Review: The Crumpler Singapore Slim camera strap. Ask any photographer what their next accessory purchase would be and many would say an new flash, or a couple of memory cards, or a battery grip for their DSLR. Although you will rarely hear "camera strap." Many photographers are usually happy with the ubiquitous branded strap with "Canon EOS" or "Nikon D300s" in bold lettering that comes free with their camera. However, many other photographers express disdain at either the small size of these straps, the discomfort usually associated with them, or the fact they are freely advertising their camera to the world. Enter the Crumpler Singapore Slim.
Disclaimer: If any information seen in the following reviews may be wrong (especially those marked with (?)), please feel free to contact and correct me. I am not affiliated with or endorsed by any camera/accessory manufacturer and this review is purely my opinion and is not intended to harm or offend anyone. Photos in this review are from third-party sites and copyrighted to their respective copyright holders.
Full review after the jump...
Preface
I recently bought the Nikon D90 and 18-105mm lens kit. Of course, this was a total step up from the entry-level Pentax *ist DS both in technology, and inevitably, weight. With the DS, I built my own camera strap for it, akin to the Black Rapid or the Sun Sniper. This proved to be alright for my needs. Now, with the D90 (and its weight) I couldn't trust my own sewing skills and the lightweight, plastic quick release clip from a Nike duffel bag strap so after much deliberation I decided to purchase a camera strap.
But which strap to buy? There are many third party straps on the market today, sling type straps from Black Rapid or Sun Sniper, or standard neck straps from Op-Tech or Up-Strap. As I am a big guy, I needed something that was long enough to be able to sling across my shoulder, both for comfort and security. I liked the Sun Sniper/Black Rapid straps but was annoyed by the attachment point being in the tripod mount. I understand that they have a special plate for use with Manfrotto tripods, but as I am a student, I cannot afford the luxury of a Manfrotto tripod, yet. Thus, I went to my camera store and found out they had an Op-Tech sling strap (which mounted to one of the normal strap attachment points) and the Crumpler Singapore Slim. As you could tell by the title of the review, I purchased the Singapore Slim (in black color).
There are two versions of the strap in the Singapore range, the Sling and the Slim. Basically, the Slim has a slimmer neoprene pad and a small rubber logo instead of the embroidered logo. The straps come in a variety of color combinations.
NOTE: If you are a reader from the United States or Australia, you may find that this product is not available in those regions. From what I understand, the Singapore Slim is only available in the European region. But have no fear, US and Australian readers have the Industry Disgrace and Convenient Disgrace camera straps (which differ by the inclusion of quick release buckles in the Convenient Disgrace) available in those regions and are similar to the Singapore.
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Unboxing
Well, its more like "removing the cardboard tag from the strap," but that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily as "unboxing." Basically, a few zip ties hold the cardboard tag to the strap. A few snips and it's "unboxed."
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Features
For a camera strap, there's quite a few features.
Firstly, the material. The contoured neck/shoulder pad is made of neoprene, which is soft, cushions the weight of the camera, and also springs a bit, absorbing the shock of the camera bouncing as you walk. The rest of the strap is made of "Chicken Tex Supreme" (as Crumpler calls it) which seems to be a tough nylon webbing almost akin to seatbelt webbing. The quick adjustment buckles and quick release buckles are made of a nice, tough plastic.
There are two quick adjustment buckles which allow you to quickly adjust the length of the strap to go from long, sling style (over the shoulder) or short, neck strap style.
Two quick release buckles allow you to remove the camera from the strap easily. These are fairly high quality and I have no problem with them. Although I would reinforce them with cable ties and cover up the buckles with some black tape when traveling, so as to provide an extra layer of security.
A small pouch is attached to the strap which is intended to stash memory cards. It seems to be the perfect size for CF cards or SD cards in protective cases. The pouch has no closing mechanism like velcro or a zipper and instead relies on its tucked in flap design to keep things inside. For now, I keep a lens cloth and the Nikon viewfinder cover inside. The pouch is removable if you have no need for it.
Lastly, Crumpler has a 30 year guarantee on their products!
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In Use
The strap is very comfortable. The neoprene is definitely doing its job at absorbing shocks and the weight of the D90. Its long enough for a 6' 1"/200lb (185cm/91 kg) guy like me to sling over the shoulder and that's still not its longest! Used in the conventional neck strap style and it's still very comfortable. The pad was definitely designed for use around the neck/shoulder area and thus is contoured accordingly. When used in sling style, the neoprene easily slides across clothing so that the strap wouldn't be in the way when shooting. The quick release buckles are quick and close with a positive click. As mentioned previously, the auxiliary pouch is useful for small things like SD cards or a lens cloth.
Any negatives? Well, the strap is much bulkier than the standard Nikon strap as it has all the buckles, padding, and pouch. But does that matter? In most cases it doesn't, but it is something to look at if you prefer a slimmer strap. Another negative is the quick release buckles which are, well, quick. As mentioned, I would reinforce these buckles with zip ties and black tape when traveling. I'd rather sacrifice convenience over security in those cases.
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Compared to the standard Nikon strap
Crumpler Singapore Slim advantages:
- Comfortable neoprene padding
- Long enough to sling over shoulder
- Quick-release buckles
- Quick adjustment buckles
- Auxiliary pouch for small items
- Discrete (with the appropriate color choice, but it doesn't have the bold Nikon or Canon logo)
- Available in a myriad of colors
Nikon standard strap advantages:
- Less bulky
- Nikon logo (if you like advertising the brand of cameras you own)
- It's free!
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Conclusion
If you hate having the ubiquitous branded strap with "Canon EOS" or "Nikon" in bold lettering, or the small size of these straps, or the discomfort usually associated with them, the Crumpler Singapore Slim is a great replacement. It's much more comfortable for those extended shoots, its discrete (with the appropriate color choice), and is much longer for those who prefer to sling their camera over their shoulder. After purchasing this product, I could safely say that Crumpler is another brand I will carefully consider when purchasing other accessories.
Do, however, consider other straps from Black Rapid or Op-Tech, and carefully weigh the differences in specs (such as attachment points) and prices. And of course, if you have the know how, DIY is also a way to go. And if all else fails, you can always turn to the standard, free camera straps.
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Added Findings
If you are into cycling, the Crumpler Singapore Slim is a perfect way to carry your camera when slung across the shoulders. The neoprene pad definitely absorbs the shocks from riding and spreads the weight well. And having the camera at quick access allows the photographer to capture that perfect moment. Just make sure you don't crash.
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Photos are courtesy of and copyright to Crumpler.eu
Links
Crumpler Singapore Slim Product Website
Crumpler Singapore Sling (bigger version of Slim) Product Website
Crumpler Industry Disgrace Product Website (for USA/AU region)
Crumpler Convenient Disgrace (w/ quick release) Product Website (for USA/AU region)
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