Black Rapid Strap

[giantstu]

i used a optech double for the last fortnight in Florida, a 1dmk3 with a 70-200L 2.8 IS and a 50d with grip with various lenses (including a 400 2.8 (but not hanging that from my strap!, I would have left it at the hotel but we had "security issues"!!)
I wore it most days with 2 camera's and never had any issues with it being uncomfortable.
On an evening i used it with 1 camera mounted at the front on the moving clips.

I also carried it with my Vertex 300 backpack with no issues or discomfort.

I cannot see any issues when the 1dmk4 turns up.

 

[YesDear]

I have not used the optech dual but did carry two cameras with me for 9 days straight in China using the black rapid set up.last fall and found them very comfortable if you like carrying two cameras.

I have had optech straps for years and love them so I am sure it works well.

 

[Icemann]

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

Order that vest ASAP before she forgets she said that I think I'm going to order that setup too looks like It would be just the thing for wildlife shooting

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I just received a RS-4 strap and have ordered additional FasteneR-3 connectors for my heavier lenses. The question is use with a tripod. I have a fastener on the battery grip so I just remove the battery grip, but what about a strap. I'm not real comfortable to just leave it on the tripod without one. What do you use or don't you use one. Is there something that can be quickly attached without the normal threading onto the camera? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[JoeDif]

There may be an alternative but I haven't found any I like or trust. I'm at the point now if I'm using my tripod / monopod I'll just break out my Op-Tech strap.

 

[GrillMouster]

I have a Really Right Stuff L-bracket on my camera. It stays there. Right at the "bend" I have a split ring (like a keychain ring, but it's pretty strong). I attach the hook of my R-strap to the split ring; I don't use the Black Rapid FastenR. I also have a split ring in the collar foot (again, from RRS) of my big lenses. This combo allows me to go quickly back & forth between the R-strap and the tripod (on an RRS BH-55 ballhead) without every needing to fool around with screw threads.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

There may be an alternative but I haven't found any I like or trust. I'm at the point now if I'm using my tripod / monopod I'll just break out my Op-Tech strap.

Thanks.

I have a Really Right Stuff L-bracket on my camera. It stays there. Right at the "bend" I have a split ring (like a keychain ring, but it's pretty strong). I attach the hook of my R-strap to the split ring; I don't use the Black Rapid FastenR. I also have a split ring in the collar foot (again, from RRS) of my big lenses. This combo allows me to go quickly back & forth between the R-strap and the tripod (on an RRS BH-55 ballhead) without every needing to fool around with screw threads.

Thanks for the info, I will look into it.

 

[Groucho]

I keep my Op/Tech connectors on the camera. I have some pretty short connectors so those stay on, and if it's on the tripod, I'll wrap that around the legs.

Well, that's the theory anyway. I'll admit that I lived life on the dangerous side a few times last trip...

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I keep my Op/Tech connectors on the camera. I have some pretty short connectors so those stay on, and if it's on the tripod, I'll wrap that around the legs.

Well, that's the theory anyway. I'll admit that I lived life on the dangerous side a few times last trip...

Thanks, yes I did that a few times, even before the BR!

 

[DizDragonfly]

Hi all,

I've been eyeballing the Black Rapid straps. My concern is that if I buy it, I don't plan on carrying a bag to the parks. So, how do you protect your camera on rough rides if it's not in a bag?

 

[Raindown]

Rides or no rides, I don't think I would go to the park without a camera bag. It is nice sometimes to just put away the camera, like when having a meal.

 

[Pineapple Whip]

Hi all,

I've been eyeballing the Black Rapid straps. My concern is that if I buy it, I don't plan on carrying a bag to the parks. So, how do you protect your camera on rough rides if it's not in a bag?

BTW, TY for shouting this brand out. I've been searching for something similar to a 3-point combat sling for the camera, after a round of photo-mini-golf where this proved useful.

Even still, I would want something to bag the rig when it shouldn't be out... like rain, or as you and PP pointed out, rides and food.

I want to see someone at WDW with the double shoulder harness with twin DLSR's going two fisted at a character shoot.

 

[MICKEY88]

BTW, TY for shouting this brand out. I've been searching for something similar to a 3-point combat sling for the camera, after a round of photo-mini-golf where this proved useful.

Even still, I would want something to bag the rig when it shouldn't be out... like rain, or as you and PP pointed out, rides and food.

