Improve Your Workflow With One of These Top Camera Harnesses
- Holdfast MoneyMaker
- Think Tank Photo Pixel Racing Harness V3.0<
- Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Harness
- BlackRapid Breathe Curve
- OP/TECH USA Double Sling
photo by meatbull via iStock
It’s crazy to think that back in the day I used the camera strap that came with my camera.
After all, those straps are incredibly uncomfortable and their functionality is limited, at best.
For me, a camera harness is a much better option…
The question is, which camera harness is right for you?
Here are five top choices for you to consider!
Table of Contents
Top Camera Harnesses: Holdfast MoneyMaker
Construction
I’ve had a Holdfast MoneyMaker for years now, and it is far and away one of the best constructed camera straps I’ve ever used.
Holdfast uses only the finest leathers - mine is Water Buffalo - which means they’re incredibly durable harnesses that mold to the unique shape of your body over time.
The MoneyMaker also uses stainless steel D-rings, so you never need to worry about the metal components on the harness rusting or failing over time.
Functionality
For functionality alone, the MoneyMaker is the best deal on our list. You can carry two full cameras on the MoneyMaker and even when you’re using one of the cameras, the other camera, as well as the harness as a whole, doesn’t budge.
There’s no shifting of the harness even when you’re messing with the weight distribution.
Plus, Holdfast is incredible with creating complementary products, so you can add another camera to the mix with a sling. You can even carry lenses or your cell phone in various pouches or you can carry a full-on camera bag on the back of the harness. It just doesn’t get more functional than that!
Durability
Holdfast only uses full-grain leathers, so if you use your MoneyMaker correctly, it will last your entire photography career.
But, even if the durability was absolutely awful, it wouldn’t matter because Holdfast will fix or replace any of their products that break under normal use for life.
Ease of Use
As with any leather product, you can pull the MoneyMaker right out of the box and throw it on because it will conform to your shape over time.
You can purchase Holdfast’s MoneyMaker from $285 here.
Top Camera Harnesses: Think Tank Photo Pixel Racing Harness V3.0
Construction
The Think Tank camera harness is crafted out of padded foam and mesh, with plastic D-rings, which is great if you’re looking for a cheap camera harness, but isn’t great for the planet or those who live in hot, sticky climates.
I may be the only one, but walking around with a sweat-soaked camera harness doesn’t sound like my cup of tea.
Functionality
This is a very functional, hands-free camera harness.
It holds one camera by itself, but if you also purchase a Think Tank belt then you can carry additional lenses and cameras.
You can also attach everyday items to your shoulders via the two D-rings, things like keys and a wallet.
Durability
Mesh foam is not the most durable material on our list, and neither is plastic.
Because of the materials this camera harness is built out of, I imagine it will pick up odor over the months and would need to be washed frequently.
But, if you’re looking for a camera harness that’s cheap to get you started, then this may be right up your alley.
Ease of Use
The best part about this camera harness, other than the price, is the quick-release buckle on your chest to allow you to pull this harness on and off in a jiff.
The weight is also evenly distributed and there’s no set up or break down so you can put it on right out of the box.
For just $45 on B&H, this camera harness can’t be beat for the price.
Top Camera Harnesses: Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Harness
Construction
The Cotton Carrier camera harness is crafted out of Kodra synthetic canvas and anodized aluminum, and for those of us not in the construction business, let me break down what that means.
Anodizing a substance basically makes it resistant to corrosion, so while anodized aluminum is cheaper than stainless steel, it is almost as sturdy.
Kodra canvas, which is very similar to Cordura canvas, is known for its durability and resistance to abrasion. Kodra is just made in Korea, as opposed to Cordura which is made in the States, so it’s also cheaper.
Functionality
This is one of the best camera harnesses for adventure and travel photographers, particularly because of the safety tether which both prevents you from accidentally dropping your camera and prevents thieves from highly-trafficked tourist areas from grabbing your equipment and making off with it.
Durability
Kodra, the canvas this harness is made out of, is highly water-resistant. It’s also based on Cordura, which was crafted during World War II for tires. So, the canvas is built to last.
Ease of Use
This one-size-fits-all hands-free camera harness comes with some incredibly easy to use features like a twist and lock camera mount system to prevent theft, a rain jacket, two pockets for memory cards or batteries and a quick-release waist belt.
While this camera harness isn’t the most beautiful, it is great for those of you who photograph in areas with a lot of theft.
You can buy the Cotton Carrier on B&H for $120.
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Top Camera Harnesses: BlackRapid Breathe Curve
Construction
The BlackRapid camera harness is made of a moisture-wicking nylon webbing, which gives it a leg up on the Think Tank.
The carabiner, which is made of brass and zinc-alloy, locks for ultimate safety.
The BlackRapid also features a nylon pouch for transport and another plastic carabiner protector.
Functionality
This isn’t the most versatile camera harness because it’s only created for right handed people, and generally people that are smaller and are trying to move quickly with just one camera.
Although, the spring-loaded bumper locks, which you slide up and down the strap, prevent the camera from bumping around too much in any situation.
Durability
So long as you don’t work for extended periods in the blazing sun (nylon notoriously doesn’t like sun exposure) this camera harness should last you years.
Ease of Use
It’s incredibly easy to use for those of you who are right handed. Lefties, this is not the camera harness for you because it’s meant to be draped from your left shoulder to your right hip.
The BlackRapid is available on B&H for $67.
Top Camera Harnesses: OP/TECH USA Double Sling
Construction
OP/TECH is made out of neoprene pads, which is a synthetic rubber created to be flexible in most temperature ranges, nylon webbing and leather tabs.
Functionality
I love customizable gear, and the OP/TECH fits that bill.
You can carry one or two cameras with it with just one adjustment. Plus, you wear it like a backpack, so it’s easy to put on and take off when you need to adjust your equipment.
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend the OP/TECH for anyone with shoulder or upper back problems because the padding across the shoulders means all of the weight of your equipment is carried there.
Durability
Nylon webbing is, again, quite durable so long as you don’t shoot for extended periods in sunny areas.
The leather straps are also a nice durability touch.
Ease of Use
This is one of the most easy to use, customizable camera harnesses on the market. By moving one of the slings under the arm, you can carry just one camera instead of two and the padding on your shoulders remains snug.
This, alongside most of the camera harnesses featured here, is one size fits all. It is adjustable from 23” to 46” with just one pull.
The OP/TECH USA Double Sling is available on B&H for $30.26.
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