Are you wanting to buy a camera strap but unsure which one to choose?
Stop the search. I have what you’re looking for.
In this article, we’ll go over the best camera straps available in the market.
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Let’s dive in.
Best Camera Strap: Peak Design Slide
The Peak Design is one of the most versatile camera straps. You can easily use it over your shoulder, neck, wrist, and hand.
Dual Adjustment
It has a dual adjuster that allows you to adjust the length of the easily and quickly, unlike other camera straps, which can be hard to adjust. The handle system allows you to flip up and pull to adjust the length of your strap with ease. In a matter of seconds, you can adjust the length of it to be at your hip or closer to your chest.
Shoulder Grip
The shoulder grip on the Peak Design slide is also a great feature that I genuinely enjoy. One side of the camera strap has rubber stripes to give it a gripped side. This will prevent your camera from moving as you walk around or bend over. Make sure you use the grip side when you are not using your camera.
When you are ready to use your camera, just flip the strap over, and you have a smooth side. This will let you pick up your camera and slide the strap to get in shooting position. When you are holding your camera, keep your strap on the smooth side so you can easily stay in shooting position and make any adjustments that you need.
The one great thing is that the rubber grip on the Slide is subtle, keeping the design of the Slide sleek and professional. I will say that grips are thin, and I have had some struggles on smoother winter jackets. After some repositioning and adjustment, it did work just fine.
I will say that I do forget to switch the strap back to the side I need, which can be a bit annoying, but once you develop the muscle memory, it works like a charm. The most important thing is to always flip the strap to the side with grip when your done shooting.
Anchor System
One of the best features with all Peak Design camera straps is their anchor system that allows you to detach and attach your camera to the strap. They are easy to attach but require adequate force to push down and remove. This eliminates any chance of it unclipping accidentally.
It also comes with plenty of anchor straps, and they are very affordable to purchase if you need extra. One of the great features of the anchor straps is that they begin to change color when you need to replace them.
My favorite thing about the anchor system is that you can attach them to so many points, unlike other traditional camera straps. For example, if you are a Peak Design tripod plate, then you can also easily attach them there. Also, since the anchor straps are so affordable, you can leave them attached where you need them and easily clip them on when you want to connect your camera.
I typically leave them attached to my tripod plate as well as the standard strap hooks on my camera so that I can connect my camera to different points very quickly. The anchor straps are not very long, so they don’t dangle very much, but if you prefer not to keep them attached, you can always attach them when you need them. I recommend keeping at least four extra anchor straps in your bag in the event of an emergency or to add anchor points where you need them.
Style and Colors
Overall I like the style and colors offered by the Peak Design Slide. The first is a black strap with a red finish, and the second is a grey strap with a leather brown finish. Overall the Slide has a sleek and professional appearance.
The Peak Design is not plastered all over the strap, so you feel like a walking advertisement. Also, as I mentioned before, the shoulder grip is very subtle and doesn’t draw unwanted attention. The grip actually looks like a stylistic feature giving it a nice modern look.
Overall, I prefer the look and design of the Slide over many of the other camera straps on this list. Many of the other camera straps either look very bulky and industrial, while others may be stylish but not as functional or efficient as the slide. With the slide, you get the best of both worlds: fashionable and functional.
Slide Lite
The Slide Lite is the smaller, more compact version of the Slide. Other than the thickness of the strap, everything else looks and functions the same. The Slide is made for smaller set-ups, mirrorless cameras, or smaller DSLRs while the Slide is made for larger steups, larger DSLRs, and telephoto lenses.
Capture Clip and Plate
One of the best things about Peak Design products is how you can use them together. The perfect fit for the Slide and carrying your camera is the Capture Clip and plate.
The Capture Clip is a device that attaches to your belt, backpack strap, or any strap. It allows you to lock and unlock your camera quickly. It comes with a plate that screws into the tripod mount of a camera and the plate slides and locks onto the Capture Clip.
