Photo by Haupes Co. on Unsplash
Camera straps are often an unfortunate necessity. Some people absolutely despise them, and some people can’t live without them. But the fact is that if you want your camera to be safe and secure, and you don’t want to accidentally drop your precious camera on the sidewalk where it could smash and break, getting the best camera strap is paramount!
The best camera straps are not going to make you a better photographer. However, they will give you peace of mind because your camera will be secure, you won’t have to worry about somebody grabbing it and running off in a foreign city, and best of all, with a great camera strap your camera becomes impossible to lose.
Camera straps don’t even need to be boring! We have put together a list of the best camera straps money can buy, with lots of styles, features, and usability. Just because you have your camera hanging around your neck doesn’t mean you need to have a boring old strap! Let’s take a look at all the best camera straps available right now!
1. Peak Design Black Slide Camera Strap
The Peak Design Black Slide Camera Strap is a heavy-duty strap built for strength. It’s comfortable enough to walk around with, the strap feels cozy on your shoulders, and it will make all your heavy equipment a little bit lighter. This one might be a little on the expensive side, but that’s because it’s built with serious quality in mind. The strap works with any tripod or L-bracket, it comes with a smooth side and a grippy side to suit your preference, and you can quickly adjust the two durable aluminum handles.
At the end of the day, this is an extremely comfortable camera strap that you can use in three different positions – sling strap, neck strap, shoulder strap – and that you can use with any camera in your inventory.
Pros
- Simplistic Design
- Quick-Pull Adjusters
- Internal Padding for Comfort
- Holds 200 Pounds
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Strap is Long
- Camera Moves a Lot
2. Xikui Pro Camera Strap
When you want something cheap, you kind of know what you’re in store for. With the Xikui Pro Camera Strap, you’re really getting what you pay for. If you just have a small camera and you don’t want to spend a ton of money on an expensive strap, this is probably going to be your best option. It’s less than $15, making it easily the cheapest camera strap on the market. It’s definitely not the highest quality, but it’s certainly worth a mention for those who want cheap-cheap-cheap!
The camera strap is made from a nylon seatbelt material, which can be comfortable for a while but might eventually start to irritate your shoulders. It has an adjustable elastic belt for comfort, it works with just about any camera, and the strap is small enough that you can unhook it and easily fit it inside your pocket or in your bag.
Pros
- Cheap
- Flexible Leash
- Made of Nylon
- Adjustable Elastic Belt
- Works w/ Most Cameras
Cons
- Better for Smaller Cameras
- Not the Highest Quality
3. USA GEAR TrueSHOT Camera Strap
For what it’s worth, the USA GEAR Camera Strap is fantastic for the price. At under $20, you really can’t go wrong. Plus, this strap comes in over 15 different color patterns to suit anyone’s personal style, which is probably why it has over 2,500 positive reviews online! The strap is made from a comfortable stretch neoprene, it comes with dual quick-release buckles, it has protective pockets for your memory cards and batteries, and its non-slip surface design will hold securely around your neck.
This may not be top quality, but the strap offers a comfortable and stylish way to keep your camera within reach. And like we said, it’s actually quite a good deal for its price.
Pros
- Comfortable Neoprene Material
- Wildly Affordable
- Groovy Colors w/ Lots of Options
- Memory Card Storage Pockets
- Backed By 3-Year Warranty
Cons
- Strap is Flimsy
- Pockets Can Be Unreliable
4. USA GEAR Camera Sling Shoulder Strap
If you’re looking for something a little more robust, the USA Gear Camera Sling Shoulder Strap is a solid option. This strap is also super affordable at under $20, and it offers great comfort and reliability for serious photographers. Even weight distribution lets you move naturally without any strain on your neck or shoulders, while the padded stretch neoprene gives you great protection no matter which way you wear the strap. It does come in four unique patterns, including floral and polka dot. And like any good strap, it comes with convenient memory card access pockets so that you can store your SD cards, your batteries, and even your cleaning cloths.
