Camera straps come in all shapes and sizes, and a multitude of widths. The Bowman Duo, from British designer Charles Bowman, combines a stylish narrow leather neck strap with a wrist loop, which makes it ideal for photographers who require versatility. And the new Bowman shoulder strap accessory ensures that this traditional leather strap is comfortable with even heavier cameras such as the Leica SL3.
Bowman Duo
If you often switch between neck straps and wrist straps, the Bowman Duo range could be the answer. I’ve certainly become a big fan of these hybrid straps, and I have been impressed with their versatility. They have even been awarded a five-star Test Bench Gold rating by the venerable British weekly, Amateur Photographer. Currently, I’m using variations of the Bowman Duo on my M11-D and SL3. They are wearing in well and, in general, I prefer the narrower option.
The biggest surprise is how well this narrow strap, with its integral wrist loop, works on the heavier Leica SL3. The slot-style lugs of this camera are not suitable for split-ring attachment, so the fashion is to use straps with leather or fabric ends which slide through the slot.
The tail end fixes to the main strap with a loop, but I am not a great fan of this arrangement. I am using Peak Design‘s Anchor fittings as a much better alternative. The loop attached to the fixings looks neat and is easy to attach. And a Peak Design equipped strap slots into the anchor firmly.
SL3 surprise
Another surprise is how the Bowman wrist loop makes carrying and using the hefty SL3 so much easier. This camera isn’t a prime candidate for use with a wrist strap, but, with lighter lenses, it is surprisingly wieldy. In fact, the substantial SL3 finger grip makes it so easy to dangle the camera from the right hand when walking around down.
The beauty of the Bowman Duo is that the main strap can be strung around the neck when necessary — perhaps for greater security when called for — while you have the convenience of a wrist strap for most of the time. I prefer the small Bowman Duo straps so that the length of the strap doesn’t get in the way when carrying the camera around the wrist. However, if you are unsure about the length and prefer different lengths for use with summer or winter clothing, the adjustable version is a strong option.
The Bowman Duo comes with either split-ring or Peak Design Anchors, so almost every camera type is supported. The straps come in four colours, dark tan, black, chestnut and mid-tan. You can select either a classic square edge or the rounded and polished edge.
Standard lengths are small (70cm-27in), medium (95cm-37in), large (110cm-43in) or, if you wish, choose a custom length.
Easing the shoulder
Bowman Leather, a British company specialising in hand-made straps, offers a shoulder-strap attachment which helps compensate for the narrow strap with heavier cameras. The strap, with a width of 32mm (1.25in) is easily attached to any of the latest Bowman straps. The four slots for strap threading will accept either split ring or Peak Design ends and straps up to 13mm (0.5in), which includes most popular narrower camera straps.
The shoulder pad is a simple but effective solution. Itmaintains the slim profile of the strap, but eases effectively the pressure on the shoulder or the back of the neck.
Bowman Leather strap accessories
Bowman Leather adds further strap accessories, including the removable camera lug protectors and the Pro Camera Strap protectors, which can be fitted to any split-ring-equipped strap. Additionally, the company offers stitched finish upgrades to its straps and a personal name-stamping service.
Prices
Bowman Duo Straps start at £42.95 for split-ring fixing, £74.95 for the Peak QR straps. Adjustable “Summit” versions range from £52.95 (split ring) to £86.95 (Peak QR). Full details of options and prices are available here.
The Bowman Removable Camera Shoulder Pad is available in four colours, chestnut, black, dark tan and mid-tan. The cost is from £27.95). Full details here.
At the time of publication (October 2025), the company is offering a ten percent discount on first orders if you subscribe to the newsletter.
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The comments section below every article is a friendly, non-confrontational space where you can air your views without fear of stirring the sort of hornets’ nest that is so often a feature of websites. We welcome your views on the content of our articles, and your opinions on all aspects of photography are a lifeblood for Macfilos. Please let us know, in the section below, if you agree or disagree with our authors’ opinions — and please have no hesitation in adding your advice if you think we’ve overlooked anything important.
All three of my cameras have a Rock’N’Roll strap on them, including my latest one.
Comfortable, hard wearing and they look good too.
I’ve stopped using neck straps as they aggravate my neck and shoulders.
Rock n’ Roll straps are also excellent and I use them often. I do swap around a lot because my job is to review various products and give my verdict. With luck, this helps readers.
I bought both neck and wrist straps (I felt – maybe wrongly – that the duo would leave too much spare strap hanging around when used as a wrist strap) and got excellent personal support from Charles Bowman, who sourced the green colour to match my Safari. The products too are very good. Strongly recommended.
You are partly right, Paul, on the question of strap length. The short strap is best for the Duo, I think. I normally use it in wrist mode and slip the strap over my neck only when I need two hands or, maybe, in less secure environments
Charles is enthusiast and has built a solid reputation through personal service.
Looks like a great product.
The straps are simple, well-made and traditional. I’ve found the leather quality to be excellent. Mike