Anyone Use a Grip Strap?

[mabas9395]

My church had a kid's Christmas party with lots of little crafts and activities for the kids to do and of course I was there with my Rebel XT to take pictures of my three kids. I found myself often just holding the camera in my hand rather than letting it dangle from my neck strap when I wasn't composing a shot. I have heard of these grip straps that mount the camera to your hand and it seemed like the kind of thing that would work for the way I like to shoot. Does anyone have any experience with one or can think of any pros/cons?

Here is a link to what I am talking about. Grip Strap (http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=66&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=4)

I have an Op/Tech neck strap and love it for when I want something around my neck, but sometimes I want the control of having it on hand instead of swinging from my neck. Any thoughts?

[Groucho]

I looked at those and they seem a bit much - almost like duct-taping the camera to your hand!

OK, probably not that bad, but I don't know if I need it there ALL the time. I was thinking about picking up one of their Gotcha straps, basically a wrist strap that velcros to your wrist so if the camera flies out of your hand on Big Thunder Mt Railroad, it will at least stay with you and not go flying into the scenery. It has a quick-release so you can take the camera off easily at any point.

If you are in a situation where you need one, it would probably help - Op/Tech certainly seems to make good stuff.

[MarkBarbieri]

I've always used the Canon hand strap. It requires that you have a portrait grip. I use it far more often than my neck strap.

[JR6ooo4]

I use the Hakuba strap exclusively. I hate hanging anything on my neck. I even hate tags inside of the shirts.

http://www.hakubausa.com/csite/c_products3.asp?cc=50&cs=50

My disney trip is for taking pictures, more than rides or anything else. With no kids to service, I can manage the day with only one hand free for cash, fastpasses etc....

I can just about relax my hand completely and still not drop the camera. I can use it in landscape or portrait mode. The strap goes around the back of my hand, but under my index finger. I can change the memory card with the strap attached. But to change the battery you must loosen the bottom bracket slightly, swing it away, change the battery then retighten the bracket.

Mikeeee