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When you need to access a secondary camera quickly, having one sitting on your hip is about as perfect a placement as possible. There’s no need to stop and pull something out of a bag — it’s just right there. This is the power of camera belts. Below we’ll dive into why you need a camera belt and the best options in 2022.
A camera belt is just what it sounds like. It wraps around your waist and allows you to secure either the camera directly onto it or gives you the ability to attach small pouches that hold your camera. With different varieties available, you’ll be able to find one that matches your style and needs. Ultimately, it comes down to what sort of system you want to work with and which makes your photography the most efficient.
When you are deciding what camera belt to purchase, there are a couple of areas that you should hone in on. The first area is what sort of padding you want. Some options have heavier padding, while others are more bare bones with just the straps. If you plan on having multiple pouches on your belt with heavier gear, having more padding will make for a more comfortable experience. On the other hand, having a lighter and less padded option would be very doable if you’re only carrying a single lens or extra body.
Now, why should you use a camera belt versus other options? For me, it’s all about simplicity. Having all my gear close and easily accessible is something that can’t be beaten. Whether at a wedding or shooting portraits, being able to quickly swamp lenses or bodies without killing the vibe is unsurpassed.
The SpiderPro Belt v2 is an upgraded version, but only contains the belt. It’s adjustable and made of fabric to decrease any skin irritation. To get the plate that allows you to carry a camera, you’ll have to purchase that separately.
Another fantastic belt system, the Think Tank Pro is a fully padded waist belt for the Modular Component System. Its adjustable buckle prevents it from loosening, so your belt doesn’t sag but it is still easy to resize if needed. It’s also easily compatible with the Pixel Racing Harness.
The Lowepro ProTactic belt can be used by a wide swath of photographers thanks to its adjustable belt. According to them, it will fit sizes 29″ – X” waists. Additionally, they can hold 10 SlipLock compatible accessories, and their new adjustment method prevents the webbing from sagging.
The Tamrac Anvil has high-quality, durable material that is padded to provide the utmost comfort while in action. Connect it up with the Arc Accessory cases, and you can carry your lenses, filters, food/snacks, or water wherever you go. Its lightweight design also doesn’t compromise quality, as it can hold up to four lenses or extra pouches.
This is one of the best camera accessories on the market and a must-have for photographers who enjoy hiking and the outdoors. The clip attaches to your backpack and sits near your shoulder, allowing easy access to unclip and nail your shot without digging your gear out of your pack. I suggest still using your neck strap just in case it comes loose.
Just like the above, this is also a photographer’s best friend. Its aluminum material makes it lightweight yet still incredibly strong and durable. Its universal quick-release plate is compatible with most Arca and RRS ball heads and tripods. Lastly, it’s easily applicable to belts and straps of various sizes to ensure you get the most use of it.
If a camera belt isn’t going to cut it for you, there are plenty of other options that you can choose to help your photography. A camera bag will house your gear, including multiple lenses, bodies, or drones. You can also use a shoulder strap to wear your camera across your body as you hike or walk. This presents some danger to your gear, but it keeps it accessible.
Yes, you could elongate the belt and make it long enough to work as a shoulder strap. By doing this, your gear would hang vertically off the belt but work in the same style as if you put it around your hips.
The best time to use a camera belt is when you need multiple lenses and/or bodies accessible simultaneously. So, if you need to shoot in different focal lengths or want a faster lens (larger maximum aperture), this would be a perfect time to add a couple of pouches on your belt.
As you read above, the camera belt has excellent versatility and allows you to quickly and efficiently bring your camera gear onsite without losing functionality. Each item listed above will significantly increase your production and provide the resources to get the shot without missing a beat.
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