Depending on how you are using the Slide will determine the best place to put your Capture Clip. When using it as a sling over the shoulder, I like to attach it to my belt. This way, once I am done shooting, I clip it on to my Capture Clip, and my camera is secured in place and won’t move as I walk around.
This combo is great for hikers, landscape, and travel photographers who have to travel and get around objects quite a bit. The combo of the Slide and Capture Clip offers ultimate security and efficiency when shooting while you are traveling.
Design Quality
The Capture clip version 3 is entirely metal (aluminum) build while previous versions had some nylon pieces. The newer and older versions of the capture clip both have a great build, and while using it, I had no doubts it could hold my camera.
The design itself works very well. It is easy to attach the capture clip to straps of different thicknesses with adjustable tightening screws on either side of the plate.
It has a unlock button that you have to press to remove your camera. The button is very solid and hard to press by accident, so there is little worry your camera will fall out on accident. It also features a tightening knob that allows you to secure your camera in place without any movement once it’s clipped on.
Plate
It comes with a plate that attaches to the mount on your camera and can easily be used with quick-release systems by simply sliding it in and tightening it in place.
Peak Design also offers a Manfrotto dual plate that works excellent with Manfrotto tripod heads. The dual plate also offers more support for bigger cameras.
The Capture Clip works extremely well and allows you to transition from shooting to securing your camera in place easily.
Weight Distribution
Although the Capture clip is extremely efficient, it does not distribute weight very well. If you have a heavier camera or plan on having it attached to the capture clip for long periods, it can get uncomfortable.
One of the easiest ways to adjust the distribution of weight is by pairing it with the Slide camera strap. By having it attached to your camera strap and the Capture Clip, you will distribute the weight more evenly.
When you are using it on your belt, using the Slide over your shoulder will prevent your camera from putting unwanted weight on your hip. Or, if you have it clipped to your backpack strap using the slide over your neck will help distribute the weight more evenly.
On the other hand, if you plan on using the capture clip for shorter periods of time or to free your hands up, then it is a great option.
Runner Up Best Overall Camera Straps: Black Rapid
Black Rapid is a company that offers several innovative ways to carry your camera as you shoot.
I will be reviewing two of the options that I think work best.
Cross Shot Breathe
The Cross Shot Breath is a more compact and lightweight option from Black Rapid. This camera strap slings over one shoulder while the camera sits on the opposite hip.
The shoulder area comes with a rubber shoulder grip that keeps it in place when you lift your camera. The grip is double-sided, making the strap ambidextrous. When lifting your camera, it moves smoothly across the strap, the shoulder grip stays in place and doesn’t pull at your shirt. This solves the issue that most camera straps have.
It includes buckles to adjust the length easily. Most camera straps are difficult and time-consuming to adjust, with this camera strap you don’t have to worry about that. The buckle locks in place nicely, so there is very little concern that it will come undone.
One of my favorite features is Black Rapids’ signature strap lock, which allows you to keep your camera in place. Most straps don’t include this feature, so your camera tends to swing around if you turn or trying to climb over something.
This is not the case with Black rapid; the lock keeps your camera fixed to a position, so you don’t have to worry about it hitting other objects.
The camera strap attaches to your camera using a screw on your camera’s mount. I really like this because I don’t have to worry about positioning my hands and getting tangled with the camera strap.
If you plan on using a tripod, it is quite easy to remove the ring attachment and attach your camera to a tripod. This can be a bit time-consuming, so there are a few things you can do to make this process smoother.
If you are using a tripod plate, you can swap the screw at the bottom of your plate with the Black Rapid Weight Bearing Screw. Black Rapid also offers tripod plates that are compatible with Arco Swiss tripod heads. These options allow you to quickly unclip your camera from the strap and attach it to your tripod with ease. This is perfect for travel or landscape photographers who walk or hike a lot before reaching their destination.
