Best alternative Neck Strap?

Docrwm · 07-23-2012, 09:20 AM

Originally posted by Pheo

My Crumpler Singapore Slim turned up over the weekend. Very happy with it so far, much more comfortable than the stock strap. Also allows you to turn it into a sling/shoulder strap very quickly with quick release buckles. I'll try to post a full review after I've used it a bit more.

I look forward to your detailed review. It is an attractive alternative.

RyanW · 07-23-2012, 02:37 PM

Not cheap, but looks interesting, especially for more than one body.

Photography Equipment - MoneyMaker - HoldFastGear.com

dslr_man · 07-31-2012, 02:31 PM

I have tried all of the alternatives out there and have finally found the holy grail of carrying systems. I currently use the Cotton Carrier system . I tried the Spider Holster and it ended up costing me a camera when it broke. After much searching I found the Cotton Carrier System. Their products are made from ballistic nylon, space/military grade plastic and machined aluminum hubs which make for an extremely comfortable and durable product. I use the vest system for two camera but it ultimately comes down to preference as they have an amazing array in their product line. For any level of shooter with some kit this is the ultimate addition. I really hope this helps people who are looking for a long term and complete solution like I was

!!

UncleRed · 07-31-2012, 03:47 PM

I LOVE my Cotton Carrier..........I can carry two cameras without feeling uncomfortable. They stay put and don't swing around, can bend over without cameras moving. They have new products I haven't tried and I'm sure they are great as well.

Drom · 07-31-2012, 07:44 PM

+1 on the Black Rapid. I love mine and love the sliding feature. it makes carrying a heavy lens all day a whole easier.

vilkes · 08-01-2012, 08:27 AM

I bought Blackrapid RS-5 for my K-30 and I love it. Doesn't feel like you're carrying 1 kg on your shoulder. It's also surprizingly quick to point and shoot. I got the Optech for my K-x, nothing wrong with that one either.

psychdoc · 08-01-2012, 03:23 PM

B grip Evo is what I use:
Here is a you tube review that someone did:

You Tube

After buying the product, I used it in 3 countries this summer while travelling with the 50-135 and 17-50 lenses. Worked fine. This guys review did help me make the purchase.

Last edited by psychdoc; 08-02-2012 at 03:52 AM. Reason: clarified source of video

SpecialK · 08-01-2012, 07:39 PM

I use an Ape Case neck strap. It is wider to spread the weight a bit, and a little stretchy to absorb some shock. I do not use a fancier apparatus because I carry the camera by holding it under the lens in my left hand while walking around. It normally only hangs on my neck during lens changes, eating, or paying admission fees, etc. I would not want a camera stuck to my hand with a grip strap. So, that's it.

Unsinkable II · 08-01-2012, 11:17 PM

I can see the use of the Money Maker / Cotton Carrier / B Grip Evo if you are a wedding photographer or wading through the Zambezi looking for the lesser-spotted crocodile tick, but it's a little OTT for my needs when traveling abroad, let alone days out with family and friends.

I have a couple of Tamrac bags which don't shout DSLR, one bigger than the other, depending on how many lenses I want to carry. For travel, I take a Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 that can fit my 17" MacBook, plus almost anything else I throw at it. I then decant into one of the smaller Tamracs for day trips away from where I'm staying. I just spent 10 days in Australia, and didn't even need to do that. I've found that the combination of K-30/18-135/Black Widow Spider Holster was all I really needed. The only times I changed lenses was when I needed wider inside caves or shallower DOF for portraits of my kids and restaurant food shots. I spent whole days walking and barely felt I was carrying a camera.

NKK · 08-02-2012, 12:23 AM

Originally posted by psychdoc

B grip Evo is what I use:
Here is a you tube review:

I used it in 3 countries this summer while travelling with the 50-135 and 17-50 lenses. Worked fine.

Wow... looks like a great solution.
I will have this in mind for hiking etc.... thanks for sharing.

**The Kellyboy** · 08-02-2012, 12:49 AM

I use an Op-Tech neoprene strap, but I attach it with clips so that I can remove it easily (see pic).

I find that the complete lack of a strap whilst shooting greatly improves handling, especially with a larger (70-200mm f/2.8) lens.

I simply hang the empty strap round my neck and attach / detach the camera at will.

When carrying the camera I sling it around 1 shoulder, too, to ease the strain on my neck.

DebLewis · 08-03-2012, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by Santoku

I recently aquired a BlackRapid RS-Sport "slide" strap and have found it to be fantastic for longer-days and/or heavier lenses. The ability to have the camera at ones hip, and to simply draw and shoot is really nice. It is very comfortable, if not a bit more conspicuous with the shoulder support.

