When looking for the best leather camera strap, it is best to consider the type, leather material, and actual number of cameras you will use. Below, I’ve handpicked the five products on the market based on these features. Read on to learn more about why they are essential.
I used to wonder about the reason why I often see professional photographers with a camera strap around their necks. Later on, I realized that the answer is to hold the camera and stay hands-free.
As a casual photographer, I enjoy taking photos and videos, but I know that it can also be tiring. That is when a camera strap comes in handy, especially if you want to rest your arms. It can also serve as a stabilizer when a tripod is not feasible.
But with so many camera strap styles, materials, and colors, choosing one can be overwhelming.
In this guide, I will only talk about leather camera straps to help narrow down your choices. I researched countless articles and product reviews to find the five best leather camera straps on the market.
But before I get into my top picks, read on below for the reasons to buy a camera strap using this material.
Why Use a Leather Camera Strap?
Leather is known for its durability. High-quality leather camera straps will last you longer than other materials. This factor is crucial, especially if you want to ensure that your camera will never fall off.
In addition to its strength, a leather camera strap has that timeless look to them. Depending on the kind of photographer you are, the item’s aesthetic would probably not matter to you. But it is nice to have a classic camera strap that you can carry on various settings, whether it is as simple as an outdoor shoot or as grand as a wedding.
Moreover, a genuine leather camera strap will never crack or peel as long as you regularly maintain the product. It is resistant to abrasion and harsh weather conditions. These factors are related to the first point and prove that leather can stand the test of time.
Finally, a leather camera strap is soft and flexible. While it is true that it needs some time to break in, it will eventually feel snug. Genuine leather can stretch to fit your neck or hand (if you decide on a wrist camera strap) to ensure comfort, even after extended use.
Now that you know all the benefits of a leather camera strap, it is time to learn about our top picks! Continue reading for our reviews of the best leather camera straps on the market.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
5 Best Leather Camera Straps
1. Coiro Single Leather Harness for Camera – Editor’s Pick
Starting with the list is the Coiro Single Leather Harness for Camera.
It uses genuine and premium leather that can last you a long time. The material is handmade and designed for various events, such as studio, wedding, sports, travel, and wildlife photography.
This leather camera strap also includes both side clip fasteners and tripod socket connectors to keep your gear safe. Thus, it is more robust than standard camera straps, which only attach to the top of your camera body.
You can now also hold your photography gear comfortably at your hips or around your shoulders. Plus, there is a Speed Clutch mechanism that lets you access the camera at eye level quickly. Do you need further flexibility? This product even has an adjustable length strap to ensure a comfortable fit, no matter your height.
What’s more, the Coiro Single Leather Camera Strap is compatible with DSLR models and mirrorless cameras.
Finally, it boasts a timeless look that looks great in any situation, whether you are a male or female photographer. Feel free to choose from three colors–brown, black, or tan.
Most customer reviews for this product were positive. However, some users said that the camera strap is uncomfortable to wear on your shoulder. But as previously mentioned, genuine leather needs some time to break in. The longer you use the strap, the softer it will feel.
For these reasons, we chose the Coiro Single Leather Harness as our absolute favorite leather camera strap.
Pros:
- Genuine, handmade leather
- Robust metal hardware
- D-ring accessories and extra safety strap for additional security
- Quick-release mechanism
- Adjustable strap
- Available in three colors (brown, black, or tan)
- Coiro satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- The shoulder harness can be slightly uncomfortable compared to standard neck camera straps
- Quite pricey
2. Coiro Dual Shoulder Leather Harness for Camera – Best Leather Camera Strap for Professionals
If you liked our previous pick but need something that will hold two cameras, consider getting the Coiro Dual Shoulder Leather Harness.
This dual camera leather strap can carry two cameras simultaneously, whether it is a DSLR or mirrorless model. It is suitable for professional photographers who need quick access to their gear on a busy working day.
Like the previous product, the Coiro Dual Shoulder Harness also offers two safety straps and high-quality metal d-rings. These keep your equipment safe, regardless if it is a full-frame DSLR model or a small four-thirds camera.
