Back in September of 2011, I was given the opportunity to review the Sun Sniper camera strap from Bron Imaging. To recap that review, this unique strap addresses some of the shortcomings of traditional camera straps, thanks to a novel mounting system, robust construction, and innovative design. Key features are the tripod socket mount with rubber crush washer for tension, stainless ball bearings for smooth movement, steel wire sewn in for theft protection, and a bit of shock-absorbing material to minimize weight and bouncing while out and about. My only complaint was that it didn’t seem to want to play nice when wearing a backpack.
Fast forward to June of 2012, and I get an email from the folks at Bron Imaging. Apparently, they realized that if I’m not happy, no one is happy (let me have my moment, ok?), so they came out with the Sun Sniper Backpack Strap, which builds on the original strap, but is designed to work specifically with backpacks. While the original was worn across the shoulder, the Backpack Strap attaches directly to a backpack, which also helps to distribute your camera’s weight. Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t allow time to give it a proper test. As luck would have it (his, not mine), my friend Richard* was about to head off to Peru right as the new strap was due to arrive. So the following is his review, based on more than just a simple hike around our local mountains.
– Brian
During the end of July and the first part of August I had the opportunity to try out the new Backpack Strap from Sun Sniper on my trip to Peru, where I walked the streets of Lima, waded through the swamps of the Amazon, and hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.
When I was planning my trip, I was without an idea for a strap that I could use for this trip. It had to secure my camera against nature and man, while being comfortable for all day use. The Sun Sniper BPS was ideal. It attached to my backpack, and offered more than enough room to slide from my waist to shooting height. I did have to adjust some of my straps along with the camera strap to get the optimal length for everything to work efficiently together. But once I did, it was a very practical and positive experience. I even had a close call with the bungee. I removed the carabiner to give my camera a little more room for movement while I was sitting. When I stood up to walk away, my camera followed close behind, and swung down only to be caught by the bungee, where it cushioned the fall, and ended up saving me from a busted lens and a potential busted camera. The strap is made with very durable material to weather some more extreme users, and still maintain functionality. I am very excited to use this strap on many more adventures.
– Richard Keele
Keele Photography
Interested in getting a Backpack Strap? You’ll find them here.
*Check out some of Richard’s outstanding photography at KeelePhotography.com Having only seen some of his portrait work, I was duly impressed by his technical skills and eye for good composition.