(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best binocular, camera & camcorder straps

That was an excellent and thoughtful gift, kudos to you. Aside from the lenses, there are a few other things that help a lot when starting out in photography (I'm just figuring this out as I'm pretty new):

• A tripod can help if he wants to take low-light pictures and set up really long shutter times (it basically makes it so that no shaking messes up his pictures) and it can help to take pictures of you guys. I'm planning on bringing one for a trip with my girlfriend and I so we can take cool pictures where there may not be other people to help out.
  
  
• A good bag or backpack would be great, increasingly so as the amount of gear that he has goes up. It's tough to carry around all that crap, and these bags make it pretty easy to fit.
  
  
• a strap, pretty self explanatory. carrying around a DSLR in one hand sucks.
  
  
• Extra memory cards and possibly an external hard drive are nice because RAW camera files take up a toooon of storage and having backups is always nice in the case that a really important picture gets corrupted.
  
  As for lenses:
  
  Nikon 35mm prime (basically allows him to take pretty nice, wide open landscape pictures at great quality)
  
  50mm prime widely regarded as the best starting lens (another no zoom lens that is an all-around all-star that is pretty versatile. good for portraits, landscapes, etc)

I recently went with our family, a group of 11, and I've purchased a lot of camera equipment with the idea that I would like to take a lot of pictures of our daughter growing up (she's 2). Since I have all the equipment I was the designated picture taker. Here's the equipment I brought with us:

• Canon 6D
  
• 15-30mm F2.8
  
• 50mm f/1.8
  
• 70-200MM F/2.8
  
• 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L
  
• Large Camera Backpack
  
• Flash Speedlite
  
• 4x camera batteries and chargers
  
• 16x AA rechargeable
  
• 2x 64gb sd cards
  
• Chromebook with external HD
  
  The intention was, I would check the itinerary for the next day, and try to pack what I think was appropriate for that day. I was not about to bring 4 lenses around the park all day. Then I would come back to the hotel, transfer all the images to the chromebook and backup to the external HD. I took about 1200 pictures per day for 7 days at the parks.
  
  Not sure what I was thinking with the 100-400mm, I use it a lot in my photography with very specific far away subject matter, but it doesn't really make sense at Disney. I brought that one with me day 1, then never brought it out again. The only time I missed it was AK, where I think I could have gotten some amazing shots on the safari.
  
  The rest of the time I did very well with the 50 and 70-200 for group and single shots. I did not bring my flash out, thinking sunny Florida would be giving me plenty of light, but there are some cool doorways and areas of partial shade where I missed having it. The 15-30 was used sporadically, but it is not my favorite lens and group shots with the 50 were fine.
  
  I was a little self conscious about carrying all of this equipment and pointing a huge camera around the parks, but it was a non-issue. Security didn't care. I was never stopped by any cast member or anyone at all. I carried the camera on most rides unless they were water/rollercoaster. I had older members of my party who didn't like those rides watch my stuff.
  
  I was incredibly lucky to have a stroller with me. The weight on my neck was unbearable after day 1 (though I am using some big lenses) and I slimmed down my gear considerably. Since I was doing a decent amount of lens swapping it was nice to have the stroller to put stuff in. I think the camera backpack would have been unbearable in the heat.
  
  Overall it depends on how serious you are about the picture taking. I would recommend a 50mm and a good portrait lens(mine was the 70-200), a flash if your camera can use one, and a strap that relies on your whole body/shoulder to hold the camera, something like this for a cheaper camera: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CLXDF9J
  
  We came out with some amazing shots. Character dining, kids expressions seeing the castle, nice pictures of everyone in all sorts of locations. The hard work and hauling around all the gear was worth it for me.

\>if the CPU is more important for what he needs

It is, but I managed to fit a better GPU in with a good, pretty good actually, CPU, wondering if it's too good.

\>Yes, he'll need windows. But I can help him do the key upgrade thing.

8.1 and 10 home are literally same price on PCPP.

\>I think he'll need anti-static wrist straps/mats/whatever y'all may think is necessary for him to not screw up this build unintentionally.

I find it rather unecessary but they're cheap, just don't build it on carpet.

\>will hold up against any tantrums that he/his 9yo younger bro may have.

An SSD cares not about bouncing around while in use.

\>Any other advice for teaching a kid to build would be appreciated

Other than not mixing PCI-E and CPU cables, which killed a mobo for me, it's pretty much looking at what fits where really.

