Black Rapid Strap

[Icemann]

You were so excited that Santa came early you just couldn't concentrate Just a guess Merry Christmas

 

[JoeDif]

You were so excited that Santa came early you just couldn't concentrate Just a guess Merry Christmas

LOL....sounds good to me!!

Happy Holidays

 

[YesDear]

My belief is the strap is so easy to use you want it to be hard!

 

[JoeDif]

My belief is the strap is so easy to use you want it to be hard!

Yep...sounds logical.

Actually, after watching the setup video on their site it is simpler than I made it out to be

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

In the world of photography, why do they always make it so difficult to make choices??!! For my upcoming June photography trip to WDW, my plan is to purchase the Black Rapid strap(s). The difficult question is, which one? RS-4, RS-5, RS-7 or double strap and/or CoupleR. The DW and I each have a Pentax K10d (mine with battery grip) with the following lenses (some are heavy lenses); Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 ex dg, Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 ex dg hsm, Sigma 10-300mm f4 ex dg, Pentax 18-55 DA 3.5-5.6 AL II, Pentax 50-200mm 4-5.6 ED, Pentax M 1.4 50mm. There may be an additional dirty thirty in there before we leave (and maybe a fisheye!). Obviously, the pack mule (me) will be carrying some of the above everyday in a backpack or slingshot. There 'may' be times I'm carrying both DSLR's. Which strap(s) would you recommend? Double strap, two straps with CoupleR and then which two RS-4 or RS-5 (the RS-7 will not work with the CoupleR)? Also does a backpack interfere with function of the R-strap? I value your opinions and thanks in advance.

 

[d_lairson]

I just spent the weekend using the R-7, which as far as I know uses the coupleR... I had a photo vest on with the strap UNDER the vest and a photopack on and had no issues. I did wear the strap a little long to clear the bottom of my vest and the pack. The vest/pack did hold the strap in place to prevent any slippage.

As for which strap to get, I tried the R-5 but preferred the R-7 because it has a bit of a curve to it that hugs my neck nicely (I always wear a collared shirt to prevent any strap rubs). The question you have to ask is do you want to always have two cameras at the ready, or are there times when you would only have one. If you are going to want two at the ready I would definitely go for the double strap. Otherwise just decide on how much storage you want on the strap itself. I like the R-7 because it has no built in storage (I wear a photo vest for storage) but you can add on different sized pouches if you like. The R-5 has some nice storage if you want some things at the ready.

Hope this helps!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Yes, that helps. I have storage on my Lowepro strap and never use it. In addition to the battery in my battery grip, it holds the wireless remote and spare sdhc card. I'm glad to hear that your bag didn't interfere with the straps use. Thanks.

 

[Groucho]

I believe all the current R-Straps come with the CR-2 ConnectR.

There are videos on their site that show the double strap in action - it's a nice way to see just what it looks like in action.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Has anyone used the CoupleR straps to convert two R-straps to a two camera system? I was wondering what the comfort level would be while wearing a backpack.

 

[IndyShutterbug]

Has anyone used the CoupleR straps to convert two R-straps to a two camera system? I was wondering what the comfort level would be while wearing a backpack.

I use this method, along with a think tank waist belt system and it works - "ok".
I think I should have sprung for the double for better comfort, but as much as I would use them like this, it made more sense. The 2, using the snap connectors, seem to ride up a little bit and when a heavy lens is attached, it moves even more.
I usually use one of the cameras on a monopod when doing games, so the single made more sense. I do still attach the RS-5(one of them) to the monopod in case I drop the pod, and the other across my body holding a body with a wide angle.
I always used the manfrotto RC2 plates, but after ready they have failed, I went back to the BR supplied components.

 

[MICKEY88]

lets make it even more confusing

have you checked out the cameraslinger,,

or this harness by optech


http://www.adorama.com/OTDHXL.html?sid=20100220154228270ro&searchinfo=dual+harness

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Thanks for the information everyone, just more to think about for the upcoming trip!!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

My wife and I each use a Black Rapid to carry our cameras when we go out. I ordered the Black Rapid kit for linking two together and used it for our recent block party. My wife was too busy to carry a camera, so I carried two. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that comfortable either.

For grins, I took Mickey88's advice and ordered the Op/Tech double. At $34, it costs less than a single BR. I tested it out today and I found it to be more comfortable for a dual camera setup than the two Black Rapids. Don't get me wrong, carrying two cameras is still a pain, but the dual harness spread the load better.

The problem is that it is hard to switch between the setups. The BR's require that you screw into the tripod mount. That's pretty quick and easy. The Op/Tech's require that you thread straps into the strap holders. To make even worse, my L-brackets are so close to the strap holder that I have to take them off to thread the straps. So doing the conversion between the two takes several minutes.

One nice thing about the Op/Techs is that they use quick release connectors. It would be really easy to go on an outing where one person carries two cameras a lot and the other occasionally takes one. The one camera person could carry an Op/Tech that uses quick connectors so that it would be trivial to swap cameras.

Of course, the other big advantage of the Op/Tech system is that you can use the next strap AND a tripod/monopod.

My favorite strap for a long day of shooting is still easily the Black Rapid. For dual shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech Dual. For tripod shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech for carrying the camera between locations.

