Camera Strap and Camera Sling

OVERVIEW

The difference between a camera strap and a camera sling is the specific camera carry style that it is designed for. A generic camera strap can function as a neck strap, shoulder strap, or sling strap,

A camera sling is designed to carry the camera across the body. The pad is on one shoulder and the camera will rest on the opposite hip. Some slings will function as a neck strap. However, a sling strap will usually not be the best for shoulder carry as it will usually slip off your shoulder.

A well-designed shoulder strap will not slip off your shoulder but will not be as easy to use as a sling carry.. A shoulder strap will usually work fine around your neck.

A camera neck strap can be a problem when used as a sling or shoulder strap. If your camera is very light, say under a pound, you can hang the camera over your neck without too much of a bother. However, if a camera is heavy you DO NOT want to carry it around your neck. If you do it enough and don’t pay attention to the pain it is causing you will hurt your neck.

If you are working on a subject and taking many photographs while you study the details you may take 20 photos at different apertures, framing, shutter speeds, lenses, filters, timer, battery etc.. During that time it is convenient to put the camera strap over your neck. As you explore the subject you will be fussing with the camera which means you will be holding the camera and the weight is in your hands not on your neck as you adjust dials and settings.

There is also a holster or belt style camera strap. Many of us have enough trouble keeping our jeans at our waist. If you are young or in great shape this is an option. If you’re wasted … then the belt will slip down. Perhaps it is if you're not wasted …the belt will slip down. Anyway, you get the idea.

I want to re-write this with better clarity including images that will illustrate the difference between a camera strap and a camera sling will be photographed soon.