Your Camera Strap: Are You Using it Wrong?

www.steeletraining.com/ - Learn the right ways and wrong ways to attach and use your camera strap in this tutorial from photographer Phil Steele.
For more of my tutorials, visit:
www.steeletraining.com/
Products Shown in This Video
Stretchy Neoprene Straps:
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Sling Straps (similar to my older Black Rapid model):
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[@steeletraining]

Watch more of my free tutorials that are not on KZbin: www.steeletraining.com/

[@dantheironworker4925]

Mind blown. I cannot believe I have been living for years with those dangly strap bits. You are a genius.

[@skymedic48]

Seriously...every video of yours I watch, I learn something. Every. Single. Video. I wish more folks would produce videos like Phil does.

[@steeletraining]

Thanks for the kind words! Comments like that keep me inspired!

[@ELBlDu]

I couldnt agree more. No Nonsense to the point tips and tricks that actually work. Im glad I found him, many other have been deleted from my list, but this one stays for sure! Couldnt find a better teacher to help with the little stuff that drives us all nuts. Like little flaps on the strap that stick out. THANKS.

[@ELBlDu]

@Kevin Chen I can see that happening. Now I have to go find it. I think I have 3 tripods, NONE work right for my needs. Ugh.....Ok Im off to find the tripod video. Obviously I missed something along the way...lol

[@andyzyaire8268]

InstaBlaster...

[@martintorres378]

Oh no! Me too!😭😂

[@WayneLewis1973]

I've been a photographer for over 20 years and from all the videos I've watched from yourself I still learn something new! thank you for your clear instructions that are well presented

[@jp4431]

It's still in the box so I guess I'm using it wrong

[@HwL01]

i nvr used the one that comes with my cameras too…

[@parkermanns9143]

as soon as i saw this vid i was lookin for this comment

[@jameshoopes6467]

Here’s how nerdy I’ve become. I saw a video on camera straps and got excited. 🤓

[@phatcrayonz]

James Hoopes I am the same way.

[@PatfromJamul]

Yes, I agree with your comment and your attitude! I have been looking for a replacement camera strap that will be more comfortable to wear. That search brought me to this video. I enjoyed seeing all his tips for strap use. And his options for other straps are excellent appearing.

[@adibee88]

I was STOKED & and excitedly curious to learn ANOTHER possible Fötögrafē Gear Tip. If Nerdy = Using Every Tip & Trick for the Best Possible Fōtō Shot I am BOTH Nerdy & Resourceful! 😉 while on active duty in the WORLD'S FINEST FIGHTING FORCE! (The Marine Corps, of course WE always Trained, throughout Time, we've been Battle-axes red Tested & Proven! ⚡💪🏾)

[@mikaelnilsson5912]

When you think about it it makes sense, the strap is a big part of the shooting session. Makes me think of how excited I can be for a video on a lens, new glass is always fun but at the end of the day you have to carry extra weight around.

[@korteksvisceralzen2694]

How did I get here? Ugh

[@sholtowalker1151]

Two things to note about the slingstrap: first is I'd strongly recommend a small safety cord between the strap and one of the empty strap loops on the side of the camera body. These are widely available. I usually use a slingstrap, but absolutely never without one of these. Second thing to say is carrying your camera on your hip makes it very vulnerable to knocks, particularly with a long lens (lamp posts, walls, crowds etc.) I learned this to my great cost recently when my lens caught a lamp post and cracked the mount. Take great care when carrying it this way!

[@baljitphotography]

I knew there was a lot more to camera straps than I knew, and this is the first time it was explained to me! Thank you for such an educational video.

[@phatcrayonz]

Baljit Singh same

[@paulpeabody1437]

Not only is Phil a superb teacher, I immediately ordered a strap, yes , very camera nerdy. His accessible manner and articulate explanations have helped me learn something EVERY time I watched one of his videos. I am very annoyed I signed up for Annie Liebowitzs' "masterclass" which is an example of a great artist coming in completely unprepared and clueless on how to teach. I have learned more in one minute of any of Phils classes , than in hours of Annies. ces la vie.

[@levindeheer2056]

I just love to watch this guy. He is such an expert at Photography but he explains everything in a way everyone can understand is. He is such a good photografer but he is not trying to show that. Love it.

[@Invictus96vid]

You are absolutely correct. I'm an old guy, and have used the techniques (other than the side sling) you describe for decades. There are ways to use a wrapped strap to "stabilize" a camera at eye-height. This often provides a better POV. There are also ways to wrist-wrap the strap to enable secure one-hand carrying along with well-stabilized one or two-hand shooting with access to all camera controls.

