Similar situation here - my OM-D + 12–40/2.8 made every “normal” strap feel like a seatbelt lol. What finally clicked for me was going modular: I ran a tiny front grip (used Really Right Stuff BGE10-L L-Bracket for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II for a while just for the extra finger shelf) and kept a wrist strap on-body, but clipped a lightweight sling only when the zoom went on. For the sling, I liked the anchor-style ones but not the bulky ones people always mention… OP/TECH USA Utility Strap Sling was lowkey comfy and didn’t dig in.

Bag-wise I stopped doing “camera bags” and used a small messenger insert setup (fast access, doesn’t scream camera). Domke F-5XB Shoulder and Belt Bag was the sweet spot for body + 2 lenses + batt, kinda perfect

Ok so… i feel u. I went through the exact same “small body + pro zoom = awkward carry” phase with my OM-D and the 12–40/2.8. After a few trips I stopped trying to make full-size strap/bag systems work and went more minimal.

1) **Grip / half case**
- **Option A:** Olympus HLD-8 Power Battery Holder (if your body supports it). Pros: legit one-handed feel, better balance with the 12–40, extra battery. Cons: makes the setup taller/heavier (kinda defeats small-camera vibes), pricier.
- **Option B:** Gariz Genuine Leather Half Case for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (or the Gariz half case for your specific OM-D). Pros: adds just enough front grip + base protection, still compact, no complaints. Cons: battery/card access can be slower depending on model.

2) **Strap**
- **Option A:** Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap for street. Pros: zero swing, super quick, basically disappears. Cons: with the 12–40 you’ll feel the weight in your wrist after a while.
- **Option B:** Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap as a short sling. Pros: doesn’t dig like skinny straps, stabilizes the camera at your hip, secure when swapping lenses. Cons: a bit “system-y” looking.

3) **Small bag**
- **Option A:** Think Tank Photo Mirrorless Mover 10 V2.0 Pros: perfect M4/3 sizing (body + 2 lenses + batt), fast access. Cons: tight with a hood.
- **Option B:** Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L Pros: great quick access + lens swap flow. Cons: stiffer/bulkier than it looks.

Lesson learned: for M4/3, a *wrist strap + tiny sling bag* is the sweet spot, and only add the big grip if you’re living on the 12–40 all day. cheers, gl!

+1

Looking at the market trends, honestly, most "standard" accessories are over-engineered for M4/3 weight loads. When ur dealing with the 12-40mm, the center of gravity shifts forward, so you need to address torsional stress on the mount and ur wrist. I've analyzed a few setups and found that the Simplr. F1 Camera Strap is basically the industry gold standard for mirrorless; it uses high-grade nylon and hardware without the bulk of a seatbelt. It’s all about weight displacement vs mass. For the grip, skip the leather aesthetic cases if you want actual reliability and a secure hold. A dedicated SmallRig L-Bracket provides a much more rigid anchor point for street shooting and doesn't flex like the cheaper plastic stuff. It’s about that secure mechanical connection. Regarding bags, check out the Bellroy Venture Sling 6L. It’s designed around "dynamic compression"—basically, the bag stays slim when ur just on primes but expands safely for the zoom. Unlike some of the trendy stuff, their focus on textile durability and ergonomics is legit. If you want more technical reviews, the "Carryology" website is a great resource for seeing how these materials hold up under stress. Safety first!