Best Camera Straps

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Altura
Test Winner: Altura
Amazon Link
Whether you are a professional photographer or just a traveler that wants to really capture the essence of every vacation with excellent photographs, everyone needs a reliable camera strap. You undoubtedly spent a lot of money on your camera, and this little device is not made to be admired on a shelf, but rather to go on all of your adventures right alongside you. Ideally, you would like to keep it safe and sound inside its padded case, but you also want to have quick access to the shutter button in case you stumble upon an amazing moment that demands to have its picture taken. This is where a strap comes in handy! There are multiple different types of camera straps that are available, such as wrist straps, holsters, hand straps, and neck straps.

Standout Picks

Altura
Altura landed in our top spot because they offer a really great design that is as comfortable as it is functional. Users love that it has all of these great features while still offered at a very affordable price point.
Amazon Link
$24.99
AmazonBasics
You can’t really go wrong with gear from Amazon. Users love that this design is comfortable and lightweight, easy to adjust, and has a few smart features to hold extra gear so that you can leave your gear bag back in the car as you set out to explore.
Amazon Link
Dupe Accessories
Users really like the little bit of extra bulk in the Dupe Accessories accessories design. It has a shoulder that is not only comfortable, but it is able to hold a lot more accessories than many of the other designs. This means that you can set out on a day of adventure and leave all of your gear bags back in the car.
Amazon Link
Art Tribute
We had a hard time resisting the charm of this vintage design and found that a lot of users felt the exact same way as we do. While it doesn’t have many extra functional features such as pockets, it’s low profile makes it a cinch to throw into your gear bag with your device without taking up all that much room.
Amazon Link
$17.95
Waka Rapid Fire
This design is made for photographers that are on the go, and need something that can be unclipped completely at a moment's notice. It is made from heavy-duty materials that will hold up to extended use, and it has a few practical features that make this unit stand out from other similar designs.
Amazon Link
$16.99
HiiGuy
The best part about the HiiGuy design is based around the sleek and understated design. It isn’t as bulky and heavy as some of the other options on the market, but it still offers the same smart features such as zippered pockets for gear and the ability to fit almost all sizes of devices.
Amazon Link
$16.90
DOROM
The DOROM is something that is just a little bit more basic than many of the nylon designs and offers a more classic or vintage look than many of the other options out there on the market. It is important to keep in mind that this unit doesn’t offer rapid release like some of the more modern designs since it attaches to the two loops on the side of your device.
Amazon Link
$11.95
Eggsnow
For some users, the nylon designs have a tendency to be a little stiff, and when worn for longer periods can get uncomfortable. The Eggsnow design offers a style that is made from very light, breathable knit material that will be comfortable enough to wear all day and can roll up to fit in more carrying cases.
Amazon Link
BX Design
The BX Design has a feeling that is reminiscent of a typical seat belt. It is made from very sturdy materials to ensure that your device will stay right at your side no matter where your travels take you.
Amazon Link
QBINGO
The QBINGO design is a lot more structured than some of the other options out there on the market and offers a little bit more extra bulk in order to keep users comfortable as well as hold extra gear along the shoulders.
Amazon Link
$13.99

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Style

For many photographers, the fear of wearing gear that screams ‘tourist’ is the absolute last thing that they want. That’s why we made sure to select designs that were fairly neutral and understated, and that weren’t too bulky. Some options out there on the market offered a myriad of pockets and unnecessary straps that not only looked to be a little over the top but also proved to be generally uncomfortable as well. While we primarily selected neutral and understated designs that would appeal to a wider audience, we couldn’t help but also pick out a few classic designs that harken back to the days of refilling rolls and processing film. The classic options might not have the same utility as the more modern over the shoulder options, but they just have a classic and romantic feel that most photography aficionados have a hard time resisting.

Materials

While it may seem superficial at first glance, the materials that are used to make these products can make a huge difference in not only your overall comfort but also the safety of your device. The most popular material option for photographers is nylon because this material is virtually indestructible. It is incredibly strong and up to taking a beating. Plus, most of these nylon options have thick, padded shoulders that make it effortless and comfortable to wear all day long. Another material that users really love is the cotton designs. What’s more comfortable than cotton?

These options may not be as durable as nylon, but users love that they are very lightweight and breathable, and fold up quite nicely to fit in device cases. One very important feature that we also took into consideration is the quality of the buckles that affix your device to the shoulder band. At the end of the day, these metal clips are the only thing keeping your beloved Canon from shattering on hard concrete, so you want to make sure that it is made from a very strong and reliable material. If we noticed that a company utilized plastic clips to hold the device in place (especially when mounted at the center), we moved on to the next design. When it comes to the safety and security of your device, stainless steel is the only way to go to ensure that it will stay firmly in place as you move about during the day.

