Find out what the best and most effective camera hand straps are to keep your camera secure while maintaining a minimal look.
You invested a lot into your camera and lens. A high-quality camera strap is essential because it prevents you from dropping your camera and damaging it.
While many cameras include a stock strap, it’s best to upgrade to a stronger and more durable one.
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If you find neck-straps uncomfortable, a hand strap is what you need. There’s no risk of dropping your camera because it’ll be within your grip at all times.
Before diving into the best hand straps, note that it’s most useful with larger cameras.
Mirrorless and other small cameras may have difficulties with a hand strap due to their size and features.
Most smaller cameras have strap lugs on the side instead of the top. They also generally have smaller grips, which won’t work well because hand straps require more space.
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So, make sure the hand strap is compatible with your camera before purchasing one.
The following are the best camera hand straps on the market.
1. Peak Design CL-3 Clutch Camera Hand Strap
Pros:
- Small and lightweight.
- Quick-adjusting.
- Anchors can withstand up to 200 pounds.
Cons:
- Bottom mount requires a hex wrench.
- Pad feels thin and slides over your knuckles.
Specifications:
- Weight: 50 g
- Strap length: 8 to 11.4 inches (20 to 29 cm)
- Width: 2 inches (51 mm)
The following are the Peak Design Clutch Camera Hand Strap prices from different sites.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Design | $39.95 | Buy from Peak Design |
| B&H | $39.95 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $39.95 | Buy from Adorama |
| Moment | $39.95 | Buy from Moment |
| Amazon | $46.99 | Buy from Amazon |
The CL-3 Clutch Camera Hand Strap from Peak Design is an excellent option for larger cameras, such as a DSLR. It can work with mirrorless cameras, such as ones from Sony, but it’s not ideal.
The Clutch is easy to use and quick to adjust. Tighten the strap when you’re not using the camera and when you want to snap a photo, use your non-shooting hand to loosen the strap.
Aside from functionality, the Peak Design Clutch also looks aesthetic and not chunky like other hand straps.
Overall, it’s the best choice due to ease of use, durability, comfort, and style.
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2. Vello Hand Grip Strap with Arca-Style Quick-Release Plate
Pros:
- Soft leather padding.
- Arca-style baseplate for mounting to a tripod.
- Includes a removable wrist strap for additional security.
Cons:
- Not the highest-quality leather.
- Unable to change the battery without removing the strap on some cameras.
Specifications:
- Weight: 97 g
- Length: 6 inches (15.2 cm)
- Width: 2.25 inches (5.7 cm)
Buy the Vello Hand Grip Strap with Arca-Style Quick-Release Plate from B&H for $29.95.
If you’re looking for a stylish leather hand strap, the Vello Hand Grip Strap is a must-have.
The strap features a soft leather pad that’s comfortable on your hand. Additionally, it has a removable wrist strap that you can attach for added security.
The all-black design gives the hand strap a sleek and low profile.
3. Canon Hand Strap E2
Pros:
- Comfortable and secure.
- Durable and will last years.
- Works with non-Canon cameras, too.
Cons:
- Not as easy to adjust.
- No quick-release.
The following are the Canon Hand Strap E2 prices from different sites.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Canon | $48 | Buy from Canon |
| B&H | $44.95 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $44.95 | Buy from Adorama |
Canon’s Hand Strap E2 is a comfortable and durable option that works with non-Canon cameras, as well.
The strap is nylon, and the wide palm pad is leather. Once you adjust the strap in your hand, it’s almost impossible for your camera to fall.
The main drawback is that the strap takes more time to remove than others. However, it’s an excellent hand strap that’ll keep your camera secure.
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4. Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap V2
Pros:
- Ergonomic S-shaped pad.
- Removable wrist strap for added security.
- Looks cool.
- Compatible with mirrorless cameras, too.
- Works with all tripods.
Cons:
- Attachment is plastic.
- May be too small for large hands.
Specifications:
- Weight: 110 g
The following are the Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap V2 prices from different sites.
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Camera Holster | $70 | Buy from Spider Camera Holster |
| B&H | $70 | Buy from B&H |
| Amazon | $70 | Buy from Amazon |
The Spider Camera Holster SpiderPro Hand Strap V2 is the coolest-looking choice. Choose between leather and graphite, which is Hypalon.
The SpiderPro Hand Strap also has a proprietary S-shape pad that fits the shape of your hand comfortably.
Additionally, the hand strap has a bottom mount that works with all tripods. You won’t have to worry about the strap interfering with performance.
5. JJC Camera Hand Strap
Pros:
- Great value.
- Soft and comfortable pad.
- Removable wrist strap for extra security.
- Quick-release button.
Cons:
- Takes more time to find the perfect fit.
