Suggestions please on what to use instead of the Canon neck strap.

[ddt0725]

Since I have started photography two years ago, I have been using the standard Canon neck strap. Over the past summer, I noticed I wasn't able to walk as far on hikes as I used to with the 100-400mm hanging from my neck (and sometimes a bag on my back loaded with gear). I also noticed I wasn't standing properly and my lower back was curving in more with hips forward to balance and that is where the pain was slowly starting. Over the last couple months it had gotten progressively worse, I could barely make it through cooking dinner. I could only stand for about an hour every day before lower back pain started. I bit the bullet and endured ...and still went on my nature hike adventures! Well, now ...I am in never ending severe pain! I lost track of how many ibuprofens I've had today!

I'm sure the 100-400mm with the neck strap isn't completely to blame. I could see someone getting neck or shoulder pain but lower back pain like this!? My desk chair at home isn't as good as the one I used to have at my old job ...I'd rather blame it on that!

Anyway, could someone please recommend something that I should be using instead that isn't expensive that might help. I'm not ready to admit that I can't physically do this anymore! Maybe I'll hang it up for awhile until things improve and use something else when spring comes.

Thanks much!

Denise

[HDNitehawk]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...era_Strap.html

Black Rapid it is the way to go.
http://www.blackrapid.com/

They also make versions just for women. Go watch some of the videos on the site, very informative.

For the pain and back problems, I would recommend a doctor.

[neuroanatomist]

BlackRapid, definitely.

[ddt0725]

Thank you! I'll take a look at them.

[Steve U]

I'll put the cat amongst the pigeons and say Nex7. 24Mp adapter for Canon lenses. There are some very good images on Flickr & FM.

[HDNitehawk]

Denise to give you some more info, I bought mine a few months back because I got tired of the pull on my neck from the camera strap like you described. The blackrapid will move the weight more to your shoulder and because it carries so low it feels much ..MUCH better. A few weeks back I went to the Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, I carried my 300mm F2.8L and 1D IV on the blackrapid for hours on end. It was not much effort at all compared to the old neck strap.

If your not sure, and you can find a local camera shop that has one, try it out. Only thing that might cost you a bit is how you attach it to your camera, I bought another Wimberley clamp to attach mine to the camera. The clamp was more than the strap.

[thekingb]

+1 to black rapid. I've had the old rs-4 for a while and cant imagine life without it.

[clemmb]

I hate neck straps but sometimes I just have to use one. http://optechusa.com/ has one that is very soft and comfortable.

[ddt0725]

Only thing that might cost you a bit is how you attach it to your camera, I bought another Wimberley clamp to attach mine to the camera. The clamp was more than the strap.

Heck, I am used to the trail of add-ons that are needed for one item ...isn't that the way it always goes, LOL!

[btaylor]

Black rapid + 10000.

I just spent nearly 6 weeks travelling through Europe with my 5D2 (with grip) and lenses as heavy as the 70-200mm f/2.8 II hanging off it and I was completely comfortable the whole time.

Just remember though - if you unscrew the strap's mount from your camera plate, make sure you do it up properly. I made the mistake of only putting a couple of turns on the thread of the screw (obviously not paying attention to what I was doing) which resulted in a horrible thud and a broken Sigma 85mm f/1.4. Believe me, you don't want to hear that sound, nor have to buy replacement lenses in Berlin ($$$$$$!!!!).