These days there are lots of different ways to carry your camera and equipment, so like girls whom have "hand bags" and "shoes" for all different occasions, photographers have a huge range of bags, camera straps and belts to choose from to carry their gear.
For the past 12+ months I have been using the UpStrap Pro, Heavy Duty Quick Release Strap, with Nikon fit Kevlar ends to carry my Nikon D3s’s, lenses and tripods. Now for us Photographers that want to carry a camera or large lens the traditional way with a strap on one shoulder, you need look no further.
The strap has a very simple purpose, but a very important one. As can be seen in the photo above, the key part of the UpStrap is a thick and very pliable Polymer pad with little knobbles all over it. The pad is distribute weight over a larger surface area than a thin strap, with the most important thing being to grips onto fabric securely so that it stays put. In all the time I have used the UpStrap, it has never slipped off my shoulder, no matter what the material of my jacket, sweater or t-shirt was.
A small detail I really liked is that UpStrap “Retention Sliders” that keeps the attachment ends, Kevlar webbing neat and tidy are made in metal not the normal plastic.
There are several attachment ends offered, both for Nikon and Canon photographers, plus additional ends, such as Heavy Duty Loop, Heavy Duty Handle and Heavy Duty Bandolier. I use the Heavy Duty loops to carry a Gitzo tripod.
Not having your photographic gear stolen is always a real positive. I don't really like manufacturer’s straps, as they normally have their name in big letters all over them, which to me shouts out to any would be thief, come and steal me. The UpStrap only has their branding in small, 10-15mm or so high letters, which unless you know what UpStrap is, you could be carrying a shoulder bag. In fact you can, as UpStrap make a Shoulder bag version, which is the next strap on my list to purchase.
As the length of the strap is adjustable and very long, it’s the only camera strap that I have found you can wear across your body and for those medium built people your camera can hang down by your thigh.
Carrying Tip : instead of carrying your camera with the lens pointing out, twist the strap around, so the lens points into your body, now placing your arm through the UpStrap, the camera will naturally fall toward the small of your back and point down, evenly distributing the weight / strain of the lens on your camera’s lens plate, less chance of the lens plate deforming. This position will also give your camera and lens added protection as your camera is normally located in the small of your back so won't get knocked when people walk by or as you walk by people or posts in the street.
UpStrap have tested their "hold strength" of over 200 pounds, providing peace of mind with when using heavy gear.
I must give the UpStrap Pro 5 stars, its comfortable, durable and really made well in the USA and from my experience will never slip off your shoulder.
For more details and to purchase an UpStrap Pro, please visit their web site.
Upstrap Pro Camera Strap Competition.
UpStrap Pro have kindly offered as a prize to one lucky person an UpStrap Pro of their choice. To have a chance in winning an UpStrap Pro, just complete the form below.
Competition closes on Thursday 1st of December at 12 noon GMT, with winner being selected at random on Friday 2nd of December 2011.
Mark Stothard will NOT passed on your details to any third parties outside this competition. Upstrap will randomly select the winner and supply the prize directly. Competition ends at Noon GMT on Thursday 1st December 2011. No other prize or cash is offered. Winner agrees to have their details, Name published.
Disclaimer : Just so you know, I purchased my UpStrap. UpStrap has not paid for this review nor do I receive any commission for any UpStrap purchased.
