dSLR use and neck pain

[Wandering]

Hello folks,

Pardon me if this question is already asked or a part is discussed. I searched through forum but did not find answer.

I am not a pro but use Sony A300 with kit lenses or Tamron 18-250 lens. When I am traveling, the camera hangs around my neck and by end of the day, I do not feel like using the camera because serious neck pain.

I wonder if anybody has a solution for this problem. Using it as a messenger bag is not a solution, I can not really use my camera efficiently in that fashion.

Many thanks.

 

[Footski]

Do a Google search for Black Rapid straps. No more peck pain with one of those. Other companies do similar types at cheaper prices.

I bought mine for the same reason and love it.

 

[mosswings]

Footski wrote:

Do a Google search for Black Rapid straps. No more peck pain with one of those. Other companies do similar types at cheaper prices.

I bought mine for the same reason and love it.

+1. A better carry method is cross-body, which removes the weight from the back of the neck. It is also a more stable method than a sling strap and just about as fast. An alternative to the BR sling is the Luma-Labs Cinch, which in addition to providing the control of a 2-point carry gets the strap away from your grip hand:

www.luma-labs.com

Their design can be emulated with a regular neck strap by employing a tripod plate with a strap mount attached to the bottom of the camera, or by a BR tripod mount screw. However, the commercial product works a lot better than a cobbled-up homebrew.

 

[Hinder]

Footski wrote:

Do a Google search for Black Rapid straps. No more peck pain with one of those. Other companies do similar types at cheaper prices.

I bought mine for the same reason and love it.

Black Rapid! I carry a 5Dlll with a 70-300L all day and the difference between a neck strap and the Black Rapid Sport is incredible! I used to get bad neck and headaches, I can go all day and night with no discomfort. I would have never believed it without trying it, well worth the cost! Without question, one of my best investments.

 

[Pete Stavrakoglou]

Add me to the list of those who likes sling straps like the BlackRapid. I used the BlackRapid but then switched to the Op/Tech Sling Strap because I did not like mounting the BlackRapid to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. The hardware was not comfortable and felt too cumbersome when I would position the camera in portrait mode. The Op/Tech mount to one the camera lugs like your shoulder strap does. For me, I found it better but it's a matter of preference.

 

[Hank3152]

Peter A. Stavrakoglou wrote:

Add me to the list of those who likes sling straps like the BlackRapid. I used the BlackRapid but then switched to the Op/Tech Sling Strap because I did not like mounting the BlackRapid to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera.

Ditto, I got rid of my Black Rapid strap in favor of the Op/Tech sling which uses the camera's strap lugs and it can easily interchange with other accessories using the existing quick release connectors. It's a more versatile system at 1/2 the cost. Check the video...... http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html





--
Regards,
Hank
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/638311471/photos/17792/night-launch

 

[Dareshooter]

Another vote for the OP Tech.I too considered the Black Rapid but didn't like the idea of unscrewing the plate from the tripod bush when I need to use one. Some say the Op Tech is really awkward when shooting in portrait format but I don't find it a problem and I'm left eyed.Right eyed shooters should be fine.

 

[acipriano]

I gave away my BlackRapid to my son and went back using the OP/Tech.

 

[dodgyexposure]

Dareshooter wrote:

Another vote for the OP Tech.I too considered the Black Rapid but didn't like the idea of unscrewing the plate from the tripod bush when I need to use one. Some say the Op Tech is really awkward when shooting in portrait format but I don't find it a problem and I'm left eyed.Right eyed shooters should be fine.

I find if I use the lug on the right side of the camera (i.e. near the shutter button), then the strap can get in the way of moving quickly to a portrait orientation shooting position. My solution is simple - use the other lug. Obviously, this wouldn't work if I was attaching to both lugs.

--
Cheers,
Damien

 

[Dareshooter]

dodgyexposure wrote:

Dareshooter wrote:

Another vote for the OP Tech.I too considered the Black Rapid but didn't like the idea of unscrewing the plate from the tripod bush when I need to use one. Some say the Op Tech is really awkward when shooting in portrait format but I don't find it a problem and I'm left eyed.Right eyed shooters should be fine.

