Which binocular strap?

[NoSpringChicken]

My partner and I both suffer from neck problems (too many years staring at computer screens) and find that binoculars can cause neck pain after a while. It's more of a problem in fine weather when we are wearing clothing without collars.

I have been looking at the various wide binocular straps available and the Opticron neoprene versions look good value. Does anyone have any suggestions for straps which they have found comfortable over extended periods of use?

Ron

[PYRTLE]

Generally a wide, contoured neoprene strap will reduce any strain or weight from the bino. Many firms such as Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski have these as standard - they are well made and available as a spare from most authorised dealers. Other companies doing these straps are Op/tec USA - DO NOT get any mosquito repellant on these straps if it contains DEET.....this will quickly damage the neoprene.

Something else to consider is a binocular harness. Good luck

[NoSpringChicken]

Generally a wide, contoured neoprene strap will reduce any strain or weight from the bino. Many firms such as Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski have these as standard - they are well made and available as a spare from most authorised dealers. Other companies doing these straps are Op/tec USA - DO NOT get any mosquito repellant on these straps if it contains DEET.....this will quickly damage the neoprene.
Thanks for the tip about DEET – we do use insect repellant wipes which contain this. As matter of interest I have wondered whether DEET will affect the rubber coating on binoculars or is it just neoprene which is vulnerable?

Ron

[Alexis Powell]

I use the Op/Tech "fashion bino" (fashion strap, bino version) on all my binoculars (except pocket models).
--AP

[Blincodave]

I can really recommend the Optech E-Z Comfort Strap. Available online for £10.95 post free from Optech direct.

Dave

[laservet]

I have a half dozen Optech straps of various styles and sizes for my binoculars and cameras. I didn't know anything about Optech until I bought my Fujinon 16x70's and found their Fujinon strap extremely comfortable for those heavy binos. I called Fujinon to find the manufacturer and they pointed me to Optech.

[NoSpringChicken]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. There's certainly a lot of support for Op/Tech out there. I'll have to work out which version is best for our requirements.

Ron

[horukuru]

or you also can try brand Matin from korea www.matin.co.kr

bought it from www.shashanki.com :)

happy birding

[Sailcat]

I've replaced most of the neck straps on my Nikon binoculars with neoprene straps from Eagle Optics. They're very comfortable.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=3003

[Swissboy]

I've replaced most of the neck straps on my Nikon binoculars with neoprene straps from Eagle Optics. They're very comfortable.

http://www.eagleoptics.com/index.asp?pid=3003

The picture is not very good, but it seems possible that this strap is also made by OpTec. That would certainly explain why they feel so comfortable.

[jaymoynihan]

The Optec straps are very nice. It is also common for them to be "rebranded".
For instance, i bought 3 "Cornell Lab of Ornithology" straps a few months ago.
That it what it says on them, but the cardboard rack card on each was Optec.
I think this is pretty common.

jay

[NoSpringChicken]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

We were at the RSPB reserve at Minsmere on Sunday and looked at the range of straps in the shop. Lynn tried on the normal and contoured versions of their neoprene straps and found the normal version suited her better. She bought one, the staff fitted it for her while she waited and she is very pleased with it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it is a rebranded Op/Tech strap or perhaps made in the same factory.

Ron

[vkalia]

I used to use Optech for my cameras and thought they've were the bees knees. However, I have recently switched to something called Upstraps.

They are not as thickly padded as the Optechs - which shouldnt matter as binos arent as heavy as a Canon 1D2 body with a 100-400 zoom. Where the Upstraps completely smoke the competition is in the fact that the strap absolutely does. not. slip. from your shoulder.

If I sound like a fanboy, it is with good reason. Little things like these make a day out in the field a lot more comfortable and I tend to get more excited about things like this than which lens is better or what.

Vandit

[Swissboy]

However, I have recently switched to something called Upstraps.Vandit

Any website you can recommend to get info on these?

[JDonley]

Another vote for Op/tech. I just installed an Op/tec Pro strap (in Forest Green) on 10X32 Nikon LX and it certainly is much more comfortable than the stock strap. I did have to use a plastic tie to secure the rainguard.

Don

[Surveyor]

Any website you can recommend to get info on these?


This may be what Vandit was talking about. http://upstrap-pro.com/

[vkalia]

Yes, that's the link - thanks for digging it up.

You can check the Fred Miranda forums, but the list of names on the manufacturer's website (which I visited for the first time after seeing Surveyor's link, actually) is pretty convincing.

