Most amateur photographers don’t give much thought to the slings around their cameras. But to echo Ken Rockwell, the internet’s chosen camera sage, branded straps that arrive with new bodies call unwelcome attention. Not only does your gear become more susceptible to theft, but straps screaming “Canon” or “Nikon” can also blow your cover in a crowd, making authentic moments and interactions more difficult to capture. Play down your presence with a sling that’s casual and cool, preferably made of premium leather or mil-spec webbing, which both earn points for durability and comfort during long bouts of wear. Here are the seven to consider depending on your weapon — or weapons — of choice.
Topo Designs Camera Strap
Best for the Outdoors: So it’s not the quietest strap out there, but the Topo Designs Camera Strap is a worthy option for adventure photographers looking for a little heft against the elements. It’s made of ultra-strong 10.5mm climbing rope, available in a number of different colors (including blue, green, brown), with rugged sliplocks that attach to your camera’s lugs for added security around your neck.
DSPTCH Heavy Camera Sling
Best for Professional DSLR: The DSPTCH Heavy Camera Sling, constructed from mil-spec webbing, measures 1.5 inches across in order to widely distribute the weight of a big DSLR across your shoulder. It also features US-manufactured plastic buckles that make it easy to install it on a backup camera.