Love this strap and as a women it's the only piece of eqiupment I've ever seen with an option for women. The woman's model has a slight S curve in front that makes it fall comfortably between the girls instead of across.

07-31-2012, 02:31 PM	#33
dslr_man Inactive Account Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2	The best system I have and will ever have I have tried all of the alternatives out there and have finally found the holy grail of carrying systems. I currently use the Cotton Carrier system . I tried the Spider Holster and it ended up costing me a camera when it broke. After much searching I found the Cotton Carrier System. Their products are made from ballistic nylon, space/military grade plastic and machined aluminum hubs which make for an extremely comfortable and durable product. I use the vest system for two camera but it ultimately comes down to preference as they have an amazing array in their product line. For any level of shooter with some kit this is the ultimate addition. I really hope this helps people who are looking for a long term and complete solution like I was !! Last edited by Parallax; 07-31-2012 at 02:37 PM.

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07-23-2012, 09:20 AM	#31
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Originally posted by Pheo My Crumpler Singapore Slim turned up over the weekend. Very happy with it so far, much more comfortable than the stock strap. Also allows you to turn it into a sling/shoulder strap very quickly with quick release buckles. I'll try to post a full review after I've used it a bit more. I look forward to your detailed review. It is an attractive alternative.

07-23-2012, 02:37 PM	#32
RyanW Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 583	Not cheap, but looks interesting, especially for more than one body. Photography Equipment - MoneyMaker - HoldFastGear.com

07-31-2012, 03:47 PM	#34
UncleRed Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 84	I LOVE my Cotton Carrier..........I can carry two cameras without feeling uncomfortable. They stay put and don't swing around, can bend over without cameras moving. They have new products I haven't tried and I'm sure they are great as well.

07-31-2012, 07:44 PM	#35
Drom Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 210	+1 on the Black Rapid. I love mine and love the sliding feature. it makes carrying a heavy lens all day a whole easier.

08-01-2012, 08:27 AM	#36
vilkes New Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 7	I bought Blackrapid RS-5 for my K-30 and I love it. Doesn't feel like you're carrying 1 kg on your shoulder. It's also surprizingly quick to point and shoot. I got the Optech for my K-x, nothing wrong with that one either.

08-01-2012, 07:39 PM	#38
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	I use an Ape Case neck strap. It is wider to spread the weight a bit, and a little stretchy to absorb some shock. I do not use a fancier apparatus because I carry the camera by holding it under the lens in my left hand while walking around. It normally only hangs on my neck during lens changes, eating, or paying admission fees, etc. I would not want a camera stuck to my hand with a grip strap. So, that's it.

08-01-2012, 11:17 PM	#39
Unsinkable II Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,352	I can see the use of the Money Maker / Cotton Carrier / B Grip Evo if you are a wedding photographer or wading through the Zambezi looking for the lesser-spotted crocodile tick, but it's a little OTT for my needs when traveling abroad, let alone days out with family and friends. I have a couple of Tamrac bags which don't shout DSLR, one bigger than the other, depending on how many lenses I want to carry. For travel, I take a Think Tank Urban Disguise 60 that can fit my 17" MacBook, plus almost anything else I throw at it. I then decant into one of the smaller Tamracs for day trips away from where I'm staying. I just spent 10 days in Australia, and didn't even need to do that. I've found that the combination of K-30/18-135/Black Widow Spider Holster was all I really needed. The only times I changed lenses was when I needed wider inside caves or shallower DOF for portraits of my kids and restaurant food shots. I spent whole days walking and barely felt I was carrying a camera.

08-02-2012, 12:23 AM	#40
NKK Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Malmö, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 583	Originally posted by psychdoc B grip Evo is what I use: Here is a you tube review: I used it in 3 countries this summer while travelling with the 50-135 and 17-50 lenses. Worked fine. Wow... looks like a great solution. I will have this in mind for hiking etc.... thanks for sharing.

08-03-2012, 07:27 PM	#42
DebLewis Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: San Diego, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 34	Originally posted by Santoku I recently aquired a BlackRapid RS-Sport "slide" strap and have found it to be fantastic for longer-days and/or heavier lenses. The ability to have the camera at ones hip, and to simply draw and shoot is really nice. It is very comfortable, if not a bit more conspicuous with the shoulder support. Love this strap and as a women it's the only piece of eqiupment I've ever seen with an option for women. The woman's model has a slight S curve in front that makes it fall comfortably between the girls instead of across.