Thoughts on hand straps?

[flanniganj]

Just curious about how everyone keeps a hold of their camera. Personally, I've found I love having the hand strap on my camera and just holding it. I like it better than a neck strap since it isn't as obstructive when taking a photo, and for my style of photos, it rarely requires me to have two hands free.

What is your preference? Hand strap? No strap? Neck Strap? Something else? Why?

[RLPhoto]

Black Rapid System. Never looked back since.

[neuroanatomist]

+1 on Blackrapid, and I also have E1 handstraps on both bodies.

[wickidwombat]

also a note on the non genuine copy canon hand straps they are very small the strap is too short and so will not be comfortable for anyone with normal to large hands. midgets and kids should be fine though
I'm talking about the really cheap ebay ones here, packaging all says canon and they look legit till you open them

[RunAndGun]

I have hand straps on all of my bodies.  It's what I'm used to being a TV photog for 15 or so years(it makes it feel more like my lens grip on my "real cameras") and it's more secure when holding the cam(I don't use neck straps because I'm not running around with multiple bodies for the most part).

BTW, I use a Kalt hand strap.  I found them on B&H several years ago when I bought my first 5DMKII.  I believe they're just under $20.

[mws]

also a note on the non genuine copy canon hand straps they are very small the strap is too short and so will not be comfortable for anyone with normal to large hands. midgets and kids should be fine though
I'm talking about the really cheap ebay ones here, packaging all says canon and they look legit till you open them

+1 I bought one on ebay, thinking how could I go wrong at $1.87 with free shipping. I could barley get it on the camera, and then I couldn't fit my hand through it. Ended up using a longer piece of nylon webbing I had laying around and making it work.

[bvukich]

Black Rapid RS-Sport & DR-1, also an E1 handstrap.

[RC]

Anyone have experience with both Black Rapid and Carry Speed?

I've been leaning towards Black Rapid RS7 w/FastenR-3, but then I discovered the Carry Speed CS-PRO w/ the new C-3 mounting plate.  I really like the mounting plate concept.  Then just earlier today I saw Neuro's posted mod which is impressive and I now I'm rethinking BR and a workable plate mod.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=7493.msg137424#msg137424

Questions

1.  I'm intrigued with Carry Speed's ball head connection.  But it looks like it could be somewhat restrictive and less relaxing than BR's connector.  Any experience on the ball head connection?

2.  BR definitely looks to have a more comfortable strap then CS's.  The RS7 curve looks the most comfortable.  Any comments on comfort between the two?

3.  Any issues with BR's connector rubbing on your camera?

4.  When do you use a sling style strap?  (wedding shoots?)

5.  When do you use a hand strap?  (walk-around with a top loader bag?  Otherwise isn't a sling strap and top loader combo redundant?)


Photo source:  http://www.carryspeed.com/products/cs-pro-camera-sling-system

[mws]

I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has tried Carry Speed. Looks like a interesting system, my only concern is that I would have a big metal thing sticking out when not using the strap.

[RC]

I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has tried Carry Speed. Looks like a interesting system, my only concern is that I would have a big metal thing sticking out when not using the strap.

Clink on the link in my post then check out the last image, there you see how to remove the ball-head stud. 

[dstppy]

+1 to OEM Canon handstrap . . . I have an Arca-Swiss plate for both my 5DmkII and 60D that accepts the strap, throw on the BlackRapid sniper shoulder strap for each and you've got IMO the most critical accessories ever.

Neruo clued me in to an "A-dapta" (Johnny Cash style) for a manfrotto ball head and it's a perfect circle of utility and ergonomics . . .

[Dylan777]

Black Rapid System. Never looked back since.

+1...bought one last month, LOVE IT. Now I can carry 5D III with 70-200 all day 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/661579-REG/Black_Rapid_RS7_1BB_RS_7_Camera_Strap.html

[Menace]

Black rapid RS7 - makes life a lot easier than Canon's original straps. Check out You Tube for many educational videos

[K3nt]

Black Rapid RS-7 here as well. For photographing time consuming events like dogshows etc there is no competition. The one grip I have is, I'd like to see something similar for other tripods as what 3leggedthing.com developed. A quick release/tripod mountplate for the black rapid.

I was also looking at the SunSniper, which is a bit more secure, but it was so hard to get a hold of one I stopped trying.

Actually, that's my second gripe with the RS-7. The quick release lock at THE BACK. I used cable ties to really lock it. Sometimes you move in shady areas and it is just too easy for a quick fingered thief to unlock it and swipe your camera. Not often but sometimes.

[scrappydog]

I have a Black Rapid RS-4 with a Kirk quick release clamp.  On each of my cameras, I have an inexpensive Opteka hand grip, which is useful as well.