Accessories

Andy Westlake tries out a cross-body strap for DSLR or mirrorless cameras

IN GENERAL, I like the idea of sling straps. They allow you to carry a camera across your body, nestling on your hip ready for shooting. This is more comfortable than either neck or shoulder straps, especially with heavy kit.

American rm BlackRapid was the rst to popularise the concept, but I’ve not always warmed to its products. I’ve found the shoulder pads to be bulky and the wrong shape for my preference for wearing a strap over my right shoulder. Like many photographers, I’ve also been unconvinced of the wisdom of carrying my camera by a screw-in connector that might work loose. The Delta RS-4 addresses these concerns.

Its shoulder pad is still quite large, at about 8cm across at its widest point and 35cm long, but it’s well padded and very comfortable, with a honeycombtextured inner that should stop your shoulder getting sweaty. Its symmetric pro le also means it can be worn equally happily over either shoulder. I’m not a fan of the nylon ‘daisy-chain’ loops which are designed for attaching accessory pouches, though, and would be tempted to chop them off.

The camera connector attaches to the strap via a carabiner, which boasts multiple levels of security. Its sprung arm is locked closed by a screw-down brass sleeve, which in turn is secured in place by a hinged plastic clip. So there’s very little risk of your camera coming off accidentally. But I’d still use the security tether for peace of mind.

Once attached, your camera is free to rotate on the carabiner so that it sits at against your body, and slide freely up and down the strap for shooting. You can set a pair of plastic clips to limit its travel, which ensures that the shoulder pad doesn’t slip away down your back. The end of the strap is held neatly in place by a plastic clip, so it won’t ap around.

Verdict

Overall, this is a really well-thought-out strap that’s made to a high standard from quality materials. It’s best suited to use with larger DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and allows you to carry them comfortably while keeping them readily accessible for shooting. There’s also a huge degree of scope for length adjustment, so it should t almost any size and build. Just be aware that the shoulder pad takes up a fair bit of space when the time comes to pack your camera away in a bag.

Tether This nylon webbing fixes onto one of your camera’s strap lugs, providing a back-up point of attachment.

Coyote If you find the coyote brown colour of our review sample too daring, the strap is also available in all black. Fastener This holds your camera by screwing into its tripod socket, held tight by a rubber washer. It’s made from stainless steel overmoulded with nylon. Extension If the strap is too short for you, the optional ‘Bert Breathe’ extender (£14) can clip in to add another 38cm.