Each camera comes with a beautiful strap, often with the brand’s name on it. While the strap works well, there are better solutions. Over the past decade, I have found a solution that fits my needs. Since I often get questions about it, I decided to write an article about it.
There are some issues with the standard camera strap that you get with the camera. Once fitted, it usually lays on the road and it’s not as comfortable. The latter is with every camera strap because you carry the weight around your neck. This is not a big deal when your camera weighs only a few hundred grams, but if it weighs more than a kilogram, it will cause you a lot of neck pain.
That’s when I tried Op-Tech Straps For a few reasons. First of all, the neoprene material is stretchable, which should reduce some of the shock that occurs when walking with the camera. But the neoprene part is also removable, eliminating the strap almost entirely. By connecting the rest, I was able to turn the strap into a wristband.
Op-Tech backpack connector
The system worked flawlessly for many years and eventually I used the neoprene part less and less. The wrist strap is enough for my needs. However, when hiking longer distances, I would like something to connect my camera to. That’s when I stumbled across Op-Tech’s accessory straps. This PV System Connector / Backpack allow me to connect the camera to the backpack.
The benefit of this system is weight distribution. Although I carry the camera similar to a normal neck strap, the weight is supported by the shoulder strap of the backpack. At the same time, it provides a bit of counterbalance. I find it an ideal solution, making it easy and convenient to carry a large DSLR, even with a long and heavy telephoto lens.
The only problem I had was how to bring my camera to the wedding. Obviously I don’t use backpacks for those occasions. But I don’t want to use two cameras with the complete Op-Tech neck strap. I did this once, and I told myself, never again. My go-to for bringing a camera to a wedding is the Spider Pro holster.
Spider Pro Leather Case
One thing I want in a wedding ceremony is speed. It should be easy to switch between cameras without the hassle of straps. After an intensive search, I decided Spider Pro Leather Case. It promises easy access to my camera, no matter what lens I use.
Switching cameras is easy. Leaving the camera on the table for a while is not a problem as the camera is not permanently connected to the system. I find it a great way to carry my camera, although the weight on the hips can get heavy after a 14-hour wedding. Luckily, there are always moments when I can put a camera aside.
Having a problem sometimes provides a problem. Op-Tech wristbands can sometimes get stuck. This made it difficult enough to remove the strap completely from a camera. By the way, I only have one camera without a strap, dedicated for use with the Spider Pro and with a strap connected for use with a backpack.
But I also found a solution for this. Thanks to the QD system that Really True Stuff provided for their L brackets.
QD system
The QD system is used by NASA, law enforcement agencies, and the military. It is a fast separation system, hence the letters QD, with low profile. There are no D-rings or other protruding components needed on the camera. At least, when you use an L bracket with a QD connection hole.
Really Right Stuff’s L brackets have the QD system incorporated. It is nothing more than a hole in the L-frame that fits the QD dial. So I decided to attach Op-Tech Strap to one Rotate the QD pushbutton, it’s kind of a do-it-yourself solution. This way, I can continue to use Op-Tech backpack connectorwhile removing each part of the strap from my camera.
This way, I was able to continue using the Op-Tech system I was already using without the issue of the strap dangling from the camera when switching to the Spider Pro holster.
Recently I decided to change Spider Pro Leather Case for a harness equal to The Leather Rebelsimilar to MoneyMaker by Holdfast Gear. The reason I decided to do this was the weight on my hips after a long day of wedding photography. The QD system is one of the reasons to try mining.
I ask The Leather Rebel if it is possible to change the usual D-ring and clip connections for a Rotate the QD pushbutton. This way I can connect my camera easily and remove it again without any problems. I’ve used it a few times now, and I love it. On the plus side, since there’s no D-ring that attaches to the tripod, I don’t need extra security straps. The QD system can rotate freely, so there is no risk of unscrewing the screw yourself.
A complete carry system for all my needs
By combining the connectors of the Op-Tech backpack system, the parts of the regular Op-Tech strap and the QD system, I found the perfect way to carry my camera without add or remove parts.
There is only one thing to pay attention to. I had a problem with the connector after it was placed in the sand on the beach. Grain of sand can cause the system to malfunction. A little oil is enough to get it working again, but it shows it must be serviced to keep it in good working order.
The QD system is finding its way into camera land, so I noticed. Eg, BlackRapid straps now available with QD . system instead of the conventional D-ring clamp. Other manufacturers have also started incorporating QD attachments in their lens and camera plates. This system is still not very well known in the Netherlands, but I expect it to become more and more popular in the coming years or so.
What bearing system do you use at the moment? How do you like it? Please let me know in the comments section below.
