Best Quick Release Camera Straps for Fast Shooting

A quick release camera strap is something that does not really cross your mind until you are trying to take a picture, and you are unable to remove the strap from your tripod. The primary purpose of a quick release strap is to be able to quickly transition between using your strap to hang your camera from your neck or shoulder, to a tripod plate or bag, without having to disassemble anything, or adjust any thumb screws. The majority of professionals will end up with the Peak Design Slide, but it is definitely not the only option. As far as the type of camera you shoot with, as well as the style you shoot, as well as your budget, these all help determine what quick release strap is the best choice for you.

This article discusses what it is important to look for in a quick release strap, then breaks down the four main options that working photographers and videographers seem to choose between. The recommendations for each product listed were determined based upon review information regarding each product's specifications, user comments from r/Cameras, as well as reviews that have been ongoing for several years. I am making no claim that I tested the products for six months. Only the features of the products, and what users stated after utilizing the products.

What Quick Release Actually Means

When individuals speak of a "quick release," they may be referring to two different aspects of the camera strap. One aspect refers to the mechanism where the strap attaches to the camera body. For example, the anchor link system used by Peak Design allows users to easily attach and detach the strap from the camera body with one hand. Another aspect refers to the base plate attachment. For instance, an Arca-Swiss compatible plate that simply falls onto your tripod head. Ideally, you would want to be able to detach the strap from the camera body when attaching to a gimbal, and be able to place the camera directly onto the sticks without needing to detach or adjust the strap.

Friction plays a major role in determining whether or not you utilize your gear effectively. When setting up on a busy set, and changing setups requires thirty seconds of fumbling with your gear, you will cease utilizing your gear. You will allow your camera strap to dangle from the tripod, you will neglect to transition into your bag for B-roll shots, and ultimately you will become accustomed to leaving the strap on your camera continuously, and endure the constant banging against your camera.

However, a true quick release system eliminates friction, allowing you to truly utilize your equipment in the manner intended.

Cheap quick release straps fail in terms of durability. After a year of usage, plastic buckles develop looseness, sewn loops begin to fray, and low-quality clips weaken their springs causing them to break under weight. These are not issues that you should experience with a strap securing an expensive camera. Each of the products listed above has been utilized sufficiently long enough that there is reliable evidence of failures occurring in actual world applications, and reviewers have provided honest assessments of which components failed.

Peak Design Slide

The Peak Design Slide is essentially the industry standard. It provides a large shoulder pad and utilizes the company's anchor link system at each end. This enables you to rapidly remove or add your camera from or to either side of the anchor link system. The anchor cord is capable of supporting 200 lbs (more than sufficient for any of your cameras) and it can be inserted through any standard strap lug without requiring a specialized mounting component.

Additionally, the strap can be reversed such that one side contains the grippy seatbelt material that prevents movement when you are carrying heavy loads and the other side is smooth nylon material enabling you to easily slide your camera up and down your body.

Consistent praise regarding build quality has been expressed by reviewers. Many reviewers have mentioned that their Slides have endured for five-plus years of continuous heavy usage without developing looseness in their buckles or fraying in their webbing. Praise has also been directed towards how simple it is to transition between various methods of carrying your camera (slung, neck-strapped or shoulder-pad strapped) via adjustment of one cinch buckle. A recurring theme among reviewers praising the included anchor-mount plate is that it is Arca-Swiss compatible and can be placed directly onto a compatible tripod head without removing the strap.

There are negatives associated with the product as well. Some users have found that the wide webbing is too cumbersome for smaller mirrorless bodies and prefer utilizing the Leash model with smaller cameras. Several reviewers have complained that the anchor cords wore out after extended periods of time. Although Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty for replacement cords, many reviewers did receive complimentary replacements.

Complaints about cost exist as well. The cost of Peak Design products is higher than generic neoprene straps, and users who are new to the product line often complain about this. While many reviewers initially object to paying a premium price for the product, they typically change their minds once they start using it. The Slide is also available on Amazon for comparison pricing.

Peak Design Leash

Leash is Peak Design's smaller cousin. Both utilize the same anchor-linking system along with similar hardware that enable quick adjustments. However, Leash has narrower and lighter webbing. Leash is ideal for mirrorless cameras, rangefinder cameras and others that find the full Slide model excessive. In exchange for less shoulder padding you lose less support for larger and heavier DSLRs with longer lenses during extended usage periods, however for an X-T5 or Sony A7C, Leash is perfectly fine.

Reviewers generally divide between recommending Slide and Leash primarily based on body size. Full-frame DSLRs and pro lenses favor Slide, whereas mirrorless bodies, film bodies, and fixed lens cameras favor Leash. Multiple reviewers have mentioned purchasing both models and utilizing whichever one best suits the specific camera they are shooting with on a particular day, which is precisely the intended use case of Peak Design's anchor linking system. You install anchors into every body you own, then one single strap operates across all of them.

The most frequent complaint concerning Leash revolves around its comfort when carrying heavier loads. Narrower webbing digs in quicker under load, therefore reviewers carrying loaded bodies (gripped bodies or 70-200mm zooms) usually suggest upgrading to Slide. A couple users also noted that tripod mount adapters are available separately for Leash, whereas the Slide model includes it. Therefore, consider that when looking at complete quick-release-to-tripod workflows.

Peak Design Anchor Links (Standalone)

If you currently enjoy using your existing strap and wish to merely upgrade to Peak Design's quick release function, this package is perfect for you. The anchor link package includes four anchor cords that fit into your camera's strap lugs, along with matching housings that attach to any compatible strap. Anchor links can be attached and removed from the Slide, Leash, Cuff and any third party strap that has housings compatible with Peak Design's.

