Fine Art Discussions

Angelina Vick

Hi, I have been looking at straps because shooting for a long time kills my neck.

I'm looking at the Black Rapid straps because I met a guy who loves them.

Anybody have any experience with them?

Angelina Vick

http://www.blackrapid.com/products/sport

That's the one I'm looking at. But it looks like the camera hangs out upside down...it makes me nervous.
It seems more comfortable than a neck strap but I don't want to damage my camera.

Colin Hayward

Black rapids, or even their clones are alot better than stock straps or the "round the neck" types. They give you more freedom of movement and the ability to lock it in place at your side when you're not using it. I would say a BR or a clone would be just as good as each other, but obviously you are paying for the quality with BR.

Debbie Dee Dawn

black strap on

Nicholas Evans

I use a Black Rapid DR Double. Yes the camera does hang upside down, but it is perfect. Because all you do is grab the camera and bring it up, you do not have to twisty your wrist to grab the camera. They are very strong, and I have not lost a camera off of one to this day.. I use them for weddings or theme parks because I can carry two cameras at one time. The double can also be converted into a single strap if you like. But the double feature on it balances the weight perfect.

When I shoot a wedding with the double on, I can actually DROP one camera and reach for the other (Like a Navy SEAL droping one firearm and reaching for another). I have even thrown one camera down and grabbed the other. The screw is VERY strong and secure. The clip has a screw on safety to make sure that it will not open. I would only use a Black Rapid and not an ripoff version. A bit expensive, but great safety and comfort. Here is the DR double.

http://hoegholm.dk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/black-rapid-camera-straps.jpg

Nicholas Evans

It is very comfortable, very fast because the camera is in a natural position for you free hands, the weight is perfect on your shoulders and you can go all day without any strain. I highly recommend them. I was going to get the single, but I am glad I went for the double becuase this way I have TWO singles if I need.

Gallery Three

I like to have the tripod mount free. I use an Optitech strap instead of attaching at the tripod mount it uses one of the camera strap eyelets and if you have a grip it also attaches there. Shooting a lot of Charity events it seems more secure

Andee Photography

If there are any camera stores left go test them out. I had a community ed teacher let me try his with a heavy

camera and lens on it...WOW I was surprised how comfy it was. I got one with a magnet pouch that I wish

I had not my neck is too short for that but even still I love it when I use a strap love, love, love it! ans I would go

for the real deal. They even have one designed for ladies now. They keep adding more. But Black Rapids is

the only strap I will use! I have no need for the double one but that would be great if you did.

Debbie Dee Dawn

nicholas is a fine looking girl in the pic ;)

Lynn Palmer

I have a light weight version of it for my little Canon G12 -- it's part of the Snapr bag by Blackrapid and I love it! However I must agree with Gallery Three, I would prefer to keep the tripod mount free. Fortunately the Snapr bag system can also connect to the camera strap loop.

Lynn Palmer

They have a couple specifically designed for women too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400318248061?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BlackRapid-RS-W1-Ballistic-Nylon-Womens-Strap-White-RWS-1BW-/330772950509?pt=US_Camera_Straps_Hand_Grips&hash=item4d039aaded

Angelina Vick

Thanks so much for the feedback. I appreciate it. =)

As painful as it is, to wear the neck strap, on my neck, I think I'm adding this to my wishlist.

Lynn Palmer

Oh well, at least Christmas is coming soon.

Angelina Vick

Gallery Three...were you saying you use the OpTech straps with the BR or that you don't use BR but like the Optech?

Thanks for that link Lynn. It seems like the one made for women is really thin...isn't it? It seems too thin, like not enough with to be good padding.
Or maybe not, I just looked at the first one. =) I see how it's made for women now, that's a great idea, made to curve to our bodies and be more comfortable. I'm busty so I will appreciate that feature....lol.

Pam Johnson

I used to use the stretchy Optech and similar but I now have the black rapid double, I run a wide lens on camera on one and usually a 70-200 2.8 lens and camera on the other for news work, the black rapid double is amazing, no sore necks or shoulders anymore and so easy to use, best thing I have ever bought.

