Binocular Straps. What's the best? (1 Viewer)

[lucznik]

http://www.hangtightharness.com/

Anyone ever use one of the Hang Tight harnesses?

I had never seen the HangTight harness until I visited the site you posted. It looks like a variation off the Bino Manager with two primary differences:

1. It does not have a full-size shield to hold the binocular against the chest. Rather, it uses a smaller strap, which means there is no protection from dust, rain, etc.

2. It anchors itself to the back of your trousers like a set of suspenders. This would seem to me at least to be rather awkward for putting on or removing the binocular during the course of a day.

I don't know that the Hang Tight harness wouldn't work since, as I said, I have never seen it before now. This was just my initial reaction to the pictures and descriptions on their website.

 

[lucznik]

Will the Bino-Manager hold my EII?

Yes, it probably will. I am currently using mine with my porro prism B&L Discoverer. Admittedly, the fit is a bit tighter than when I have used my Pentax roof prism but, it does still fit.

I believe (though correct me if I'm wrong please) that the Discoverer is larger than the EII.

 

[SiG]

Since I usually wear a small (35 litre) rucksac, I connect my binos to the shoulder strap "D" rings with mini karabiners (clips). This takes all the weight off my neck. If you dont have D rings you can clip the neck strap to the rucksac carry handle.

This I like. Nice thinking.

 

[tgp06]

Will the Bino-Manager hold my EII?

Ensis,Just tried them with my 8x30EII-the cover/pouch is a bit long(a couple inches)but it still works perfectly.It is an ideal fit for 8x32LX/HG,Leica 8x32BA and Optolyth 10x40(porro).It also works fine with my HR/5 Swift Audobon 8.5x44(relatively large porro).8/10x42 roof prism binocs fit well.The only binocular I own that doesn't fit is an APM 7x50HD-similar in size to the Fujinon FMTR-a very large porro prism binocular.I am considering having someone sew a larger cover that would fit those,as they would benefit the most(the binoculars are a source of great views and serious neck fatigue!).Tom

 

[rozinante]

Since I usually wear a small (35 litre) rucksac, I connect my binos to the shoulder strap "D" rings with mini karabiners (clips). This takes all the weight off my neck. If you dont have D rings you can clip the neck strap to the rucksac carry handle.

Me too swalker, and since nearly eating my bins once when I droped a heavy rucksack from my back, I now nearly always remember that they are there.

:eek!:

 

[stuart C smith]

Binocular Straps

Over Here [ Uk ] For Me There Is Only One, That Is The Zakstrap . From My Big Swifts To My Nikon 8x32 Se . Their Great. I Have Five Straps In Total. I Think I Have Seen One On Mr Oddies Leicas. £12.00 Plus Postage £1.50.

 

[Swissboy]

Let's get some opinions on what are the best binocular straps. Aftermarket or otherwise.

Dennis

I very much like Op-Tech's open-side model, also without quick releases. (See post #6 by Alexis) However, the Zeiss Victory I and FL straps are very comfortable as well, thanks to the contours. So I did not feel like replacing them with Op-Tech's marvels.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I've never had a problem with my binos bouncing despite having Op-Tech straps (or their equivalent) on all of them other than my compacts and pocket roofs. Don't get the ones made for cameras with the quick-release connectors--they're too long, or if you do shorten them enough you end up with a ridiculous series of plastic rings and snaps crammed against one another. I like the ones that have thin nylon webbing at the ends rather than the flexible plastic connectors. As for the neoprene part of the strap, I like the old style that shows the neoprene foam at the edges, rather than the fancier ones that have lycra/spandex sewn over to cover the edge. I use thread to sew the ends of the webbing connector straps so that they can't slip through the buckle once I get things adjusted.

The beauty of neoprene as a strap material is two-fold. First, it is a very flexible material, so it takes the shape of your neck (unlike nylon webbing which can stand on edge like the blade of a guillotine). Second, it has a bit of give to it (shock absorbing ability), making binos seem a bit lighter. A NYLON STRAP WITH NEOPRENE PADDING ENJOYS NEITHER OF THESE PROPERTIES. I point this out because many people and manufacturers don't seem to appreciate the difference--there are quite a few neoprene padded nylon straps out there.
--AP

The Optech Classic strap is changed. It is now made with the clip attached directly to the Neoprene part of the strap so it is not too long now. For everybodies information.

Dennis

 

[Alexis Powell]

Op/Tech makes quite a few strap configurations. Based on a quick tour of their website, the one I prefer is the "fashion bino" in the Fashion Strap line (folds into a case better than the E-Z Comfort Strap). I don't like the Classic or Super Classic models nearly as much, though in the past, I have dissassembled and modified those straps to my liking.
--AP

 

[Swissboy]

Op/Tech makes quite a few strap configurations. Based on a quick tour of their website, the one I prefer is the "fashion bino" in the Fashion Strap line (folds into a case better than the E-Z Comfort Strap). I don't like the Classic or Super Classic models nearly as much, though in the past, I have dissassembled and modified those straps to my liking.
--AP

Yes, the "Fashion Bino" strap is definitely my favorite too.

 

[purpleturtle]

Hey rozinante!

Is that the same ROZINANTE of North Yorks from the UK Camping forum?
Must be!
Hi...its purpleturtle here. :hi: (usually on the camping forum for wild sites.)
Didnt know you were a birder!

I'm off down to Marshside today then off up to Scotlands far north for some outdoors next week.

 

[rozinante]

Is that the same ROZINANTE of North Yorks from the UK Camping forum?
Must be!QUOTE]

You've got me there purpleturtle.

A perfect combination don't you think, camping and an interest in nature.