Moreover, it features a unique and functional design. Instead of just hanging beside your hips, the camera harness works in style and requires you to wear both straps in an “X” pattern across the back. This way, the weight of the gear is evenly distributed on both sides.
There are also four available colors to choose from this dual strap. Feel free to pick the hue that best suits your preferences as a photographer.
After scouring the web for customer reviews, we found only two significant downsides to this dual camera leather strap. First, it has quite a bulky and heavy leather when you want to stow it away. Second, some users reported issues about the harness buckle coming unloose after a year of use.
Nevertheless, Coiro has a customer satisfaction guarantee. If you were disappointed with the product, you could request a refund.
With these in mind, we listed the Coiro Dual Shoulder Harness as the best leather camera strap for professionals!
Pros:
- Camera strap is made of real leather
- High-quality metal hardware
- D-ring accessories and extra safety strap for double security
- Strap has an adjustable length
- Available in three colors (brown, black, or tan)
- Coiro satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Most expensive item on our list
- Heavy and bulky
- Buckle clips come unloose after a year of use
3. MegaGear MG1515 Sierra Series Camera Strap – Best Value
The MegaGear Sierra Series is among the best leather camera straps on the market.
It is compatible with countless SLR and DSLR cameras from manufacturers like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, and more. The brown leather strap is easy to attach to your equipment, thanks to the metal clip attachments.
This item also uses thicker leather straps to help carry your camera over the shoulder or around the neck. It even prevents stress and tension from the heavy load of your equipment.
Furthermore, the camera neck straps are adjustable and non-slip. These allow for quick and hands-free access to your photography gear.
And like other leather camera straps, this neck strap also has a classic style that adds flair to your look. You can even choose from either a brown or black leather strap.
There are some cons to this neck strap, though.
First, several customers noted that it is made from a synthetic leather material instead of the advertised full grain leather. Meanwhile, the inner side of the strap uses faux suede, which can feel cheap and scratchy.
But considering its low price, MegaGear Sierra Series Camera Strap is hard to beat. Get this neck strap if you are on a budget, but do not expect it to be as great as more expensive models.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Thicker leather straps for equal weight distribution
- Adjustable strap length and non-slip material
- Secure and easy-to-install metal attachments
- Available in two colors (brown, black)
Cons:
- Not genuine leather
- Faux suede inner lining feels cheap and scratchy
- Darker color in person
4. Altura Photo Rapid Fire Secure Grip Padded Wrist Strap – Best for Wrist
Are you looking for a secure leather wrist strap for your camera? The Altura Photo Rapid Fire Hand Strap might meet your needs.
Unlike your usual camera straps, this one attaches to the tripod screw mount. Not only is it compatible with any DSLR camera with a 1/4 screw, but it also offers greater security and prevents accidental slips.
This wrist strap allows you to grip the camera using your hand instead of hanging it around your neck or over the shoulder. Thus, you get to enjoy a more stabilized hold over the camera when shooting photos and videos.
Moreover, it is comfortable to wear, thanks to the breathable and padded material. The strap will adjust to fit your hands and snap in place quickly.
Its unique design can even displace stress on your fingers from shooting continuously. Instead, it enables the camera to hang through the wrist strap when not used. This functionality relieves hand fatigue from gripping the camera constantly.
However, before buying this camera strap, know that it is not made of genuine leather. It uses premium PU leather, which is less durable.
Some customer reviews also stated that it takes some time to attach the strap to the camera due to the tripod attachment. Furthermore, it can also be hard to take off your wrist.
That said, the pros outweigh the cons. For this reason, we highly recommend the Altura Photo Rapid Fire for those who want a high-quality leather–albeit synthetic–hand strap.
Pros:
- Universal compatibility with cameras that use a 1/4 screw
- High-quality leather provides security
- Hand-grip design offers more stabilization
- Breathable and padded material
- Relieves hand fatigue
Cons:
- Not genuine leather
- It takes some time to attach the camera to the strap
- Only available in one color
5. Inspire in Time Camera Neck Strap – Honorable Mention
Another excellent leather camera strap for your buck is the Inspire in Time Camera Neck Strap.
It boasts a 100% genuine leather material for durability and a classic style. It can handle SLRs and DSLRs without a problem while adding a vintage look to your get-up.
