Utility Strap™ - Sling and Utility Strap™ - Sling XL Quick Adjust

I wanted sling with disconnects because I usually carry my camera slung to my side while walking, biking, etc. and to use around the house (I'll soon be adding the wrist strap for that) or on a tripod without dealing with a difficult to attach neck strap. Tried it hiking for Christmas Eve and it worked great except for one thing — it's difficult to shoot vertically. After a few failed attempts I was able to use the viewfinder on vertical shots but it's going to take some getting used to.

I could not stand wearing the camera neck strap that came with my heavy Canon Rebel T3i. As a woman, I looked for a sling-style strap that I could wear cross-body similar to how I carry my purse. Not only does this strap let you carry your camera at your side with a cross-body design, but it does a very wonderful job of distributing the weight, thanks to its wide shoulder pad. No itching, no strap digging into my skin, and my camera with a heavy lens attached can come with me all day long. Love it!

I found that the strap works best if the camera is connected to the left lug, not the right. I tried it out first as instructed, but soon switched it to the other side. I've used this with a Canon 7D and an Olympus OMD and it has functioned perfectly for almost two years. So much more comfortable than the usual neck strap. And, with the quick release, I can connect an Op-Tech wrist strap to the right lug and unclip the camera for off-strap use and on a tripod. Really a great system. Far superior to a neck strap!

Janyce and Charlie,in their reviews, spoke of the same issue that I have with this strap... portrait orientation is difficult due to the strap crossing the viewfinder. Although I have other Op/Tech straps and mounting options (for standard around the neck wear), I REALLY would like to see this work regardless of how a person holds the camera. Thanks for listening....

This strap works great once I attached the quick release to the left camera lug. Vertical shots were impossible with the quick release on the right side. I have a quick release on my 70-200 and you would never know you're carrying almost 6lbs of gear.

Overall seems like a good product but I was concerned by two things. The first was that the camera tends to swing excessively when at my side because of the single attachment point. The second was an irrational (?) fear that there is a single point of failure with this strap which may be illogical but doesn't inspire confidence.

OP/TECH USA Response:
The Quick Adjust option can alleviate the situation with the camera swinging. Or some people choose to attach a second Uni-Loop™ Connector to a belt loop and stabilize the camera that way. As for strength, the Uni-Loop™ Connectors have a break test at right around 140 lbs (63,5kg), so it is definitely stronger than it looks!

I love this strap for its comfort, durability and convenience. Ur agree with an earlier post that it is not good for vertical shooting I'm still happy with it but still trying to figure out some way to hold it vertically so strap is not in front of viewfinder. Hopefully optech comes up with a solution that does not require buying a new strap

I previously used an Optech neck strap as a shoulder strap. I bought this as soon as I found it. We like the Optech neck strap (my wife likes neck straps better). This is much more comfortable, due to the edge binding. The strap should be available in more configurations, including alone. Also, there should be a non-neoprene version for warm weather. I bought the UNI ADAPTOR LOOP in order to convert this into a neck strap.

My first Optech Pro Strap was bought 20 yrs ago. After several upgrade of cameras, I was still using it. I gave the pro strap to my son as I bought the utility sling set which I have been looking for since last yr. I followed the video instruction on the connection of one uni-loop only. The functionality I felt disappointed was the when I positioned my Canon 7D camera (without battery grip) for vertical shot the strap partially covers the view finder and LCD. After several strap adjustments it was still the same. I experimented with using and attaching the left connection point of camera and it was no longer covering the view finder and LCD when shooting vertically. However, when not shooting the camera is positioned ackwardly on my right side as the starndard camera grip is down on my side. Maybe you can think of something to correct this. Or maybe it was improper usage.

I saw one of these in use quite some time ago and the person using it didn't seem affected by the weight or the position of his camera, w/grip, so last week I finally ordered one. It's one of the most comfortable and simple accessories you can have. I barely notice my Pentax K20D hangin' at my side and wish I had bought one sooner (I've gotta agree about having a lock mechanism of some kind on the strap would be a good idea). Along with their camera harness and "made in USA" the Utility Sling is another great product from OP/TECH.

Five stars across the board.... At first I had my doubts, but for the price I could not go wrong! I fumbled around with it at first, but once I had it adjusted properly, WOW! Makes my camera rig feel like nothing. Camera sits well when walking. Only thing I would do is make a larger one for larger guys like me!

OP/TECH USA Response:
Yo can simply add one of our System Connectors™–Extensions to make a larger sling. It adds 7.5" - 11" (19 - 27,9 cm) in length. Need even more length? The X-Long version adds 10.5" - 16" (26,7 - 40,6 cm).

What a difference from the rough strap that came with my camera! The guy from the camera shop where I bought mine put it on wrong, and I almost returned it. The assembly instructions that come with the strap referred to the video and that made it all so easy! Love having so much accessibility to my camera without having it swinging around in front of me.
One thing that could stand improvement is that the connector's release offers a very easy opportunity for theft, which is why I give construction quality 4 stars. A cover or lock design for the release would help to resolve that vulnerability.

OP/TECH USA Response:
Our quick disconnect buckles are designed to require firm pressure on both side of the clip simultaneously in order to release; pressing on only one side will not release the buckle. For those who wish to add even more security, take a look at our System Connectors™–Secure-Its.

Ok, now I have watched the video... which totally explains the strap. Wow... glad I came to the web site. This is a great strap once you know what you are doing. Hopefully the company will inform people to go look at the video somewhere in the instructions. Great product.