There's a few strap systems out there for cameras but I'm going to highlight and review the Joby Ultra Fit Sling Strap and why I'm personally using it now. The stock straps that come with our cameras are fixed length and designed for hanging on our necks. If you have a heavy camera and lens it can cause fatigue. Even if you hang it on one shoulder the camera is not ergonomically accessible.
This sling strap solves a few key problems while bringing features other straps don't have.
1. Reduced neck fatigue! Shoulder Mount style Soft-edged High-Performance Webbing for a Perfect Fit that contours your body. This fitment is snug and comfortable on your shoulder, it's not so wide that it becomes cumbersome yet it's slim and sleek enough to handle the weight of a Nikon DSLR with a battery grip (6AA's), a flash with diffuser and a long heavy lens mounted. This system is designed ergonomically for quick access.
2. A Pivot Ring for quick adjustment fit is the deal breaker for me as it gives the ability to adjust the length of the strap quickly with a single action. This allows me to carry and switch between cameras quickly and allowing you to temporarily store your camera by your side worry free. This is a good feature for traveling, hiking, street photography where you move around a lot taking pictures periodically.
3. A locking mechanism which keeps the camera tight to the body preventing it from swinging around. You can adjust the the strap to have the camera behind you or in front of you depending on the size of your camera and your preference. This keeps the camera safe and close by your side. Other straps have it dangling around, it may bang on your knees or on your hip.
4. The mounting hardware and seal is also crucial in my decision to go with this strap.
The mounting point has rubber cushioning for a snug seal to ensure it never gets loose. It has never come loose in my experience and has served my well during busy events where I'm constantly switching between the cameras I'm wearing.
Conclusion:
The packaging is sufficient and the branding is pleasant, it comes with a small instruction booklet. It takes seconds to mount it to the camera. Don't bother with the no name brand straps off of eBay, the construction and quality simply isn't there. The material may rip or fall apart. You wouldn't want to risk an expensive camera with a cheap strap. This however is not a cheaply made strap. Out of all the brand name sling straps, it has one of the lower retail price tags while the strap is made of quality material. They got the price point right! You won't be disappointed whether you're using this strap for a DSLR or compact camera system.
PROS:
-Comfortable.
-Carries good weight (professional DSLR cameras no problem).
-Good Value. (As low as $25)
-Locking Mechanism and quick adjust-ability.
-Solid Hardware and quality material.
CONS:
-Tripod mount becomes occupied, must remove strap before mounting on tripod. Although this isn't really a CON, some people may want to have the pod slot open for mounting or keeping a bracket on. It takes just seconds to remove the strap from the camera body though.
