Shoulder Strap for 5DIII

MSpencer

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I'm looking for a more comfortable shoulder strap for the 5DIII as an alternative to the original canon strap. I would appreciate any input on which of the Optech shoulder straps would work best? Or, if there is another type of shoulder strap that you recommend over the Optech, I am open to that as well.

Margaret
 
I've pitched a couple of the Black Rapid straps in favor of Op/Tech's design using the camera strap lugs and never had any issues with their plastic connectors and have carried heavy combos like the 70-200f/2.8IS mounted to a 1DmkIV. Today's polymer composites are stronger and lighter than most metals and won't corrode or scratch.

With the connectors attached to the lugs it's easy to swap the sling out for a hand strap or a neck strap and attach the body to a tripod without removing it.

Check out Op/Tech's utility sling video on this link....... http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html
If you're still concerned, they have secure straps mentioned at 3:30 into the video.



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Hank
 
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I've spent more than I care to admit on camera straps from various manufacturers. The only one I rate is from BlackRapid.

Their straps attach to the tripod socket via an adapter -- this adapter means the camera doesn't sit flat when placed on a surface, and can even damage wooden surfaces. Apart from that, it's an excellent carrying solution. In particular the strap can be worn under a rucksack without impairing access to the camera. When hiking or travelling, that's a really useful function.
 
I prefer the Upstrap pro with medium pad. It is a conventional looking strap, except for the compact kevlar web and the rubber pad is comfortable and very grippy, even with e.g. a 5D3 & lens hanging on my shoulder.


I switched after a camera & lens slid off my shoulder 7 years ago (fortunately no damage beyond a temporary err code and my shock). Since then my upstraps have performed flawlessly.
 
Totally agree. I too have 2 disgraces and absolutely love them. I have it on a 5DIII and my daughter has it on a 600D. We carried these cameras all day for a week in Scotland and another week in France. In addition that strap is long enough to carry it across the chest, and I'm a big guy. Highly recommend.
 
I'm a Black Rapid user, and highly recommend them, but there are some newer clones that are cheaper and should be investigated, at least.

One thing about the Black Rapid, and possibly some of the other straps, you may want to invest in a tether as insurance. I've had my camera come off the strap twice, once by the tripod screw coming loose, and once by the locking screw on carabiner loosening and the camera slipping out that way somehow.

I take the blame for not being diligent in checking the connections. After a couple years of use, I guess I got a little careless. I imagine many people might have the same problem, though. Luckily, I also use a Camdapter hand strap which kept the camera from falling to the ground both times.
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- Bill
 
I'm looking for a more comfortable shoulder strap for the 5DIII as an alternative to the original canon strap. I would appreciate any input on which of the Optech shoulder straps would work best? Or, if there is another type of shoulder strap that you recommend over the Optech, I am open to that as well.

Margaret
My favorite strap is the OP/Tech Utility strap. This is the same strap that Canon uses for their CPS strap. The CPS strap, however, comes with pro-loop attachments, which I prefer to the ones that that come with the utility strap. They can be ordered separately, however.

Another good OP/Tech option is the Super Classic strap which you can get with the pro loop attachments, is nice and thick and has a non skid surface.
 
I have at least one each of the following:

http://optechusa.com/straps/classic-strap.html

http://optechusa.com/straps/super-classic-strap.html

Both of these have cushioned and stretchy shoulder pads that absorb shock well. I sort of lean towards the Super Classic because of the choices.

http://optechusa.com/straps/pro-strap.html

The Pro Strap never felt as good as the Classics but is still a huge improvement over the things Canon and Nikon pass off as straps.






I'm looking for a more comfortable shoulder strap for the 5DIII as an alternative to the original canon strap. I would appreciate any input on which of the Optech shoulder straps would work best? Or, if there is another type of shoulder strap that you recommend over the Optech, I am open to that as well.

Margaret
 
Margaret,

I purchased the BlackRapid brand and have been totally pleased with it. I have several cameras, so the type I bought allows you to carry 2 cameras "hands free" and it's fantastic. Of couse, they sell single straps as well. You can probably find this brand in your local camera store, or search for it on-line. I totally recommend it!
 
I really appreciate all the input! I will check out all the great suggestions. Thanks everyone for your help

Margaret
 
I was going to say that asking for strap suggestions is like asking for camera bag suggestions. Everyone has a favorite or style they like. I hope you find one that meets your needs.

I dont like using the in box straps because they are not comfortable and also an invite for thieves that can see what specific model you are carrying. They also get unwanted questioning from other photographers when I am shooting a wedding. Some people see the make on the strap and assume you can stop and answer questions about specific camera settings or to chat :)
 
I use OP/Tech Pro for my 7D, 5D3, and 1DX (usually with 70-200) and never experienced an issue with the plastic connectors (they do make a Velcro 'safety' device if you're really concerned. Black Rapid (or any tripod socket rig) would be a no go for me, I think depending on the small amount of tripod thread material (check the cross section photo of the Nikon D4 for an example) is an unacceptable risk.
 
I really appreciate all the input! I will check out all the great suggestions. Thanks everyone for your help

Margaret
If you talk to Nikon, they will tell you the bottom tripod plate was never meant to carry the weight of the camera. When you add the weight of a camera + heavy lens this gets worse, ........I'm sure other mfrs will tell you the same.......
 
I'm looking for a more comfortable shoulder strap for the 5DIII as an alternative to the original canon strap. I would appreciate any input on which of the Optech shoulder straps would work best? Or, if there is another type of shoulder strap that you recommend over the Optech, I am open to that as well.

Margaret
i am using black rapid pro with my 1Dx and 1d4, it is very comfortable because it goes around the shoulder instead of the traditional way around the neck. since 1Dx with an "L" lens can be very heavy, i avoid hooking the camera to the attachment piece that comes with black rapid strap. instead i have found a way to attach the strap to the RRS "L" bracket that is installed on may camera, this way it is very safe and sound ;-) you can walk all day and you won't feel any fatigue from the strap. i strongly recommend it.

cheerz.
 
Hi,

I used to have the canon original strap almost a year... then replaced it with a Lowepro one: better, but not good. My camera was like on a spring, the strap was sliperry... then I bought years ago an OpTech Pro Loop Strap: just perfect. The strap is large, there's no slippery any more, very comfortable, just great.
 
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I decided to go with the OpTech Super Classic Pro Loop strap and the Domke Gripper 1.5" strap. I'm sure that these will be more comfortable than the Canon straps that I've been using for years.

Margaret
 
I've spent more than I care to admit on camera straps from various manufacturers. The only one I rate is from BlackRapid.

Their straps attach to the tripod socket via an adapter -- this adapter means the camera doesn't sit flat when placed on a surface, and can even damage wooden surfaces. Apart from that, it's an excellent carrying solution. In particular the strap can be worn under a rucksack without impairing access to the camera. When hiking or travelling, that's a really useful function.
I use a Black Rapids strap and would change it out if I wasn't so cheap because of it's excessive cost. A piece of nylon and it being a photo strap vs similar backpack strap cause it to be overpriced. I don't like how it scratches the attached photo gear with the metal carabiner clip. Otherwise it is a comfortable strap for camera body and heavy 70-200 2.8 lens.
 

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