- Not ideal for large hands.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.98 oz (112.83 g)
Buy the JJC Camera Hand Strap from Amazon for $23.99.
The JJC Camera Hand Strap offers excellent value and is one of the cheapest options.
The strap has a comfortable and soft pad with your choice of black, blue, or red stitching.
Also, the hand strap has a removable wrist strap, which provides added security.
While it’s an excellent hand strap, it’s a little finicky and takes time to find the perfect fit. Otherwise, the JJC hand strap is worth considering.
6. JOBY UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to adjust.
- Comfortable and breathable.
- Sturdy and keeps your camera secure.
Cons:
- Not ideal for mirrorless or smaller cameras.
- Need a hex wrench to loosen the baseplate.
Specifications:
- Weight: 2 oz (56.7 g)
- Dimensions: 2.48×2.2×0.79 inches
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| JOBY | $32.47 | Buy from JOBY |
| B&H | $39.95 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $39.95 | Buy from Adorama |
| Amazon | $39.95 | Buy from Amazon |
| Walmart | $39.95 | Buy from Walmart |
JOBY’s UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable due to its mesh material.
It’s an outstanding choice for a hand strap that doesn’t add bulk and keeps your camera secure.
The baseplate is convenient for mounting onto tripods and monopods, but the drawback is that it requires a hex wrench to remove the baseplate from the camera.
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7. Gitzo Century Leather Hand Strap
Pros:
- Compatible with mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
- Strong buckle closing system.
- Lightweight and easy to adjust.
Cons:
- Thick and bulky.
- Pricey.
- Stiff leather.
Specifications:
- Weight: 0.18 lbs.
- Dimensions: 14.6×0.8×2.2 inches
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Gitzo | $79.99 | Buy from Gitzo |
| B&H | $69.99 | Buy from B&H |
| Adorama | $69.99 | Buy from Adorama |
| Walmart | $69.99 | Buy from Walmart |
Gitzo is known for its tripods. However, Gitzo also makes a great hand strap that’s compatible with DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
While it’s a bit thicker than others, the Gitzo Century Leather Hand Strap works well.
It takes time to break in, as the leather is initially stiff. Once broken in, you’ll find that it’s comfortable and sturdy.
8. Altura Camera Hand Strap
Pros:
- Soft and breathable padding.
- Wrist strap for extra security.
- One of the lowest prices.
Cons:
- The strap loosens on its own over time.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.2 oz
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $24.99 | Buy from Amazon |
| Walmart | $24.99 | Buy from Walmart |
Altura’s Camera Hand Strap is an excellent budget-friendly option.
The leather padding is soft and breathable, and it features a wrist strap for extra security.
While it works well, the main strap loosens on its own over time. You may need to replace the Altura strap after a year or two.
Overall, the hand strap fits and works nicely.
9. Custom SLR Camera Hand Strap
Pros:
- One of the cheapest hand straps.
- Comfortable and durable fabric.
- Dial to attach on the bottom of the camera.
Cons:
- Wide pad.
Specifications:
- Length: 16.5 inches (41.9 cm)
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Custom SLR | $18.95 | Buy from Custom SLR |
| B&H | $18.95 | Buy from B&H |
The Custom SLR Camera Hand Strap is a no-frills option that gets the job done.
It’s a simply-designed hand strap with an ergonomic fit, flexible and durable fabric, and has the lowest price.
If you’re looking for a hand strap without extra features for less than $20, Custom SLR has your match.
10. USA GEAR Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap
Pros:
- Comfortable and well-fitting.
- Thick wrist strap for added security.
- Great quick-release velcro.
Cons:
- Thick and bulky.
- Nylon strap is thin.
- Not the best for large hands.
- Baseplate isn’t consistent.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3.2 oz
- Dimensions: 6.5×6.4×2.5 inches
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| USA Gear | $13.99 | Buy from USA Gear |
| B&H | $14.95 | Buy from B&H |
| Walmart | $13.99 | Buy from Walmart |
| Amazon | $13.99 | Buy from Amazon |
The Professional Camera Grip Hand Strap from USA Gear is a good and low-cost option.
The pad is neoprene, which is soft and comfortable on your hand. There’s also a velcro-secured wrist strap for added security.
While the pad works well, the nylon strap seems thin. Also, the baseplate needs minor adjustments to fit well on certain tripods.
Overall, the USA Gear Camera Hand Strap is a reliable and budget-friendly choice.
Conclusion
A high-quality and durable camera hand strap will last many years. It’s one of the first and best upgrades after purchasing a camera.
Hand straps make the camera feel glued to your hand and provide reassurance that your camera and lens are protected.
Featured image courtesy of Vello.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Portraits Refined. He’s a published portrait photographer dedicated to helping photographers develop skills, capture incredible photos, and build successful businesses.