I also don't think it has any sort of awesome theme going or whatever, I'm bad at that.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Type|Item|Price

----|:----|:----
CPU | Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor | $239.99 @ SuperBiiz
Motherboard | MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard | $39.99 @ NCIX US
Memory | Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $26.99 @ SuperBiiz
Storage | A-Data Premier SP550 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $37.88 @ OutletPC
Video Card | MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card | $109.99 @ Newegg
Case | Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case | $41.99 @ Directron
Power Supply | EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply | $49.99 @ Amazon
Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM (64-bit) | $79.99 @ NCIX US
Other| 3.0 case to 2.0 mobo USB| $1.00
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $627.81
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-05-01 16:24 EDT-0400 |


E: \>but he'll need the easiest/most user friendly way to record gameplay and edit his videos.


Recording is Shadowplay, good quality, easy to do. Streaming however is an ass to do if you're limited by internet, because then it takes a lot of tweaking for a good quality/performance balance, but if his internet is good enough, YouTube will have settings all over the place for 1080p.


Editing though... Movie Maker does a decent job and it's easy, but not great, people I know use Vegas, but never used it myself.

I received this as a very surprising and thoughtful gift http://www.amazon.com/Harmony-DSLR-Bohemian-Camera-Strap/dp/B0047RS6GC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1EZMQWFT5A11PHAJG4CQ

It's 2 inches wide so it's huge and perfect for full frame cameras versus the crop ones, extremely high quality and luxurious looking, is padded and has held up very well over a few years. Only the sides of the velvet have rubbed off a little, but I have been extremely rough/unconcerned/disgusting with my camera because I work with it. Happy with it, would make a lovely gift for a woman. Lots of people have also complimented/admired it. It really was a very nice and unexpected gift, and also useful because of the thick padding for comfort. The Amazon reviews also seem happy.

Hi,

I can't say for certain as I have only used a Black Rapid strap but don't have another similar/cheaper strap as a comparison so I am biased towards the BR strap. I got it just over 6 years ago and have it permanently in use. I do find a positive increase in usability along with comfort. With it slung over my shoulder my camera is always on-hand, usually with my dominant hand resting on the corner of the body at my hip. Very comfortable, easy access.

Compare the Black Rapid I got 6 years ago to this one which is $19.99 today this one which is $19.99 as of today . They look pretty similar in construction/design more or less.

Personally, if the session is important enough to bring a big camera then I'll just deal with the drawbacks of schlepping around a big camera. If all day comfort or equipment safety outweighs importance then I tend to just commit to snapshots and maybe one real "photograph" via cell phone if it works out.

Then again, I'm shooting a very light Canon T5, and when paired with a 50 1.8 it's remarkably light.

I try to stay streamlined as much as possible, and I use an over the shoulder strap just like that, but I leave my tripod adapter attached at all times, and the retaining screw has a little metal loop that lets me hook onto the camera. That way I'm always ready to strap up or clip into a tripod without fumbling for gear.

For wildlife walks, I try to hand hold and use the strap to carry the tripod (slightly extended to remain balanced), but I'm also using a kit 75-300 and not heavier, upgraded glass. A hand strap like this could be helpful to reduce strain with heavier lenses or bodies.

Wildlife is really challenging me lately (and I'm beginning to feel where an upgraded body with more control like you found would be very helpful). I'll usually dial in a manual setting exposing for the sky for birds in flight so I don't have to bother grabbing an exposure; then I'll switch to shutter priority for the rest with a high shutter speed to mitigate camera shake. An A and B memory setting would rock.

Tarion Vintage Strap

Price: $7.99

Available at Amazon

I've used a number of straps but this one takes the cake. Vintage feel and look, it's pretty tough despite its looks. Quite affordable to be honest. I've been using it for a while now and it's still holding on pretty well. It's relatively light as well and it doesn't cut into my neck or shoulders (at least not to me). It's pretty well made for its price.
Despite not being a branded product, they've got a Facebook page set up so you could leave a message, it typically takes a day to get a reply though.

Edit: link

You don't have to get a kit lens if you don't want to. In fact if you're looking to get the best quality/cost ratio I would skip the kit lens altogether (with the possible exception of the XC15-45, see below).

Start by checking out this page to see all the Fuji lenses. The XC are kit lenses, the XF are their premium stuff. WR means weather resistant. OIS means image stabilization.

Please remember that you can go on Amazon Warehouse) and buy used in "good" or "very good" condition with full Amazon guarantee (those marked "Warehouse") and save some serious bucks.

The obvious choices for street photography are prime lenses, and the first must-have choice would be the XF35.

