In my opinion, camera straps are one of the most important accessories for a camera, which is probably why there are so many of them. Many come with a strap when you buy the camera, but it's usually impractical and uncomfortable. So if you use your DSLR more than once a month, you need something better.
I wouldn't call myself an expert on camera straps, but I know what I want. It should be comfortable, sturdy, and practical. Currently, I use a Blackrapid RS-7*, but I'm always open to new straps and approaches. So I took a look at a new strap, specifically the Custom SLR Camera Strap.
Custom SLR was founded by three photographers to solve the problem with camera straps. With the help of Kickstarter, the American company financed the C-Loop and now offers several interesting products.
The whole system is very flexible and can be customized as desired. It consists of a shoulder pad (Split Strap) and the corresponding straps that attach to the pad. For cameras, there are also straps for guitars and laptop bags, there are two options: the Glide Strap* and the Camera Strap.
The difference, besides the price, is the attachment to the camera. The Glide Strap is attached with a screw to the tripod mount, as known from the Sun-Sniper Strap or Blackrapid products. The Camera Strap uses the existing eyelets on the camera. The advantage is that the tripod mount remains free and can be used for something else.
The disadvantage is that it cannot be removed as quickly. It is possible to use the Custom SLR Camera Strap with the separately available C-Loop* (screw for the tripod mount), but then you don't have the slide feature.
The Custom SLR Camera Strap comes with a shoulder pad (Split Strap) and two different adjustable straps of varying lengths. On each side of the camera, a strap is attached with a loop and then clipped onto the shoulder pad with buckles. I was a bit concerned about this beforehand: heavy camera and plastic buckles, can that be any good? I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The plastic is high-quality and sturdy; I couldn't break or crush it. Although I wouldn't bet my life that the strap will last forever, I wouldn't worry too much either.
Unfortunately, no instructions are included, but you don't really need them; they can be found online.
The real highlight of the Custom SLR Camera Strap is the shoulder pad. The pad is made of neoprene and adapts very well to the shoulder due to its elasticity. When walking, it also cushions the weight of the camera a bit. It also seems to hold better on the shoulder, which is probably due to the material known from non-slip socks. Additionally, it is said to dissipate heat well, which I haven't been able to test yet due to the current temperatures.
Conclusion
The Custom SLR Camera Strap* is, in my opinion, a really good alternative to the camera straps from Nikon, Canon, and co. It offers good wearing comfort, is quite affordable, and is long enough to carry the camera diagonally over the shoulder. If you can do without the slide feature of Blackrapid or the Custom SLR Glide Strap, you should take a closer look at this strap.
