New to photography...quick question about D3100?

Hi everyone, I am new to photography and this forum. I recently got a D3100 as a gift and would love to better learn how to use it, so if any of you have any good recommendations for resources for this that would be great.

My main question is though, do any of you know of a good strap that would be fine to use on this camera? I really don't like the strap that came with the camera that has bright yellow writing (Nikon) written all over it. I'd rather just have a plain black-looking strap, so it doesn't attract so much attention? Any help/input would be appreciated. Thanks!

Call me cheap.
I used a black permanent marker to black out Nikon.

Rexer John said:

Call me cheap.
I used a black permanent marker to black out Nikon.

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You're cheap.

And while we're on the topic, here's a cheap, black camera strap that will get the job done.

Even though 3100, what's wrong with showing Canon and Sony peeps that you made a better choice?

Welcome to the forum

If you fill out your profile we can better answer any questions that you might have.
You can do that at http://nikonites.com/profile.php?do=editprofile

Some useful links
Nikon Product Manuals available for download
Nikon | Imaging Products | Digitutor


Thanks

Welcome to Nikonites!

Pat in NH

I recommend a Matin Neoprene Strap - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0053PAW3M/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1366656235&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

I have it on my d3100 and aside from being free of any tacky logos, it's comfortable and good at balancing the weight of your camera and lens - I walked around the zoo with it for 3 hours with no discomfort

Sent from my Galaxy S2 using Tapatalk

I have the Sunpak - Neoprene Camera Strap, it really saves on the neck.

SkvLTD said:

Even though 3100, what's wrong with showing Canon and Sony peeps that you made a better choice?

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I don't think it's showing people you made a better choice. It's NOT advertising to the crooks.

I never have bought into the "your logo on the strap makes your camera more attractive to crooks" school of thought. If a crook knows enough about cameras to know that a D800 is a pricy model for example, they likely know enough to recognize it without the advertising on the strap. Likewise, if they don't know the difference between a Nikon and a Pentax (nothing against Pentax), it seems like all large "nice looking" cameras would be equally appealing.

Anyway, I use an OpTech Super Classic (OP/TECH USA Super Classic Strap) and it's amazingly comfortable. The only drawback is that on hot days it gets a little sweaty under the neoprene, but it's worth it for how much better it feels. They have a lot of different options for straps and connections too.

Look at the Black Rapid Straps; They fit across the shoulder and neck so the weight is not on the back of your neck at all. The camera also hangs just at hand level so it is always at the ready.

i had a custom camera strap made. it has a pocket for the lens its monogrammed and is twice the width of the stock strap so mine is comfortable to wear all day anyone with good sewing skills can make you one i also got the matching camera lens bag its fleece lined.try Etsy - Your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supplies total was i think 30$

patrick in memphis said:

i had a custom camera strap made. it has a pocket for the lens its monogrammed and is twice the width of the stock strap so mine is comfortable to wear all day anyone with good sewing skills can make you one i also got the matching camera lens bag its fleece lined.try Etsy - Your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supplies total was i think 30$

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Maybe you could share a picture of what they look like??

Pat in NH

Obviously different materials are available everyone in our fam has different materials for quick id

Tracsoft - Don Kuykendall said:

Look at the Black Rapid Straps; They fit across the shoulder and neck so the weight is not on the back of your neck at all. The camera also hangs just at hand level so it is always at the ready.

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I myself went with a CarrySpeed strap...very similar to the Black Rapid.

CS-3 BALLISTIC NYLON SHOULDER PAD SLING STRAP by Carry Speed | Carry Speed Store

I have one of the neoprene straps too, they are softer and wider than the standard Nikon straps. The D3100 + 18-55mm lens isn't heavy, but once you get going and have bigger lenses / flashes then a better strap is a bonus.
As for learning resources.... Always start with the manual, it has 99.9% of what you need to use the camera. There are other books such as field guides and the "For Dummies" series, but this is essentially the same information but explained differently.

Really, you just have to get out there and enjoy your camera!

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I ended up getting the neoprene one that was like under 10 bucks. It's okay. It's actually kind of short. I thought it would be longer and adjustable. It basically doesn't adjust or does very little. I'd prefer one that can adjust to a length so you can wear it on the shoulder, around your neck, if you know what I mean. I'm not sure how to explain it haha. At least it doesn't have the bright yellow writing on it though. So that's good haha.