Ease of Use

One really important aspect when it comes to these products is that they need to be easy to adjust and have the ability to fit most body types. Obviously, not everyone is built the same, so we wanted to ensure the buckles that adjust the length were easy to use and held their place once tightened. If you want to ensure that your device doesn’t bounce around while you are active, a perfect fit is the best way to keep it close to your body. Another important feature that we looked at is how easy it is to buckle and unbuckle your device from its harness. We were drawn to options that had a rapid release option so that users can gain unencumbered access to their device with the flick of a finger.

Durability

If you have finally taken the plunge and bought that really expensive Canon camera that you have always had your eye on, you might not have considered some of the extra gear that may be useful or necessary, especially while on long trips. While a carrying case is a great option to carry your device from location to location, it isn’t ideal for when you are out at a tourist spot or walking on the trails. For those moments, you want to have your devices cocked and ready to go right at your side, or more specifically, on your chest. The addition of a good quality camera strap will allow you to explore and engage in your environment with both of your hands-frees and you will be able to snap perfect photos by simply reaching down to your side. Due to the fact that these products are typically worn for long periods at a time, we wanted to make sure that we found the best of the best that are currently for sale. To pick out the very best selections, there were a few things that we considered.

Top 10 Picks

1. Altura

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$24.99
Altura
Amazon Link

Altura landed in our top spot because they offer a really great design that is as comfortable as it is functional. Users love that it has all of these great features while still offered at a very affordable price point.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from a basic black design or a unit that has a shoulder with a colorful vintage design. The shoulder pad is thick and comfortable, and what users really love about it is that the shoulder has a zippered pocket to store extra memory card or batteries for your device. Your device is held in place with a heavy duty clip that will allow for easy release if you need to unharness yourself in a moments notice.

Materials:

The shoulder is constructed from heavy duty nylon that can be adjusted for travels of all shapes and sizes to ensure a safe and secure fit. The snaps that hold your device are made from reinforced stainless steel that will hold up over years of continued use. It also has a stainless steel mounting plate that affixes to the bottom of your device to ensure that even if the buckles fail, your device has a backup safety feature that will keep it from making contact with the ground.

Value:

What users really love about this design is that it comes in at a really affordable price point that will set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a 32G memory card to store all the pictures of your vacation.

Summary:

Users absolutely love this design because it is able to be adjusted to fit their frame, it doesn’t dig into their shoulders but it also doesn’t slide and jump around with excited movements. What’s more, it comes in at a very affordable price point that gives you no reason not to give the Altura design a try.

Amazon Link
$24.99

2. AmazonBasics

Where to buy
Amazon Link
AmazonBasics
Amazon Link

You can’t really go wrong with gear from Amazon. Users love that this design is comfortable and lightweight, easy to adjust, and has a few smart features to hold extra gear so that you can leave your gear bag back in the car as you set out to explore.

Read more

Design:

Users can only select from one simple black option. This design has a thick padded shoulder that will distribute the weight evenly, even when carrying heavier devices at the end. What’s great about this shoulder design is that it has a zippered pocket that will allow users to store extra gear such as batteries, memory card, or even car keys to set out on an adventure hands-free. It is able to be easily adjusted to fit most body types and has a durable quick release buckle to gain quick access to the camera at any moment.

Materials:

The padded shoulder has a solid polyester exterior with a light and airy mesh on the inside to allow air to flow through to keep cool and comfortable, even when out in high heat. The nylon straps are able to be adjusted with a pair of plastic buckles, and the device is held in place with a heavy-duty steel clip. The mounting bracket is designed to swivel so that you won’t ever feel encumbered by this gear while trying to nab the perfect shot.

Value:

Whenever you see the AmazonBasics logo, you can rest assured that the price point is going to be surprisingly lower than some of the other similarly designed options out there on the market, and this instance is no exception. This unit will likely set you back the same amount of money as a single disposable camera.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is just a little bit more affordable than some of the other options and comes from a trusted brand, this model is going to be your best bet. Just keep in mind, however, that it isn’t offered in multiple colors or fun patterns like some of the other brands.

Amazon Link

3. Dupe Accessories

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Dupe Accessories
Amazon Link

Users really like the little bit of extra bulk in the Dupe Accessories accessories design. It has a shoulder that is not only comfortable, but it is able to hold a lot more accessories than many of the other designs. This means that you can set out on a day of adventure and leave all of your gear bags back in the car.

Read more

Design:

Users can only select from a basic black design with this model. It has a thick padded shoulder that has a zippered pocket along the front to hold additional gear such as batteries and cards. Instead of running down the entire length of the shoulder, the pocket is only on the front so that to reach your gear, you won’t have to adjust the entire unit as you do with some designs. It also has a hook along the top to affix extra things like car keys for easy access. This unit also comes with an extra lens cap leash if your device didn’t come with one standard, or you lost it.

