A camera hand strap is an important piece of photography gear that can help prevent your expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera from dropping and shattering on the ground. They attach to the camera body or lens and provide a comfortable and secure way to grip the camera while shooting.
There are many different types of camera hand straps available on the market, so it's important to choose one that is compatible with your camera and suits your shooting style. This article will look at 13 of the best camera hand straps currently available and help you choose the right one.
Why Use A Camera Hand Strap?
When you buy a new camera, it comes along with a neck strap that you can use to carry around your neck or over your shoulder. However, these neck straps are not ideal for everyone and can actually be quite uncomfortable to use, especially if you have a heavy camera.
Keeping your camera holding on to the neck can cause muscle pain in the neck due to overuse of the muscle. According to an article in MedlinePlus, this pain often starts during or after the activity. In this case, your neck pain might start after a long day of shooting with your camera.
As a solution to this, you can use a Camera hand strap, often called a camera wrist strap, while holding your camera. This will help you to distribute the weight of your camera to both your hand and wrist, which can reduce the amount of pain you feel in your neck and shoulders.
In addition, hand straps can also help to prevent your camera from dropping and shattering on the ground if you accidentally lose your grip on it. If you're using a neck strap, the camera can still drop and hit the ground if the strap comes loose or is not attached properly. A hand strap provides a more secure grip on the camera body and can help to prevent accidental drops, making them ideal for photographers who are shooting in precarious situations.
How to Choose a Camera Hand Strap
When choosing a hand strap for your camera, there are a few things you need to consider to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hand strap:
- Compatibility: You first need to check if the camera strap is compatible with your camera. Most wrist straps will have a list of compatible cameras on the product page. If you can't find this information, you can always contact the manufacturer to ask.
- Attachment Method: The next thing to consider is how the camera strap attaches to your camera. Some hand straps attach to the camera body, while others will attach to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera. Some universal camera wrist straps come with different attachment methods so that you can use them with any camera.
- Material: The material of the hand strap is also important to consider. You want a material that is strong and durable but also comfortable to use. Nylon and leather are two of the most popular materials used for camera hand straps.
- Adjustability: Another thing to consider is how adjustable the wrist strap is. You want to be able to adjust the length of the strap so that it fits snugly around your wrist without being too tight.
- Price: Of course, you also need to consider your budget when choosing a hand strap. Camera hand straps can range in price from around $10 to $50 or more.
Now that you know what to look for in a camera hand strap, let's take a look at 13 of the best available options.
Note: If you still don't have a camera, we recommend reading The Best Rated Cameras For Photography.
If DSLR is not your preferred choice, you can buy a polaroid camera that gives instant printouts of your photos. If you prefer to buy a polaroid camera, we recommend reading The Highest Ranking Polaroid Cameras.
Best Camera Wrist Straps
Peak Design Clutch Camera Handstrap CL-3
Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap Ash (CF-AS-3)
MegaGear Camera Cotton Wrist Strap
BlackRapid Camera Wrist Strap with FastenR FR-5
ONA Kyoto Leather Camera Wrist Strap
Padded Camera Wrist Strap by Altura Photo
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Adjustable strap
- Secure
Cons
- Higher price
- A little heavy
- Compatible with limited camera models
Specifications
Weight: 90g
Material: Premium PU leather
Strap Length: 9.65 inches
Color: Black
Suitable For: DSLR
Price: $20+
If you are looking for a safe and comfortable option to keep your DSLR close by, the Padded Camera Wrist Strap by Altura Photo is a great choice. The strap is adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit for your wrist size. This camera strap is made from premium PU leather, which is soft, comfortable, and padded for extra cushioning.
However, this strap is only compatible with DSLR cameras with a standard ¼" tripod screw mount. This means that you won't be able to use it with all camera models. But, if the budget is your concern and you still want a strong camera wrist strap for your heavy camera, the Padded Camera Wrist Strap by Altura Photo is the best one that you can get for under $30.
