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Review: CAMS Pro Sling Strap, Camera and Lens Plate



Overview : Carry And Mount System (CAMS) started off with the simple goal of mating a bottom-mounted sling strap to a camera in a way that would not interfere with using a vertical shooting grip. We did not set out to develop a plate that was Arca-compatible and made the vertical grip more comfortable to use, but when we mounted the first machined prototypes, we found that we had surpassed our original intent by far. Fortunately, we did not stop there. Involving other photographers led us to rethinking the strap and strap connection and adding the threaded insert (which seems so obvious now). Using hindsight to our advantage, the lens plate evolved quickly into a natural companion of the camera plate, as essential to the system as the telephoto lens is to the photographer.

Each component of CAMS is designed to offer the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and strength.

CAMS Pro Sling Strap Features :
  • Ergonomics - Curved neoprene strap with internal reinforcement lightens a heavy load
  • Strength – Quick Disconnect Fastener holds hundreds of pounds yet offers unmatched simplicity to release
  • Style - Unique quilting pattern adds pop without being distracting
  • Convenience - Velcro strap manager keeps strap bulk to a minimum and grippy underside keeps the strap where it belongs
  • Homegrown – 100% made in USA
CAMS Pro Camera Plate Features :
  • Ergonomics – low profile design fits comfortably under your hand when using vertical grip
  • Precision Forged Construction – eliminates excessive machining while yielding a stronger part
  • Strength –7075-T6 aluminum is almost twice as strong as standard 6061-T6
  • Quick connect to tripod – no need to remove strap or install another plate to mount on Arca Swiss style screw and lever quick release clamps
  • Quick connect to monopod or other accessory – plate includes a durable ¼-20 Time-Sert steel thread insert
  • Strapless at the push of a button – integrated socket for quick disconnect fastener lets you ditch the strap in a flash
  • Hard Anodized – ultra-hard finish on plate stands up to abuse
  • Homegrown – Plate forged overseas. All other components sourced stateside.
  • Hidden Safety Stops – Dovetail plate has unique built-in safety stop feature removing the need for protruding stop screws
  • Seamlessly integrates with your camera – black finish and textured grips* match most DSLRs. Battery compartment remains easily accessed
  • Convenience - Camera remains stable sitting on flat surface
CAMS Pro Lens Plate Features :
  • Ergonomics – low profile design fits comfortably in your hand when supporting telephoto lens by tripod foot
  • Precision Forged Construction – eliminates excessive machining while yielding a stronger part
  • Strength –7075-T6 aluminum is almost twice as strong as standard 6061-T6
  • Quick connect to tripod – no need to install another plate to mount on Arca Swiss style screw and lever quick release clamps
  • Quick connect to monopod or other accessory – plate includes a durable ¼-20 Time-Sert steel thread insert
  • Hard Anodized – ultra-hard finish on plate stands up to abuse
  • Homegrown – Plate forged overseas. All other components sourced stateside
This review is of pre-production models. Final retail version will be cleaner and more refined.

Here are some things to point out:
  • The lens plate in this review is machined. Final product will be forged.
  • The lens plate rubber parts are silicone. Final product will contain TPE.
  • The strap will have cleaner stitching as the review unit's stitching was done by hand.
  • The camera plate is production forged. Final product will be refined for crisper features.
  • The camera plate rubber grips are injection molded. Final product will be refined to fit and texture will look better.
Quality/Usability : I don't know why but I love camera straps. There's something about them that makes me want to try out new straps. I was contacted by CAMS Pro who launched their Kickstarter program and asked if I could post a news article about their new product. I love to help new start-up companies get the name and product out to our current and new readers. I asked if they had anything for me to review and although they didn't have any final retail versions, they were nice enough to send me a pre-production model. They warned me that it is rough and not final.

CAMS Pro Sling Strap and Camera Plate


The CAM Pro Sling Strap looks like an ordinary sling strap but the camera plate, looks like a mini skateboard.


For a strap that is not the final production, the stitching looks very clean. The top layer is made of neoprene material while the bottom has a rubber texture. Out of the whole strap, there is only one buckle. As you can see, the strap has a slight curve to it so that it contours your shoulder when it's placed over the shoulder.

The strap also has a plastic clip that acts as a bumper. This prevents your camera from going behind you.


The camera plate is production forged. This is what the retail version will be made of but much cleaner. The plate features a 1/4"-20 screw for you to attach to a tripod or monopod. There's also a alloy steel screw that attaches to the tripod mount on the bottom of your camera. On the end of the plate is where the quick disconnect mounts to.


One of the unique features is the push-button quick disconnect fastener. In the Kickstarter campaign, CAMS will give backers the option of selecting the one above (protruding button) or the version with the push-button being more flush and less protruding.

I know some people would be afraid that since it protrudes, the button might be accidentally pressed and the camera would fall off. To me, it was easier to press the button and never did I feel that the button would be pressed. It would require a lot of travel for the button to be pressed in order for the quick disconnect to be disengaged from the camera plate.


The camera plate is ARCA compatible and has a very low profile and that was their intentions because...


For those who use grips and in the portrait mode, depending on the plate attached to the bottom of your camera, it can cause your hands and fingers to be further away or not be as comfortable. And depending which plate you have and strap combination, it can get in the way of holding the camera in portrait mode. With the CAMS Pro camera plate, it offsets the strap mounting location and I really didn't notice the plate at all. It was the right thickness.


Even placing the camera onto a ARCA ballhead, the quick disconnect does not get in the way nor does it require you to remove the strap.

CAMS Pro Lens Plate


For the lens plate, the pre-production sample I received is machined and not forged. The design and look will be the same. There are three holes on the lens plate; the middle is a 1/4"-20 to let you mount the plate to a tripod or monopod and the other two holes allows you to place the alloy steel screw. One of these holes has a rubber cap if it is not used. Removing it was easy but when I swap the screw and rubber cap locations, it was a pain to get the rubber cap back on. Since it's made of rubber, trying to use anything to either poke it through or grabbing it, risks the potential of poking a hole or ripping a piece of rubber. Or, you can just take it off and leave it off.


If you have a gripped camera, you'll want to have the allow screw close to the body or the grip would get in the way. The lens plate fits well on to the tripod collar for your telephoto lens. I'm using a Sunwayfoto XB-52L Duo-Lever Ball Head and it held the plate with no problem.


Conclusion : Overall, the CAMS Pro Sling Strap, Camera and Lens Plate is a nice quality product. The strap is comfortable and nice stitching. One feature missing that new sling straps have these days is the ability to cinch the camera. By cinching the camera closer to your body, this reduces the bouncing and moving of the camera when not in use.

The camera plate is durable and has a great low profile. If you shoot in portrait mode (vertical) with a grip, this is one of the big selling features. It doesn't get in the way and you can leave the strap on. But I'm loving the quick disconnect feature.

The lens plate also follows the same low profile as the camera plate but offers a little bit more real estate when mounted to the tripod collar. This makes supporting the heavy and long telephoto lens easier and more comfortable.




Manufacturer: CAMS
Site: Buy from CAMS / Buy from Amazon


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