Yet Another Cycling Forum

Random Musings => Gallery => Phototalk => Topic started by: Mrs Pingu on 23 January, 2021, 06:36:59 pm

Title: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 January, 2021, 06:36:59 pm
I'm thinking about getting one.
Anybody got any recommendations (or ones to avoid?)
I note you can pay £20-25 for something on Amazon or >3x that from a camera accessories brand...
Cheers  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Ham on 23 January, 2021, 09:38:03 pm
I'm thinking about getting one.
Anybody got any recommendations (or ones to avoid?)
I note you can pay £20-25 for something on Amazon or >3x that from a camera accessories brand...
Cheers  :thumbsup:

Why not get a normal one and keep telling it bad jokes?
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 23 January, 2021, 10:21:43 pm
 ::-)
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: hubner on 24 January, 2021, 02:12:46 pm
If you haven't already tried it, you can use a standard strap, like the ones that come with a camera, and wear across the the body, like a shoulder bag. Which is what I do.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 24 January, 2021, 02:46:03 pm
Thanks hubner, I have been doing that but find it gets stuck when I want to access the camera really quickly, such as when some exciting wildlife appears momentarily in a blink and you'll miss it sort of way.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: mzjo on 24 January, 2021, 04:00:03 pm
In ancient times when cycletourists used compact and half-frame cameras (that were a lot more compact than your dslr but probably no lighter) the technique used was to have the normal camera strap as a halter round the neck with the camera held close to the chest by a strap passing round the user's back. Given a suitable clip (like a dog leash clip for example) the camera could be released to be brought to the eye very quickly (and reattached equally quickly, useful for chasing after a fast moving group). Whether you would find the bulk of the dslr uncomfortable for this method I can't tell (I would be more worried about the damage costs in an accident or fall).
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: fuaran on 24 January, 2021, 04:10:34 pm
I like Couch Guitar Straps. They have some made from recycled seatbelts. So they are wide enough, quite comfy. And quick to slide up and down your shoulder to use the camera.
Not too expensive, but will add on a bit for postage and import fees.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 25 January, 2021, 05:24:18 pm
In ancient times when cycletourists used compact and half-frame cameras (that were a lot more compact than your dslr but probably no lighter) the technique used was to have the normal camera strap as a halter round the neck with the camera held close to the chest by a strap passing round the user's back. Given a suitable clip (like a dog leash clip for example) the camera could be released to be brought to the eye very quickly (and reattached equally quickly, useful for chasing after a fast moving group). Whether you would find the bulk of the dslr uncomfortable for this method I can't tell (I would be more worried about the damage costs in an accident or fall).

Thanks, but it's not for cycling, and I don't like the weight of the strap on the back of my neck, which is why I'm going cross-body. So Amazon should be bringing me one of these tomorrow.
https://customslr.com/products/glide-strap
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: fruitcake on 28 January, 2021, 01:51:26 pm
I've just searched for camera straps for cyclists and seen Black Rapid recommended on various forums.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=black+rapid+camera+strap+cyclist&iax=images&ia=images (https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=black+rapid+camera+strap+cyclist&iax=images&ia=images)

There are a few different formats, including a long strap worn over the shoulder, either with or without a stabiliser strap. Another type is a harness with clips at waist level for cameras. A camera on the hip seems sub-optimal for cycling. Some kind of chest rig might be better though.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 28 January, 2021, 08:26:00 pm
The Black Rapid curve breathe made it to the last two for consideration but ultimately I decided I preferred the design of the camera to sling attachment arrangement of the CustomSLR model.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: fruitcake on 25 March, 2021, 09:31:55 pm
In ancient times when cycletourists used compact and half-frame cameras (that were a lot more compact than your dslr but probably no lighter) the technique used was to have the normal camera strap as a halter round the neck with the camera held close to the chest by a strap passing round the user's back. Given a suitable clip (like a dog leash clip for example) the camera could be released to be brought to the eye very quickly (and reattached equally quickly, useful for chasing after a fast moving group). Whether you would find the bulk of the dslr uncomfortable for this method I can't tell (I would be more worried about the damage costs in an accident or fall).

This post got me thinking that I'd like a chest bag for carrying a compact camera while I'm cycling or walking. 'Chest rigs' are a thing, it seems. They take the form of a pouch a little larger than a bumbag with a neck strap and a chest strap for stability. They're fashionable among young men as a sort of man bag and so they're readily available. Ordered one and will be trying it out soon.
Title: Re: Cross body straps for DSLR
Post by: andrewc on 25 March, 2021, 09:53:20 pm
The "Rolls Royce" of outdoor camera carrying were the Camera Care Systems padded pouches, which could be worn on a hip belt or shoulder harness.  The company is sadly defunct, but 2nd hand stuff is still available on Ebay.   These days I just carry an X100 slung over my shoulder on a thin neoprene strap. 


When I carried an SLR & spare lenses they were fine in a bar bag over rough terrain (Iceland & India), but not the best for instant access.