With anchor links installed on your camera you can instantly swap out straps. Changing from a wide shoulder-padded strap to a wrist strap takes approximately 10 seconds total.

Anchor links have received consistent praise from reviewers as one of the top small accessory purchases they've ever made. Consistently praised attributes include providing flexibility with regard to running multiple bodies off one strap, eliminating frustration related to converting from a sling or neck-strap carry method to tripod carry, and providing a pleasing mechanical click feeling when connecting and disconnecting housings.

Although there are complaints about wear on anchor link cords after extended periods of usage (specifically V3 anchor link versus older red V4 design), Peak Design's lifetime warranty will cover replacement cords for free. Users who operate their gear in dusty or sandy environments have reported dirt building up inside housing slots which may interfere with the click action required for proper operation of the housing. Simply blowing compressed air through the housing slot resolves the issue. A popular r/Cameras thread exists where the anchor link system is frequently referred to as the solution.

BlackRapid Sport Breathe

BlackRapid's strategy is different. Rather than clipping to the side strap lugs on a camera, the Sport Breathe clips to the tripod socket at the base of a camera using an adjustable stud. The camera hangs from your waist by the lens, then slides up to your eye as needed.

The Breathe version has a padded shoulder pad made of breathable material which feels much cooler during summer heat than other versions. In addition, the strap configuration is designed for a cross-body, over-the-shoulder sling position rather than being worn around the neck.

Many reviewers very highly recommend this style for event, wedding, and wildlife photographers who carry their cameras all day. This method of carrying allows the camera to hang at your waist removing virtually all weight from your neck, something that will clearly matter significantly if you are working more than eight hours on your feet. Reviewers have mentioned moving to BlackRapid from other traditional strap styles due to severe neck pain from wearing their previous straps for many years. Additionally, the quick clip mechanism is easy to disconnect and the provided safety tether will catch the camera if the primary attachment were to fail.

There are two negatives associated with BlackRapid. Since the strap attaches to the tripod screw, you must remove the BlackRapid attachment stud prior to mounting to any typical tripod plate (except for their Arca compatible tripod adapter), and thus may create additional friction in certain situations. Some reviewers have reported that the stud does eventually creak and feel loose after prolonged use. Lastly, while most reviewers liked the sling position of the strap, some found it difficult to maneuver with a large backpack in place. All BlackRapid options can be found at B&H or browsed on Amazon.

If you shoot a single mirrorless body and plan on having only one strap, purchase the Leash. If you shoot either a DSLR or gripped mirrorless body, and particularly with larger or heavy zoom lenses attached, purchase the Slide. If you already have a strap you enjoy, purchase the anchor link set and retrofit it to suit your needs. If you consistently work in events or weddings and spend long periods on your feet, attach your camera to your hip using the Sport Breathe. Each option has its own merits based upon how you shoot.

All four options share one commonality: they eliminate friction. Low-cost straps cannot provide the level of speed required in most applications. All four options listed above allow for releases within less than three seconds. Additionally, each has been built to withstand many years of abuse.

While specs such as weight capacity are important, what really matters is whether or not they perform well enough to meet your specific needs. Add a good video tripod to either option listed above and you'll now have a platform allowing you to quickly transition from still photography to video production without fear of dropping your camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are quick release camera straps actually safe?

Both the Peak Design anchor cord is rated for 200 pounds and includes a secondary safety tether on the BlackRapid carabiners, therefore they are safe for normal usage. The wear issue reviewers discuss regarding anchor cord durability is related to extended time of use as opposed to sudden failure. The cord is covered by Peak Design's lifetime warranty. Inspect and replace if necessary, every 6-12 months. Replacing an anchor link pack provides inexpensive peace of mind.

Will a quick release strap work with my existing tripod plate?

Depends on the plate type. Peak Design's tripod plate is compatible with Arca-Swiss plates, as such it will function with any Arca style head. Users requiring compatibility with Manfrotto RC2 type plates require alternative solutions. The BlackRapid stud attaches directly to the tripod socket, as such it requires removal before mounting to most tripods. Using products adherent to Arca-Swiss standards provides the smoothest workflow since it is currently the industry standard used among most tripod heads, gimbals, and L-bracket designs.

Can I use one strap across multiple cameras?

Yes, this is one reason why the anchor link system was developed. Simply install anchor links into every camera body you have, and the single Slide or Leash will function across all bodies. Swapping out takes mere seconds. Several reviewers utilize anchor links on three to four bodies and store only one strap in their bag.

What about wrist straps for video shooting?

Wrist straps like Peak Design's Cuff are suitable for run-and-gun video and street shooting where a shoulder strap would impede movement. Like all of Peak Design's products, the Cuff utilizes the same anchor link system providing seamless transitions from wrist carry to shoulder carry without re-threading anything. Several users maintain a Slide in their bag for longer duration shoots and when needing to quickly switch between handheld and stabilized shots.

Do these work with cinema cameras?

Peak Design systems function with any body utilizing standard strap lug attachments, even most prosumer cinema bodies like the Sony FX3 or Canon EOS C70. Larger cinema bodies like the Canon C300 or Sony FX9 are too heavy for shoulder straps and should be mounted onto rigs or shoulder mounts. For builds such as those, see our DSLR gimbal guide for support options. For those larger builds, BlackRapid's hip sling style functions fine with smaller cinema bodies but is generally not the optimal design choice for top handle mounts.

How long do quick release straps last?

Typically webbing and hardware components on a Peak Design Slide or Leash will last for more than five years of heavy usage according to several long term reviews. The wear point for anchor cord components will likely require periodic replacement every couple years under daily professional usage. BlackRapid straps have similar lifespan durability with first failure points being located at swivels and carabiners. Both companies provide warranty coverage for hardware components.