Dropping an expensive piece of equipment, like a DSLR  or mirrorless camera, can be devastating, but a camera harness or strap provides one easy way to protect your investment. While a camera bag or case provides security when a camera is not in use, a strap increases security when you have the camera out.

Even if you use a tripod on most of your shoots, it is still a good idea to keep a camera strap on hand for the times you want to photograph while on the move. You don’t want to miss that perfect shot because you can’t get your camera out of the bag in time.

While many cameras come with a strap, you might shop for a model better suited to your needs, or you might be seeking a replacement if your first one has begun to wear out. Even point-and-shoot cameras benefit from a camera wrist strap. 

Most camera straps use anchor links that tie into the available strap connections on your camera. It is important to inspect your camera anchor links for wear and tear over time since they see plenty of friction. You will likely need to replace these before you replace a strap, which is why most strap kits come with a second set of anchors.

From there, you can attach a camera harness or strap of the length and width you prefer. A strap can include padding, which is especially useful if you use heavy long camera lenses in your photography. If you have a smaller and lighter camera, you may only need a simple and lightweight camera leash. These are good for smaller mirrorless camera models or larger point-and-shoot camera designs.

When you spend ample time choosing a camera to buy, make sure you also devote attention to the strap.