[@sailinginps]

You are a natural born instructor - to the point, concise and comprehensive. I learn so much from you every time I turn to you. Thank you.

[@hafchicken5836]

I didn't think I would learn much from a camera strap video but I stand corrected. This guy is the man.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

I've just tidied up my camera strap while watching your video. Who would have guessed there was so much to learn about a camera strap? Thank you.

[@benjaminzarkhin1293]

Your method of hiding loose ends gave me a very even and clean look to my strap on my a6400. Thanks!

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Good video on a topic which most people don't consider. I like the way you route the strap end through the buckle. Not only a cleaner result, but it lends itself to being able to make length adjustments without too much difficulty.

[@giovannigomez7304]

I just received my first DSLR and watched this to ensure I had the strap on right. Not only did I get that assurance, but I learned a few things along the way too! Thank you for the video

[@melodychest9020]

That first tip on how to install the strap with the end totally recessed was brilliant. I did that on my camera and very happy! The sling strap is contestable as one should also consider the Spider Holster too as that has no straps and a clever holster to lock your camera on to your side without having any strap at all. No weight on shoulders or any strap to cut on your body.

[@grahvis]

I fully endorse the comments on the neoprene strap, they really do make a big difference and the ability to quickly remove them is really useful when using a tripod.

[@PBlaik]

The no dangly strap end tip is awesome!

[@13stanm]

As always great tips thanks. One other safety measure I use for the sling strap is an additional tether strap/lanyard with a good quality key carabiner at one end. This provides a secondary camera anchor point with the same functionality. Cheers

[@stevenmark5959]

Huge help, those little flaps hanging out were driving me crazy, thank you🙂

[@AudKnits]

I never expected to learn so much about such a simple thing as the camera strap. Thank you!

[@werebilbyj4449]

Man. I've been struggling with my Nikon D3200 strap coming undone for 11 years and decided to look this up today! Thankyou!

[@DKTD23]

Sandwiching the strap is absolutely ideal. Thank you!

[@NicolaiKorsmoe]

So extremely basic. Yet very useful. Thank you for remembering the basics.

[@RedDevilRaspberry]

Great tip about wetting the rubber washer on the sling strap! I never would have thought of that! I got one last year and almost lost my camera when it came unscrewed! Thanks so much for the advice. I learn so much from you. Forever grateful! ✌🏼

[@AlohaSteve808]

Tucking in the loose strap end is Genius! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Twobarpsi]

Wow! I will never look at my strap the same way again! I like the tip about using it as a tripod to adjust up or down on the table!👍

[@KarlRock]

Loved it. Thx

[@Roxxofoxxo]

I love your videos!

[@fredymendez855]

Wow 🤩 never thought you would be here haha

[@Rivenworld]

Got to say I was a bit sceptical about this when I clicked on it but what a brilliant video, didn't think I would learn anything from this as I have been taking photos for over 50 years but... never too old to learn. Thanks for sharing Phil.

[@19902010mikey]

Absolutely love your videos, when ever I'm not sure about anything to do with photography I'll find a video on your KZbin channel that helps. Everytime.

[@lynottfan4four826]

Superb...I can't believe anyone can make a video about camera straps and it's well worth watching. I've already changed the way my strap is connected, thank you. I learnt something new. Subbed.

[@EXTRAPLAYER3000]

Excellent demonstration and helpful information for new and seasoned photographers. I was surprised at how little I utilized my camera strap before this video. Thank you!

[@billcame6991]

Phil, I only just found your channel the other day. I have not seen all videos but the ones that I have seen are excellent. You go straight to the content and present it wonderfully. BTW, I have a sling strap from that vendor. I find it more comfortable than the traditional strap.

[@theHAL9000]

Did not expect to learn the finer points of using a camera strap. Very worthwhile. Great video!

[@filmselparaiso6263]

Ive Braded 6 of my different camera straps together to make a MEGA strap, Ive found it very satisfying...

[@kenjoe]

Your demo of how to 'hide' the loose end of the strap is absolutely invaluable. Few things were as irritating until you showed me how to hide it. Thank you :)

[@steeletraining]

Thanks! I can't believe how many years I spent shooting with those annoying loose ends before I (recently) discovered that trick.

[@slicker55]

Thanks Phil, just got my new D7500 and followed your instruction to connect the strap properly - great method and feels much more secure.