Other lenses are up to you. When I shoot street I tend to favor primes almost exclusively. The XF23 and XF50 are another couple of excellent choices. I also like the XF27 because it's the smallest "pancake" Fuji lens, but if you get the XF35 there's no point in getting the XF27 (unless you really want a pancake), because their field of view is too close to each other.

I should mention that all Fuji kit lenses are exceptional and break the usual "kit lenses are meh" rule. They're not as good as the XF line but they are definitely not bad. I love the XC15-45 and it's the only kit lens that doesn't have a suitable XF equivalent.

My personal choice for travel would be the XF35 for street and the XF55-200 for when I need a zoom (and while on a trip you do occasionally need a zoom). I also take the XC15-45 because it's so small and light so why not (and that wide 15mm end is extra sweet). Speaking of personal choices, I'd also go for an X-T2, especially if you get it used (which you should; try to avoid buying new and especially not at MSRP whenever possible).

I also recommend getting a better strap, the ones included are a bit too narrow and get a tad uncomfortable with a bigger lens. OPTech does a very nice and simple neck strap. If you need a bag I can also recommend the Caden K1, just not if you have a big torso, the strap only allows for a bit over 50 inch.

Lmao I totally hear you there! I've seen the Capture pro clip but I feel like my shoulders would be weighed down too much. Even if I were to add a shoulder pad water bottle holder to even it out i just don't think that's the solution. For a while I've just been carrying my camera secured with a wriststrap with a basic landscape lens and keeping my telephoto someone handy and towards the top of my pack. If I see wildlife then I may not want my pack on anyways so I can move around more free. I've been thinking about using the jockstrap and this guy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CM63TNE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_PNPWzb12XTZSM

Wow you're a nice friend :)

If he doesn't have a tripod - a travel tripod would be awesome. In the right price range too.

Wirecutter's rec here : http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-travel-tripod/

The blackrapid straps are awesome too, if he currently is wearing his camera around his neck, it's a game changer.

https://www.amazon.com/Metro-Compact-Systems-Cameras-Manfrotto/dp/B00IZLSKCQ

I also find a camera insert super useful. This is a padded insert that you can put into any bag. When travelling this is really handy because it's not easy to carry multiple form-factor bags. With this, I can pop the insert into my carry on trolley for plane, into my messenger bag or purse for day use, into a backpack for a hike and keep my stuff safe.
https://www.amazon.com/Tenba-636-222-BYOB-Camera-Insert/dp/B00KT7GJGS

I love travel photography and def feel like there's different rules since you have to pick the versatile lightweight stuff. Those are the travel specific gifts I can think of but here's a blog post I wrote with some other gifts: http://www.sidecarphoto.co/stellar-gifts-favorite-photographer/

Here's what I do:

• 1. Wear pants/shorts with a belt under your harness.
     
• 2. Use something like this or this
     
• 3. and this from the camera to a gear loop
     
• 4. Throw a UV filter on your kit lens. Then you can skip a lens cap and be able to shoot one handed without worrying about destroying your expensive prime in a whipper.
     
     Try and lead. The best pictures will be from the top shooting down. You'll also have a better understanding of the route for safe picture taking moments and impressive moves. If you have enough people, you can also try to get to the side of a route (tie yourself off) for some cool shots.

Yeah the design of the strap is to make sure as much weight as possible rests on the top strap which in your case is just the opposite of what you want.

Padding might be good bbut the split in Quest in the back is larger than in Rift. Maybe it would be possible to get by without the top strap. Or sollve the topp strap issue by using some elastic material like go... wwith it being wider and partly confrorming to the scull it might work better for you.

There's also something like a sideways strap that someone mentioned for the Odyssey. Don't know how well it would support the weight of the HMD with a non-halo style strap but in your case, it might be better for you. https://www.studioformcreative.com/

Also, some people that found the top strap to be uncomfortable used a beenie but that might get uncomfortably hot.

I know scalp will be more sensitive but maybe some shoulder strap paddings would work like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Domke-725-310-FA-031-Office-Shoulder/dp/B00009R86L

Hope you find your solution!

Similar, I got this OP/TECH strap. Main factor was it being comfortable on the neck. Great for mirrorless.

Cons

• Doesn't fold away quickly.
  
• Random bouts of laughing at nothing
  
• I find myself taking closeups of walls
  

Straps I've bought trying to find THE ONE:

• Love this one on my leica- has a tiny bit of leather (I think it's real...)
  
