The best camera straps are usually so much better than the ones that come in the box when you buy a camera. It's okay to wonder why you'd spend money on a strap when you already have something usable, but a decent strap is worth spending the money on.
If you carry your camera around for long periods of time, that has an effect on your neck and shoulders. Padded straps that are comfortable to wear will help to ensure that you aren't straining or irritating yourself.
Many camera straps from the likes of Peak Design are cleverly designed to switch between modes, so they can be used as a neck strap, shoulder strap, or even a sling-style strap. You just don't get this level of customization from the bland, branded strap that came in the box with your camera.
Like other best camera accessories (opens in new tab), camera straps can be stylish, too. If you want something more colorful than the monotone strap in the box, there are plenty of options out there, in a range of modern and traditional materials.
We've researched the best camera straps of all different types, including some dual-camera harnesses, so all camera users should be able to find a suitable option.
Best camera straps in 2023
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A sling, shoulder, and neck strap in one, the Slide exudes quality with a seatbelt-style strap and premium fittings, which include clever quick-release buttons to detach the strap. This is the Lite version of the Slide and is designed for mirrorless and small-DSLR setups first and foremost. It is available in four colors: ash gray, black, sage green, and midnight blue.
The unique Peak Design Anchor Link connection system makes it easy to quickly reconfigure the strap. The two-point connection system is also extremely strong, with the anchors rated to take up to 90kg of kit. Like other Slide straps, it is all still a little bulky when packed down. But otherwise, this is a highly versatile and functional strap, with a little style thrown in as well.
Fancy owning a Leica, but don't have the funds? Then this beautiful-looking strap could be exactly what you have been looking for – giving you the perfect piece of luxury without the price of the best Leica cameras (opens in new tab). These straps are actually designed by hip photo community Cooph, and the thick rope coupled with leather detailing creates a distinctive way of accessorizing the camera you do own. You get a choice of two different lengths – and nine different colors. For our money, the red version is the most distinctive, and matches the logo on the front of your Leica!
With a vintage design ripped straight from 70s fashion, this retro-inspired camera strap from Capturing Couture is perfect for the fashion-forward photographer. The outside of the strap is made from decorative polyester ribbon (the image above is in Melody, but you can choose from a variety of designs). Meanwhile, the inside has neoprene padding covered with polyester velvet to help provide ultimate comfort for your neck.
With a maximum strap length of 59", you can even wear this strap across your body messenger-style for ultimate versatility. It's a little hard to get outside of the US though, so international readers may want to consider a different option.
This camera strap from Scandinavia-based company Woolnut is beautifully designed and manufactured. The outside of the strap is made of a special signature tanned full-grain leather that comes in either brown or black, while parts of the inside are lined with wool felt.
While not one of the best camera wrist straps (opens in new tab), you can adjust the length for use as either a shoulder or neck strap. The neck part has a soft padding for comfort, while the ends have added metal rings for compatibility with most cameras.
This is a super comfortable camera strap to use and the quality of the materials and manufacturing is clear to see and feel. While the strap comes at a premium price, we feel it's worth every penny.
This well priced strap features a 6cm-wide neoprene neck pad that really spreads a load, although its square-cut edges can rub. Two clips will detach the pad, leaving the connected ends able to join and form a hand strap, albeit one that’s on the long side. With this level of versatility, Op-Tech straps are very popular with outdoor photographers, and this version is no exception.
While it’s billed as a binocular harness (opens in new tab), this neck strap will attach to a camera equally easily. Its unique feature is a breathable, stretchy, and very flexible neck pad. It also folds small and can be detached quickly. Its price might be a little high for some, but you do get an impressive amount of engineering for your money here. Plus, black never goes out of fashion.
This is the most compact strap on our list, but this is unfortunately due to a design that's left the strap about as wide and comfortable as a standard neck strap. However, the Think Tank Camera Strap v2.0 does have a grippy coating on both sides that enables this to double as a shoulder strap. Meanwhile, extra hardware can usefully connect it to your backpack straps. It works especially well as part of a broader Think Tank system, so it's worth considering if you already have one of their camera bags.
Designed to be worn across the body, the BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap drapes from the left shoulder to the right hip (there is also a version for left-handed photographers as well). This means that you can rest your camera upside-down at your hip, but it's within easy reach once you need to start shooting.
Perfect for sports or adventure photographers who want to move quickly without fussing about a camera hanging around their neck, side camera straps are a great neck camera strap alternative.
Perfect for wedding and events photographers, dual camera harnesses are great when you need to switch quickly between cameras without having to mess around with camera bags or pouches.
The Op/Tech Dual Harness enables you to comfortably carry two cameras or binoculars totally hands-free. With a U-shaped neoprene neck pad, this harness is designed to evenly distribute the weight of your gear while reducing shock. There's an adjustable back section and sternum strap that helps you fit the harness comfortably and evenly balance your kit.
This leather dual camera strap is designed to fit both you and your camera perfectly with adjustable straps. Made from leather, these straps attach to your cameras via both a tripod plate and metal eyelets. This means you've got the ultimate security to ensure your cameras don't meet a sticky end on the pavement.
Available in both a stylish brown and a classic black, this dual camera harness (opens in new tab) is perfect for wedding photographers who need both comfort and style for their camera strap.
Although this simple harness is designed primarily for binoculars there’s no reason it can't be used with a small camera. It consists of a simple wearable harness that you put on as you would a coat, slipping your arms into two loops. They’re joined on your back by a leather pad. And the straps are fully adjustable. The Zeiss Comfort Carry Harness uses loops to attach to a camera’s strap eyelets, with clips to attach – and easily detach – a camera from the harness. Do the latter and the two clips can be attached to each other to form a small carry handle for your camera.
The Peak Design Leash is a slimmer, smaller design than the Slide, and an ideal strap for carrying lighter camera gear. It can be configured as a sling, shoulder or neck camera strap, but works just as well with binoculars or any other equipment with strap eyelets.
The strap can be lengthened from 83cm to 145cm very quickly using micro-adjusters, making it one of the most versatile options on this list. It comes with Anchor Links for quick camera changes, and with a lifetime warranty, you can be sure that you're getting value for money. A great strap for small mirrorless cameras, and for street shooting.
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