Camera Straps for Every Carrying Style
The strap is the accessory you use every single day you’re out taking photos. It determines whether your camera hangs comfortably or digs into the back of your neck. Here you’ll find shoulder straps, slings, dual straps for two cameras, and holster systems from Peak Design, Spider Holster, Bronkey, and Holdfast, as well as leather straps and the matching mounts.
Which camera strap is right for you?
It’s less about the brand and more about how you carry it. Three designs cover almost every need.
Neck, shoulder, or hip
A classic neck strap is quick to put on and inexpensive, but it distributes the weight to the most sensitive area. It’s perfectly fine for lightweight cameras, but becomes uncomfortable after a few hours with a full-frame camera and a fast zoom lens.
A sling or shoulder strap runs diagonally across the shoulder; the camera hangs at the hip and is slid upward when taking photos. The weight rests on the shoulder instead of the neck, and the camera doesn’t swing in front of your chest while walking. For most people, this is the best compromise between comfort and speed.
A holster attaches the camera to the waist belt; it’s removed with a single upward motion. This provides the greatest relief and is the standard solution when carrying two cameras at the same time. The trade-off is that the camera protrudes to the side and can get in the way in tight spaces.
Two cameras at the same time
If you’re working with two camera bodies—say, a wide-angle and a telephoto lens at a wedding—you won’t get very far with two separate straps; they’ll inevitably get tangled. Double straps secure both cameras to your hips via a harness, distributing the weight across both shoulders. The alternative is two holsters on your belt, which takes the weight completely off your upper body.
Mounting and Materials
Pay attention to how the strap attaches to the camera. Peak Design uses Anchor Links—small loops that stay attached to the camera’s eyelets and allow you to switch straps in seconds. Spider Holster uses a plate that attaches to the tripod thread, which is often also Arca-Swiss compatible and thus fits directly onto the tripod head. Before buying, check whether your camera has two triangular eyelets or just side slots—this determines which straps will actually fit.
When it comes to material, it’s a matter of personal preference: leather softens over time and develops character, while fabric straps are lighter, easy to care for, and dry quickly. The width becomes important when the load gets heavy. For weights under two kilograms, a narrow strap is sufficient; for anything heavier, a padded, wider strap makes a noticeable difference right away.
