  
• LOVE THIS for my Nikon D5 and will never replace it. It's nearly perfect. Overkill for my Leica, tiny bit of leather
  
  
• This was fine
  
  
• This was fine but felt a bit too lightweight
  
  
• This was also fine but a loop of paracord on your hand all day is kind of annoying
  
  
• This was suitable for a small point and shoot
  
  
• This was way too much- probably for any camera without a 300mm lense
  
  
• This was fine for light weight p&s's
  
  The ones that have leather are using corrected-grain stuff that is not structural, so even if it might degrade over time, it won't hurt the function. Unless you're trying to be vegan, I wouldn't worry about it.

I use the capture clip along with straps attached to these loops. When I'm hiking with my pack, i disconnect the strap and just let the camera hang from the backpack strap via the capture clip. It's super solid and you shouldn't worry about it falling anymore than you'd worry a strap ripping.
When i take off my bag, I connect my camera strap back on(super easy with the loops) and wander normally.

Not feeling the straps around my neck while I'm hiking has made the capture clip one of the best hiking accessories I've purchased.

Get yourself a 50mm 1.4 lens. Preferably the sigma brand. The glass is gorgeous! I have a bunch of lenses and the sigma is the holy grail for me. I have a Nikon d90 and just have the Nikkor 50mm 1.4 but I dream of the sigma. :)

Edit: this camera strap changed my life as a photographer : http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00092KD9C/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

BLACKRAPID Wander Bundle - Smartphone Safety Tether System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072595S4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4vfvDbDA3ZM49

i use this at every festival. it’s incredibly useful.

A floating leash is a good idea. Yet I think it doesn't need to be the original Sony branded one.

This one will work just as fine for a third of the price :)

There is also a floater, which you can atach directly to the housing, yet I can't recall it's model name at th moment.

EDIT: Found it

It's pretty safe. Protip: be sure to tether your phone to yourself if you really want to use it while riding. I tuck this into my iPhone case to keep it attached to me.

I own one of these. Actually the voyager variant. Only difference is the straps have holes in them so it looks like it was made from a belt. Use it daily for my laptop and ipad. Only complaint is the neck strap is lame. Basically feels like what a seat belt is made out of. I bought a shoulder pad meant for photographers and use that. Only other thing is I wish it was kinda bigger. Main area holds my laptop (13" macbook pro) and while there's plenty of room it's just awkward. Maybe I'll do some pictures...

edit: here are a few pictures. The shoulder pad I got is the domke shoulder pad. Hard to really show in pictures but one side is more cushioned than the other. Works nice when worn messenger style (across the chest) as the extra padding holds the strap and the right angle and also makes it more comfortable.

Does he take any pictures while kayaking, or does he keep anything on his person in the boat? I have a Nikon camera tether that I use on my waterproof camera. It's a retractable line (like you would see attached to a work ID card), but for heavier electronics.

Something like: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-8172-Retractable-Rangefinder-Tether/dp/B000JJGY7A

With that he could attach all sorts of stuff to his person from electronics to small bags, and there are likely ones rated for heavier gadgets. It's a useful piece of gear.

Edit: typo.

Ok so what you need is:

• Paracord
  
• OpTech adapter kit
  
  I suppose if you didn’t care about it being removable you could use a very small split ring on the camera and then attach the wrist strap to that without needing to buy the OpTech kit.
  
  

1. Cut your paracord into roughly the length you want. I’d make it a little longer than you think to allow for the loops and you can shorten it when you’re tying the second loop anyway.
   
   
2. Tie a loop at each end of the paracord. I used this knot: https://www.animatedknots.com/perfection-loop-knot
   
   
3. Using a girth hitch, attach the female side of the OpTech kit to one end of the paracord https://i.imgur.com/Lz8wHuU.jpg
   
   
4. Put that end through the loop at the other end https://i.imgur.com/nc6bozr.jpg
   
   
5. Attach the male end of the op tech kit to the camera using a girth hitch again https://i.imgur.com/z6p1WHM.jpg
   
   
   Should be left with something like this: https://i.imgur.com/DuHr1d1.jpg
   
   Let me know if you have any questions.

I use this;

http://www.amazon.com/California-Sniper-One-Padded-Camera-Strap/dp/B002KD9BMS

And love it, not bad for the price

If you are talking about this. http://www.amazon.com/Peak-Design-Camera-Clutch-Strap/dp/B00LI7TM9Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451681561&sr=8-1&keywords=peak+design+clutch

On my A7rii when my hand goes in and you cinch the clutch down it will pinch down on the top of your hand and if you flex your hand, it will cause the clutch to uncinch itself some automatically. I can take a picture of it if you want, but the one I linked is just too big for the body.