I find if I use the lug on the right side of the camera (i.e. near the shutter button), then the strap can get in the way of moving quickly to a portrait orientation shooting position. My solution is simple - use the other lug. Obviously, this wouldn't work if I was attaching to both lugs.

--
Cheers,
Damien

Thank very much. When I first bought it I tried the other lug to see if I could wear it across my right shoulder but it didn't feel right. Never occurred to me to leave it there and use it like you suggested,even better now.Thanks again.

Kind Regards, DS

 

[hotdog321]

I feel your pain--chuckle! When I first became a photojournalist I had the identical problem. The strain of a hefty camera/lens around my neck would cause some some pretty fierce neck/shoulder strain and headaches.

Personally, I just took aspirin and eventually my bod got used to it after about a year. Another approach is to carry the camera on one shoulder.

 

[Ivo Verhaar]

just google strap buddy, it will work as long as you are not a fierce tripod user else you might want a solution which includes a arca swiss base plate to do more or less the same job but with better options.

Of course a dedicated sling might be even a bit better....

 

[HomoSapiensWannaBe]

Yes, the Op/Tech type sling strap is great, and the camera bottom is free to have your preferred Arca-Swiss plate attached. Imo, it works best connected to the left camera lug -- away from the grip

I would add that a professional photographer acquaintance advised me to at least periodically cradle heavier setups (like 70-200 with gripped body) atop the left arm held horizontally across the chest and/or take turns partially supporting the camera with the shooting hand on the grip. Works for me, and the variation insures I don't get tired from any one position.

Also, don't forget to detach the sling when using the camera on a tripod when it is windy. The sling pad acts like a sail and will likely induce vibrations.

 

[Frozencpu]

Don't trust black rapid, they might kill your camera. Honestly at these prices check out vulture equipment the A2 strap

 

[Multi-SportsMom]

What is the best one for a shoulder strap? Shooting sports with a 7D.

 

[Hank3152]

Multi-SportsMom wrote:

What is the best one for a shoulder strap? Shooting sports with a 7D.

Read my post above........
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51411735

........and this could be an interesting strap for you...... http://joby.com/camera-straps/ultrafit-sling-strap-for-women?gclid=CNLGsqyDo7cCFcU7Mgod8kUAbA

--
Regards,
Hank
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/638311471/photos/17792/night-launch

 

[Multi-SportsMom]

Hank3152 wrote:

Multi-SportsMom wrote:

What is the best one for a shoulder strap? Shooting sports with a 7D.

Read my post above........
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/51411735

........and this could be an interesting strap for you...... http://joby.com/camera-straps/ultrafit-sling-strap-for-women?gclid=CNLGsqyDo7cCFcU7Mgod8kUAbA

 

[IainD]

:What do you do about the black rapid mount if you do use a tripod? I want to use it to carry my 500 f4 with the Arca Swiss plate attached and can't figure it out. I would love to replace the OE Nikon strap with a BR but no solution is obvious!! Any suggestions would be welcome!!!

IainD

 

[Hank3152]

IainD wrote:

:What do you do about the black rapid mount if you do use a tripod? I want to use it to carry my 500 f4 with the Arca Swiss plate attached and can't figure it out. I would love to replace the OE Nikon strap with a BR but no solution is obvious!! Any suggestions would be welcome!!!

I don't see a problem with the BR attached to the camera tripod mount since your lens foot will sit atop the tripod.

But I'd get rid of the BR and get one by Op/Tech anyway.......
http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html

Check the product video. It attaches to the camera's strap lug or in the case of the 500f/4 possibly it's strap lug.

--
Regards,
Hank
http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/638311471/photos/17792/night-launch

 

[Multi-SportsMom]

Hank3152 wrote:

IainD wrote:

:What do you do about the black rapid mount if you do use a tripod? I want to use it to carry my 500 f4 with the Arca Swiss plate attached and can't figure it out. I would love to replace the OE Nikon strap with a BR but no solution is obvious!! Any suggestions would be welcome!!!

I don't see a problem with the BR attached to the camera tripod mount since your lens foot will sit atop the tripod.

But I'd get rid of the BR and get one by Op/Tech anyway.......
http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html

Check the product video. It attaches to the camera's strap lug or in the case of the 500f/4 possibly it's strap lug.