Materials:

This design is made from materials that are a little bulkier than some of the other options out there on the market, however, some users prefer this extra bulk. It is made from a nylon fabric that has been reinforced and can be adjusted with thick plastic buckles. The clip and mount that hold your device in place are made from high-quality metals to ensure that it will stay securely in place but can be unclipped in a moments notice.

Value:

The price of this unit runs pretty par for the course and will set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a 32G memory card. Users have found that if anything ever goes wrong with their design, Dupe Accessories has great customer service that will replace any broken or damaged components quickly and efficiently.

Summary:

For photographers that are looking for something that will be incredibly comfortable for those long days of taking great pictures, the Dupe Accessories is a great piece of gear that is not only comfortable, but it is also incredibly functional and will keep your devices safe and secure.

Amazon Link

4. Art Tribute

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$17.95
Art Tribute
Amazon Link

We had a hard time resisting the charm of this vintage design and found that a lot of users felt the exact same way as we do. While it doesn’t have many extra functional features such as pockets, it’s low profile makes it a cinch to throw into your gear bag with your device without taking up all that much room.

Read more

Design:

As we already mentioned- the style is what users really love about this product. It looks like the same colorful floral design that your grandpa or dad used back in the 1970’s for their old Cannon. If this retro print isn’t your cup of tea, you can also select from a starry night print, or a simple white and brown pattern.

Materials:

What makes this design different from the rest is that instead of being made from nylon that has a tendency to be a little rigid, this design is made from a premium webbed cotton that is not only soft, but it is also very lightweight as well. This material is so soft and flexible that you can easily roll it up into a ball and toss it into your case with the rest of your gear. Instead of using a single buckle on the back, it attaches to your device using the preexisting loops on the side. This will make it a little more secure, but detaching your device at a moments notice will prove to be a little more difficult.

Value:

What we love about this option is that it is offered at an affordable price point that is slightly less expensive than some of the more bulky and basic nylon designs. This unit will likely set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a simple disposable camera.

Summary:

If you were looking for something that offered a little more style than many of the basic black options and is incredibly lightweight and comfortable- the Art Tribute design is going to be a perfect fit for you. Keep in mind, however, that is doesn’t have the rapid release as some of the more modern options.

Amazon Link
$17.95

5. Waka Rapid Fire

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.99
Waka Rapid Fire
Amazon Link

This design is made for photographers that are on the go, and need something that can be unclipped completely at a moment's notice. It is made from heavy-duty materials that will hold up to extended use, and it has a few practical features that make this unit stand out from other similar designs.

Read more

Design:

What’s great about this model is that it offers superior functionality, but users can also select from a basic black model as well as a muted vintage striped design along the shoulder. It has a zippered shoulder that is perfect for storing additional gear and comes with a safety tether that will provide a backup method to ensure that you don’t accidentally drop your device.

Materials:

The waka Rapid Fire is a little bit different because it uses neoprene to provide a comfortable shoulder. Neoprene is great because it will form to the shape of your shoulder while still being very lightweight and breathable. It also utilizes a series of multiple plastics as well as metal buckles to ensure it fits very securely against our body, and the metal buckles are made from reinforced stainless steel that can be quickly unbuckled when needed.

Value:

This unit is offered at an affordable price point that it is just slightly lower than some of the similar options out there on the market. If for any reason you find this unit doesn’t work for you, waka offers a 30-day money back guarantee, and if any of the components break after 12 months, they will replace it free of charge.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that is designed for photographers that are on the go and need something that will still be as comfortable at the end of the day as the beginning- this is an excellent option.

Amazon Link
$16.99

6. HiiGuy

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$16.90
HiiGuy
Amazon Link

The best part about the HiiGuy design is based around the sleek and understated design. It isn’t as bulky and heavy as some of the other options on the market, but it still offers the same smart features such as zippered pockets for gear and the ability to fit almost all sizes of devices.

Read more

Design:

The footprint of this design is just a little bit narrower and less bulky than similar options. It has a zippered pocket on the shoulder to hold additional gear. It only comes in one basic black color option, with the HiiGuy logo printed on white letters on the bottom of the shoulder.

Materials:

This unit is made from a lightweight nylon material that sports a mesh design against the shoulder to keep users from getting too hot and uncomfortable. The buckles are made from a high-quality plastic that is really easy to adjust, and the clips that hold the device securely in place are made from very sturdy metal.

Value:

While the price tag is considered to be slightly less than similar options, the warranty offered is where this unit really shines. HiiGuy offers an impressive 3-year warranty if anything breaks on your design.

Summary:

If you are in the market for something that has a slightly lower profile than many of the other nylon designs, while still being incredibly durable and easy to use, the HiiGuy design is an excellent choice.