I've had mine for about 6 months now and I didn't see a smaller one. I'll have to check it out.

I'm notoriously bad about dropping my phone. Over the summer I finally cracked the screen on my OG XL for the first time. I then bought a leash for it and have not dropped that phone or my new Pixel 3 since.

BLACKRAPID Wander Bundle - Smartphone Safety Tether System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072595S4G/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_oOl0Bb5JREXF9

Also rocking the fabric case and I LOVE it. It feels so nice. With my wrist strap I don't worry at all about drops.

OP/TECH
http://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-Pro-Strap/dp/B00092KD9C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395118227&sr=8-2&keywords=optech+strap
Can't find a reason to spend more. Personally, I use their Utility Strap because I like slings better.
http://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-Utility-Strap/dp/B003T0EYVE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395118227&sr=8-1&keywords=optech+strap

Awesome tip: once you find one get some of these for quick release

i recently bought a strap from peak design, they sell the "anchor links" separately, so you can probably attach it to different straps.

its super quick release, you can have the anchors on multiple cameras and use the same strap.
check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Design-Anchor-Camera-Straps/dp/B07F94FQRB

If you haven't already, definitely pick up some batteries for it -- they do last quite a while but aren't included and can be harder to find locally. These ones are the ones I'd recommend: https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lithium-Batteries-MP-100-Silver/dp/B013JEUI0K/

It does have connectors for a strap but none is included. I went with the Lomography ones (about ~9 each) which work fine but aren't anything special. I haven't found a "great" one for it yet. There are some nice/cheap ones on amazon that should work though: https://www.amazon.com/TARION-Camera-Shoulder-Vintage-Classic/dp/B0194X71JQ

You'll want a connector similar to that type (with the long connectors) to hold onto the camera. Some straps use metal clips which probably won't fit due to the way the camera is set up (the connectors on't really extend out far enough)

They also have a specific bag for it which looks to match your style, but it's been sold out for a while: https://shop.lomography.com/en/instant-automat-leather-bag

>Before I get lmgtfy'd I've googled like crazy and have come up with nothing I like.

Really? You searched "camera strap", and you don't like any of them?

• The first non-sponsored link is to Black Rapid. What do you not like about the extremely popular RS-7?
  
  
• Do you like something a little bit flashier and cheaper?
  
  
• I'm guessing you also didn't like the Sun Sniper. Why?

Maybe something like this? Like a camera strap?

https://www.amazon.com/BLACKRAPID-Wander-Bundle-Smartphone-Safety/dp/B072595S4G

this guy

I've had one now for 4 years and its still as good as the first day...

BLACKRAPID Wander Bundle - Smartphone Safety Tether System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072595S4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d6PUCb0P1DF34

Appreciate the reply. The closest thing I’ve found to what I’m looking for is a camera float. I think it would take 3 of these things to float the speaker.

https://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Flash-Waterproof-Camera-Float/dp/B00GUZEZL4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=camera+floats&qid=1554694013&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Peak Design Anchor Links for Camera Straps (AL-4) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F94FQRB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lt8iDbQCPBH8Q if you’re interested

I picked up the BlackRapid Wander bundle from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/BLACKRAPID-Wander-Bundle-Smartphone-Safety/dp/B072595S4G/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542215241&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=blackrapid+wander+bundle&psc=1&smid=ASYNZAYMQDDXS

This way you can tether your phone to something (lanyard, wrist strap, etc.) This gadget kept me from dropping my Note 8 in the water while fishing.

​

​

There's the BlackRapid RS5 - http://www.amazon.com/BlackRapid-RS-5-Camera-Strap/dp/B002K4512Q

not much cheaper, though it seems a lot more versatile with all the extra pockets and compartments

This one ;)

I use these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00A8EIPJQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

so the clips are always on my camera and I can just clip my strap to it in seconds

I use this--it hasn't let me down yet. I stayed away from the quick release camera straps for the same reason. If I need to put it on a tripod, the strap is light enough where it doesn't really get in the way or tangled.

I used this to attach it, but I got a different cord that was longer and could stretch.

https://www.amazon.com/OP-TECH-USA-Comfort-Strap/dp/B000928KII/

Simple, comfortable, no garish branding, several colors to choose from, one-piece (none of that buckle bullshit that OP/Tech is usually pushing).

This reminds me that I need to get another one.

(Replace .com with your country's Amazon domain, for example .co.uk, it will lead you directly to the corresponding listing.)