 

[Marlton Mom]

This is good to know, thanks for the post!


Marlton Mom

 

[mom2rtk]

My wife and I each use a Black Rapid to carry our cameras when we go out. I ordered the Black Rapid kit for linking two together and used it for our recent block party. My wife was too busy to carry a camera, so I carried two. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that comfortable either.

For grins, I took Mickey88's advice and ordered the Op/Tech double. At $34, it costs less than a single BR. I tested it out today and I found it to be more comfortable for a dual camera setup than the two Black Rapids. Don't get me wrong, carrying two cameras is still a pain, but the dual harness spread the load better.

The problem is that it is hard to switch between the setups. The BR's require that you screw into the tripod mount. That's pretty quick and easy. The Op/Tech's require that you thread straps into the strap holders. To make even worse, my L-brackets are so close to the strap holder that I have to take them off to thread the straps. So doing the conversion between the two takes several minutes.

One nice thing about the Op/Techs is that they use quick release connectors. It would be really easy to go on an outing where one person carries two cameras a lot and the other occasionally takes one. The one camera person could carry an Op/Tech that uses quick connectors so that it would be trivial to swap cameras.

Of course, the other big advantage of the Op/Tech system is that you can use the next strap AND a tripod/monopod.

My favorite strap for a long day of shooting is still easily the Black Rapid. For dual shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech Dual. For tripod shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech for carrying the camera between locations.

You gonna wear that double strap into Downtown Disney?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

You gonna wear that double strap into Downtown Disney?

Thanks for the belly laugh!!

 

[MICKEY88]

My wife and I each use a Black Rapid to carry our cameras when we go out. I ordered the Black Rapid kit for linking two together and used it for our recent block party. My wife was too busy to carry a camera, so I carried two. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't all that comfortable either.

For grins, I took Mickey88's advice and ordered the Op/Tech double. At $34, it costs less than a single BR. I tested it out today and I found it to be more comfortable for a dual camera setup than the two Black Rapids. Don't get me wrong, carrying two cameras is still a pain, but the dual harness spread the load better.

The problem is that it is hard to switch between the setups. The BR's require that you screw into the tripod mount. That's pretty quick and easy. The Op/Tech's require that you thread straps into the strap holders. To make even worse, my L-brackets are so close to the strap holder that I have to take them off to thread the straps. So doing the conversion between the two takes several minutes.

One nice thing about the Op/Techs is that they use quick release connectors. It would be really easy to go on an outing where one person carries two cameras a lot and the other occasionally takes one. The one camera person could carry an Op/Tech that uses quick connectors so that it would be trivial to swap cameras.

Of course, the other big advantage of the Op/Tech system is that you can use the next strap AND a tripod/monopod.

My favorite strap for a long day of shooting is still easily the Black Rapid. For dual shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech Dual. For tripod shooting, I prefer the Op/Tech for carrying the camera between locations.

check out the pro loop straps #4

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=48&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=

I didn't like the connectors with the harness when switching from the harness to a single strap the length adjutment took to long, the pro loops are easier to attach to camera and have a simple slide adjustment for length

I just used my optech dual harness all day today at a mini ren faire, and I love the comfort factor,

also did you know you can do a single camera in front rather than on the side,

optechs modular setup is brilliant..

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

check out the pro loop straps #4

http://www.optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=48&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=

I didn't like the connectors with the harness when switching from the harness to a single strap the length adjutment took to long, the pro loops are easier to attach to camera and have a simple slide adjustment for length

I just used my optech dual harness all day today at a mini ren faire, and I love the comfort factor,

also did you know you can do a single camera in front rather than on the side,

optechs modular setup is brilliant..

Not to hijack this thread, BUT:

I have been looking at the optech system, but I see all these straps and it looks confusing. It appears that it is the system I am looking for, but just confusing, even after I watched the optech video. What I am looking for is a system that can be used with two cameras, converted to one to hang at either the side and/or in front and still be able to use a tripod. Since I do mount some heavy lenses (100-300 f4 and 70-200 2.8) I am trying to get the weight off my neck and more onto my shoulders and upper back. Also I would like it to not interfere with a camera backpack. Since you appear to be the resident expert on the optech system, specifically what system/additional straps would you recommend I purchase. Thanks for any help.

 

[JoeDif]

Since I have some events coming up where I'll be using a dual camera setup, I broke down and ordered the Op-Tech dual strap. Based on the recommendations here, the Op-Tech setup seemed a better choice than the Black Rapid setup.

OT but I thought it was funny. During our recent trip to the World, the DW noticed the photopass photographers and some of the park visitors wearing vests. She said that I should get one as it would be easier than lugging a bag around. She is finally seeing the light

 

[MICKEY88]

Since I have some events coming up where I'll be using a dual camera setup, I broke down and ordered the Op-Tech dual strap. Based on the recommendations here, the Op-Tech setup seemed a better choice than the Black Rapid setup.

OT but I thought it was funny. During our recent trip to the World, the DW noticed the photopass photographers and some of the park visitors wearing vests. She said that I should get one as it would be easier than lugging a bag around. She is finally seeing the light

your wife is brilliant, I use my vest at WDW it is indeed much easier than carrying a bag