Make a shoulder strap for your tripod

This idea was inspired by my Mother; I was lugging my tripod around Southend, and she asked why I didn't have some kind of handle for it. She thought I might somehow be able to attach a strap from a bag to it. So I came up with this. Thanks Mum :)

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Step 1: What you will need

This is a very easy project. You will need:

A tripod
A shoulder strap from a bag, with sprung carabiner-type clips on the ends (I used the one from my laptop case)
A couple of cable ties
A couple of split rings (the kind you attach keys to). You can get these from key-cutting places and the like

Ranie-K says: Feb 26, 2010. 1:06 PM

Nice instructable. Here's my version -I just used the straps and some tape. I messed up the"direction" of the straps. I positioned it so that the padded area was closest to the top, and that isn't very natural, since the tripod is top heavy (I let the heavy, top end hang furthest down). I also put a rubber band meant for hair around one of the legs, so I can gather the legs to prevent them from rattling too much when I carry it around.

Marsha812 says: Apr 21, 2013. 12:27 PM

This invention is an ingenious design that needs to be patented. Thank you for taking the time to show us explicitly how to make one at home. Thanks to all moms who encourage their kids, no matter what the age, to be independent thinkers & inventors like you. Well done mom!

dmiller24 says: Sep 9, 2011. 10:33 AM

Cheap replacement for a tripod bag. that requires no work at all. Simple, common folding chairs that come in a bag. Once a chair breaks (happens to the cheap ones at least), just save the bag.

Chair does not even have to be broke, if you do not use the bag for the chair...

Toebak says: Jul 4, 2011. 7:59 AM

Great idea!!! i just made one myself with an old strap from a slr camera. Now i'm able to take my tripod with all the time!
Thanks!

Zmathews says: May 11, 2011. 7:39 AM

very nice, i created my own version as well but i did get some very good ideas from u, thanks.

TapeSmith says: May 2, 2011. 8:38 PM

Excellent, Sir! I've been tired of lugging my tripod around, taking up a free hand. And I'm a college student without the nescesary funds to go out and purchase an official tripod bag. This Instructable was very simple, cheap, and effective! Thanks for posting this!

sjoobbani says: Mar 4, 2010. 10:05 PM

I love this, I've always used the control bar and just rested it on my shoulder, but this is amazing.

WhyIsThisOpen says: Oct 22, 2009. 7:15 AM

Nice. I did the same thing a few months ago (but i didn't use the ties). Now I don't know why tripods don't come with shoulder straps - they could market it as a bonus.

theburn7 says: Jun 22, 2009. 2:11 AM

i have early version of that same tripod, it is cool

notveryreal says: Jan 7, 2009. 6:07 PM

I have the same tripod too. This is a great instructable, I think I'll try it..

abiliran says: Jun 20, 2008. 1:10 AM

Very nice! Greatly appreciate your work. Hope you can come up with more neat ideas.

debpix in reply to abiliranNov 6, 2008. 7:50 AM

I like that you can leave the strap on while using the tripod. I have a bag for my tripod that has a strap, but invariably I can't find it when I'm ready to pack up. This solves that.

eBu says: Jul 27, 2008. 1:43 PM

great quick fix! I've used an extra camera strap or a shoulder strap from a messenger or duffel bag too. Free hands for shooting and keep a pod handy when needed. What Southbend are you in?! I shoot around the one in northern Indiana.

pikesley (author) in reply to eBuJul 27, 2008. 2:23 PM

Heh, it's Southend, dude. Southend, Essex, UK: http://is.gd/15AL , http://is.gd/15AU

eBu in reply to pikesleyJul 27, 2008. 9:13 PM

Ah seeing a photo Instructable and a town *close* to the name of mine was too much excitement at once. Tomorrow I'm adding this to my tripod either way.

struckbyanarrow says: May 13, 2008. 6:22 PM

i have the same tripod awesome!!!!!!!!!

rupamagic says: Mar 3, 2008. 6:27 PM

Great idea. My Manfroto came with a strap and I thought "Brilliant! Why don't ALL tripods come with one?" Great work-around, and it leaves hands free for on-the-move shots while hiking or walking around town. Very useful!

p2y2r7o in reply to rupamagicMar 13, 2008. 4:20 AM

My manfrotto didn't come with a strap or handle! A friend of mine received a handle with his, too. I'm sad :( Oh well, guess I'll have to make one!

stalkingcoco says: Mar 4, 2008. 7:42 AM

I made something similar, but mine was just a length of inch and half webbing with a loop that just fits over the pan tilt head and another loop at the other end. It works but doesn't look as nice.