Customer Reviews

Tamrac N-5055 Neoprene Shock Absorber Digital Camera Strap (Black)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used a neoprene strap on my cameras for over 10 years. My previous strap was starting to show wear. So I purchased this one. I thought the on strap chip holders would be nice but not a big deal.

I was surprised at how such a "small" thing is a really nice convenience. I often do long shoots (hikes, weddings, performances, etc.) and the ease of having my next chip right on the strap makes changing chips just a few steps easier. A minor change but surprisingly convenient.

Update November 1, 2010

I have used this strap for over 3 years.

I still highly recommend this strap. The pockets for the memory cards are much better than other straps I have looked at (I actually bought a new strap for a new camera and ended up putting the strap on my old camera and sticking with this strap)

When I received it, I thought, the unfinished edges must be a problem. I was right. This is definitely more fragile than the original Canon strap.

The foam will begin to rip, and the camera will literally be hanging from a thread. Mine has already ripped from two points. I do use the camera quite often, as a photojournalist, having carried 40d, 70-200mm 2.8 and a 580ex on it some times. I've had it for almost a month.

I think Tamrac may make ones with finished edges, but the best thing for you is to go to a physical brick and mortar store to test out and feel the straps. You can also try Lowepro, or OP/Tech.

Pros: it has memory card holders with quick release and a bounce comfortable feeling

I like the design and how it works. Very comfortable, handy memory card pockets. Also there are clips at the end of the strap so you can quickly remove the strap if the strap gets in your way on a shoot.

My problem is the neoprene material is covered by cloth, which after only a few uses is peeling off the neoprene strap. I'm not sure the long term consequences of this. So far it still works fine. I don't know if the cloth is there to give it strength or cosmetic. If it's for strength, then the neoprene may start to rip or come apart.

I've used one for four years, just bought another for my second camera. Here's why.

PROS:

1. Comfortable. The foam strap is way, waaay more comfortable than the freebie straps that come with cameras. Gives but doesn't bounce, fits your neck without digging in, yet doesn't curl up.

2. Convenient. The quick-release buckles allow you to ditch the strap very easily when you choose to -- like when you are doing tripod work and don't want even the slightest vibration from a strap moving about. When you are ready, attaching the strap again is a snap.

3. Reliable. I have NEVER had a buckle release accidentally.

4. Indispensable. The little pockets on the strap for keeping extra memory handy have saved my shoot many times -- I can't imagine working without them. Their design has several advantages over other card carriers I have used: convenient location, stretch to fit two cards each or even a small battery, and because they are sewn flat to the strap and hold the contents firmly, they do not swing or jiggle, meaning less camera shake and less chance to snag on something.

4. Discrete. The brand name is tiny and inconspicuous - unlike that giant, tacky, advertising that comes on most free straps.

5. Durable. The camera it's been on for four years has developed that well-used look, but this strap shows no signs of wear.

CONS:

1. They attachment strap is too big for some point and shoot cameras (but this is probably over-kill for a pocket-sized camera anyway).

2. The pockets for memory cards will hold a small battery (good) but not a medium-sized camera battery (darn!).

It was suggested to me by a photographer friend of mine to get me a neoprene strap, so I looked at the reviews and bought this one. I traveled with it and it was comfortable hanging around my shoulder and neck all day (5+ hours). The one thing I have to complain is that there's no way to remove the pouch at all, since that part of the strap is stitched in... becomes a bit annoying because I don't have extra CF cards and they came in the way several times.

I bought one each for my Nikon D50 and Nikon D90 and they are very comfortable. The little pockets at each end are useful; I put an SD card in one, and I store the plastic covers for the hot shoe and the eyepiece in the other. The thick neoprene is comfortable around the neck or over the shoulder and it stretches a little, so it works as a shock absorber for the bouncing of the camera when you move.

This is my all time favorite camera strap. I love that the blue neoprene is unique and easy to spot. If you're walking around with an SLR around your neck all day, this is the camera strap you need to wear. It's incredibly comfortable.

I use a Nikon D300 with the extra battery pack, and occasionally a big flash unit up top. The combination is very heavy, and a generic neck strap wasn't doing it. None the less I didn't want to put any extra money where it wasn't needed! This neck strap did the trick. I can let the entire weight of the camera hang without any discomfort.

The CF holders are a little tight - but if you're determined you can fit two cards with their plastic cases on each side. If you don't use extra CF cards, you can store other gizmos like the eye piece cover or a lint cloth. I use lots of cards so I find these very convenient. I start a shoot with a card in the camera and two blanks in each side. My CF cards are numbered and formatted before the shoot so I won't get a used card confused with a blank.

I liked the Tamrac strap so much I purchased a second for my backup camera. It's nice to be able to quickly remove the strap for packing in a tight camera bag, and I have tossed the neck part into the washing machine without any issues (hang dry of course!).

The sides of the strap are unfinished and I might imagine the cloth will separate from the Neoprene at some point but after a summer of hot dirty work both straps look fine - if I can get a few years out of the strap that's fine by me!

Overall it's a great strap for the price!

In the past I have had neoprene straps for my 35mm cameras that cost much more. They were "brand named" and did not have the features that this strap has.

Obviously, since they were for a 35mm they did not have the card pouch, this strap has two. I use one to store the blackout eye peace that came with my Sony, the other for a spare card.

What I find is the best feature is the quick release tabs. What a pleasure to be able to quickly get the strap out of the way.

I have found this strap very comfortable, much more so than the woven strap that comes with new cameras. Additionally, I am not constantly adjusting the strap to the correct position. I rated this Tamrac strap 5 stars because I don't know what more you could expect from this piece of equipment.

Works as advertised. Very comfortable even when the camera has been around my neck for hours.