An all-too-common story is every photographer's lifelong search for perfect things. Perfect light, a perfect sunrise, perfect compositions, a perfect camera bag, and a perfect camera strap. You should never stop searching for perfect light and compositions,` and the perfect camera bag probably doesn’t exist. Many come close, but you always have to compromise. As for the perfect camera strap, today’s market offers plenty to choose from, with brands large and small developing a wide range of high-quality camera straps. As with camera bags, the perfect camera strap depends on your taste and your need to carry your camera comfortably, safely, and stylishly. As the global marketplace continues to expand, plenty of camera strap options are available to suit almost any need and budget. Some are simple and minimal, while others are complex and overengineered just to look impressive. No matter how you want to carry your camera and lens combo, your first step is to ditch that crappy nylon strap that came in the box with your camera. It’s too short, uncomfortable, made from poor-quality materials, and a pain to attach to and remove from your camera. There is a better way!
Like you, I have spent far too much time hunting for the same perfect things. I don’t want to think about how many camera bags I have bought, owned, and sold. However, I recently found an incredible camera bag that’s as close to perfect (for me) as I have ever come. You can check out my review of the Wotancraft Pilot 7L here. As for camera straps, I learnt early in my photography journey that box straps are garbage and that my physical comfort and endurance demanded a comfortable strap. Plus, I travel a bit with my cameras and need something that is secure and safe. I’ve spent thousands on my cameras; they deserve a little investment in a strap. It wasn’t until I received my first Lucky Straps Leather Camera Strap in early 2020 (just as the COVID-19 pandemic was picking up pace) that I discovered what true comfort was about. At the time, I was a writer and product reviewer over at Shotkit.com and to my delight, I received a “media kit” from Justin at Lucky Straps. It was my first time interacting with Justin, and we had no idea we'd one day be working together on a bunch of community-minded ventures to further support photographers. Now he can’t get rid of me!
Introducing The Quick Release System
That initial media kit included a Slim 30, Standard 53, and the premium Wrist Strap. The kit also included a Lucky Straps T-shirt and a bunch of stickers. I had heard of the brand before and probably seen them on other photographers’ cameras. But it wasn’t until I held one and attached it to my camera that my search for the perfect camera strap reached its final stage.
In early 2020, Justin and the team introduced a major upgrade to the safety and security features of the brand’s leather camera strap range. Already boasting anti-theft, cut-resistant Dyneema® webbing (made right here in Melbourne, Australia), Lucky Straps further boosted the product’s appeal and feature set by developing a bespoke, ingenious attachment and security system. Frustrated that so many high-end camera straps leave connectors and dongles on cameras, or offer no quick way to attach or remove a strap, Justin developed the Quick Release System. Today, that system still graces every Lucky Straps Leather Camera Strap, from the Deluxe Leather Wrist Strap to the incomparable Deluxe 45. What’s more, the Quick Release System has proven itself as a game-changing feature for photographers worldwide regardless of their photography and camera skill level.
What Is The Lucky Straps Quick Release System?
Released in 2020, Lucky Straps’ custom-engineered Quick Release System combines a strap adjustment buckle and locking mechanism into one slimline alloy clip. The clip is compact, lightweight, and incredibly durable. Each Lucky Straps leather camera strap includes one Quick Release clip (for wrist straps) or two (for all other straps). One of the most admirable features of the alloy clips is their slimline design and sizing. Each Quick Release alloy clip measures 13mm wide, 41mm long, and is only 3mm at its thickest point. As a result, the alloy clips are not much wider than the Dyneema® webbing and, given they are black like the webbing, they take up next to no visual real estate. No goofy dongles here! What’s more, when you hold your camera with the Lucky Straps leather camera straps attached, the clips are lightweight and don’t get in the way or add bulky protrusions. It’s comfortable to hold your camera with the strap under your hand or across the top of your hand. Of course, the Quick Release alloy clip also acts as a buckle, letting you quickly adjust the strap length to suit your comfort level, carrying preference, and shooting style.
How Does The Quick Release System Work?
At a broad level, the Quick Release System delivers a safer camera connection and the ability to quickly add or remove your strap. The strap’s 10mm cut and abrasion-resistant Dyneema® webbing first passes through the Quick Release clip’s buckle, letting you adjust strap length and comfort while preventing the webbing from slipping. The webbing then loops through the camera’s strap lug, fitted ring or triangle strap loop. As long as you have a 10mm strap loop of some description, it will fit on your camera. The webbing then passes back to the alloy Quick Release clip before slipping over its spring-loaded gate - similar to a carabiner - which closes the loop and prevents the webbing from escaping. The final step is to twist the clip's small locking mechanism to lock down the gate and ensure your strap cannot come off. The lock prevents the gate from unintentionally opening even under pressure. Where other brands' straps feature buckles and attachment systems, few offer the simplicity of the Quick Release System. What’s more, many high-end camera strap systems let you quickly attach and remove your strap from the camera. However, the big difference is that those brands require you to leave attachments or dongles dangling from your camera. These can be distracting, get in the way when you hold your camera, and look kind of goofy! But once you attach your Lucky Strap to your camera and lock the Quick Release System, your strap is there to stay. Still, by twisting the lock back and opening the gate, you can quickly remove the strap from the camera. From a security perspective, it would take a sorcery-level magician thief to remove that strap without you noticing.
What Is The Need For A Quick Release System?
Some of you may be wondering why on earth you would remove your camera strap once it is attached. In most cases, once your Lucky Straps leather camera strap is attached to your camera, it will live there until you upgrade your camera or strap. However, in many photography genres, a camera strap can be a hindrance. So the ability to quickly remove and reattach the strap when you need to is essential. For example, landscape photographers need a secure, comfortable camera strap to carry their camera to an amazing sunrise location. But once on location, they need to mount their camera to a sturdy tripod to capture longer exposures where preventing camera movement is essential. Sometimes, especially in windy conditions, a camera strap can catch the wind and introduce camera shake that creates blurry images. The same applies for folks working in a photographic studio. Mount the camera to a tripod and remove the strap quickly to prevent any unnecessary obstructions or entanglements, especially when using tethering cables and the like. Finally, if you are anything like me, you might use a long shoulder strap for most of your photographic pursuits, but every now and then you want to just use a wrist strap with a lighter camera/lens combo. With the Quick Release system on both strap styles, you can swap straps to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
The Lucky Straps range of leather camera straps is impressive and gives all photographers a choice in how they wish to connect with their craft and camera. Each and every Lucky Straps camera strap is designed to offer optimal comfort and essential security. Plus, with a wide range of styles, sizes, and leather colours, you can choose the strap that best suits your camera and your personality. You can also add personalisation to your Lucky Straps leather camera strap with text or logo embossing to make it truly yours. No matter which strap you choose, you'll appreciate the peace of mind of knowing your camera is securely attached to you. The sturdy, easy-to-use Quick Release System, along with proven Dyneema® webbing, means your camera stays safe and secure, even on the go. It’s one of the main reasons I feel so comfortable and safe carrying my camera without needing that Wotancraft camera bag. I know where my camera is at all times and that it is safe and secure. That in itself is a form of insurance that won’t cost the earth.
