Tip #32: Straps

Have you considered the strap that supports your camera? If you have not attached the strap, you will eventually need to do so. Be sure you follow the mounting directions. Having the strap securely attached will save you some worry and will come in handy to support your camera.

The strap that came with your camera will probably work just fine. There are alternatives that may suit you better. The strap that came with your camera may also advertise to criminals a lot about your expensive camera, especially with the name of the camera sewn in and advertising what you are carrying.The alternatives may serve you, well, without advertising your pride and joy. The Upstrap is a popular model that provides support and is designed to not slip off your shoulder during use.

I use products from Black Rapid. I like the diagonal carry strap with attachment systems that makes use of the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera body.



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Tip #30: Bags, Bags, Bags

I have three different camera bags, but I only use two of the them. The bag I no longer use is the kit bag that came with the first DSLR that I purchased. That bag was a traditional camera bag large enough for a camera body, a spare lens, and a few accessories. I actually traveled with that bag all across northern Europe.

Since then, I have purchased two additional bags, one to carry everything and the other to help conceal the fact that I am carrying a camera. The first is a Kata 30, 3N1. It's a right or left sling bag and a full-on backpack. It also has an attachment loop that slides onto my pull-along suitcase handle. The second bag is a Tenba messenger style shoulder bag. The Tenba is my every day camera bag. It has a nice shoulder strap and a carry handle and holds a camera with lens attached, a few accessories, and has a sleeve pocket for an iPad or notebook size computer. When I carry it, it looks like many other shoulder bags carried on a college campus.

All three bags provide vital protection for the gear I use. Oh and the tip, a pillow case is not good carry device for a camera.


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