Optechs are comfy, but do slip. The Upstraps, despite their lack of thick neoprene padding, are very comfy as well (I usually have 1.5-2kg of camera gear hanging off one shoulder on these straps, without any discomfort)

The one downside to Upstraps is that they dont have a quick-release clip. Switching between a harness and a strap requires 2 minutes of work - not a lot but best avoided for the terminally lazy, like me. But if you are sufficiently motivated, it is easy enough to do that yourself using QR clips available at any dive center or outdoor store (I would but am too lazy to make the effort).

Ok, I am embarrassing myself with this effusive praise. I'll stop now.

Vandit

[Swissboy]

This may be what Vandit was talking about. http://upstrap-pro.com/


Thanks a lot!

The one downside to Upstraps is that they dont have a quick-release clip. ...
Looking at the various models, there are QR versions as well.

[vkalia]

Hey, cool - that's a new one then. Back when I got them, they didnt have QR. Guess I should have read that website first. Thanks for pointing it out, at any rate.

Cheers,
Vandit

[Alexis Powell]

In response to some of the above comments which I feel contain misconceptions and misdirection:

1) The comfort of the Op/Tech straps is not based on neoprene "padding"--in fact, straps that are made with nylon webbing that have wide neoprene padding are not much if any more comfortable than a plain webbing strap. The function of the neoprene in the Op/Tech straps is to provide a slight amount of stretch/give. Also, the neoprene is extremely flexible so it form-fits to one's neck--there are no sharp edges (to get maximum strap edge flexibility, I recommend the cheaper Op/Tech models with the plain cut edge such as the "fashion bino" that lack the sewn-on edge coverings found on the deluxe straps).

2) I don't recommend getting a strap with quick releases--they make it hard to shorten the strap to the appropriate length, and they interphere with folding/packing the strap into cases with the binos. The "fashion bino" strap is shorter than the camera strap and it lacks quick-releases.

3) I'm a big believer in carrying one's binos with the strap around one's neck rather than dangling from a shoulder. This is a much more secure position and makes more sense for having them in a ready position for use. Consequently, I don't see the need for having a non-slip strap. In fact, I actually prefer a slightly slippery strap so that I can comfortably and easily reposition the bino from my chest to behind my (left) shoulder (strap remaining securely around my neck) when I'm eating (to keep food off them) or leaning down to look at plants/insects on the ground.

--AP

[danake2]

I can really recommend the Optech E-Z Comfort Strap. Available online for £10.95 post free from Optech direct.

Dave

Can some one please help I can't find Optech direct to buy one for £10.95:-C

[NoSpringChicken]

Can some one please help I can't find Optech direct to buy one for £10.95:-C
I've got to admit, when I looked at the Op/Tech direct site it seemed as if you had to pay postage. I had some problems using that site too.

I did, however, find this, although it's not clear which model it is:

http://www.swoptics.co.uk/view.asp?KEY=1269

It might be worth a phone call first.

Ron

[Blincodave]

Can some one please help I can't find Optech direct to buy one for £10.95:-C



http://www.optech-online.co.uk/

Dave

[NoSpringChicken]

http://www.optech-online.co.uk/

Dave
Sorry to be picky but if you try to buy the £10.95 E-Z Comfort strap on that site it adds on £2.50 postage, making the final bill £13.45. Still quite a good price though.

Ron

[Blincodave]

Sorry to be picky but if you try to buy the £10.95 E-Z Comfort strap on that site it adds on £2.50 postage, making the final bill £13.45. Still quite a good price though.

Ron

You are quite correct. A month back, they were post free!! £2.50 shipping is a bit over the top IMHO.

Dave

[danake2]

I got a strap today at my local RSPB reserve £13 seems really nice. Hoping to go back some time this week and look for a new pair of binoculars. So many to choose from:eek!:

[littlebitrv]

Is it that you guys don't like the Harness Strap. Man I got one a few days ago and it is like they aren't even there. I got the Eagle Optics one worth every bit of the $19.95 I paid. I would have paid more if I had too they are that good. I have a big window to look out of while on my computer and I wear them so if I hear a call I can look at the bird. But I do have a good view of the river here by Monroe, WA. :t:

[Hanno]

Seems that people in the US are much happier with harnesses. I tried and found it very uncomfortable.

[vkalia]

I have a harness and use it a lot - I'm with littlebtrv there: it is flat-out amazing to use. And it keeps the bins out of the way of the camera gear.

For other times, I prefer slinging the bins on one shoulder or crosswise across the chest - not a big fan of having them hang off my neck.

[stbear]

I have and use both an OP/Tech and a harness depending no what I am doing. The harness is best when hiking and when using a camera. The strap works best when making a lot of stops in and out of the truck.