[@bakermantube]

Very helpful and well explained! Thank you very much👍

[@Dahrenhorst]

Yes, I did fix the strap to the camera wrong. For almost 50 years. Thank you for annihilating those annoying strap tips for me!

[@scottbailey2610]

Thanks for the tips. Really like the gun slinger strap🤠 Another way I use the strap is: if your camera has a panorama feature, I’ll take the camera and hold it straight out with the strap tension against the back of my neck. This stabilizes the camera and keeps it moving level while taking your picture.

[@wheelheart]

Little things in life can mak a big difference. Thanks man! You just saved me from a stressful hour to attach my strap to my camera!

[@natetheartist9]

Thanks so much. Your method of securing the camera strap is a better fit for me. Also the sling camera strap. I never knew such a thing existed. I'm heading out to get one now. It's perfect for my traveling needs. Thanks again!

[@LarryDriver55]

Simple but good tips. Thank you.

[@MrCat-rk9ir]

Im a beginner in photography and I learned a lot from your videos. Even those small things actually goes a long way...

[@skygazer4251]

I'm not even a photographer & I find this exceptionally well done! Great teacher..

[@WizardOfOss]

That's a smart way to attach the strap! So simple yet I never even thought about it. That said, on my DSLR I've been using a sling strap for years now, that's easily the best investment I ever did. So much more comfortable! Traditional straps I often just hang on one shoulder instead of around my neck, but that's obviously not very secure. And even when it's around my neck, having a camera hanging in front of you is rather conspicuous, and it gets in the way of doing other stuff. With the sling strap, you hardly even notice it's there, except for that instant you need it.

[@jamesburton1050]

Another thing I will often do for event photos, is to wrap the strap around my arm like you might do with a rifle sling. A good way to brace if you have your camera at or near your eye for several hours at a time.

[@ralphM1114]

Finally, an actual, helpful, practical video. All the other KZbinrs are $100 vs $5,000 lens, like, no shit

[@derain95]

I just wanted a guide for putting it on again but I got so much more from this big thanks

[@kathyjerich]

Soooo helpful!!! I was so confused trying to get it on my daughter’s camera. Thank you!!!

[@kathyjerich]

And I love the tip on rerouting the loose ends!!!! Brilliant, so much cleaner/nicer.

[@joshwray9766]

I am an amateur to photography and just recently found your channel. I didn’t even think there was a right and wrong way to attach a strap. I love the trick to hid the excess strap on the ends by tucking them from the top. I enjoy your videos and learn new tricks every time. Thank you!

[@philiprolenick4475]

Just upgraded from my Canon 80D to the R7, and the first thing I did in unboxing it was dig up this video to make sure I put the strap on your way! And while I was at it I did the same to the straps on my G5X Powershot and 35mm FT-QL SLR. (I know, I'm dating myself!) PS I was shocked, when I got the R7, to discover that it was very similar in size and weight to the FT-QL I'd used from 1968 to 2005, instead of the 80D and my Digital Rebels before that, which were much larger. So it feels like coming home.

[@shlomoeshet8525]

Liked the tip of using the strap as a mini tripod substitute.

[@lensmanonline]

Great tip for fixing the loose end of the strap, i've just done it to all of my cameras

[@johnsmith1474]

It's incorrect.

[@ludacrisleon828]

And here I am watching a video on straps and learning something. Who would have thought. Great content

[@marybaker8582]

Thank you for another great and very helpful video. I always learn something new.

[@FunnyHacks]

I agree with you about the screw mount being a single point of failure. But keep in mind that the connections of a normal strap are two single points of failure. Ie only one of them needs to fail for the camera to be compromised. So I think care around those is valuable as well.

[@SivaKanthSharma]

Oh shit. I don't know how I missed that ! So true!

[@levindeheer2056]

Such a great video! If he makes a video about straps, it is important. Not some bullshit that everyone else already knows

[@EV-olution]

I just got a Canon T5i and your method of putting the strap on is great! Thank you.

[@bobtagacphoto]

Peak Design Anchor Links are in my opinion the best choice if you want quickly remove and attach your straps 🙂 I use them to attach a Nikon strap to my Canon camera, Digitalrev style 😉

[@user0000user]

Agree. Best product👍

[@lynelljansen8057]

Great advice on the loose camera strap instructions.

[@darkstepwarrior88]

It says a lot that whe can learn from this guy even when it comes to something simple like a camera strap

[@Claytonkava]

SUPER helpful video. Thank you much.

[@Packiechu]

These were such handy tips!! I just recently started getting into photography and the KZbin algorithm brought me here and I'm thankful for it! Subscribed!!