Maveek Camera Wrist Strap Braided 550 Paracord
Pros
- Elegant look and feel
- Strong and versatile
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- non-adjustable strap
- Not specifically a camera strap
Specifications
Weight: 16g
Material: Paracord
Strap Length: 9.05 inches
Color: Camouflage or red/black
Suitable For: DSLR, binoculars & Point and Shoot
Price: Under $10
Maveek Camera Wrist Strap is one strap-fit-all solution that is specifically designed to keep your devices safe. The wrist strap is made of high-quality paracord that can support more than 200kg. This material is not only strong but also light and comfortable. Although the strap is non-adjustable, you can secure the strap with the sturdy quick-release clip.
It's also lightweight and washable, but we find the grip is not as comfortable as the other camera wrist straps on our list. But, if you are looking for a cheap and cheerful solution, the Maveek Camera Wrist Strap is a great choice.
Nordic Flash Waterproof Camera Float Wrist Straps
Pros
- Waterproof and Floating
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Float your camera if lost (cheap insurance)
- Affordable
Cons
- non-adjustable strap
- can not hold heavy cameras
- Does not last longer
Specifications
Weight: 9g
Material: Foam and synthetic rubber
Strap Length: 6.6 inches
Color: Red, orange, yellow, or pink
Suitable For: Go Pro and waterproof Point and Shoot
Price: $20+
This camera strap is a bit different from other wrist straps because it is made to serve a specific purpose - to keep your camera afloat if it falls in the water. The Nordic Flash Waterproof Camera Float Wrist Strap is made from a buoyant foam material that will keep your camera floating if it falls in the water.
It's also very light and comfortable to wear and will fit compact cameras with waterproof cases.
However, this strap is not adjustable, so you will need to choose the right size for your wrist. And, it's not suitable for heavy cameras. If you are looking for a cheap way to ensure your camera against accidental drops in water, the Nordic Flash Waterproof Camera Float Wrist Strap is a great choice.
Good to Know: GoPro is an excellent choice for underwater photography. However, it needs a waterproof casing to be used under the water. If you have GoPro 5, we recommend buying The Top Gopro 5 Waterproof Casing. And if you have GoPro Hero 10, we recommend buying The Best Gopro Waterproof Casing Hero 10.
Camera Wrist Strap for DSLR Mirrorless Camera by Aqarea
Pros
- Fashionable look and feel
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons
- Less secure
- non-adjustable strap
Specifications
Weight: 45g
Material: paracord
Strap Length: 16 inches
Color: Black, blue, green, off-white, turquoise
Suitable For: DSLR, Mirrorless Camera
Price: $30+
If you own a mirrorless camera, you know how hard it is to find the right camera strap. But, the Aqarea Camera Wrist Strap for DSLR Mirrorless Camera is made specifically for your camera. The strap is made of high-quality paracord that is both strong and comfortable. The hand-woven strap is fashionable and stylish and will complement your mirrorless camera.
However, we find the Aqarea Camera Wrist Strap to be less secure than other camera straps on our list because it doesn't have a clip or a buckle. But, if you are looking for a fashionable and stylish camera strap for your mirrorless camera, the Aqarea Camera Wrist Strap is a great choice.
USA GEAR Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap
Pros
- Secure
- Affordable
- Safe for wrists
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Not immediately intuitive to use
- a bit heavy than other wrist straps on the market
Specifications
Weight: 90g
Material: DuraNeoprene
Strap Length: 6.5 inches
Color: Black
Suitable For: DSLR, micro four thirds & Point and Shoot
Price: $10+
If the brand is not a problem for you and you are looking for a high-quality camera wrist strap, the USA GEAR Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap is a great choice. What makes this wrist strap special is its strong wrist strap and hand grip combination. The hand grip is made from a soft and comfortable DuraNeoprene material that is easy on the wrists. Out of all the wrist straps listed here, we found this camera strap a better choice for budget shoppers that expect a professional look and feel.