Robert Woodward

You might want to check out Sun Sniper as well. I have one and love it. It's very comfortable and make walking/hiking a lot easier.

Gregory Scott

While that looks fast and flexible (in the two camera model) for those who don't use tripod, it looks dangerous for those who scramble a lot. If you ever use your hands for balance on steep hills, in the rocks, you're going to constantly have to guard against your lenses bashing together, or them bashing it rocks as you scramble up a steep hill. What makes better sense to me is the second body and a couple of lenses in a backpack, and perhaps a double strap camera harness to safely support a single camera on my well padded pot-belly camera shelf. The camera and lens are more protected in that configuration, but the camera is accessible. I use my tripod as a walking stick.

http://www.adorama.com/OTBCHE.html

I'm holding out for the combo shoulder rig for .45semiuto and TeleDSLR, to combine various forms of shooting into one integrated hobby.

Nicholas Evans

What I like about them is that you do not need to unscrew the metal loop off of the camera if you use a Manfrotto tripod. They sell a special screw that replaces your Manfrotto tripod mount screw that has a loop that lays flat inside the mount and can flip up for you to attach the Black Rapid to.. Example:

Nicholas Evans

Believe it or not, it is extremely strong.

John Crothers

I just ordered the sport. I'll let you know if I like it looks.

Gene Gregory

Daughter ! Have you been going strapless ??????????????????? ; (

Lynn Palmer

Angel, I just ordered the black one for women and will let you know what I think of it when it arrives. Honestly, I don't want too much hanging around my neck since in Florida it will just get too hot and scratchy (and sweaty). I'm thinking the women's is customized to be shorter so the camera doesn't hang too low and curved for the obvious reason you mentioned. They also have one for left-handed people although I debate it's value since the cameras are all specifically right-handed.

John Crothers

Angelina,

Wanted to let you know I got my RS-Sport in the mail today (pretty fast shipping!) and have to say I think it is great!

I can't even feel my 5d around my neck anymore!

The only negative is I can't use my tripod mount with it but I guess if I need a tripod I won't be wearing the camera around my neck.

Get it. I don't think you will be disappointed. For the price and the comfort...WELL worth the money.

Andee Photography

Nicolas shows one being able to use it with a tripod mount attached in a few post above these if you want.

Unless that on is different.

John Crothers

I have a Vanguard tripod. Don't think what he shows will work. I'm still happy with it though.

Nicholas Evans

The FastenR will work with any tripod mount (that I have tested) that has a screw you can remove. As long as the D ring part of it lays below the surface and the tripod head does not go up into the mount. But you will have to check with the tripod mount and head.

Angelina Vick

Thanks for the update John. =) It would be handy if it also went onto the tripod...but the fact that you can't feel it is definitely good news.

Thanks Lynn, looking forward to hearing your feedback.

LOL, no, I'm not going strapless Gene, I'm just in a lot of pain after a few hours of shooting because of the strap around my neck. :/

Hmm, thanks Nicholas...I'm going to check on the fastener and see if it will work with my Slik tripod.

Gallery Three

Just the the OpTech strap works great, My brother uses the sun spot. I think weather you go with either of these or the Black rapid you will enjoy the comfort and ease of use

Lynn Palmer

Angel,

I'm happy with the camera strap I just purchased. I'll have to remove it to use a tripod but I used it for a couple hours Saturday without any discomfort. I hangs a bit differently on me than on the model in the photo but I'm able to access the camera very quickly and easily.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400325339555

Valerie

Greg Norrell

Angelina - I use a couple of Op-Tech USA straps, one single camera and another dual camera strap when I need two DSLRs. I chose Op-Tech because I use a tripod a lot and didn't want to use the Black Rapids connector. I've been very happy with the Op-Tech straps.

Angelina Vick

Thanks Valerie, I appreciate the folow up. =) So you couldn't use it with your tripod huh? Bummer. Nice that it was comfortable, that's what I need.

Thanks for that feedback Greg!