Neoprene digital camera strap group test Review

Lexar Professional Neoprene camera strap.

Lexar Professional Camera Strap Lightweight, strong and durable. Non-slip material Adjustable strap length Quick release connector $19.99

Tamrac Shock Absorber strap Tough, stretchy rubber Two neoprene memory card holders Quick release buckles £11.99

Tamrac is fitted with two neoprene pouches for storing accessories.

Tamrac straps are straight in design while Jacobs have added a slight kink and Lexar have gone for a deeper curve. This is designed to go with the contour of your neck although on the straight strap there's no issue with comfort.

ePHOTOzine says: We like the pouches attached to the strap on the Tamrac, it's a good idea. Lexar are the ones that have pushed the boundaries although it comes at a price.

Winner: Lexar
Commendation: Tamrac

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Build quality

Jacobs Neoprene strap.

Aircell technology comprises of air pockets to cushion the neck.

Each strap is well built and the leather that attaches the canvas to the neoprene is heavily stitched in the same way on each apart from the Tamrac which uses a D-ring type connection. Tamrac is also the thinnest strap at 38mm with Lexar providing the widest neck coverage at 69mm. Jacobs play piggy-in-the-middle with a width of 45mm.

Looking at individual areas of each strap, the Aircell pockets on the Lexar strap are made of a harder material than I'd expect and make it a little difficult to wear for a long number of hours. On the other hand, Jacobs have gone for a mottled and scratchy rubber finish to the underside which didn't sit all too comfortably after a while with a heavy DSLR attached.

Tamrac have used the same soft material on the outside as the underside and I think that's what's missing with the other two. It feels better on the skin although to be critical, I think they could've rounded off the edges to make them more welcoming to my delicate neck.

The small pouches on the Tamrac are also made of neoprene which means that although they look small, they can expand to fit larger items inside.

ePHOTOzine says: The simplicity of the Tamrac strap wins for us although the idea behind the Lexar is a good one. If they'd used the same material on the underside as the topside, it's be a lot more comfortable.

Winner: Tamrac
Commendation: Lexar

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Value for money
Before the recession and sterling was worth something, the Lexar Professional strap was around half the listed price because it was bought from the USA site. This has now raised and the strap costs around £13.50 in Sterling using the Reuters currency converter. Bear in mind that this price could change daily as the exchange rates fluctuate and there may be some shipping costs.

Jacobs straps are more expensive than both the Lexar and Tamrac and I'm really surprised. I'd expect more for that price.

ePHOTOzine says: It's a good price from Tamrac as it offers the small pouches and quick release clips as an extra feature for your money.

Winner: Tamrac

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Verdict

Tamrac Shock Absorber Neoprene strap wins the group test.

All three straps offered something that the others didn't so would you go for the features of the Lexar Professional, the pouches and value for money option in the Tamrac or the simplicity of the Jacobs own brand?

I'm surprised the retailer's own brand strap is the most expensive of the three as it offers less in the way of additional features. Sure it has the quick release clips but it lacks the pouches of the Tamrac or the aircell pockets of the Lexar.


As it's the cheapest, offers the buoyancy of the Jacobs and quick release connectors of the Lexar, I'd have to go with the Tamrac Shock Absorber N5055.

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Plus points

Lexar Professional Air cushion padding Quick release clips Broad neck area

Tamrac Shock Absorber Soft underside Best value for money Extra pockets for accessories

Jacobs Neoprene Simplicity Good build for own brand Curved design

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Minus points

Lexar Professional Scratchy material under Little buoyancy

Tamrac Shock Absorber Sharp edges can get irritating Straight design

Jacobs Neoprene Most expensive Scratchy material under

Neoprene digital camera strap group test: Results

Lexar Professional FEATURES BUILD QUALITY VALUE FOR MONEY OVERALL

Tamrac Shock Absorber FEATURES BUILD QUALITY VALUE FOR MONEY OVERALL

Jacobs Neoprene FEATURES BUILD QUALITY VALUE FOR MONEY OVERALL

The Lexar Professional Strap costs $19.99 which is around £13.50 using Reuters currency converter. You can get more information here:
Lexar Professional strap

The Tamrac Shock Absorber Neoprene strap N5055 costs £11.99 and is available from Warehouse Express here:
Tamrac Shock Absorber Neoprene strap N5055

Jacobs Neoprene strap costs £14.99 and is available from Jacobs stores or online here:
Jacobs Neoprene strap

I purposefully left out the ePHOTOzine neoprene strap in the name of fairness to the test but if you would like to see a cheaper alternative, take a look here:
ePHOTOzine Deluxe Neoprene strap