Jon Sienkiewicz Blog

The importance of a comfortable and secure camera strap is often taken too lightly. The straps that are supplied with DLSR cameras are generally quite nice, but function more as billboard advertising for the camera manufacturer. Tamrac, Domke, Kata, Lowepro, Crumpler, UPstrap and a slew of others offer excellent aftermarket products. I own and use at least one of each. But recently I was looking for a neck strap for a petite Sony NEX and luckily discovered the Wapiti Strap.

Wapiti Straps are handmade by a photographer. They are available in four basic styles. I ordered the Spike Strap for my Sony NEX 6 and a Rut Strap (which is actually a wrist strap) for another camera. Both are small and ideally suited for one-handed camera operation. They also offer the more conventional Bugle Strap and the C1, which can be ordered in custom lengths. Prices range from $29 to $59 and as far as I am concerned, they are worth every penny.

The defining feature of the Wapiti Strap is the genuine Montana Elk hide pad. The construction is absolutely magnificent, and the included hardware looks and feels like it will last a lifetime. If it’s common for you to tow a camera by your neck for hours on end, check out the Wapiti Strap.

—Jon Sienkiewicz