Amazon Link
$16.90

7. DOROM

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$11.95
DOROM
Amazon Link

The DOROM is something that is just a little bit more basic than many of the nylon designs and offers a more classic or vintage look than many of the other options out there on the market. It is important to keep in mind that this unit doesn’t offer rapid release like some of the more modern designs since it attaches to the two loops on the side of your device.

Read more

Design:

While this unit doesn’t offer the same practical features such as zippered pockets or rapid release buckles, it does offer up a whole lot of style. Users love the very slim and understated design that is reminiscent of a simpler time where the end of every vacation ended standing anxiously in line at the 1-hour photo booth. The user can select from a myriad of fun colors such as brown, aqua blue, green, grey, pink, and red.

Materials:

This design has straps that measure to be 60 inches long and .8 inches wide, and are made from very tough and durable nylon materials. It has heavy-duty plastic buckles for making adjustments, and plastic snaps on the side to remove your device from its harness easily.

Value:

This unit has a price tag that is very similar to many of the other designs out there on the market, even though it has few features. In this case, users are paying for style over utility, so it’s important to keep that in mind when considering this option.

Summary:

For users that are looking for something classic to go with their classic devices- the DOROM is an excellent choice. It is a perfect marriage of classic design with smart functionality in the buckles that make this design very unique and special.

Amazon Link
$11.95

8. Eggsnow

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Eggsnow
Amazon Link

For some users, the nylon designs have a tendency to be a little stiff, and when worn for longer periods can get uncomfortable. The Eggsnow design offers a style that is made from very light, breathable knit material that will be comfortable enough to wear all day and can roll up to fit in more carrying cases.

Read more

Design:

Users can select from one of three muted tones that include green, red, and black. It is constructed from a knit material and has a decorative metal decal on the base that gives it a little bit of character. Users can affix this model to their device using the loops that are found on the side. Due to this, it does not allow users to quickly unsnap it from the unit.

Materials:

What makes this unit stand out from the rest is that it is made from high-quality, woven knit materials that not only make this one of the most comfortable designs on the market, but it is also very light and breathable as well. It also sports an anti-slip surface so that it does not move around too much if you are being active.

Value:

The best part about this sleek design is that it is offered at a really affordable price point that will cost you less than what you would spend on a disposable camera.

Summary:

For photographers looking for something that is a little bit different from the standard nylon designs out there on the market but still want it to be comfortable enough to wear all day while out on adventures, the Eggsnow design will be the perfect solution to suit your needs.

Amazon Link

9. BX Design

Where to buy
Amazon Link
BX Design
Amazon Link

The BX Design has a feeling that is reminiscent of a typical seat belt. It is made from very sturdy materials to ensure that your device will stay right at your side no matter where your travels take you.

Read more

Design:

What’s great about this design is that it is made from a sturdy material that is incredibly basic, but easy to use. Users can only select from one basic matte black color that has black buckles to adjust the length.

Materials:

Like we mentioned earlier, the material used for this design is reminiscent of a seat belt. It is incredibly heavy duty so you won’t have to worry about it snapping and breaking, and the buckles are made from a high-quality metal that is easy to slide up and down the belt to create the perfect length for your body.

Value:

What’s great about BX Design is that comes in at a very affordable price point that will likely set you back about the same price that you would spend on a simple disposable camera. Plus, if you find any problems with your unit you can contact them and get a replacement almost immediately with no questions asked.

Summary:

For photographers in the market for something that is simple, strong, and won’t break even during your extreme adventures- this is an excellent choice. Keep in mind, however, that because it affixes to the loops on the side of the camera, it might not fit for some devices.

Amazon Link

10. QBINGO

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$13.99
QBINGO
Amazon Link

The QBINGO design is a lot more structured than some of the other options out there on the market and offers a little bit more extra bulk in order to keep users comfortable as well as hold extra gear along the shoulders.

Read more

Design:

What we noticed about this design that makes it a little bit different than some of the others is that the shoulder pad has a curvature to it that seems to form around the body for a more comfortable fit. Users can select from only one black color option that has a logo printed in red and white letters along the bottom of the shoulder. Users love the zippered pocket that will allow storage of gear such as extra batteries and SD cards for quick and easy access.

Materials:

This design uses high-quality nylon materials that are lightweight and comfortable. What we liked about this particular model is that the buckles and hooks are made from sturdy stainless steel, and sport rubber bumpers to prevent your device from getting scratched while in use.

Value:

The great part about this design is that while it has a more structured design that often sports a higher price point, this design is priced much lower than many similar designs, and will likely set you back about the same amount that you would spend on a disposable camera.

Summary:

For those that like to travel to exciting places and take pictures all along the way, the QBINGO design is made to feel comfortable and light up against your body, and is incredibly sturdy so that you will never have to worry about it falling off or breaking.

Amazon Link
$13.99

Sources

  1. Rashad Prat, The best camera straps for 2019, Article