Digital Photography Hacks [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Hack 13 Double-Strapping on the Trail

Tired of your camera bouncing around during
your hike? Strap it into place, for comfort and for fast
access.

Here's the hiking photographer's
dilemma: do you stash your camera in the
backpack so that it doesn't bounce around and
possibly get damaged, or do you leave it around your neck so that
you're ready for the next shot, no matter how
uncomfortable it is?

I can tell you right now that I'm a big fan of
finding ways to keep your camera handy. Great outdoor shots present
themselves with little warning, and they are usually gone within
seconds. Your camera might be safe and sound in your backpack, but it
also won't have nearly as many exciting pictures on
it. You might miss the shot of a lifetime!

That said, my gosh, it's aggravating to have a
camera swinging every which way as you try to navigate the
up-and-down terrain of trail hiking. I've even
encountered situations, such as crossing a stream on a log, when my
swinging camera just about threw me off balance. Falling in the
stream is not good for one's morale, nor is it
healthy for the life of your digital camera.

If you've followed the evolution of outdoor and
backpacking equipment, you know that things are pretty high-tech in
that world too. Flashlights have multiple LEDs for illumination, camp
stoves are feather-light and burn with welding-torch-like intensity,
and the array of straps and pouches available provide lots of options
for toting your gear. The shooter's belt shown in
Figure 1-14, by Cameras Up (http://www.camerasup.com), is perfect for
photographers on the go.

Figure 1-14. Shooter's belt by Cameras Up

One of my favorite setups involves using one
Op/Tech
USA (http://www.optechusa.com)
strap around my neck and adding a second stabilizer strap around my
midsection. This arrangement holds the camera snugly against my body,
while providing quick access when a shot presents itself.

I prefer the Op/Tech stabilizer strap because it is made out of a
rugged neoprene material that acts as a shock absorber as you move
about. The camera actually feels lighter than it does with other
types of straps. Plus, the Op/Tech strap has quick-release buckles
that enable you to detach the camera from the strap at a
moment's notice.

Op/Tech also makes a Bino/Cam Harness that enables you to slide the
camera up and down the straps without actually having to detach
itvery nifty.

You can create your own strapping system with basic nylon straps and
buckles purchased from any camping store. Just remember to get
quick-release buckles so that you're not fumbling
with your straps when Big Foot goes strolling by.