The last time I used an Op-Tech strap was at WDW in May 1998 on my ol' Pronea 6i. But it was the basic one - and all it did was flop around on my neck and bounce up and down through the parks. So out went that one. But I decided to give Op-Tech another try with their Pro Camera Strap - it comes in many colors, and has the original version with the metal rings and the one I have - which has loops to connect to the camera. Both include quick release clips on the strap. The loop version is not as long as the regular one, but I find the length to be just right. They claim it reduces the "feel" of the weight of the camera by 50%. I would have to agree that their claim is pretty darn close. The original Canon straps would dig into my neck and I would feel it by midday. I took my 30D and 70-200/2.8 IS + 1.4TC on my neck at the San Diego Zoo for 8 hours last week. Up and down hills. And it wasn't uncomfortable. I actually enjoyed keeping my camera out on a regular basis because the strap actually worked. It only bounced occasionally, and no where near the extreme I had with the original basic model. So....if you are looking for a new strap - look at the Pro Op-Tech ones.
I'll be definitely checking this out. I have decided after carrying my camera around my neck for 5 days with the default Nikon strap that I need a new more comfortable strap
How is it for sweat buildup? I've got a strap that overall I'm happy with, it's made out of a neoprene like material.. I don't remember what brand it was, but it works fine. EXCEPT that in the summer it tends to act as a sweat trap.
Dan, it did absorb some sweat last week, but it wasn't too bad. It has some gripper dots on it so it didn't affect much.
I too really like my op-tech strap. I, however, cannot get over my fear of the quick release buckles. so I thought I would show you what I did. I cut off the buckles and replaced them with key rings. [This attachment has been purged. Older attachments are purged from time to time to conserve disk space. Please feel free to repost your image.]
always a good idea. i took it one step further and got two lanyards and after using the rings, put the metal clips on the rings to make a quick release. scratches the body a little, but works great.
Is this the Op-Tech strap you are talking about: ; http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007 ... GXD8QJ2KWE I am looking for a strap for my fiancee, who wants a comfortable strap. ; She will be carrying a D40 and 18-200 most of the time, but even that is large for her, so anything that can (supposedly) make the camera feel lighter will be a plus for her. ; Any suggestions besides the Op-Tech (I also saw the Kata)?
I am a huge fan of the Kata, which I've had for about 7 months now. ; Super comfy, very durable, great heavy-duty quick-release clips (ones that I have no fear of letting go even with an 8+Lb rig hanging around my neck with my 200-500mm lens)...and great adjustability for length, from chest to knees if you wanted.
I used my free SmugMug strap on my recent trip and liked it a lot (compared to the supplied Canon one). ; One thing I did not like was the way the strap would get twisted up. ; Still looking for a good strap that can easily convert to a wrist strap since I tend to just carry my camera in one hand most of the time.
The nice thing about many upgraded straps, including the Kata, are that they have swivel-head mounts at the quick-release latches...so the strap can always be straight no matter how much you twist things up. As for the wrist thing - I actually carry my camera that way too, about 60% of the time or more...I just have one hand holding the grip, with the camera hanging facing down...I double-wrap the Kata strap around my wrist with a figure-8, and it's uber-secure if I happened to lose grip on the camera. ; I've pretty much done that with all of my camera straps, no matter how thin or thick. ; I suppose I could get a wrist attachment to replace the neck attachment on the Kata, since it does have good quick release tabs - but the figure-8 wrist wrap has worked for years, so why stop now!? ;
I have been an Op-tech fan for years but have just gotten the Black Rapid RS-4 and I am extremely impressed! ; Very very comfortable and great on yous shoulder and back when carrying for the day!
I too am now a devoted Kata strap user & recommend it highly. I have recently carried my camera w/ the 70-200 around all day while shooting a swim meet & never really felt as though my neck was hurting from the weight. I actually ended up with two of these straps by accident, so I put one of them on my Camcorder. I also like the ability to unbuckle the camera from the strap & buckle it to the D-rings on my bag if need be.
The other options were a bit too fancy for her (as a casual user) and pricey, so we opted for this one: ; http://www.amazon.com/Op-Tech-E-Z-Comfo ... 683&sr=8-8 At $8.50 shipped, the price was right and if she doesn't like it, it's not a huge loss.
I like Op/Tech E-Z Comfort. ; I have used it at WDW(5 days) and DLR(3 days). ; Very comfortable, my neck wasn't sore and either was my back. ; I was carrying D90 with 18-200 mm, pretty much what she will be carrying. ; I hope she likes it and you have a wonderful trip.
