The problem of hauling cameras can be a pain in the neck (literally) for photographers. The standard neck strap may not always suffice. A camera harness on the other hand, with belts, slings, and hooks, should easily handle many cameras and other accessories.
Suspender and vest-like harnesses not only provide protection and ease, but they help spread the load, avoiding neck aches and muscle pains when filming for lengthy periods of time.
Using a camera harness with a waist belt or the front compartment of a camera pack allows you to quickly and easily reach your camera while freeing up your hands to concentrate solely on other things.
Here are three of our favorites:
Our Top Camera Harness Recommendations
● Best Overall Harness: Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Sling Style Harness for One Camera
● Best Budget Harness: BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Sling
● Best Harness For Outdoor Activities: Nicama Dual Shoulder Camera Strap for Two-Cameras
Table of contents
BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Sling
C Coiro Dual Camera Shoulder Strap
Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Sling Style Harness
Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Camera Harness System
C Coiro Padded Dual Shoulder Camera Straps
Nicama Camera Strap Carrier Chest Harness Vest
Nicama Dual Shoulder Camera Strap
OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness
USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness
9 best camera harness reviews
I have researched 7 of the most popular camera harnesses so you don’t have to. I have included the Pros and Cons of each to give you a TLDR rundown of features.
1. BlackRapid Curve Breathe Camera Sling
In terms of overall build quality, the BlackRapid Curve Breathe is outstanding. This item incorporates so much innovation and purposeful design that each aspect deserves special attention.
First, there’s the polyester netting that forms the bulk of the strap. It is featherweight and durable. Including under difficult weather conditions, there is no chance of ripping or discoloration.
The cushioned netting that contacts your shoulder comes next. This appears to be designed for interstellar travel. The air mesh and TPE cushioning combine to make a robust yet incredibly snug combination, and the needlework that holds it all together is flawless!
Finally, there is the connecting system. BlackRapid invented this concept and has been expanding there since then. The Connector attaches to your tripod support, which in turn connects to a rock climber-worthy carabiner and seals tight with a connector covering.
In comparison to other companies, BlackRapid provides a unique design, cutting-edge innovation, and exceptional durability. This harness is definitely worth the money in our opinion.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Only holds 1 camera
- Camera free to swing around
2. C Coiro Dual Camera Shoulder Strap
C Coiro wishes to assist photographers in capturing their photographs… with style. The C Coiro Dual Camera Shoulder Strap is a multiple camera harness with a twist, ethically created in the United States.
Yes, it has numerous characteristics of a multi-sling camera harness, such as tripod socket connections (enabling you to take the camera upside down by your waist), protection latches, and sliders …. but it’s also the greatest leather camera harness for two cameras that just exudes flair.
There’s also an extra connector that lets you hold the third camera towards the front of your body between the two primary straps.
Because of its robustness, the C Coiro is ideal as a DSLR harness, but it is also sufficiently versatile to be utilized with more compact mirrorless or small camera sets.
This strong double leather camera harness, which comes in a variety of patterns and textures, will age gracefully and endure a long period of time.
Pros
- Stylish
- Holds two Cameras
- Made from Leather
Cons
- Cameras free to swing around
3. Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Sling Style Harness
When two photographers became frustrated with entangled camera straps, they devised a solution, sought the assistance of a buddy, and created the instantly successful Skout G Series.
The Cotton Carrier Skout G2 Sling Style Harness was created as a result of its popularity.
This sling is for you if you’re tired of your DSLR flopping on your belly while you walk. It has a comfy sling belt that hangs the camera inverted at your waist.
Once you’re ready to take the photo, just slide your camera up the sling just like a BlackRapid sling strap.
The G2 Sling Style Harness facilitates fast, simple access to your camera while staying out of business the time you’re not using it.
It’s simple to set up and modify, and it’s a functionality-rich and greatly effective, and practical camera harness with neoprene cushioning and silicone internal grips.
Rotatable camera strap fast-release latches enable the camera to revolve freely for optimum flexibility before detaching completely for more mobility.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Prevents Camera from swinging
- Available in grey or camouflage
Cons
- Only holds one Camera
4. Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Camera Harness System
To begin with, this harness efficiently spreads the load, allowing it to be simple to carry two (or more) big cameras with far less difficulty and strain than with any sling or regular harness.
Yes, cameras with telephoto exposures and flashing lights seem more difficult to screw into position and release, but in reality, only after a couple of tries, do people get the hang of it. Placing the camera back into the apparatus is a little more difficult since you need to see where you’re moving the center, however after some practice, you’ll get the gist of it.