However, the USA GEAR Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap is not immediately intuitive to use and might take some getting used to. But, overall, it's a great choice for budget shoppers that are looking for a high-quality camera strap.
JJC Camera Hand Strap
Pros
- Secure
- Soft and comfortable
- Quick release strap
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Not immediately intuitive to use
- Not for large hands
- A bit heavy than other wrist straps
Specifications
Weight: 112g
Material: Microfiber Leather, Metal Plate
Strap Length: 7.5 inches
Color: Black, blue, red
Suitable For: DSLR with tripod socket
Price: $20+
The JJC Camera Hand Strap is a great choice for budget shoppers that are looking for a secure and comfortable camera strap. This camera strap is made from a soft and comfortable microfiber leather that is easy on the wrists. It features a quick release system with an eyelet for integrating a quick release strap and a metal base plate with an eyelet for attaching one.
However, this wrist strap is a bit small for large hands, and it takes time to find the perfect fit for those who fit. But, overall, this camera strap makes a great choice for budget shoppers that are looking for a secure and comfortable camera strap.
Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap
Pros
- Elegant and Secure
- Comfortable
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Expensive
- a bit heavy than other wrist straps on the market
Specifications
Weight: 113g
Material: Leather
Strap Length: 13 inches
Color: Black
Suitable For: DSLR, micro four thirds & Point and Shoot
Price: $30+
The Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap is a great choice if you are a fan of ergonomic designs. This leather camera strap is made from lightweight and comfortable genuine leather that is padded with foam for extra comfort.
The curved S shape makes it easier for your hands to grip the camera and the padded section provides extra support for your wrist. However, this camera strap is a bit expensive and might not be suitable for budget shoppers. But, overall, it's a great choice for those looking for an elegant, secure and comfortable strap.
Rapid Fire Secure Camera Sling Strap by Altura Photo
Pros
- Strong and Secure
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Quick release system
- Affordable
Cons
- Not compatible with all types of cameras
Specifications
Weight: -
Material: Premium PU Leather
Strap Length: 11.42 inches
Color: Black
Suitable For: DSLR & Point and Shoot (with eyelet opening bigger than 5mm)
Price: $10+
The quick release system is something that photographers prefer as it allows for easy and fast access to the camera. The Rapid Fire Secure Camera Sling Strap by Altura Photo is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, quick-release camera strap. This sling strap has two alternative attachment points; One heavy-duty connection for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs and one lightweight and robust connection for GoPro and point-and-shoot cameras.
The Rapid Fire Secure Camera Sling Strap is made from premium PU leather that is soft, comfortable, and lightweight. While this is a versatile solution for any camera, it isn't compatible with cameras with eyelet openings smaller than 5mm. But, overall, it's a great choice for those looking for a strong, secure, and comfortable strap.
Conclusion
Although plenty of camera straps are available in the market, these are the best camera wrist straps we have tried and tested. Considering the strap features and the price, we prefer USA GEAR Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap more, but that wouldn't be a good choice if you are an ergonomic design lover.
If you are a brand lover and want the best experience out of your camera strap, we recommend buying Peak Design Clutch Camera Handstrap CL-3.
Do you have any other recommendations? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Happy Shooting!
FAQ
Should I Use A Camera Strap?
It is not necessary to use a camera strap, but it can be helpful in many situations. A camera strap can help you keep your camera safe and secure, and it can also help you keep your hands free when you are not using your camera.
What Is A Good Camera Strap Length?
The best camera strap length will depend on your preferences and the camera you use. There are different types of camera straps available in different lengths; neck straps, wrist straps, shoulder straps, and belt straps.
A neck or wrist strap is the best choice for most people. But, if you are using a large DSLR camera, you may want to consider a shoulder strap or a belt strap.
Movo camera hand strap how to attach?
To attach the movo camera hand strap to your camera, first, attach the plastic plate to your camera's tripod socket. Then thread the strap through the camera hook and adjust the length of the strap. Then, secure the strap to your wrist with the Velcro closures. Finally, buckle the strap around your wrist for extra security.