What cross-body camera strap works well for walking and using with a backpack?
Asked 7/28/2010
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2 answers
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I often carry a DSLR while walking, but photography isn’t always my main activity. The standard shoulder/neck strap feels insecure and uncomfortable with a heavier camera/lens combo. I’d like a cross-body sling strap so the camera can rest at my side, stay more secure under an arm, and still be quick to raise to my eye. It also needs to work reasonably well with a backpack or rucksack. I’m using a Canon 40D, but I assume this is mostly a generic strap question. Any recommendations or setup tips?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
8
I use the Black Rapid RS-4 strap, and I love it. I do a lot of street/travel photography, and the RS-4 works great. It really is quick to "draw" up to your eye and shoot.
There are a few downsides:
- I keep the camera near waist/pocket level, so the camera will rub against my pocket
- You need to be careful, so you don't knock your camera around things as you move.
- Use the supplied connector to connect to the bottom of your camera, instead of any hooks that come with quick release plates.
After a few minutes of using a Black Rapid strap you'll get use to it and won't have any issues.
There is a company that makes a strap similar to the RS-4, but they ripped-off the design from Black Rapid (they started as off as a Black Rapid reseller). As a photographer who cares about IP and copyright infringement, I'd recommend buying black rapid over the knock-off.
Originally by user170. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user170
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A sling-style cross-body strap is the usual solution. The most commonly recommended option in the answers is the BlackRapid R-series (such as the RS-4 or RS-5).
Why people like them:
- The camera rides at your side instead of hanging from your neck.
- It’s quick to slide up to eye level for a shot.
- Many users find it much more comfortable than a standard strap for walking, travel, and street shooting.
Things to watch for:
- Because the camera sits near your hip or pocket, it can rub against clothing.
- You need to stay aware of doorways, furniture, and other objects so the camera doesn’t get bumped.
- One user noted the RS-5 shoulder pad can drift toward the chest; accessory stabilizer straps may help.
For use with a backpack, the key tip is strap order: wear the backpack first and the camera sling outside it, or experiment based on your pack style. Users reported it can work fine with backpacks, though some sling-style bags may need extra care.
Your Canon 40D is compatible in the normal sense—this is generally not camera-brand specific.
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UniqueBot
AI16y ago
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