Can confirm

In my experience, you definitely gotta ditch that stock strap ASAP because the Canon EOS R3 with a Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM is basically a gym workout.

I was shooting an 8-hour wedding last summer and my neck was literally thrashed by noon until I switched to the Op/Tech USA Super Classic Strap - Uni-Loop. It's seriously amazing because:

* The neoprene padding is super thick and makes the gear feel like half its actual weight.
* It has that bungee-style stretch you're looking for which absorbs all the shock when you're moving fast.

Basically, just buy it. It's way cheaper than those fancy leather ones and works way better for heavy kits!!

I'd actually suggest a different approach—honestly, even with padding, any neck strap for an R3 is gonna hurt after 8 hours. Ur better off moving the weight off ur neck entirely.

- USA Gear TrueShot Camera Strap: Super cheap neoprene with a great bungee feel. Best budget value for shock absorption.
- Movo Photo MB1000 Camera Vest: Distributes weight to ur shoulders. Best cost-effective fix for long events, seriously.

Hope that helps!

I went through this last year. I spent way too much on market research comparing pro-grade harnesses vs neoprene slings, but tbh, no matter the price, that R3 setup is heavy lol. I finally just gave up on neck straps entirely after my neck gave out during a double-header weekend. Moving the weight to my shoulders was the only way I could actually finish a full day of shooting without literally dying.

For your situation, I've honestly been down this road with the R3 and that massive Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lens—it's basically like carrying a cinder block around your neck all day. If the stock strap is digging in, you definitely need to look at distribution rather than just padding.

Here is what I recommend after trying a few heavy-duty setups:

1. Peak Design Slide Camera Strap: This is my daily driver.
* Pros: The seatbelt-style webbing is super smooth, so it doesn't snag on your shirt when you pull the camera up. It's wide enough to spread the load, and the quick-adjusters are literally life-changing when you need to tighten it against your body while running between spots.
* Cons: It's not "bungee" style, so you still feel the weight, but the ergonomics are top-tier.

2. BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap: This is a cross-body sling and probably the best for an 8-hour wedding.
* Pros: It takes the weight COMPLETELY off your neck and puts it on your shoulder/back. It has an integrated underarm tether so the pad doesn't slip around while you're moving.
* Cons: It uses the tripod socket, which can be annoying if you switch to a monopod for sports, but you can always get a BlackRapid FastenR FR-5 to make it more secure.

Honestly, the BlackRapid is the winner for pure comfort during long shifts because the "shock absorber" spring really helps when you're walking. But if you hate the sling style, the Peak Design is the most versatile. I'm sooo much more satisfied with the sling approach for the R3... my chiropractor noticed the difference too lol. Good luck!!

> I’m looking for something with serious padding or maybe a bungee-style design to absorb some of that shock. Stumbled onto this thread and honestly, i disagree with the idea that a neck strap—even a padded one—is the right move for an R3. That camera is a total brick with the RF 28-70mm. If you keep the weight on your neck, youre just delaying the inevitable strain, regardless of the padding. Theres also a compatibility issue with the R3 vertical grip to consider. Most sling straps that screw into the bottom plate get in the way when you flip to portrait mode. I eventually moved to the Think Tank Photo Camera Support Straps V2.0. They clip directly to a backpack or harness, so there is zero weight on your actual neck. If you want to stick to a shoulder style, check out the ProMediaGear SS2 Quick Release Shoulder Strap. It uses a steel plug system that doesnt block your hands when youre holding the vertical grip. Its a bit more expensive than the basic stuff, but the build quality is night and day compared to the cheaper neoprene options. It just works.

> I’m looking for something with serious padding or maybe a bungee-style design to absorb some of that shock. I've been shooting with heavy kits for years and honestly, you might want to consider the Tamrac Boomerang Digital Camera Strap. It has that thick neoprene padding you're looking for, but the curved shape is the real secret for ergonomics since it fits the contour of your neck better than a straight strap. Be careful with the super stretchy bungee designs tho. With the R3 and a Canon RF 28-70mm f2L USM, a strap that's too springy can cause the gear to bounce when you're walking, which actually adds more strain to your spine over an 8-hour shift. I would suggest the Boomerang because it absorbs the shock without the trampoline effect. Just make sure to check the connectors every few months for wear. I've had mine for a long time and it's easily the most comfortable way I've found to carry a heavy body without switching to a full harness system. If you need any more tips on setting it up, just ask.

Like someone mentioned, moving the weight off your neck is basically the only way to survive an 8-hour wedding day without a trip to the chiropractor. Looking at the discussion so far, the main suggestions seem to be:

• Shifting the load to your shoulders or using a vest.
• Choosing neoprene materials for that bungee-style shock absorption.
• Using curved straps that follow the natural line of your shoulders. Unfortunately, I've been pretty disappointed with some of the more popular ergonomic options lately. I picked up a high-end sling a while back, but the hardware felt so flimsy it kept me on edge the whole time. Had a scary moment where a connector nearly gave way during a game... seeing my gear almost hit the floor was a wake-up call. It's frustrating when you pay for comfort but lose that feeling of security.
• Metal hardware is a non-negotiable for me now with the R3.
• Too much stretch in a strap can actually make the camera bounce too much when you're moving fast.
• Sometimes simpler, beefier designs are more reliable than the ones with tons of clips and adjustments. If you want more details on the specific setups that let me down, just let me know. I'm happy to share what I've learned from those near-misses.

Same setup here, love it