The Cotton Carrier G3 also has a few more characteristics that demonstrate its usefulness and indicate to its intended customers. A lens stabilization strap goes around the bottom of the strap to secure a wide-angle lens in position and from flapping or wobbling while jogging, riding, or mountaineering.
It also has a waterproof casing that quickly slides up and over your lens and camera. A pouch on the inner side of the chest plate is designed for a mobile phone or any other comparably sized object, a tiny item pocket is located in the front, and a flexible knitted pocket in the rear accommodates moderately sized objects.
Pros
- Ideal for outdoor activities
- Comfortable
- Prevents Camera from swinging
- Available in grey or camouflage
- Extra accessory pouches and pockets
Cons
- Too bulky for everyday use
5. C Coiro Padded Dual Shoulder Camera Straps
Want the convenience of C Coiro fast-release anchoring attachments but like the aesthetic of a more traditional leather strap? C Coiro’s revolutionary Cushioned Dual Shoulder Camera Straps might be the best camera harness for you.
The leather is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also feels good straight out of the package. C Coiro uses medium tempered leathers, which provide a nice, ‘cracked’ touch to them… They only keep becoming better as they get older.
The harness is available in three different colors: English tan, chestnut brown, and black. Irrespective of the one you select, the trendy vintage style will go with anything you’re sporting, whether informal or dressy.
This makes it ideal for both sidewalk and professional photographers.
The Padded Dual Shoulder Camera Straps is also available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to select the length that feels right for yourself and your equipment, and it is appropriate for any camera, including mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Pros
- Stylish
- Has shoulder pads
- Holds two Cameras
- Made from Leather
Cons
- Cameras free to swing around
6. Nicama Camera Strap Carrier Chest Harness Vest
The Nicama Camera Strap Carrier Chest Harness Vest fulfills its claims while being comfortable and practical. I might say it’s not suitable for every style of photographer, but really what equipment is?
Its comfortable design and cushioned belts are extremely ergonomic, and when securely tightened, keep the camera elevated on your breast, reducing pressure on your spine.
I should remark that, considering where the DSLR or mirrorless hangs, it could be less effective for some female photographers, and also that getting the strap tight to your torso is critical to its optimal performance.
We also discovered that while fastening the neck bands, the back-side hook-and-loop clasp slid somewhat and that tightening the shoulder strap required not one but two hands, whereas it should preferably just require one.
The Nicama Camera Strap Carrier Chest Harness Vest has rapidly evolved into one of the favorite camera harnesses for professional photographers, as well as anybody who uses two cameras simultaneously and is concerned with their aesthetics.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Prevents Camera from swinging
- Works well with outdoor activities
Cons
- Only holds one Camera
- needs an included special tool to attach the adapter plate to the camera
7. Nicama Dual Shoulder Camera Strap
The Nicama Dual Shoulder Camera Strap is a favorite among both novice and experienced photographers alike.
You receive a well-made, ergonomic, and elegant camera harness that can be used as a shoulder strap, a sling, or a neck harness and is also quite affordable.
In the sling position, the inner cushioned nylon netting features a soft side that slides over clothes, and a gripping face that resists slippage in shoulder mode. Dual fast-adjusters provide rapid access and simple adjustment.
The Dual Shoulder Camera Strap, like other Nicama camera straps, is easy to fasten and unhook, and the two sites of attachment make your camera extra sturdy than typical sling harnesses.
Furthermore, the Dual Shoulder Camera Strap is now compatible with any third-party tripod mount, in addition to any Nicama plate.
With the finest wear resistance and durability, you can be certain that whichever camera/lens combo you connect to it will be supported.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Prevents Camera from swinging
- Works well with outdoor activities
- Holds two cameras
Cons
- needs an included special tool to attach the adapter plates to the cameras
8. OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness
With nearly 500 great reviews on Amazon, it’s difficult to overlook the OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness in our compilation of the finest camera harnesses of this year. It really is the best camera harness at this low cost.
The OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness is made of long-lasting, breathable neoprene that fits all around shoulders with a safety lock to hold it securely in place.
If the load of a camera around your neck bothers you, I highly recommend a shoulder camera harness, and not many are as ergonomic, inexpensive, and well-made as the OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness.
I appreciate the addition of rapid-release clips for swiftly attaching and detaching the OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness from the equipment. The fast-release mechanism of most camera harnesses is vastly underappreciated; the ability to swiftly disconnect your camera away from the main portion of the harness gives flexibility and adaptability.
