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Best strap/clip for women who hike with a DSLR

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amandarg

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Hi, I spend a lot of time hiking with a DSLR and I'm looking for some good ideas on how best to carry my camera. I just purchased a d7200 and I usually have attached a 70-300 lens. I am also considering keeping my d90 in my pack with a wide angle lens so I no longer have to change lens' out and about. In the past I have tried keeping my camera in my backpack but for wildlife photography this really is not practical unless I am just hiking to a particular location and don't need to worry about sudden appearances of an animal I want to shoot. I have been just using a nikon strap over my pack but this gets to be uncomfortable after a while and tends to bounce around a bit so that I need to put it in my pack if I need to use my hands at all to scramble.

I have looked into both the capture clip and various straps available but was wondering if any women out there have had success with anything in particular in conjunction with wearing a backpack? I'm relatively short (5'3") and tend to wear a women's XS pack so I'm really not interested in any camera specific packs as I don't know of any that are made well for such a short torso. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
amandarg said:
In the past I have tried keeping my camera in my backpack but for wildlife photography this really is not practical unless I am just hiking to a particular location and don't need to worry about sudden appearances of an animal I want to shoot.
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That's the main problem when hiking and shooting wildlife. The only brand that gives you fast access is Mindshift.

This system really is the best for longer hikes.

But the backpacks have a 'narrow' fit, meaning they fit people very well or totally not. So the best is to try them out in a shop. By the way, the Mindshift Horizon does not fit me, and although I tried it out two months ago, I'm still sad because it's a great pack :-)

--
TheBlackGrouse
Active outdoor photographer, trying to become better, studying user experience.
 
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I use a Blackrapid strap when I go hiking. I've adjusted it in order to have the camera grip at my waist height, so I can access it extremely quickly. The strap also has a couple of clips that can lock the position of the camera to avoid any extra sliding.

The minor issue that I have is that the long strap means that if I bend forward to pick up something or climb some rocks then the camera can get very low, so I got used to either lock it closer to my shoulder or hold it with a hand when I'm travelling through rough terrain.

--
This is where I write stuff: http://randomibis.wordpress.com/
This is where I upload stuff: http://www.flickr.com/photos/107755637@N06/
Canon 6d + 50mm f1.8 STM + 85mm f1.8 + Samyang 14mm F2.8 + 10mm f2.8 Macro
Panasonic G3 + 12-32 + 35-100 + 14mm
 
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Thanks, which blackrapid strap do you use?
 
Hi,

I read the title and then the content and they are a bit different so I'm going to go out on a bit of a limb and toss out an idea :-) Have you looked at something like the "Think Tank Digital Holster" or a "Lowepro Top Loader" style camera bags if I can call it that? I know the think tank brand is made to attach to a belt (or pack) if you so choose. I just got back from some day hiking/walks through Yosemite two weeks ago and I was miserable with my camera bag. I purchased a Think Tank holster last weekend and I think it will serve my needs nicely.

Good luck

-john
 
I use the Joby Ultra Sling for Women (dunno if the women-part is of any value since I have none others to compare, too!)

I cinch it up high when I need to use my hands to keep the camera from swinging far from my body. I also have tucked the camera inside my shirt to prevent the swing.

I use a Deuter Speedlite 20 backpack to hold lenses and tripod. Camera-specific bags are too bulky for me. The Deuter backpack is cut wider at top than bottom, so your arms don't bang into it while hiking. The lenses are just in soft bags - no foam protection - and separated only by an extra shirt or granola bars.

jan
 
amandarg said:
Hi, I spend a lot of time hiking with a DSLR and I'm looking for some good ideas on how best to carry my camera. I just purchased a d7200 and I usually have attached a 70-300 lens. I am also considering keeping my d90 in my pack with a wide angle lens so I no longer have to change lens' out and about. In the past I have tried keeping my camera in my backpack but for wildlife photography this really is not practical unless I am just hiking to a particular location and don't need to worry about sudden appearances of an animal I want to shoot. I have been just using a nikon strap over my pack but this gets to be uncomfortable after a while and tends to bounce around a bit so that I need to put it in my pack if I need to use my hands at all to scramble.

I have looked into both the capture clip and various straps available but was wondering if any women out there have had success with anything in particular in conjunction with wearing a backpack? I'm relatively short (5'3") and tend to wear a women's XS pack so I'm really not interested in any camera specific packs as I don't know of any that are made well for such a short torso. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
I just had a conversation with ISLAND GOLFER explaining the camera carrying system I use. I think it might be of value to you also. I found that a waist pack allows you to keep your camera at the ready while not having to sling it around your neck.
 
