Sling Strap vs. Neck Strap: Which Camera Strap Style is Right for You?

When it comes to carrying your camera, the two most popular options are the traditional neck strap and the modern sling strap. While both hold your camera, they offer vastly different experiences in comfort, speed, and security.

Choosing the right style can make the difference between a comfortable day of shooting and a frustrating one filled with neck pain and missed shots. So, which one is right for you? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each.

The Traditional Neck Strap

This is the style that comes with most cameras. It’s a simple loop that goes around your neck, letting the camera hang in front of your chest.

Pros of a Neck Strap:

• Classic and Simple: It’s a straightforward, no-fuss design that everyone understands.
• Good for Lighter Cameras: For a small mirrorless or point-and-shoot camera, a neck strap is often perfectly adequate and comfortable.
• Keeps Camera Front and Center: The camera is always right in front of you, which some photographers prefer for security and quick access.
• Can Be Worn on the Shoulder: You can also wear it over one shoulder for a different carrying position.

Cons of a Neck Strap:

• Neck and Back Pain: This is the biggest complaint. With a heavier camera and lens, all the weight is concentrated on the back of your neck, leading to significant pain and fatigue after just a short time.
• It Bounces Around: When you walk, the camera swings and bounces against your chest. This is annoying and can lead to accidental bumps.
• Slow to Shoot: To bring the camera up to your eye, you have to lift the entire weight of the camera, fighting the strap’s length.

A neck strap is best for: Photographers with very light camera setups, those who shoot for short periods, or those who prefer the classic, simple approach.

The Modern Sling Strap

A sling strap is designed completely differently. It’s worn across your body, from your shoulder to your opposite hip. The camera attaches to a connector that slides freely along the strap’s webbing. The camera rests at your hip or on your lower back, out of the way.

Pros of a Sling Strap:

• Superior Comfort: The cross-body design distributes the camera’s weight across your shoulder and back, not your neck. This makes even heavy gear comfortable to carry for an entire day.
• Fast Access: To shoot, you simply grab the camera and slide it up to your eye in one fluid motion. The strap stays in place. It’s incredibly fast and feels natural.
• Stays Out of the Way: When you’re not shooting, the camera rests securely at your side or back. It doesn’t bounce around when you walk, making it great for hiking or navigating crowds.
• Secure: Worn across your body, it’s very difficult for a thief to grab the camera off you.

Cons of a Sling Strap:

• Can Interfere with Backpacks: Wearing a sling strap with a backpack can sometimes be awkward, although many models are designed to work around this.
• Tripod Mount Connection: Most slings attach to the camera’s tripod socket on the bottom. This means you have to remove the strap’s connector to mount your camera on a tripod (though many systems, like Peak Design’s, have solved this with integrated tripod plates).

A sling strap is best for: Almost everyone else. Particularly for travel photographers, event shooters, and anyone with a DSLR or mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens.

The Verdict

For the vast majority of photographers, a modern sling strap is a significant upgrade in comfort and speed over a traditional neck strap. The ergonomic benefits, especially the elimination of neck pain, are a game-changer for anyone who shoots for more than an hour at a time.

While a high-quality neck strap still has its place for lighter setups, if you’ve ever felt the strain of a camera hanging from your neck, it’s time to experience the difference a sling strap can make.