Replacing my camera strap?

Well, I’ve had my stock strap on my Canon EOS 400D since I got it (Three years ago), and I’ve changed the way it hangs about two times in total, switching after the first year. The strap doesn’t seem to be in too bad condition, some of the fibres look a little warped at the strap loop point, but I’d rather replace it before it snaps. Keep in mind I do use a 16-35 L lens as my main lens and frequently pair it with a 430 flash, so it’s not a completely unfounded concern.
I’ve seen many after-market straps, from Lowepro to obscure brands, and it seems that regardless of whoever makes them, they all have quick release neoprene straps that seem very ergonomic. I’m always scared that if I were to use one either the quick release would do it’s thing without me wanting it to and my camera dropping and smashing, or that the neoprene would just tear (I’ve always assumed the camera bounces slightly when you walk with a neoprene strap). Lowepro’s lifetime warranty isn’t that comforting when it doesn’t cover what their product was attached to

My questions:
How many years should one typically use a single strap for?
Are quick release straps safe?

canon, canon eos, fibres, lifetime warranty, loop point, lowepro, neoprene, stock, warranty

Comments

Cat Lover

August 17th, 2010 at 2:01 AM

I have that same camera and didn’t like the stiffness of the original strap, so bought a different one from Ritz the day I got the camera. It has some stretch to it, and does have the quick release feature so I could detach the long part of the strap and shorten it to be a hand strap. But to do this, I would need to pinch the quick release connections and that isn’t that easy to do. I have never been afraid that it would come apart on it’s own. If you buy a good brand, I wouldn’t think you should have any trouble.

But if you are going to always worry about it, go to a hardware store and buy some small cable ties and connect the two parts of the strap together on each side. I think some stores even have black cable ties so it wouldn’t be too conspicious. That way you know it won’t come apart, and yet you can always cut the tie to get rid of it if you wish to in the future.
za24

August 17th, 2010 at 2:01 AM

Depending on how much you use your neck strap/camera, they should last up to 5 years.But if you photograph extensivley everyday, that is very different.

On a side note, what i do is I Sew the neckstrap in the loop where it meets the body. I have never had any problems, and it costs less then $5.

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