Size Guide: Camera Strap Length & Width
Size Guide: Camera Strap Length & Width
Choosing the right camera strap length can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the game! In this post I hope to guide you through this process and you can be confident in getting the correct length and width.
Part 1: Camera Strap Length
Our Most Popular Camera Strap Lengths
70cm (27”) – great for keeping the camera close to your face, quick draw style!
85cm (33”) – The camera is still close to your face but you get a little more wiggle room.
120cm (120”) – Perfect for keeping the camera on your waistline. Its long enough to wear it on your neck, shoulder or crossbody!
Measured From Tip-To-Tip
All our strap lengths are measured from tip-to-tip regardless of their fixture! This ensures that you know exactly where your camera will sit.
Your Current Strap
Firstly, do you have a strap that you know is a great length? If so, take it off your camera and measure the full length of it. If you’re happy with this strap then you now have your measurement to use in our shop! If you have light weight gear (eg mirrorless / film) then go for a thin strap. If you’re using something a bit heavier (eg DSLR) then go for a wide strap.
Length Brackets:
60 – 80cm (23 – 31”)
This is the shortest bracket of straps in our range. I like to refer to them as ‘quick-draw’ as they are close to your face and you can very quickly get them up to your eye to take a shot. While out shooting they tend prevent the camera from flapping around so they can be ideal for hiking with. Straps of this length can be worn on the shoulder or neck and are ideal for smaller cameras like compact, mirrorless or film cameras. Stride and Peak are good choices here with their slim profile, but a wider strap is equally as good!
80cm (31”) Vantage worn on the shoulder
70cm (27”) Stride Strap worn on the neck.
80cm (31”) Summit QR Strap worn on the neck
85 – 100cm (33” – 39”)
Mid length straps that are well suited to a wide range of users. Wear them on your neck, shoulder or crossbody and they sit on your abs. This means they are ideal for offering flexibility while still being close to your face to quickly get a shot. In addition to the smaller cameras above, straps of this length are also suited to DSLRs, bridge and medium format cameras. If you have light gear go for Stride or Peak but if your gear is on the heavier side then opt for Ridge or Vantage as they have a wider profile.
100cm (39”) Ridge QR worn on the neck.
90cm (35”) Stride Strap worn on the neck.
100cm (39”) Ridge Strap worn crossbody.
105 – 120cm (41” – 47”)
The longest range of straps in our range and they get your camera sitting around your waistline. They are also great if your are a large person and it offers the ability to carry on your neck, shoulder or crossbody. Lengths in this bracket are suited to all types of cameras and again go for a slim strap (Stride, Peak) if you have lighter gear or a wide strap (Ridge, Vantage) for heavier gear.
120cm (47”) Ridge QR worn on the shoulder.
120cm (47”) Stride QR worn on the neck.
120cm (47”) Ridge worn crossbody
Adjustable Straps
Our adjustable strap, Ascent, comes in two lengths: Short and Long.
Short - Adjustable from 75 to 95cm. Close-ish to your face and makes for a quick photo. Great for wearing round your neck or shoulder and sits around your breastbone / top of your abs.
Long - Adjustable from 100 to 120cm. Can be worn neck, shoulder or crossbody and the camera will sit on your waistline at the longest length or on your abs at the shortest.
Short Summit Strap worn at 95cm.
Long Ascent Strap worn at 120cm.
Short Summit QR strap worn at 70cm.
Part 2: Strap Width
Once you’ve considered the length of strap you need, see our size guide for length, you will want to consider the width of your strap. To do this you’ll need to know the weight of your camera. Simply grab some scales or a quick Google search should help you find this information. Remember to factor in lens weight and other attachments.
Bowman Leather width options
32mm removable neck and shoulder pad on slim strap
19mm classic strap
12mm slim strap
Below we have listed some popular camera types with their weights and the type of strap we would recommend for it.
Gear Weight: Up to 600g / 1.3lb
Recommendation: A slim 12-13mm strap will work great for lightweight cameras. For cameras closer to the 600g that you use for long shooting sessions, a 19mm strap would give you added comfort.
Slim Stride strap on Fujifilm Xpro-2 + lens (573g). Photo credit Lukeckdavis
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Compact:
Sony RX100 VII
Total weight: 302g
Recommendation: Slim strap
Compact:
Fujifilm X100VI digital camera
Total weight: 521g
Recommendation: Slim strap for light use or Classic strap for long shooting sessions
Lightweight mirrorless + lens:
Fujifilm X-T30 II (378g) + XC15-45mm (136g)
Total weight: 514g
Recommendation: Slim strap for light use or Classic strap for long shooting sessions
Film Camera:
Leica MP
Total weight: 585g
Recommendation: Slim strap for light use or Classic strap for long shooting sessions
Gear Weight: 600g + / 1.3lb +
Recommendation: For medium weight cameras you will want a 19mm strap. Ours has a recommended max weight limit of 2.25kg - though it can take much heavier weights. If you want further comfort, use our 32mm neck and shoulder pad combined with one of our slim straps. This will give you maximum comfort when carrying heavier DSLRs or mirrorless cameras
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Compact DSLR + lens:
Canon EOS 250D – 449G + Canon EF-s 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens 215g
Total weight: 664g
Recommendation: Classic strap
Mirrorless + lens:
Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Camera Body (738 g with card and battery) + Canon RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens (700g)
Total weight: 1438g
Recommendation: Classic strap or 32mm removable pad combined with a slim strap
Multiple cameras at different weights?
The weight of our kit can vary depending on our needs. Sometimes we have a heavy and light camera in our kit, and sometimes we are using a heavy lens. Rather than buying multiple straps, you can instead get a removable neck pad that can be added to any of our slim straps. This combo is perfect for meeting all of your needs. Remove the neck pad when carrying compact, lightweight cameras, or add in on if you’re going to be using a heavy lens or switching to a heavy camera.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it also comes down to personal preference. Always check the weight limit for the strap but also consider if your preference is a minimal light-weight kit or ultimate comfort. Photography kit is very personal choice and everyone’s wants and needs are different. Shop our wide range of straps below to find the perfect fit for you.