[@saulmirandaaliaga]

What a truly useful video, Phil. Thank you very much and keep up the good work!

[@jimmiemize1754]

Simple, easy to apply and degrees of skill and improvement. Thank you.

[@IszyIzzy]

Thank you. I found the stabilization method pretty unique. Never in a million years would I have thought that.

[@J_Cinematics]

I fkn love Phil honestly, just makes me happy.

[@baseballman74]

I trust this gent more than most of the KZbinrs with no skills and experience! Thank you once again!

[@seansolina895]

Best camera strap video out there. Never would've thought to route the strap thru the top of the buckle. Looks way cleaner! Thanks.

[@yuqin405]

very clear, straightforward, informative. dont know why some people gave thumbs down.

[@ivondavid]

thank you Mr, Steeletraining for that great info!

[@OliverSalzburg]

Oh sweet! The strap nest also eliminates the wobble that comes with attaching a quick-release plate from a tripod. Me and my camera can finally rest easy again. Excellent tips!

[@stevetqp9152]

Excellent tips, Mr. Steele! As a landscape and product photographer who usually always shoots tripod-mounted, I simply find a strap a hindrance. That said though, I have used the PD (Peak Design) Sling Strap as well the the PD Cuff, and they're both very high-quality items. The best feature, however, is the small anchor tabs that are interchangeable, and allow for quick removal/re-attachment of both the sling strap and/or the Cuff.

[@michelejones5538]

Great video. The flappy ends of the strap always annoyed me, but I never knew how to avoid them. I always wondered what people do with the flappy ends and now I know that you don’t have to have them at all. Awesome!

[@douglasinfarinato5163]

Very helpful information about something that almost every photographer uses every time they pick up their camera. Good tips and excellent presentation!

[@tonkaGuy888]

Outstanding tips. Thank you for posting.

[@marreatparrevlogs]

Very helpful!!! I just tried it! And my camera’s strap is nice and clean now! Thank you!

[@sutv6754]

Thank you Phil. Always a great thorough lesson.

[@MacAutomationTips]

Very useful tips and instructions. Thanks.

[@Akylaz]

For event photography I love the BlackRapid wrist strap, as it has two points of contact with the camera (the mount screw, and one of the top strap buckles), and it's really comfortable and secure. It also eliminates the problem I have with a shoulder strap, that when I lift the camera on top of my head, especially when doing club photography, the strap hits my face and generally just gets in the way all the time.

[@MrGunter11]

Excellent tips mate...Most Appreciated.

[@HeretixAevum]

Love the tip at the start about how to affix the strap to the camera, mine looks much neater now. Great video as always!

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

Thank you! You're a great teacher. I watched this three times and saved it for review

[@smithasureshholisticnutrit6287]

Thank you for what you do Phil, subscribed👍🏼

[@jessicashelton310]

You teach me things I didn't even know I needed to know!

[@grephusingati7807]

I am already enjoying your lessons,thank you Sir

[@TechReflex]

For people hating on straps, I once had my camera fall off from the tripod because I didn't attach the plate properly, as the camera was falling, the strap grabbed onto some part on the tripod, and the camera was saved. So from that day, I always make sure that I have a strap on my camera, even when it's on tripod.

[@idamedby4193]

That's why I always have a tether on my op/tech slingshot setup - I have so many different ways of configuring it with quick release/attach straps, that it even works double as a handle when detaching my monopod/walking stick part from my k&f tripod. So I always advise people to invest in a proper system you can configure in multiple ways, with as little effort as possible, while still being sure your camera is constantly tethered, no matter how you carry it or use it. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities and freedoms.

[@Boldness-and-Virtue]

You're awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! May God bless you! 🙏🏼😊

[@hankfoto]

I am impressed at things you showed, and will adopt some of them for future use.

[@SunnysDelish]

What a great teacher you are! I have really learnt a lot from you. Thanks

[@badnervesbrown]

So glad I found your channel, I'm learning so much so quickly - thanks!

[@stephaneboudreau1088]

Man, I will not see a camera strap in the same way anymore lol. Very useful information!

[@MrDissolver]

Very useful on how to attach the strap in an elegant way. Never thought of that. Thanks.

[@allencruise6299]

Simple yet very useful. Thanks for sharing.

[@steveparker1580]

Nice. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise.

[@cmpradyumna]

You are an awesome teacher! thanks and God Bless you!!

[@barbaragregorius8939]

Thx Phil for another number of so many useful tips!