I am a torso length 14" (kid size, in other words), and relatively "full figured" (DD). I use and highly recommend a Cotton Carrier vest for SLR with medium to large lens. A small disc is attached to the tripod socket on your camera or camera's L bracket, and the disc slots into a groove on a sturdy lexar plate. It is locked in place when the lens hangs down, to get camera out, rotate camera 90 degrees and lift up along the long groove, takes about 3 seconds. One disadvantage is that the lexar plate is solid (5" x 7" or so), for strength, and it gets steamy under there in the summer. However, the vest holds the camera securely in a position that is close to your body center of gravity and midline, so it doesn't affect your balance. You can use poles and wear the vest under a standard large hiking pack or small day pack. I have hiked with a 55L, 35# total weight pack with the Cotton Carrier vest and poles - works fine. Other than the lexar plate, the vest is made of nylon mesh and nylon strapping with velcro, so you can just put the pack harness right on top of it. One small annoyance is that most zoom lenses will extend to their full length in this position, so you either lock the zoom (if it has a lock) or let it droop. There is no weather protection or protection from blows - if you fall on your chest, your camera takes a hit. Weather protection - for light to ordinary rain, I just stretch a $2 plastic shower cap over lens and body, and my broad-brimmed hat protects the uncovered portion next to my chest. You can zip a large-fitting rain jacket over the camera for monsoon-level protection.

I have used the vest with DSLR and up to a 400mm f/5.6 lens (hood retracted), a little over 2 kilos, 4.75 pounds combo. Longer than 400mm or with big lens hood, I would have trouble walking because the lens end would start bumping legs.

Cotton Carrier also has a model that uses the same attachment system but attaches the lexar plate to the pack strap. I suspect that this would be best for light and small point-and-shoot or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras
 
The peak design capture clip works really well for hiking. I have an Osprey women's backpack (which I love) and I attach the capture clip to the strap. I used to have a fairly big and heavy Canon DSLR that I would clip in. I really liked not having to stop and open my pack or camera bag to grab my camera. Having it clipped to my strap meant rarely missing shots. I find using a strap, even a sling style strap, way too awkward in combination with a hiking pack. Too many straps and cords and I ended up feeling tangled. I would suggest using a wrist strap or the cuff on your camera if you do go with the capture clip. This way you can pop the camera out of the clip and then quickly attach your wrist or cuff strap to the camera for security.

(I am a 5'2" woman for comparison)

willow
 
Willow, thanks. Yeah I never wanted a vest because I really like to be able to see my feet when I hike (I have horrible ankles from years of athletics). i'm a bit confused by your post, do you attach the clip to your waste belt on your osprey pack or to the shoulder strap?
 
I attach the clip to my left shoulder strap. Just above the chest strap. At first I thought it would be annoying having a camera right there on my body like that. But it is surprisingly secure and very handy. It stays out of the way for hiking. I think I've even done some biking like that. Anyway, super comfortable, hands free, quick access to camera, no annoying straps and extra bags or stuff like that. Check out photo 3 on the peak design page. https://www.peakdesign.com/product/clips/capturepro/?gclid=CNaM1IfeqMsCFQQbaQodZo0LqQ

Willow
 
amandarg said:
Hi, I spend a lot of time hiking with a DSLR and I'm looking for some good ideas on how best to carry my camera. I just purchased a d7200 and I usually have attached a 70-300 lens. I am also considering keeping my d90 in my pack with a wide angle lens so I no longer have to change lens' out and about. In the past I have tried keeping my camera in my backpack but for wildlife photography this really is not practical unless I am just hiking to a particular location and don't need to worry about sudden appearances of an animal I want to shoot. I have been just using a nikon strap over my pack but this gets to be uncomfortable after a while and tends to bounce around a bit so that I need to put it in my pack if I need to use my hands at all to scramble.

I have looked into both the capture clip and various straps available but was wondering if any women out there have had success with anything in particular in conjunction with wearing a backpack? I'm relatively short (5'3") and tend to wear a women's XS pack so I'm really not interested in any camera specific packs as I don't know of any that are made well for such a short torso. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
As you mentioned, I would go with the Capture Clip - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2013/07/review-peak-design-capture-camera-clip-v2-capturepro.html

There is also the B-Grip EVO - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2011/12/review-cptech-b-grip-evo-camera-belt.html and B-Grip UNO - http://www.1kindphotography.com/2015/07/review-cptech-b-grip-uno-multipurpose-camera-holster.html

But I highly suggest the Capture.
 
Thank you all so much, it sounds like I should go with a capture clip. I will order one soon and give it a try and let you know how it works.

Amanda
 
Hi, I also like the holster idea. I bought one which I attach with a belt to my hip. When hiking The camera is safe in the holster and easy to take it out and zip back in. Since I also have a backpack on , I can keep some lenses, lunch etc in it and just put the strap of the holster around my shoulder to keep it more secure. This works for me than having a camera bumping up against me.
 
TyphoonTW said:
I use a Blackrapid strap when I go hiking. I've adjusted it in order to have the camera grip at my waist height, so I can access it extremely quickly. The strap also has a couple of clips that can lock the position of the camera to avoid any extra sliding.

The minor issue that I have is that the long strap means that if I bend forward to pick up something or climb some rocks then the camera can get very low, so I got used to either lock it closer to my shoulder or hold it with a hand when I'm travelling through rough terrain.

