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Buy a Camera Sling Online
Why a Camera Sling?
People using a Camera Sling do so for two main reasons: Convenience and Speed.
If you are passionate about photography, you take your camera everywhere and are always on the lookout for another great shot. With most serious photographers using an SLR - digital or otherwise - the way you carry and access your camera has a big say on the user experience. By the time you add an extra lens or two, a battery pack, and the rest of the accessories you quickly gain over time, you are carrying around some serious weight.
A backpack is a comfortable way to carry this weight but access to your camera is tedious and slow. Camera Slings give you comfort and quick access. You can carry it on your back and instantly swing it around to the front when you need it. Thats what its all about.
To buy a Camera Sling online, click here.
Typical Camera Sling
Camera Sling Features
Looking at comfort first, the shoulder strap needs to be suitable.
This means that the strap is wide and padded. A narrow strap increases the pressure on the shoulder and quickly becomes uncomfortable or even painful. A width of 1 inch is not good enough for long term use. A 2 inch strap is adequate (if padded) for supporting moderate weights. Ideally you would be looking for a shoulder strap wider than two inches with a decent amount of padding to get you through a full day carrying an SLR.
Other features to look at are the number and configuration of equipment compartments, their closure mechanisms, and the level of padding to protect your equipment. There are many different combinations and you should be able to find a set up to match your own specific needs.
Caselogic Camera Sling Bag
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camera Sling
The size of the pack is the first place to start. As most SLRs are similar in size, the manufacturers descriptions on Camera Sling capacity are fairly accurate although sometimes the amount of extra accessories they say the pack can fit is a little optimistic. If you plan to travel with your camera it often helps to have a little extra space for non-photography items.
Price is another factor that will influence your decision when buying a camera sling bag. Proper sling bags with all the features can be picked up online for around $50 - $60. There is the occasional basic sling bag for less than this but in the $30 - $40 range most are just camera bags and not slings.
If you only use your camera occasionally and aren't in any rush you can use a regular camera bag and replace the standard neck strap your camera came with for a padded, extra comfortable one.
Caselogic Camera Sling Bag
This popular bag fits most Digital SLRs and another lens. It protects the camera by suspending it on a neoprene 'hammock' as well as having foam in the walls.
It is stylish and doesn't broadcast the fact you are carrying valuable camera equipment making it a good choice for those travelling.
It has enough space for the majority of users and has a 25 year warranty.
Lowepro Camera Sling Bag
This is another example of a camera sling bag that isn't instantly recognizable as such.
It protects your equipment with an internal camera box and has plenty of additional pockets, both internal and external. Again, it has enough space for an SLR and additional lens but does not feel like a big bag.
Another well designed product with high user satisfaction.
Super Comfortable Neck Strap
Crumpler Neck Strap
This Crumpler strap is about as comfortable as you can be with an SLR hanging directly on your neck.
This strap gets rave reviews from its users and some wear this alone for day trips, spending the entire time without anymore support than the strap.