[UPDATE: 27/08/12] The thought behind this rather weak post was to hopefully generate some discussion on the use of the strap. Sadly, the first comment came in the form of “this is a stupid post” and nothing more, I can see discussion is not popular with these sort of posts. At any rate, it is something to think about as often people simply over look their strap and how it can either help or hinder them.
Lately, I have been shooting without a strap to see what the difference is and because I took it off a while ago and just was too lazy to put one back on. At first, I liked the freedom as I was always wrapping my strap around my hand. For the longest time the strap just seemed like it was getting in the way. However recently, I have felt like I needed it a bit more. At any rate, I am curious as to what everyone else uses.
Here are my pros and cons of the strap:
Pros
- Helps with changing lenses
- Takes the load off
- can carry extra memory cards
- frees up your hands
Cons
- Gets in the way
- stock straps can cut into your neck with a heavy lens on
- one more thing to catch the wind and destabilize the camera during long exposures
- when the wind is blowing, can block the viewfinder when using a tripod
- always gets twisted
So here is a short list that I made up. As you can see it is pretty even. However, I do think that that I will be putting the strap back on tonight. I just hate having to put all my gear down to change a lens. At least with the strap on I could change lenses from my bag and not have to put the camera down or risk dropping anything.
What do you people do? Strap on? (minds out of the gutter) Strap off? or that weird hand-strap thingy?
dnguyen
this is a stupid post
Jason Teale
Yeah it is not my finest work. However, going beyond what could be interpreted as a troll comment, where do you stand on the strap issue? on or off? What do you use?
Dave
Interesting…. & not stupid at all. I actually could never see myself shooting without a strap & never feel that it gets in the way. That said, I don’t use it in the conventional way – over the shoulder. I’m more comfortable, & always have been, with the camera in my right hand & the strap wrapped/looped tightly around my wrist (it means the camera is always at the ready!). I guess holding a camera that way means I sort of need a strap (it helps to bond the camera to my hand) but as I said I never feel it gets in the way & could never see myself holding the camera as I do without a strap. But I guess it’s just like everything else Jason… whatever suits the individual!
Valerie
Depends on the strap! The rough textured, stiff strap that comes with the camera is pretty uncomfortable. We got shiny new ones made of neoprene and it made all the difference. PLUS, I see the strap as a security against dropping. Makes me feel better when Griffin has his around his neck. =)
Will
I thought this page was going to tell me about your camera and lenses. Was a little let down to see that it was about your camera strap.
Jason Teale
I must admit Will this post is a bit light but it was one that I was just thinking about one day. The overall category is an emerging group of articles that will be coming out within the next few weeks so please bear with me. Also thank you for pointing out that this post is not where it should be.
Steve Roberts
Most of the time I used the weird wrist thingy. I keep it loose enough to were I can move my hand around easily to manipulate the buttons and all I have to do is keep a couple of fingers hooked to carry the camera around with me.
I find the neck strap to be very irratating and always in the way.