The shoulder strap comes with underarm holster support, a quick-release guiding buckle, and it offers a wider range of motion since you can attach the sling across your chest or mix and match your preferred style of carrying.
Pros
- Super Comfortable w/ Padding
- Even Weight Distribution
- Memory Card Accessory Pockets
- Metal Screw-In Plate
- Safety Tether Strap
Cons
- Strap Sometimes Twists
- Underarm Strap Sometimes Too Short
5. C Coiro Dual Shoulder Leather Harness 
If you’re looking for a quality harness, this is it. The dual shoulder leather harness from C Coiro is built to last. These straps are crafted from the highest quality leather, the entire system is comfortable enough to wear all day, and it’s designed to fit with any pair of cameras. Even the metal d-rings are durable and high quality. Everything in the design is meant to keep your equipment safe, within reach, and close to your body so that your cameras aren’t always bouncing around.
But maybe the best part is that it’s stylish! You really feel like Indiana Jones with this fantastic leather harness strapped on. It comes in brown, light brown, or black, and there are even two safety straps included to keep your cameras safe at all times. This is a professional setup designed for professional photographers, and you can bet it’s going to last you for years even if you do a lot of traveling, hiking, and outside photography.
Pros
- High-Quality Leather Straps
- Two Safety Straps
- Gorgeous Design
- Designed to Fit All Cameras
- Lasts for a Long Time
Cons
- More Expensive Than Other Straps
- No Color Options
6. OP TECH USA Dual Camera Harness
You really couldn’t ask for a better dual camera harness than this at such a low price point. It’s designed for comfort, usability, and function. It uses a special U-shaped neoprene neck pad that distributes the weight of your two cameras while at the same time absorbing the shock from your movements. This is one of the most comfortable ways that you can carry two cameras or your camera and a pair of binoculars. The 3/8” connectors keep your gear safely in the upright position at your sides at all times. This means your cameras are always going to be stable and secure, and right within reach. Plus, you can easily convert from a dual shoulder harness to a single shoulder sling system in just a few seconds.
Pros
- Fair Price
- Comfortable & Secure
- Neoprene Comfort Pad
- Easy Conversion
- Removable Chest Strap
Cons
- Some Significant Camera Swing
- Extra Strap Sometimes Annoying
7. USA GEAR Professional Camera Hand Strap
Last on the list is a fantastic hand strap from USA Gear. If you want something a little less invasive than a full shoulder strap or harness, you probably want to go with a hand strap. This is the best way to keep your camera stable and safe without having to wear an entire harness system. The strap is comfortable and keeps your camera protected, you will always feel secure while using it, and the durable neoprene construction makes it feel robust in your hands. It even comes with a metal plate that will connect to your tripod mount.
The quick-release buckle makes attachment easy, while the two-point connection works to attach to your strap or tripod mount for full portability. Plus, one size fits all. There have been some complaints that the strap is too short, but for under $15 it’s worth a try. It definitely works well with standard cameras. And besides, it comes in over six unique and colorful patterns to fit your personality.
Pros
- Comfortable Strap
- Keeps Camera Stable
- Durable Neoprene Construction
- Easy Connection & Quick Release
- Colorful Designs
Cons
- Can Be Tight w/ Bigger Hands
- Strap Often Too Short
Final Thoughts
There isn’t much that goes into choosing camera straps – it’s a far cry from choosing the best camera. It really comes down to your preferred style. You want something that can hold the weight of your camera without stressing your neck, and of course, you need something affordable. But perhaps the most important thing is that you love how the strap looks when it’s around your neck.
The good news is that there are countless types to choose from, so you won’t have any shortage of style options!
Asides from choosing a camera strap that you like the look of, there are actually some alternative options that you might prefer. For example, you could always get a side shoulder strap or a dual harness. The tricky thing about camera straps is that you can’t really try them on before you make the purchase if you’re ordering online, so you really need to be positive the strap will be the right fit.
If you do choose a dual harness strap, keep in mind they are going to be way more comfortable than a neck strap, but you’re going to look kind of like Indiana Jones without the hat.
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