I’ll admit it, I’m not a huge photographer strap. Yes, I do have some straps however, they are usually practical and are more to be used in emergencies or for #dadlife (‘What do you mean by your feet hurt, and I need to carry you all of the way to the zoo? ?’). Even at the peak of my career as a professional I was more likely to carry bags far more often than working on my shoulders.
However, shoulder straps have lots to offer. They safeguard your camera from drops, permit you to utilize both hands and not put your camera down, offer an opportunity to keep multiple bodies in your bag, and the convenience that they provide helps to reduce photographs that you missed because you were searching for your camera in bags or packs. When I was requested to review of the Slide Sling Strap from Peak Design, I figured that it was time to revisit straps.
Specifications
- Maximum Length: 145cm/57in
- Minimum Length: 99cm/39in<
- Weight: 171g/6oz
- Width: 45mm/1.8in
- Strength Rating: 200lbs (This is the rating of Dyneema corded Anchor Link anchors. The seat belt webbing of 45mm might lift your vehicle.)
It is important to note it is worth noting that Peak Design also offers a slimmer model of its Slide and SlideLITE for mirrorless systems as well as smaller cameras. The specs are similar to the Slide with the exception of the width being 32mm/1.25in with the total weight reduced to the 141g/5.5oz. The weight reduction is probably due to the wider width as well as the fact that SlideLITE is not padded. SlideLITE is not cushioned.
In Use
Connecting the Slide was quicker than any strap I’ve ever put in. This Anchor Link connector design is innovative and easy to connect. In fact, even when I didn’t use the camera strap, I had anchors from the Anchor Link anchors onto my camera. Yes, they seem a bit funny and move around like tiny eyes, however they do not interfere with my camera and let me install the strap once more in mere just a few seconds. With four anchors in the package it is simple for you to shift the Slide between different bodies. The anchors wrap around the camera’s strap eyelets, and then you can insert to secure the attachment on the other top of your Slide strap. To take it off, push down on the anchor and then slide it back in again. It is possible to do this in the dark , and there’s virtually no chance of this happening accidently.
There are two ways in connecting your Slide and your DSLR. One is the classic connecting to your strap’s eyelets, which is suitable for the traditional ‘neck strap’ look that hangs the camera on top of you. The second option makes use of the Arca-Swiss tripod plate.
The plate is fitted with tiny cutouts on every corner to allow for the attachment to anchors. If a strap is attached to the eyelet and plate, the camera is positioned more naturally to your side, when it is slung over your chest or shoulder as an strap. There are other items available that permit you to connect a strap to the tripod mount of your camera however, the majority of them need to be removed when you want to utilize the tripod. The inclusion of an Arca-Swiss compatible plate into the design ensures that the those who use the Slide can effortlessly mount tripods to their camera with no adjustments to the strap configuration.
The Slide is quite comfortable. The seatbelt’s wide, soft material coupled with the padding inside makes carrying weighty DLSRs easy. It’s been a time since I’ve used an ‘padded’ camera strap. I’ve either thought they were too bulky, or made of neoprene which caused the camera to bounce onto my back more frequently than I wanted. The Slide’s padding is 1/4 inch or so thick and yet it offers enough firmness so that it can hold and spread all the weight that the camera carries. The one side of the padded section is smooth while another has rubberized “gripper lines that allow users to select between the two alternatives.
One drawback of its padding it’s slightly stiff and does not fold particularly easily. It’s not noticeable when you’re on your shoulders but it could be somewhat awkward when you put the camera in bags. I’m assuming that padding may soften as time passes and become less flexible. I’m not sure whether that could take away any cushioning properties. The only way to know is time, I guess.
The length adjustment is simple and easy, even using one hand. It’s as simple as pulling towards the adjuster, release the strap, then slide it upwards or downwards to reach the length you want to. It’s extremely convenient to be able to extend the strap while you’re shooting, and then tighten it to its original length when you have some walking to do. But, it does cause me to think about the most obvious issue regarding the Slide.
Although the adjustable handles made of metal are attractive and provide an impression of quality to the strap, they’re an extremely risky equipment for those who keep our camera equipment in bag. I was constantly worried that the handle would to scratch or scratch an object, LCD, or even chip the lens that had placed in a bag without a cap. For me there’s no reason that the Slide should have utilized metal in the design. The extra weight was not needed and the risk to the camera equipment was too high. I would like to have this exact design but with adjustable handles made of plastic.
What’s the bottom line?
Its Peak Design Slide Sling Strap is a well-constructed, unique camera strap that comes with a high-end cost. The construction and materials showcase the quality. The slide feature that is named after the name is extremely effective, and the low padding and the large strap width can be used to control large DSLR/lens combos. The Anchor Link connectors are a efficient and fast method to remove and install the strap.
But, despite all the positive aspects of the Slide however, the worry that the aluminum quick adjust handles can scratch or break the expensive camera is huge disadvantage. This is especially the case for those who work from a bag more often than carrying the camera on our shoulders or neck. If you’re in the same category and would like the strap that has some (though but not every one) of the features of the Slide It’s worth a look at it. Peak Leash strap.
What we like-about:
- Easy length adjustment, and even one-handed
- Innovative hidden non-bulky padding
- The width is enough to allow for a comfortable fit.
- Easy to install/remove, works for multiple cameras
- Versatile attachment system
- The material is soft and flexible.
- Attachment to the tripod plate of the Arca-Swiss design
What we don’t love:
- The stiffness of the padding can make it hard to fit into bags
- Metal adjustment buckles can bang against camera/gear in bag
- Many would think it is expensive for the strap for a camera