Strap Recommendations

[smoke665]

Needing recommendations on a heavy duty strap that won't break the bank, for heavy DSLR and lens (6-7 lbs). Not a big fan of cross body or over the shoulder, but that may be my only option.

 

[photoflyer]

I have the BlackRapid Double Breath. It can hold two cameras. I use that feature a lot with a crop sensor and long lens on one side and a full frame and wider lens on the other.
You can divided it as well and use either side as a single strap. It is very comfortable and when I have two cameras and big lenses I'm sure it is carrying 10+ pounds (4+KG). It is just under $140 USD. It might be more than you wanted to spend but I think it is an investment you will be glad you made.

 

[smoke665]

BlackRapid Double Breath

I rarely carry two bodies anymore. I looked at the Double Breathe and also at the Blackrapid Street Breathe. The latter fits what I'm looking for better but I can't find any specs on weight rating.

 

[weepete]

I got a peak design slide this year, must say I'm pretty impressed with it. You can wear it in a few different ways, worth a look

 

[RowdyRay]

Started with a Black Rapid. Switched to Peak Design Slide. No regrets.

Had no issues carrying the D80 and Tamron 150-600mm G1. Now, the D7100 and Sigma 150-600mm Sport. (This lens, alone, weighs what you're talking about) Their anchor links allow you to easily change between setups. Well thought out system. Look into it.

 

[Space Face]

I rarely use a strap but I have also use Black Rapid in the past for my heavier lenses and found them to be secure and reliable.

 

[nokk]

another peak design user. it can be used as over the shoulder, across the body or around the neck. i like all of the extra quick release attachments so i can leave a set on my heavy lenses and a set on the camera for when i'm using lighter lenses.

 

[ac12]

I use the PD Slide on my D7200 + 70-200/4, and that works well.
The wide strap spreads the weight load of a heavy kit.
I wear it cross body. A heavy camera on the neck puts too much weight on the neck, and made my neck SORE.

One thing is the PD only has TWO connection points, that is a consideration for load distribution.
If you use an OpTech, I think you can do THREE connection points (2 on the body + 1 on the lens tripod foot). Have to research, it has been a while since I looked at OpTech straps.

 

[RVT1K]

If you do wind up going the over the shoulder route, I recommend something like this:

ROTABALL - ONE - SUN-SNIPER Englisch

I have one of their older models and I love it.

 

[Jeff15]

Another vote for Peak Design....

 

[adamhiram]

I really like my BlackRapid Sport strap. I have used it for about 9 years and it's still my favorite, even after trying a few others. The shoulder pad is very comfortable, and I skip the extra piece that goes under the arm. The only change I made recently was to swap out the piece that screws into the tripod mount with a QD connector that goes into the socket on my L-bracket. I know you said you weren't a fan of cross-body straps, but I find with any significant weight, a simple neck strap causes fatigue pretty quickly.

 

[Original katomi]

Hi Smoke
I use the peak design straps

 

[ac12]

I use the PD Slide on my D7200 + 70-200/4, and that works well.
The wide strap spreads the weight load of a heavy kit.
I wear it cross body. A heavy camera on the neck puts too much weight on the neck, and made my neck SORE.

One thing is the PD only has TWO connection points, that is a consideration for load distribution.
If you use an OpTech, I think you can do THREE connection points (2 on the body + 1 on the lens tripod foot). Have to research, it has been a while since I looked at OpTech straps.

One follow up.

Besides the PD strap, I use the bottom plate of a RRS "L-bracket." The L-bracket has a strap loop on the right, where I attach the right strap. That moves the right strap away from the controls on the right deck of the camera. Ever since I had my first 35mm camera, that right strap has always got in the way of my right hand.

I standardized on the AS tripod rail/clamp, so I would have an AS rail on the camera anyway.

 

[smoke665]

Lots of good responses that seem pretty much divided between Peak Design and Black Rapid. Guess I need to look harder at these two.

 

[Original katomi]

Smoke just a note on peak designs
They do an adapter to fit manfrotto tripod heads. It fits BUT the fit is loose and not a good fit like own brand
I have one and ok it works but I don’t have the trust in the peak design plate that I have in manfrottos