where there’s smoke there’s forum fire
at blackrapid.com?
They have free shipping and a 30-day return, so I thought I'd test it out. . .I have a crumpler strap now, which is fine and padded, but this thing looks pretty slick, especially for my PJ sojourns on vacations. . .thoughts?
I know early prototypes had tons of issues with the mount, but it seems like they got the design finally right. . .
I got the RS-4, but am wondering if I should order the RS-7 and test it out as well. . .hmmm. . .
Have two, love them. No qualms at all with the new hook, minor annoyances with the old hook.
What do I have? A RS-1 and a RS-3? (The old models don't appear on the website anymore.) The one with the cellphone pocket is the one I always have on me. My Holux GPS fits perfectly in there.
IMHO, though, they are overpriced. A few of my buddies have made the equivalent for sub $20 with nylon webbing, latches, and clamps from the outdoor supply store combined with the shoulder strap pads from old laptop cases.
I use my Manfrotto tripod mount's D-ring to attach to. There is much controversy on this subject, so don't take my word as gospel, but as I figure it the maximum drop I could do is from overhead less-than arm's reach to waist level = 4 feet. 6 pounds (which is, IMHO, generous as that is a D3 + a 70-200VR) at 4 foot free fall = ~75 pounds shock load IIDMMC (if I did my math correctly) which I trust my D-ring to.
Other people will scream bloody-murder at the idea of using the tripod quick-release plate ring.
I made my own:
I not 100% trust my camera hook, will modify with something from hiking supply store
Pete
I use OPTEC straps and they're excellent. I find that the safest place for my camera is on my belly, not on the side where it can bang anything around. The OPTEC makes my camera+lenses feel as if they were a lot lighter.
I have an older RS-2 strap with the newest fastener and connector, and I will never go back to using a regular camera strap (or any other typical neck/shoulder strap). Once you try it, you'll have the exact same thoughts.
From their website:
FAIL! So much for the vertical grip!
I have it this strap and use it 80% of the time - it is easy to remove, if you want to use a bag instead. Works perfect with the 70-200 lens (attached to the lens).
Nice!
I like the home made version too - but I think given my lack of engineering skills, I'll take the hit on the $50. . .(which is a bit for a strap). . .
I'm really wondering whether the RS-7 with the curved shoulder would be better for me. . .might just order that too and doing a quickie comparo. . .
This should make walking around with the 17-55 and D200 SO MUCH easier. . .
I use the Black Rapid attached to your strap connector with a split ring.It snaps right on and your tripod attach is free. I've used it with various lenses for more than a year and it works great.
I was looking for one at Samys but they were out!
tworocks said:
I use the Black Rapid attached to your strap connector with a split ring.It snaps right on and your tripod attach is free. I've used it with various lenses for more than a year and it works great.
I tried that and here's what I didn't like about it:
1 - (My issue) the lingering nag that your strap connectors are really meant for 1/2 the load, not all the load. ;)
2 - (Real issue) If I attached it to the right strap connector the grip was now blocked from easy hand access by the strap itself.
If I attached it to the left strap connector the grip was now upside down and completely out of reach unless I adjusted the strap so high that the camera was almost at abdominal level instead of hip level.
3 - (Real Issue #2) Unable to do the "Black Rapid pull and slide" move with the strap, making the shoulder pad more wont to move. In the same vein I'm also unable to use strap tension as a brace (to help lock camera body to my center of mass) in dimmer situations.
I have a BlackRapid RS5, I haven't used any other straps but I must say it is excellent, really comfortable and does exactly what it says it does. I really can't think of any -'ve points to it. Do bear in mind that I haven't used any others but I would definitely recommend getting one. It's great when you need to carry your camera for long periods as well.
Love it,..
You must log in to post.