Enjoy your upcoming Scotland trip, we will be up there 2nd 2 weeks of July. How far north depends on my old van.

 

[foxbo]

I'm considering purchasing one of the Op/Tech non-elastic shoulder harnesses. Does anyone know exactly how the harness attaches to the binos? Is it thru the use of a loop, 3/8" webbing, snap-hook, etc.? Can you quick disconnect the binos from the harness? Is the non-elastic version more comfortable than the elastic one? Do I need to purchase additional connectors and if so, how does that make the system better?

I've also picked out one of Op/Tech's soft carrying cases which straps around the mid-section and appears to be an easy task of removing and storing the binos. Since I have the swarovski 10x42 EL, I'm assuming the best size soft case is the medium. If anyone has any experience with either of these products, I'd appreciate you passing on your opinion.

 

[Tero]

I'm OK with most of the staps that come with the bins, as long as the weight is under 25 oz. I prefer to have a shirt with a collar. I guess if I spent more time out, some birder type contraption would be good. I also walk around with one bin on my neck and on just in my hand, the lighter, cheaper pair.

 

[Dennis Mau]

How to attach a strap?

I'm considering purchasing one of the Op/Tech non-elastic shoulder harnesses. Does anyone know exactly how the harness attaches to the binos? Is it thru the use of a loop, 3/8" webbing, snap-hook, etc.? Can you quick disconnect the binos from the harness? Is the non-elastic version more comfortable than the elastic one? Do I need to purchase additional connectors and if so, how does that make the system better?

I've also picked out one of Op/Tech's soft carrying cases which straps around the mid-section and appears to be an easy task of removing and storing the binos. Since I have the swarovski 10x42 EL, I'm assuming the best size soft case is the medium. If anyone has any experience with either of these products, I'd appreciate you passing on your opinion.

The strap attaches with two small loops that go through the binos strap lugs
like a slip knot.
Nothing else required to use it.

Dennis Mau

 

[nez]

Let's get some opinions on what are the best binocular straps. Aftermarket or otherwise.

Dennis

SWAROVSKI reason behind this

two weeks ago my swaro strap snapped i rang swarovski and low and behold the very next day i recieved my new swaro stap absolutely free of charge what service. swarovski i salute you.

 

[Swissboy]

SWAROVSKI reason behind this

two weeks ago my swaro strap snapped i rang swarovski and low and behold the very next day i recieved my new swaro stap absolutely free of charge what service. swarovski i salute you.

Now, can you tell us why that strap snapped in the first place? I think that simply should not happen, unless due to VERY excessive wear.

 

[bwarner]

I've had problems with a couple of Swarovski straps, but it looks like Swaro has fixed the problems (you'd think the excesssive price of their products might fund some actual field testing so we didn't have to be the guinea pigs). First of all I like the swaro designs, they were just poorly executed. #1 problem: the Swarovski Lift and Carry strap. It is well thought out, ergonomic, easy to use, neoprene and I like it. But I had the first production model on which the sliding snap ends were made of a thin plastic that cracked and wouldn't stay in place. These aren't really weight bearing but do afford a lock over the button that keeps the nylon webbing in place. The button part that secures the strap to the bins was made of plastic as well, but now has been replaced with more robust metal as have the sliding end snap pieces that lock things down which are now a much thicker tougher plastic that shouldn't crack. Also I believe the ratcheting mechanism that adjusts the length of the strap has been improved. Mine let the bin's slide down because it wasn't tight enough (there isn't a risk of the ratchet coming apart, it just slides down to a lower position than I had desiered), still, by tying a not in the loose ends of the strap I kept them from moving. Swarovski is sending me a new strap free of charge after I called in.

Second strap: The Swarovski Slide and Flex binocular harness. This also has seen an improvement in that the clips that clip to the binocular anchor mounts now clip into an added nylon loop that has grommets at the end. you loop this small strap thru your bin's anchors and then put the included metal snap ring thru the eyelet grommets. Then you clip the plastic clip of the harness to this metal ring. The problem is that this wasn't around when I bought my harness so the metal hanger on the Swaro EL's cut into the plastic untill it snapped. I've also heard that the plastic clip has gotten bound in the metal hanger and broke the binocular's metal attatchment part! Luckily this didn't happen to me. Now they are also sending me this strap. Alll this is free of charge and a tribute to Swarovski's excellent customer service. I really like this harness other wise, its comfortable and adjustable, and now that the problem of breaking parts is mostly fixed with the new bino loop of nylon, they should work even better.

 

[Kevin Conville]

Since I usually wear a small (35 litre) rucksac, I connect my binos to the shoulder strap "D" rings with mini karabiners (clips). This takes all the weight off my neck. If you dont have D rings you can clip the neck strap to the rucksac carry handle.

Yup, me too. I have several backpacks rigged this way. It's the hot set-up :t: IF you're wearing a pack.

 

[Renze de Vries]

The truth about straps is that the best strap is a simple, inexpensive woven strap. Modern straps made from leather, nylon or neoprene are fine when using them over a coat collar (like all straps are, the collar does most of the work!) but they're horrible on your bare skin in hot weather. Leather straps will take up sweat, but as evaporation is very slow, they quickly will feel wet and incomfortable. Neoprene is even worse, because they do not even take up the sweat - they're just feeling hot, thick and sticky. Also, forget about contoured straps. More often than not you will find you have been wearing them upside down all day (without noticing!).
Once, in the good old simple days, Swift supplied nicely made woven straps with their binoculars. They had the right diameter, they were very flexible and most importantly, they worked in all weather conditions.
Where can you buy a perfect strap like that today? I don't know, you probably can't (this is called progress I believe).
So why not make 'em yourself?

Renze