Joby Pro Sling Strap Review

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Expectations for the Joby Pro Sling Strap

I was excited about the Joby Pro-Sling Strap for professional DSLRs from the moment I first saw it. The reason behind my anticipation was simple: regular camera straps allow for minimal versatility and mobility (usually, this means slinging the camera strap awkwardly over your neck, or forgetting about it entirely and banging your expensive technology, even your livelihood, into various stationary objects.). The Joby Pro Sling Strap differs from the norm by allowing you to to cinch the camera behind your shoulder until needed, safely and securely, then rapidly unlock the strap and swing the camera out for quick access!

Testing

During testing, I carried my full-sized Nikon DSLR and long 70-200 lens on a 2.5 hour hike where the Joby Pro Sling Strap performed admirably, allowing me to “get the shot.” The webbing is designed with the SpeedCinch system that rests in front of the user’s shoulder, allowing the strap to be tightened or loosened on demand. Perhaps Joby’s most innovative feature is the locking mechanism that keeps the camera snug and tight behind the shoulder until needed.

Really, my only gripe is that the key anchor for the strap attaches at the 1/4 inch tripod thread on the base of the camera, effectively negating the ability to add the camera to a tripod if needed. There is an optional mount plate available from Joby for $19.95 that makes that a non-concern. That said, the PRO sling is an efficient, secure, fully adjustable and durable strap that does just what it’s supposed to.

Construction

Joby’s best-in-class textiles are apparent in the interwoven fabric of the strap’s Dyneema webbing, making for an attractive and sturdy design. The single-point mount sits on a greased bearing that allows full, 360-degree range of motion for the strap.

That means no bunching or twisting, a common issue with most standard camera straps. Finally, any of the cinch hardware that isn’t metal or fabric is made from super-dense fiberglass, yet another element of lightweight durability to the system.

Based on my experience, I find myself coming up with more and more excuses for using this strap on a regular basis. It’s perhaps best suited for event and street photography, though it may find its way into my adventure kit in the near future.

For more information visit www.joby.com or www.amazon.com/joby.