Curve Breathe
The other option that Black Rapid offers is the Curve Breath. This option bulkier that the Cross Shot. It has full mesh should pad with a buckle that locks in under your arm.
Although it is bulkier, the mesh padded shoulder strap is lightweight and breathable. Overall the shoulder strap is very comfortable and has sufficient padding to protect your shoulder.
The Curve Breath is excellent if you are carrying a heavier camera or a telephoto lens. The larger shoulder strap distributes weight more evenly and has a mesh padding to eliminate the pressure from your shoulders.
Similar to the cross-shot, it includes the signature Black rapid locking feature. It also has a strap that buckles under your arm. This secures the strap in place and will prevent it from sliding or moving in any direction.
I love this feature, especially when I am hiking and need to climb over things, my strap and camera always stay in place.
Best Double Harness: Black Rapid Double Breathe 
If you are looking for a harness that you can use to hold two cameras at once, then the Black Rapid Double Breath is the best option.
The Black Rapid Double breath has two mesh padded shoulder straps that connect at the chest with a plastic buckle and at your back with a velcro strap. The mesh design makes it extremely breathable and lightweight.
The cameras will hang down at your side, so the camera on the right shoulder will be at your right hip and vice verso. It does not sling across your body to your opposite hip.
Signature Locking System
It does include the Blackrapid signature locking system, which makes it very easy to keep both cameras in one position. The strap includes a lock on each side of the strap. All you need to do is slide the locks to your ideal position and your camera will stay locked in between where your two locks are positioned.
This is very important because you don’t want your expensive gear slamming into each other and breaking. This is one of my favorite features of Black Rapid camera straps and one area where Black Rapid is above any other camera strap on this list. The interlocking system makes this strap and other Black Rapid Camer Straps perfect for landscape and travel photographers who have to move around a lot while they are shooting.
Double or Single Harness
Another added benefit is that you can take it apart and use it with a single camera. All you need to do is unbuckle the front and release the strap in the back. When in a single-mode, it works best across the body.
Unfortunately, putting it back together to use it for two cameras is a bit difficult if you are trying to do it on location with cameras attached, but it is possible. The negative aspect of black-rapid products is that most of the buckles and clamps are plastic. For the price, I would prefer them to be metal and for added security.
Attachment Options
There are several different methods you can attach to your camera. The standard option that is included is a screw that mounts to the bottom of your camera.
If you are using a tripod plate, you can swap the screw at the bottom of your plate with the Black Rapid Weight Bearing Screw. Black Rapid also offers tripod plates that are compatible with Arco Swiss tripod heads.
These options allow you to quickly unclip your camera from the strap and attach it to your tripod with ease. This is perfect for travel or landscape photographers who walk or hike a lot before reaching their destination.
Best Leather Camera Strap: RL Handcrafts Andino Pro DLX
If you are looking for a classic leather camera strap, I recommend the Andino Pro DLX. This leather strap is made by RL Handcrafts, and they are known for their high-quality leather products and have several lines of different leather camera straps.
Since I prefer over the shoulder camera strap, my favorite is the Andion Pro DLX. This is one of my favorite leather straps because unlike most leather straps, it slides along your strap with a hook rather than being directly connected. This keeps your camera strap in place and makes it much easier to move your camera.
Most leather straps are connected directly to the camera, meaning that when you lift your camera to shoot the entire strap will lift as well. This can make the camera strap bulky and very uncomfortable to wear.
Another reason I like this leather strap is the smoothness and quality of the leather. I found that other leather straps were too sharp or stiff to use and took to long to break in. This one is flexible and easy to use as soon as you buy it.
One of my favorite features since I typically use camera straps for long periods is the neoprene padding on the shoulder of the camera. Most leather straps don’t include any type of padding. As a result, after holding it for a long time, it can begin to hurt.
Andino Lite
If you are looking for a smaller, more compact option, they also offer the Andino Lite. The quality and functionality are the same as the Andino Pro DLX except that its much thinner and does not have the padding around the shoulder. I would use this for smaller camera setups or if you only need to carry your camera for short periods.
