRs camera from the strap for tripod work seriously exaggerated slumping wear on shoulder
taken off again in a hurry. Neoprene loose ends: everything was stitched perForMance 23/25 is refreshingly quick – though you are of shoulders to make the camera perForMance 23/25
sleeves slide down each side of the into place. It was perfectly fine with Seems secure and didn’t slip left with two shorter straps dangling actually fall off. Supported both test cameras well and feels
secure with minimum sliding
strap to cover the buckles, making the Olympus E-30 but proved a little value For Money 23/25 from your camera at all times. Two smaller pockets allow you
it even more subtle and secure, and uncomfortable with the D3s and One of the cheaper straps on test In use, the strap has a lot of give or to keep CF and SD cards within easy value For Money 23/25
Excellent choice to replace manufacturer strap
also having the effect of covering any 70-200mm combo. The strap has no OVERALL 93/100 ‘bounce’ in it thanks to its neoprene reach – with a maximum of three CF
potential areas of irritation. They shock absorbance or give so moving construction. On the D3s it stretched cards in each. Another unexpected OVERALL 92/100
A comfortable strap that offers security
also make for a good place to rest the but still supported the camera and touch is that upon lifting the camera Great value for those who value storage
at speed was a little awkward.
proS Sliding neoprene sleeves covering
hand while carrying the camera on a I was pleasantly surprised by buckles, security features showed no danger of snapping. It’s to the eye, the side strap folds to one proS Comfortable, stretchy neoprene and
shoulder. A nice touch. this: it’s a comfortable strap to use definitely a shoulder strap or neck side rather than across the viewfinder useful quick-release buckles
conS Not suitable for heavy DSLR and lens
Unlike SunSniper, PacSafe won’t and would help assuage fears when strap rather than a cross-body strap and obscuring vision. All in, this is a conS Can slide off the shoulder
put cash on the line, but it does claim travelling with a DSLR. and the neoprene is ergonomically nice all-rounder and good value.
papstrap vItal StatIStIcS...
£37 (IncludIng next day delIvery) NyLON AND mETAL TRIPOD mOuNT STRAP WWW.papStrap.co.uk think tank camera strap V2.0 vItal StatIStIcS...
£20 COTTON, mETAL AND LEATHER, NON-SLIP ON BOTH SIDES WWW.SnapperStuFF.coM
I could instantly see the appeal of camera behind my back by wearing This strap has been designed to Nikon combination, but if you own
this style of strap – with both hands a coat, though this did leave me with reduce bulk and increase portability any of Think Tank’s photo backpacks
hoW It rateS hoW It rateS
free this was a refreshing change. a slightly peculiar hunchback when of your camera – and it certainly does the strap can be connected for better
Screwing the strap into the tripod carrying the D3s. FeatureS 22/25 that. As the name suggests, this is support over longer periods of time. FeatureS 22/25
Clever mounting system, non-slip raised bumps Non-slip on both sides, which is clever, but
mount was very easy to do and it was Speaking of the Nikon, I attached on shoulder pad one for those who want to level up It was fine for casual use – think that’s it
also easy to swap between cameras. the PapStrap to the 70-200mm’s coMFort/SecurIty 22/25 their existing manufacturer strap: the level of comfort of your current coMFort/SecurIty 22/25
The PapStrap is super long and if I tripod mount as instructed, though Bit awkward across chest for women – fine for made from nylon, leather and metal, camera strap – and it certainly didn’t Cuts in with larger DSLRs, great for smaller or
was keeping it, I’d probably cut the this concerned me as the camera men and distributes weight well the V2.0’s key feature is the non-slip slip anywhere, even when tested on a CSC set-ups
excess off once at the desired length. body itself was no longer secure. Food perForMance 23/25 silicon patterning on both sides of the nylon jacket. perForMance 23/25
The strap was only 1in so didn’t for thought, though wasn’t an issue Gets camera into position fast and does the job cotton strap, making it resist slippage The cotton construction is Did not slip off shoulders, even with serious
shrugging
cause too much discomfort when with the E-30 when screwed into value For Money 22/25 even when twisted round. This also nicer to hold in the hand than
worn across the chest, plus the the camera body. Perhaps a second Pricey for what it is sounds like something too simple to manufacturer-own brand straps, value For Money 22/25
There are cheaper straps that offer more
weight did genuinely feel better screw connector would give extra OVERALL 89/100 be highlighted, but you’d be surprised which tend to be made from nylon,
distributed across my body. My male reassurance. Another niggle is the A very ‘keep it simple’ sling strap how many straps only had the non- but the simple construction of the OVERALL 89/100
slip markings on one side. V2.0 is unavoidable – this is definitely A level-up from your current strap
helper had no complaints. metal clip used to connect the strap proS Clever mounting system, simple to set
To take a picture you simply slide to the ring on the tripod mount: it up and use, comfortable In use, this strap’s stripped back one for those photographers proS Non-slip, stripped down design,
the camera up into shooting position. would be better with a carabiner- design meant there was no padding who don’t want any bells and compatible with range of bags
conS Feels a bit worrying when connected to
No straps threatened to obscure my style screw to give added security to a heavy lens, no locking carabiner or shock absorption in evidence so it whistles, extra padding or secret conS Feature-poor, cuts in with larger DSLRs
vision. It was also easy to conceal the the camera when attached. did start to cut in when used with the compartments on their strap.
106 advanced photographer June 2011 June 2011 advanced photographer 107