Which Camera Strap With 500mm Lens?

Jeremy68 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 06:11 PM

Hi,
I do most of my wildlife photography with a Canon 40D and a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens. I often carry the camera over my shoulder using the Canon strap supplied with the camera. It's not very comfortable, so I'm looking for a better strap; preferably one with quick release, so I can get the strap out of the way when using a tripod, etc. I'm thinking of something like this - Lowepro Speedster Camera Strap For Digital SLR: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo - but (like the Amazon reviewer) not sure about the safety of the quick-release catches and whether they are strong enough to hold the weight of my 500mm lens.
So, what camera straps do you use with your long, heavy lenses?

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy68

Hi,
I do most of my wildlife photography with a Canon 40D and a Sigma 500mm f/4.5 lens. I often carry the camera over my shoulder using the Canon strap supplied with the camera. It's not very comfortable, so I'm looking for a better strap; preferably one with quick release, so I can get the strap out of the way when using a tripod, etc. I'm thinking of something like this - Lowepro Speedster Camera Strap For Digital SLR: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo - but (like the Amazon reviewer) not sure about the safety of the quick-release catches and whether they are strong enough to hold the weight of my 500mm lens.
So, what camera straps do you use with your long, heavy lenses?

Tried it - not comfortable

Try

Op/Tech Pro Loop Weight Reduction System Universal Strap

or better still

Tamrac N5057 BLACK Neoprene Boomerang Strap

which is the most comfortable for me when I have my pump fitted and the quick release is right at the end of the strap, unlike the Op/Tech.

The quick releases are definitely strong enough for my 100-400 and 30D. Not sure of the weight of the Bigma in comparison

Boddie · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 06:43 PM

These look alright as well, but have never tried personally

https://www.7vl.co.uk/product_info.p...FWlr4wodnUANqQ

Mike Jackson · #4 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 07:36 PM

I've got the Op tech and find it very comfortable.

Jim Ford · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

I've got the Op tech and find it very comfortable.

I've also got the Op tech - waste of money!

Jim

Tormentil · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 12:46 PM

I have an Optech Pro strap and it's the most comfortable strap I've ever used. It is a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it in my opinion.

Jeremy68 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 01:50 PM

Hi,
Thanks for your replies.
For those that are using the Optech strap, what lens are you using it with? My Sigma lens with camera weighs something like 10lbs (4 1/2kg), so pretty heavy! I would like a quick release strap, but need to be sure the quick-release is not going to collapse under the strain and leave me with an expensive repair!
Boddie, will check out the Tamron strap.
Jim. why do you say the Optech is a waste of money?
Cheers,
J.

Boddie · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 01:58 PM

I still use my Optech but the Tamron is more comfy with a big lens and I think it's stronger. It has never let me down in nearly 4 years

Jeremy68 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 02:13 PM

Thanks, Boddie/Andrew.
Do you find the pouches for memory cards get in the way at all? It doesn't look as if it's possible to remove them?

Boddie · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 02:29 PM

You could cut them off but I actually like them for spare cards. I keep my old ones in just in case but certainly I don't find they get in the way or impede me in the slightest