This leather camera strap is also easy-to-install, unlike other models. It features a universal interface that allows you to attach the camera to the strap in mere seconds.
Plus, there are adjustable buckles. Feel free to adjust the length of the strap according to your needs. With that said, it only extends from 42 to 45 inches. Some customers mentioned it could be too short for taller photographers.
Several users also reported that the leather camera strap emits a horrible smell.
Nevertheless, the Inspire in Time Camera Neck Strap is still an excellent choice if you are looking for a relatively affordable solution.
Pros:
- Genuine leather
- Universal compatibility with SLR and DSLR cameras
- Easy-to-install camera strap
- Comfortable material
- Available in two colors (brown, black)
Cons:
- Adjustable camera strap might be too short for tall users
- Strong leather scent
How to Choose the Best Leather Camera Strap
Buying a leather camera strap is not as simple as it seems. There are several considerations if you want to ensure that the product meets your needs.
We included a quick buying guide below to help you understand these factors.
Type of Camera Strap
Most leather camera straps allow you to wear it around your neck or hang on your shoulder. However, there are also some styles that you can wear around the wrist.
Choosing between different camera strap types will depend on your preferences. In general, though, we recommend using wrist or hand straps for smaller cameras. If you own a full-frame model, we suggest getting one that can hang around your neck to distribute the weight evenly.
Leather Material
Genuine leather camera straps offer the most benefits, such as durability, softness, and a classic look. This natural material also provides a warm and comfortable feel that only gets better with time.
But there are also “leather” camera straps that use faux or synthetic materials. The most obvious benefit is their cheaper cost. But they are not as durable and comfortable as genuine leather.
If you have the means, we highly suggest going for genuine leather camera straps.
Number of Cameras
This factor is pretty self-explanatory, but you must look for a camera strap that can hold your own cameras.
You can find custom leather straps that can manage two or even three cameras at once. Having one will come in handy if you use multiple cameras in a single shoot.
Length and Width
If you are shopping for a leather camera strap that can be worn around your neck or shoulder, you must consider its length. Go for one with adjustable buckles to ensure it is comfortable to wear, even for extended periods.
In terms of width, you can go with either narrow or wide camera straps. But as a rule of thumb, thicker straps usually fit DSLR or larger cameras better. Meanwhile, thin straps are ideal for mirrorless models.
Mount or Attachment
Leather camera straps also have various mounts or attachments. Some offer quick-release loops that attach on top of your camera, while others fit on the tripod screw hole.
The former is generally easier to use, but it tends to be flimsy. In contrast, the latter can be pretty difficult to secure to the camera, but it stabilizes your grip.
Design
Functionality is the most important factor to consider when buying a leather camera strap. But you may also want to look for a stylish leather camera strap. This one will entirely depend on your personal preference. In general, though, look for something that fits and complements your camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do professional photographers use camera straps?
Yes, professional photographers use camera straps. Having one can help offload the weight of the camera onto your neck, shoulders, or wrist instead of your hands. Thus, it allows a convenient hands-free movement when you are not shooting a subject. There are also the added benefits of a stabilized grip and people knowing that you are a professional.
What is the best leather camera strap?
The best leather camera strap for you will depend on your needs and preferences. That said, our top pick is the Coiro Single Leather Harness for its durability, quick-release mechanism, and classic look. We highly suggest checking out this product if you want a high-quality leather strap for your camera.
Are leather camera straps comfortable?
Yes, genuine leather camera straps are soft and comfortable to wear around the neck, shoulders, or even wrist. Unlike other materials, leather offers unmatched breathability and flexibility that gets better with time. Just make sure to give it a moment to break in and maintain it regularly.
How to soften a leather camera strap?
You may notice that some leather camera straps can be stiff and rigid at first. Fortunately, you can soften the fibers by applying a leather conditioner or petroleum jelly. Let the strap dry before using them on a shoot.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best leather camera straps on the market.
All products in our article can securely hold your camera for a more comfortable shooting experience. But if we only have to recommend one item, it will be the Coiro Single Leather Harness. It uses genuine leather material and quick-release metal rings to offer durability and convenience. Plus, it can attach both on the tripod screw hole and the top of your camera for additional security.