--
This is where I write stuff: http://randomibis.wordpress.com/
This is where I upload stuff: http://www.flickr.com/photos/107755637@N06/
Canon 6d + 50mm f1.8 STM + 85mm f1.8 + Samyang 14mm F2.8 + 10mm f2.8 Macro
Panasonic G3 + 12-32 + 35-100 + 14mm
Click to expand...
try the Luma Loop 3 . It has a quick cinch to prevent your camera from dragging on the grown if you bend over to pick something up.



Luma Loop 3 modified with QD swivel.

Luma Loop 3 modified with QD swivel.

it's a very comfortable cross body strap that is also versatile.

--
Cliff
 
Dear Amanda,

I'll start by saying I'm not a woman, but have several OP/TECH slings, straps, and grips that I use when carrying cameras in the woods.

All of their products do a great job for me and they cost a fraction of most of the competing brands. I find them to be durable, comfortable, and the best part is that everything in their line-up is completely interchangeable via clips.

A lot of people seem to knock OP/TECH because they use plastic clips, but those same plastic clips are used on countless outdoor products in mission critical situations and they simply don't fail. If I can lash a full 120 quart cooler to the deck of my boat and beat it around in waves for a day using the same nylon straps and plastic clips that OP/TECH uses you won't have any trouble carrying a camera.

I routinely carry an EOS 1DMK3 with a 150-600 Sigma lens along with a gripped 40D with a 15-85 lens and have never once felt worried about my gear when I walk through the woods.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg, PA :-)
 
Wow I really dont see how you can say

"The only brand that gives you fast access is Mindshift."

Any of the LowePro slingshot's would be much faster and if you want a full backpack type look at the Manfrotto 3n1 packs they can be used as a std pack, X harness pack or left or right side sling and you have fast side access.

I will NEVER buy a pack again that I have to set it on the ground to access my gear. I had to set my pack in the mud way to many times.

I spent months looking at all kinds of clips and ended up with the Peak Design Pro Capture with the Peak Design Leash as both a safety line in case I miss the clip and as a camera strap. Using the leash with the clip stops a lot of the motion when moving, works much better with a large lens. Nice with the Sigma 100-400 on my 7D2. I also have the Slide (PD's big neck strap) but find I use the Leash 90% of the time.
 
davel33 said:
Wow I really dont see how you can say

"The only brand that gives you fast access is Mindshift."

Any of the LowePro slingshot's would be much faster and if you want a full backpack type look at the Manfrotto 3n1 packs they can be used as a std pack, X harness pack or left or right side sling and you have fast side access.

I will NEVER buy a pack again that I have to set it on the ground to access my gear. I had to set my pack in the mud way to many times.

I spent months looking at all kinds of clips and ended up with the Peak Design Pro Capture with the Peak Design Leash as both a safety line in case I miss the clip and as a camera strap. Using the leash with the clip stops a lot of the motion when moving, works much better with a large lens. Nice with the Sigma 100-400 on my 7D2. I also have the Slide (PD's big neck strap) but find I use the Leash 90% of the time.

--
"Just one more Lens, I promise....."
Dave
Click to expand...
The Mindshift rotating belt system is faster than any other system. Slings are fast but not that fast. Besides, slings are not for serious hiking. Nothing against slings by the way, but the thread is about hiking and wildlife photography with a DSLR :-)

There is something else, when encountering wildlife, it's all about seconds without visible movement of the torso and arms. A sling brings in a lot of movement that easily scares mammals and birds. Setting a pack to the ground gives the impression of a predator, big cats in stalking mode stay low. Almost any animal will flee when you bring your pack to the ground.

Clips and straps like Black Rapid (have one too) work when you move slowly. They're not for hiking but ideal in nature reserves when you're not in a hurry, with plenty of animals around.

There is no 'best' solution. When shooting dragonflies and landscapes, I don't care about fast access and grab a backpack with a roll-top design.

Unfortunately, I have many backpacks, a lot of wrong choices from the past. But sometimes they come in handy. For every activity i have a pack, even a dedicated zoo-pack that can't be used for anything else, the infamous Think Thank Rotation 360.

--
TheBlackGrouse
Active Outdoor Photographer
 
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TheBlackGrouse said:
davel33 said:
Wow I really dont see how you can say

"The only brand that gives you fast access is Mindshift."

Any of the LowePro slingshot's would be much faster and if you want a full backpack type look at the Manfrotto 3n1 packs they can be used as a std pack, X harness pack or left or right side sling and you have fast side access.

I will NEVER buy a pack again that I have to set it on the ground to access my gear. I had to set my pack in the mud way to many times.

I spent months looking at all kinds of clips and ended up with the Peak Design Pro Capture with the Peak Design Leash as both a safety line in case I miss the clip and as a camera strap. Using the leash with the clip stops a lot of the motion when moving, works much better with a large lens. Nice with the Sigma 100-400 on my 7D2. I also have the Slide (PD's big neck strap) but find I use the Leash 90% of the time.
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Click to expand...
 
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