A 3-point slinger for camera is a strap that goes over one shoulder and across your body, connecting to the camera, usually at the base.
A 3-point camera sling allows you to carry your camera hands-free, meaning you can do things like ride a bike or operate machinery while having your camera close at hand.
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Best 3-point slinger camera strap – affordable, lightweight, sturdy and great-looking.
You’ll see popular YouTubers like Francis Cade riding their bikes with a 3-point slinger for camera worn tight to their backs – the padded shoulder strap makes it a comfortable way to carry heavier cameras too.
When there’s something worth photographing or videoing, the 3-point slinger can be pulled around to the front of your body and the camera lifted to your face.
A 3-point slinger is usually attached to the base of the camera, via a 3/4″ screw into the hole usually reserved for a tripod base plate.
Best 3-Point Slingers for Camera Users
1. BlackRapid Slingers | Best Overall
Blackrapid makes a range of different 3-point slinger camera straps for action sports photographers and anyone who prefers them to a regular shoulder strap.
BlackRapid refers to them as ‘camera slings’, labelling them as one of the most comfortable camera straps on the market – the key benefit is that the pad stays on your shoulder and the camera slides along the sling, up to your face.
The 3 main models of BlackRapid 3-point slinger for camera are:
- BlackRapid Breathe Sport (review)
- BlackRapid Curve Breathe (review)
- BlackRapid Double Breathe (review)
(You can check the prices of all the BlackRapid camera straps here on Amazon, or here at B&HPhoto. You’ll also find all the other 3-point slinger for camera straps here.)
The components for a 3-point slinger to attach to a camera.
2. Waka Rapid Camera Shoulder Strap | Best Budget
If you can’t stretch to the price tag of the BlackRapid 3-point slinger for camera options, this Waka Rapid is the next best option. It’s also excellent value for money, at a fraction of the price of the aforementioned camera straps.
Unique features include a storage pouch on the pad, useful for keeping memory cards and a spare battery or two, and a front quick-adjustment pull clip which allows you to speedily shorten or lengthen the camera strap to your needs.
The pad also features anti-slip padding, similar to the BlackRapid straps.
Although the price seems too good to be true (check the latest price here), thousands of positive reviews indicate that this is a 3-point slinger for camera strap that’s worth your hard-earned cash!
3. Altura Photo Camera Strap
Famous for making excellent and affordable camera slings, Altura also make a great 3-point slinger for camera fans – also surprisingly affordable – check the price on Amazon right here.
The Altura shoulder strap also features a handy hidden storage pouch with zippered pocket for storing away your spare memory cards, batteries and chewing gum! There’s also anti-slip padding under the main shoulder pad, meaning that the strap and your camera stays in place even if you’re moving around.
A 3-point slinger is perfect for carrying a camera during activities such as rock climbing, cycling and even brisk walking, and the Altura is a really affordable way to get involved.
Benefits of Using 3-Point Camera Slingers
I’ve been using a 3-point slinger for camera for years now – a BlackRapid Breathe – and couldn’t be happier with its performance.
I also own several other camera straps which I rotate depending on what camera I’m using and what I’m shooting.
Here are the benefits of using a 3-point camera slinger:
- Fast action – you just slide them around your body and lift up the camera
- Stays out your way – if you tighten the strap, you can have the camera on your back
- Your hands are free – makes the 3-point slinger perfect for sports requiring your hands to be in use
- Bottom attachment makes sense – when you grab your camera, you naturally rotate it up to your face
- Comfortable for heavier loads – great for cameras with large telephoto lenses attached
How to Use a 3-Point Slinger for Camera
Credit: John Platt
- Put the strap over your head with the pad resting on your non-dominant shoulder
- Screw the base attachment into the bottom of your camera
- Lock the buckle under your shoulder and adjust the strap to tighten it to a length that’s tight but comfortable
- Adjust the main strap length
- If there’s an additional safety strap, attach it to the carabiner or to another loop on your camera.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions regarding the use or how to attach one of these unique types of camera straps, and have fun!
