How strong is the tripod mount on the bottom of a DSLR?

Question

I'm looking at getting a sling-style strap for my camera (Canon 60D) but the one thing I keep wondering is if the tripod mount is strong enough to "hang" the camera from. I've seen some discussions of this, but no clear answer.

Are the any known issues with hanging a camera from the tripod mount? Would hanging it from one of the side lugs be stronger/safer?

Asked by Ward

Answer

The mount on the bottom of the camera is plenty strong. I carry a 5D and 1Ds Mk III around with my Black Rapid all the time and have had no problem. Just make sure you have the screw snugged down and check it periodically.

I really can't recommend these sling straps enough. I have a Black Rapid, so I haven't tried any others, but it's really made it a lot easier on my neck and back to carry heavy cameras and long lenses around.

Answered by Steve Ross

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What underwater strap keeps my equipment safe and usable?

Question

I have heard of a few options, such as a "float strap"(example), the rubber strap that comes with 35mm disposable cameras(example), and a wrist mount(example).

I have heard of these, but have no experience with any of them. I will be snorkeling not scuba diving, and want two things: not to lose my equipment, and to be able to take pictures of fish. What will best help me accomplish this? If it matters the camera will be a GoPro 960 and shooting in burst or time-lapse mode.

Asked by dpollitt

Answer

We have a Sony P&S that can be used underwater and what we're currently doing (as in today) in Hawaii is using a hair elastic around the wrist strap to tighten it against the wrist. It works great and this is while snorkelling in the Pacific.

In other words, I don't think you need to spend money on a solution here...

Answered by John Cavan

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What can I use to attach a strap to the tripod socket on my camera?

Question

Just bought a new strap which I'm very happy with then saw the fancy-schmancy slings that attach to the tripod-screw mount under the camera.

Is there a threaded bolt with a loop or two to allow me to attach one or both ends of my new strap to the tripod bolt? Something like this but perhaps cheaper and available in the UK?

I have a Nikon D5000.

Asked by 5arx

Answer

Almost a year on, I found the Opteka NS-7 on Amazon UK. I will post my findings once it arrives ...

Answered by 5arx

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Are camera sling straps comfortable to wear when you also carry a backpack?

Question

I'm interested in buying a sling strap, probably OP/TECH's Pro Loop. While looking at marketing videos for this and other brands I noticed that in all cases they show the photographer carrying only the camera.

I was wondering if the effectiveness and comfort of using this strap is impacted if you need to carry a backpack as well.

I would imagine in this case you would want to wear the sling strap over the backpack?

Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by "sling strap". I'll assume that's the same as is also called a "neck strap". Basically it's a loop of flexible material attached to your camera that you can carry it by, and large enough to loop around your neck or over your shoulder.

I like taking nature pictures and often hike for miles with a backpack and a camera. If I'm just trying to get somewhere and am not expecting to take pictures, I'll put the camera inside the backpack. But when I'm bumping around more slowly I'll carry the camera by the strap.

Hanging it just around my neck doesn't work while hiking, at least not for me. It bounces around and sways back and forth too much. I usually put it around my neck and over my left shoulder. It's still pretty quick to grab, but it's not bouncing around and in the way as much, and it also a more comfortable way to carry weight. You don't want to hang a few pounds around your neck for hours on end.

Yes, you want to put on the backpack first. If you didn't, the strap for the camera would get stuck underneath it. That would make it hard to grab and bring to up to your eye, and you'd have to take the pack off to take the camera off. If I just want to take the pack off quickly, I'll grab the camera and slide my arm out of the loop so that it's only around my neck just like I was going to take a picture. At that point the pack can come off with the camera still around the neck. Then slide the arm back thru the loop when you're done.

By the way, comfort when carrying a camera like that is about shape, not weight. I used a Nikon F3T for nearly 30 years. When I finally retired that in favor of a D3S, I was worried that it would be harder to carry since it is significantly heavier. It turns out it's the other way around. The large D3S lies flat against my body, making it comfortable. The smaller and lighter F3 would tilt partially down with most lenses attached, so the bottom edge of the camera would dig into my side a bit. I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable the D3S is to carry.

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Is there a comfortable, secure, light, and cheap sling shoulder strap system?

Question

I'm looking to carry my Canon DSLR on my shoulder.

I have a Canon T1i with 15-85mm lens that I walked around with all the time.

Here is what I need:

• A comfortable strap that is long enough to carry on shoulder
• It holds the camera security and in place (maybe behind my back or by the side, lens pointing downward)
• It is easy to sling around and ready to shoot in seconds
• It is fairly light and I can carry my camera on my shoulder for hours
• It is fairly cheap (something in the $20 range)

I read about Sun snipper the RS system. They're pretty expensive. I am wondering if there is a cheaper alternative that is good.

Answer

There are several DIY solutions been posted online, here's a few I found:

• Sling Your Camera With A DIY C-Loop For Under $5
• Camera Sling / Luma Loop Re:Make
• Shoot Quickly With A DIY Glide Strap

Besides the well known sling solution C-Loop, BlackRapid and SunSniper, there's also a Quick Strap that is known for its low end pricing. You can easily find Quick Straps on eBay for under US$20 and I have also seen them in local camera shops.

Personally, I own a BlackRapid RS-Sport and bought 1 for my colleague as gift. We mutually agreed, this is the best camera gear investment we've (or more precisely, I've) made. Not only it is comfortable and fast reaching, You know it is a professional gear and will not drop your camera upside down. Besides, unlike flash diffusers, you will only bound to have 1 strap and you will always be using it, so you might as well as invest into a trusty product that will hand on to your $1000+ camera and lens!

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