The OP/TECH Double Sling Neoprene Harness is a comfortable broad harness that can be attached to your torso with the accompanying safety mechanism. The length is ideal – so that your camera doesn’t dangle too far away from your body when you release it.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Lightweight
- Quick release clips
- Holds two cameras
Cons
- Cameras free to swing around
9. USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness
Whether you’re an explorer or reside in a place with a hot environment, the USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness is undoubtedly the best inexpensive camera harness worth your consideration.
Airy vents made of breathable and moisture-wicking neoprene run alongside the cushioning of the USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness, enabling the air to circulate under and throughout it, which means no more perspiration marks when the temperature rises. It’s also exceptionally light, at only 6.2 ounces!
Because of the broader strap and robust design, weight is distributed evenly, making your burden seem lightweight. Padded neoprene cushioning minimizes shock for added support and the patented pivoting spins for greater agility.
If you wish to get the most out of your USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness, I suggest getting a harness attachment known as a camera harness mount.
This setup makes it possible to connect the harness to the tripod mount on the camera, allowing it to hang facing down at your hips and swing spontaneously as you walk.
Pros
- Budget Friendly
- Lightweight
- Padded Neoprene cushioning
- Holds two cameras
Cons
- Cameras free to swing around
Different Harness Types
I’ve added some information below on the different types of camera harness that are available.
Cross-body camera strap
Cross-body straps are a cross between neck straps and shoulder straps. The strap runs across your torso and connects to your mirrorless camera or DSLR on the other hip. A clasp or nut links the camera to the harness and glides on the sling. For maximum convenience, choose a cushioned shoulder region.
A load of your equipment is distributed more equally across your person with cross-body harnesses. Based on your stature, you may alter the length so that the camera sways higher or lower on your torso. They are the best camera harness if standard neck harnesses are too unpleasant to be worn for long amounts of time.
Camera shoulder harness
Rather than hanging over your neck, a camera shoulder harness supports you with your back and your shoulders. These are worn in the same way as a coat or blazer, with a sling across each arm. The camera is strapped to your waist and swings forwards and backward.
Usually, harnesses can connect two cameras, which makes them the best camera harness for gatherings and ceremonies when you need to film or carry two cameras. Typically, these devices are composed of polyester or calfskin. You will not feel any strain on your neck as a result of the design.
The pressure is dispersed over your shoulders and spine accordingly. Some camera harnesses have a strap on the chest to increase balance and prevent the arm straps from sliding down either side.
Camera chest harness
These camera chest harness devices resemble baby carriers. The camera sits right in front of your chest like a newborn. Different from a regular harness, the camera is attached to the harness by interconnecting connecting plates rather than a strap. A plate is attached to your camera through the tripod point of connection. This plate connects to another plate on the device located at your breast.
When you’re ready to shoot, just remove the camera from its plate and begin shooting. A few compartments for storage devices, a rain protection sheet, or even a sanitizing cloth are generally included in the harness.
These systems may be outfitted with a second camera that is carried in a secondary harness worn on your shoulder.
FAQs
Do camera straps fit all cameras?
Camera straps are ideally suited to compact, lightweight cameras, such as mirrorless cameras and point-and-shoot cameras with relatively small lenses.
How long is a standard camera strap?
The very simple, and likely most common length of a camera strap will be roughly 27 by 29 inches, with maybe some variable span on the sides. This size is ideal for professionals who want to direct a picture session with their equipment hanging around their torso.
How do you carry a heavy camera?
A heavy camera is usually carried in a specialized backpack or attached to a neck harness. A camera backpack enables you to comfortably move your camera body as well as lenses in separate sections wherever you go.
How should your camera hang?
The lens of a DSLR or a mirrorless camera should be pointed toward your torso when it is hanging. A lens protruding from your shoulder may cause it to twist and slam against items, potentially resulting in damage. A camera that faces inwards is simple to hold and offers a minimal amount of discomfort and risk.
Why do photographers carry two cameras?
Having two cameras cuts time by eliminating the need to change lenses. Furthermore, it prevents dirt particles from contaminating both cameras, provides the photographer with a fallback camera in the event of a malfunction, and also allows artists to capture both films and still photographs simultaneously.
Conclusion
It’s odd, but camera harnesses actually make photography more delightful. The innovation of mirrorless cameras may produce lighter and more compact equipment, but the necessity to find an effective manner to carry everything on our bodies will always be present.
Thankfully, most camera straps are affordable in comparison to other camera equipment, allowing you to buy more than type, such as adding a 3 point slinger to your camera bag.
Based on prior experience, I would advise you not to restrict yourself to only one camera harness for all purposes.
I’m not recommending purchasing camera equipment for the purpose of buying camera equipment, although I believe you can utilize many camera harnesses in different settings with different cameras and lenses.