Most Fashionable Camera Strap: Capturing Couture
If you are not looking for an extraordinarily functional or efficient camera strap but more focused on the fashion statement, then Capturing Couture offers the best selection, they have around 100 different styles to choose from.
The camera straps come in a variety of materials, including velvet, cotton, and leather. The backs of the camera straps are reinforced with nylon for durability and flexibility. In addition, there is a small layer of neoprene for comfort.
They come in lengths of one, one and a half, and two feet to accommodate those who want different sized straps. They are also adjustable and allow you to adjust the length to use it around your neck, over your shoulder, or across your body.
The design and quality of the strap are great. It is made with custom metal rivets to secure the strap along with metal claps at the end to secure the end of the camera strap to your camera. The end of the camera strap that attaches to your camera is quite basic. It uses the traditional slipknot method to connect to the camera.
Personally, the attachment straps at the end could be of higher quality, but these are quite easy to replace if you prefer to get something more durable. Overall the camera strap is versatile, durable, and very fashionable. Plus, with over 100 different styles, you are bound to find one that you like.
Best Camera Strap Under $20: Tarion Vintage Camera Strap
I recommend against buying a budget camera strap to carry your expensive camera gear. Most cheap camera straps have plastic buckles and are made of low-quality materials. Quality camera straps will last a lifetime so its best to invest in one from the start rather than having to spend more money later to replace a cheap one.
When buying a camera strap on a budget, I recommend avoiding any plastic buckles and get a camera strap that is one piece. The best option I found is the Vintage Tarion Camera Strap. It is made of a nylon cotton blend giving it a decent blend of comfort and durability and does not have any buckles or plastic connectors.
The only plastic on the camera strap is the holders that keep the attachment in place. Although these are plastic, there are two and they remain quite secure with the overlapping system that is in place. Other than that the camera strap is very basic and will cost you under $10.
The camera strap is quite versatile and you wear it around your neck, across your body, or over your shoulder. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the size other than where it attaches to the camera which is limiting.
It is a very basic and good looking camera strap and there is not a lot to complain about. It comes in two colorways grey and brown, both colors look simple yet elegant.
Overall, this is a solid, good-looking strap that I would recommend for smaller cameras or use for shorter periods. I would not recommend using this as a long term strap for heavier camera set-up or if your a landscape or travel photographer.
I recommend against buying a budget camera strap to carry your expensive camera gear. Most cheap camera straps have plastic buckles and are made of low-quality materials. Often, times you will have to replace a cheap camera strap for something of higher quality while quality camera straps will last you a life-time.
If you are looking for a cheap camera strap, I recommend you buy one without any plastic straps and that is one unified piece. The best option I found is the Vintage Tarion Camera Strap. It is made of a nylon cotton blend giving it a decent blend of comfort and durability and does not have any buckles or plastic connectors.
The only plastic on the camera strap is the holders that keep the attachment in place. Although these are plastic, there are two and they remain quite secure with the overlapping system that is in place. Other than that the camera strap is very basic and will cost you under $10.
The camera strap is quite versatile and you wear it around your neck, across your body, or over your shoulder. Unfortunately, you can’t adjust the size other than where it attaches to the camera which is limiting.
It is a very basic and good looking camera strap and there is not a lot to complain about. It comes in two colorways grey and brown, both colors look simple yet elegant.
Overall this strap is decent, and If you really needed to, I would use it for short periods and on lighter camera set-ups. I would not recommend using this as a long term strap for hiking or traveling but rather a quick strap to use on occasion.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality and reliable camera strap is important to keep your gear safe. In this article, I covered the best camera straps for different situations depending on your preferences. If you are looking for a great all-around camera strap the Peak Design Slide will deliver every time. I recommend this camera strap to beginners as well as professionals. Not only is it easy to use but it looks great and is very functional.
