Is a Single Camera Strap or a Dual Camera Strap Right For You?
In an era where we are constantly pressured to shop, I find being a photographer a bit overwhelming.
Not only is gear acquisition syndrome a thing I need to fight on a daily basis, but whenever possible I like to be sustainable with my gear purchases, which means spending more upfront on items that will likely last me a lifetime.
But, when I’m making a big, expensive purchase, I get stressed out because I want to make the right decision. What if I spend a few hundred dollars on some gear and end up hating it?
That’s why I’m writing this article. I think camera straps are one of the most important gear purchases photographers make outside of camera bodies and lenses, and if you purchase the wrong one it’s going to be a pain every single day.
Why a Single Camera Strap Might Be Best for You
Single camera straps are for on-the-go photographers. I’m wildly Type A, so I own a single camera strap. I can’t stand still for more than a few moments, and since I’m constantly traveling and shooting in high-speed environments, I find a single camera strap, like the MoneyMaker Solo I own, allows me to stay light on my feet.
Also, if you’re shooting with a mirrorless camera, there’s no reason to bulk yourself up with a dual camera strap. Match your gear to the way you carry your gear and keep it light across the board.
Single camera straps might also better for beginner and hobbyist photographers, or even experienced enthusiasts that need a “grab-and-go” setup for quick photo shoots.
It takes time and energy to learn how to efficiently handle more than one camera body at a time, so if you haven’t already found yourself shooting with more than one camera at once, chances are you won’t convince yourself to learn how to do so just because you can carry them now.
My single camera strap is great because it stays out of my way when I’m running through a subway entrance, working my way through a networking event, or throwing my luggage in and out of a taxi. But, it also keeps my equipment close enough to me that I can be assured it isn’t in harm's way or in danger of being stolen.
Plus, single camera straps are cheaper than dual camera straps, for the budget-conscious photographer.
Holdfast’s MoneyMaker Solo is my favorite single camera strap because of how durable it is. Holdfast makes their gear out of full-grain leather, which is stronger and lasts longer than regular leather.
The MoneyMaker is also much more fashionable than similar single camera straps, and since your image as a photographer tells all of your potential clients more about you than your portfolio, having aesthetically-pleasing gear is so important.
Finally, all of Holdfast’s gear works together, so you can purchase an additional cell phone pouch, or lens pouch that attaches right onto your single camera strap, as shown below.
Plus, I love shopping with Holdfast because their website lets you purchase equipment with Afterpay, which for those of you who don’t know is an interest-free way to segment expensive purchases into separate payments.
The best part is you just need to make the first of your four payments before they ship your equipment to you, so it’s almost as if you purchased it outright.
The MoneyMaker Solo can be purchased for $175, or four payments of $43.75 with Afterpay.
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Why a Dual Camera Strap Might Be Best for You
Dual camera straps are typically best for professional photographers, and mainly professional photographers who don’t frequently work out of a studio, like wedding photographers.
Dual camera straps allow you to carry a ton of gear, while evenly distributing the weight so you don’t have a sore back for a week after that 14-hour shoot.
Dual camera straps allow you to switch between cameras quickly and efficiently, and good dual camera straps, like the MoneyMaker, don’t shift around when you’re using one camera over the other, because the last thing you want to deal with on a shoot is chafing.
I stand by the MoneyMaker because it isn’t one size fits all, like a lot of dual camera straps. You actually need to buy the correct size, and as soon as you do, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing out on the whole time
The MoneyMaker doesn’t shift around on your body when you’re messing with your gear, or when you’re favoring one camera over the other.
The MoneyMaker also lasts a lifetime, because it is made out of steel D-rings and only the best quality leather, and Holdfast backs this up with a lifetime guarantee on all of their products.
The MoneyMaker also comes in various leathers, colors, and sizes.
You can purchase the water buffalo MoneyMaker or the skinny water buffalo MoneyMaker for $285, or the MoneyMaker original for $230.
Plus, keep your eye on Holdfast’s website if you want a unique, custom piece, like the Stormtrooper MoneyMaker that sold out almost immediately.
Whether you need a single camera strap or a dual camera strap, it’s important to invest in something that will work with you and give you long-lasting durability.
For my money, Holdfast’s MoneyMaker and MoneyMaker Solo more than meet those criteria!
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