Rocking the strap in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Nikon and Canon alike, the stock straps that come with the body are uncomfortable, and loudly advertise the respective brands. The worst of it all is that they aren’t that practical for the everyday freelancer or staff photographer. Around the neck is a placement that works for about 15-25 minutes, but beyond that it becomes a major strain, and in that position the camera is in the way, limiting mobility, and ultimately putting the camera at a greater risk of being broken.
I use Blackrapid straps, and specifically the Breathe strap. They are low-key, highly functional and above all; reliable. The sling style is comfortable even with a heavy camera, and keeping it by my side saves it from some of the damage it might endure bouncing around up front. Another reason I love them is because they screw into the bottom of the camera instead of being threaded into the top which makes the camera feel good in the hands. I haven’t had a Blackrapid strap break on me (yet) but I have lost two or three while traveling.
At the end of the day until another brand upstages the comfort and quality Blackrapid is pushing out I will remain loyal simply because they work. I know this has felt like an ad, I haven’t and probably will never receive money or product from them, I really felt the need to rant like this because I was shooting for a company last week that provided their own gear and didn’t provide a strap so I brought my own Blackrapid strap.
Ok, have a great weekend shooting whatever makes you happiest, and check in with me tomorrow over on youtube!