Camera Strap
What is the one most overlooked accessory when it comes to using your camera? Some may say it is the camera bag, and they might be right on certain conditions, yet there is still another accessory that – although it is often provided – it is rarely used. The correct answer is actually quite surprising: the camera strap! Camera straps may appear useless to the novice, yet the seasoned photographer and photo aficionado knows that they will provide you with several important abilities.

Take for example the camera neck straps. Granted, in many cartoons they are used to poke fun at the quintessential tourist who will stop at nothing to take a picture of an institution or other place, it is the wise photographer who will attach her or his camera securely to a camera strap and thus not run into a problem when it is time to change the lens or add a fully charged battery. The need to have free hands is quite often imperative to quickly and easily change your gear.

The best camera straps are the ones that you will feel the most comfortable with. For example, if you do not like the feel of nylon, then leather straps are an acceptable alternative. Similarly, if neither leather nor nylon works for you, then plastic is a good alternative. The reason why plastic in general has not caught on is the fact that it does not breathe and thus becomes very uncomfortable very quickly after putting it on.

Frequently you will be able to find discounted camera straps in professional photography stores. Make sure that they are in good repair and that the end pieces are attached completely. You do not want your camera strap to suddenly give way and send your equipment clattering to the ground, only to destroy your lens and other peripherals. Additionally, make sure that any camera strap you wear fits you properly. It needs to be long enough to permit you to easily take if off over your head, yet short enough to make sure it does not interfere with your fanny pack or purse. As you can see, the camera strap is truly the one piece of equipment that has been neglected for far too long now!