Often times when I am shooting, I prefer the convenience of a shoulder strap. Other times I need the stability of a tripod. In the past, making this choice meant removing the strap to attach the tripod plate or at minimum detaching a strap to make room when connecting the tripod. Well not anymore.

Meet the SteadSnap

Developed and constructed to bomb-proof spec by Toronto-based production specialist Dmitri Tchernomourov and medical photographer Yuri Markarov to hold up to the daily rigors of shooting in one of Toronto’s busiest hospitals, the SteadSnap camera-strap-tripod adapter is a brand new piece of gear designed to transport and transfer the camera on-and-off tripod confidently in a single move.

Cut from a single slab of anodized aluminum, SteadSnap is rated for loads as heavy as 44lbs (20kg) and mountable to a wide range of tripod and arca-swiss-style mounting platforms. This is one solidly-built piece, and one that has found a permanent place in the bag for a few good reasons.

How it Works

SteadSnap is designed to mount solidly between the camera itself and the tripod mounting plate. Attaching is as easy as threading the SteadSnap into the camera, then threading the tripod adapter to the SteadSnap. Two large diameter holes located on either side allow quick access via key-ring and/or carabiner clip for hassle-free connection.

Carry with Confidence

Carrying a camera on a tripod has always been risky business and not recommended for a standard quick-release plate. Most of my go-to lightweight tripods are fairly dated and well-used, making the point-of-connection to the tripod itself even more sketchy to carry without fear of a worn plate breaking-free and sending the camera crashing to the ground.

Should the quick-release accidentally break connection with the SteadSnap attached, the camera remains secure on the strap and dropping the tripod is the worst that can happen. Whether cruising the streets and alleys or out in the field, this allows for a minimal setup to carry and shoot with confidence.

No More ‘Strap-in-the-Shot’

One of the best things about this setup is the strap connection can now be moved from either side of the camera body to a single connection point on the side or in the back – where it’s next to impossible for the strap to fall in front of the lens ever again.

As my typical setup will have a collective weight in the 8-10 pound range more-or-less, I find the simple keyring-to-carabiner connection to be a quick and convenient way to go. I was able to find a few S-biners rated for 20 pounds at a local hardware store for a few bucks each, as shown in these samples. For more extreme locations (densely populated areas, mid-stream landscapes etc.), it’s always a good idea to keep at least one locking biner on-hand as well.

Be aware that some carabiners are merely keychain-strength and not officially tested and rated for a specific load. Always scan the fine print and look for a maximum weight reading that works for you. If you’re in doubt, stop by your local climbing outfitter or outdoor retailer. They’ll have exactly what you need.

Price is Right

In my opinion, being able to carry my camera and tripod with confidence and set up quickly with no strap issues has been worth far more than SteadSnap’s $34.99 price tag, and one I would recommend to any photographer’s kit without reservation. For anyone seeking that perfect gift for the photographer in your life, this just might be the answer ;)

To learn more about this interesting new product, visit them online at steadsnap.com.

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