Hand Strap Suggestions?

elementgs · Jun 25, 2014

I've been looking to pick a product like this up for a while now.

Anyone have any suggestions?

This one seems to have some quality issues despite the somewhat overall decent reviews.

Amazon.com : USA Gear DualGRIP Stabilizing Digital SLR Camera Hand Strap Grip for Nikon D7100, D5200, D5100, D600, D800, D7000, D3100 & More DSLR Cameras - Includes Cleaning Kit : Camera And Optics Carrying Straps : Camera & Photo

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

sscarmack · Jun 26, 2014

Haha better safe then sorry I guess haha.

I don't use a hand strap, I have a black rapid shoulder rig.

EIngerson · Jun 26, 2014

I like to use a hand strap. I use one similar to the link below, but I remove that garbage plastic and just run the strap through my mounting plate. It works well.

Amazon.com : eForCity Heavy Duty Camera Hand Strap, Black : Camera And Optics Carrying Straps : Camera & Photo

Overread · Jun 26, 2014

I use a battery grip on the camera and then a Canon e1 strap.

I wouldn't like that one you link to elementgs because you can't just put the camera down with it strapped on. So you can't put it down or pick it up quick; it adds another step which might prove annoying at times, plus the strap would have a dangly bit when not in proper use. The e1 I can put my hand over and shoot without putting it into the strap if I need to shoot quick and it doesn't flop around.

JustJazzie · Jun 26, 2014

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread! I was thinking a hand strap might be the solution to my tiny hands problem, if I decide to go with a larger camera that I can't grip.

TCampbell · Jun 26, 2014

I'll put a bit of a twist on this.

I'm going to presume that you're shopping for a hand-strap because you want the security of not dropping a camera... but dislike the neck strap.

You may want to consider a "sling" type strap. I use a Black Rapid strap. Unlike a neck strap, the sling strap is worn around your body like a sash (diagonally) but the camera has a clip which "slides" along the strap rather than a fixed attachment point on the strap. This means the camera dangles (upside down) at your side when you're not using it... but when you pick it up, the camera slides up the strap to eye-level for shooting.

My cameras are all fairly heavy and I quickly realized that the neck strap was only comfortable for short durations -- wearing the camera all day long was not very comfortable at all (especially with a heavy camera). The camera's tendency to want to lay on your chest in a lens-pointing down makes the neck straps attachment points a bit awkward anyway. I tried wearing the camera strap on just one shoulder, but didn't find that very secure if I had my hands full (e.g. awkward body positions when hiking, etc.)

The "sling" stye straps seem to pretty much solves all those problems. I can wear the camera all day and it's much more comfortable. It's very secure -- can't fall off my shoulder, etc. and I can have both hands free when I want and the camera isn't going anywhere.

ronlane · Jun 26, 2014

I've been watching this company's equipment for a month or so. Peak Design. That kickstarter for the "Clutch" looks pretty interesting for what you are wanting.

Scatterbrained · Jun 26, 2014

ronlane said:
I've been watching this company's equipment for a month or so. Peak Design. That kickstarter for the "Clutch" looks pretty interesting for what you are wanting.

I was just thinking the same thing.

Right now I use a Herringbone strap but I think I'll be replacing it when the Peak Design unit comes out in October. Another handstrap maker to consider is Camdapter . Personally I use a hand strap and a sling strap, but I don't always keep the sling strap on the camera, while I never take the handstrap off.