I want to see someone at WDW with the double shoulder harness with twin DLSR's going two fisted at a character shoot.

been there done that, but I use the optech dual harness....

optech now has a sling type strap for around 25 bucks..

http://optechusa.com/utility-strap.html
if you are thinking about the double harness, check out optechs dual harness system it only costs 30 dollars and works quite well

http://optechusa.com/dual-harness.html

i like the fact that it uses the cameras normal strap mounts rather than the tripod mount ,


DUAL HARNESS™
Availability: In stock

MSRP $39.95

Comfortably and securely carries two cameras or binoculars
Quick and easy access
Unique pad design evenly disperses the weight and balances the gear
Eliminates interference between the two cameras
Removable chest strap adds extra support and stability
Made in the USA
The DUAL HARNESS™ is a comfortable and versatile way to carry one or two cameras or binoculars. The unique U-shaped neoprene neck pad evenly distributes the weight of your gear while absorbing the shock of your movements. As the DUAL HARNESS™ uses the 3/8" connectors, your gear remains safely in the upright position at your sides. This keeps the camera stabilized and secured within your view and grasp. By also maintaining the camera in the upright position, no stress is put on your camera, lens or shoe-mount flash units. Your cameras can be quickly and easily brought to the proper shooting position with the self-gliding connectors.

Since the DUAL HARNESS™ incorporates OP/TECH USA’s 3/8" connectors, your tripod mount is available to use for brackets and other adaptors. These connectors also make it possible to quickly switch to another OP/TECH USA neck strap when desired.

The interchangeable design enables you to convert from a dual to a single shoulder sling system, and the removable chest strap gives you that extra measure of security. With your gear safely stowed, you're free to concentrate on taking the perfect photo.

 

[AlbertZeroK]

I shoot with a dual strap all the time, the balance of the dual strap vs a single strap is well worth it for me. The Opto strap looks nice, but I find it annoying enough dealing with one strap, I wouldn't want to deal with two straps on my camera.

I wouldn't take a camera either without a camera bag into the parks. Then again, it depends on what camera you are brining. I don't have light DSLR, but if you had something like a T2i or XS with a kit lens, you could just tuck it away in a back pack.

 

[MICKEY88]

I shoot with a dual strap all the time, the balance of the dual strap vs a single strap is well worth it for me. The Opto strap looks nice, but I find it annoying enough dealing with one strap, I wouldn't want to deal with two straps on my camera.

I wouldn't take a camera either without a camera bag into the parks. Then again, it depends on what camera you are brining. I don't have light DSLR, but if you had something like a T2i or XS with a kit lens, you could just tuck it away in a back pack.

having shot for 30+ years with a normal strap, the optech is a natural transition, when you grab the camera the straps hang down out of the way so it's no biggie, I would never invert my camera with my flash on it, just sounds too risky to me.

I never take a bag into the parks., hen my cameras come out of the bag to shoot, they stay out until the end of the day. if rain is a possibility I have an oversized rain poncho in one of the pockets of my cargo pants/shorts.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

When I carry a pack at the parks, it's only to carry additional stuff. I usually don't even leave room in it for a camera. My camera stays out the entire time. I stuff a plastic grocery bag (they haven't been banned where I live) into my pocket. If I need water protection, I cover the camera with the bag.

I love my Black Rapid straps. I find them much more comfortable and easy to use than the normal Op/Tech strap. That said, I actually like the dual Op/Tech harness better than the dual Black Rapid setup. With two cameras, the BR's seem to flop around more and I feel out of control.

I haven't tried the new Op/Tech Utility Strap - Sling. I'll order one after Rosh Hashanah is over and B&H starts taking orders again. Looks interesting. I don't know that I'll like having the camera hanging sideways. It seems like the flash would be in the way.

 

[photo_chick]

I skip the bag for the camera and carry a hip pack for extras and a couple of lenses (it's a hiking pack that also holds the water). To keep my camera from getting bashed about too much I have a lenscoat pouch for it.

http://www.lenscoat.com/bodybagsuptmsup-wlens-p-922.html

 

[Icemann]

Micket 88 told me about the dual op/tech set up and after I checked it out on-line it looked like a good fit for me.I just came back from Alaska and this set-up worked great for me I either had two camera's or a camera and a pair of bino's when we hiked in the mountains.I always felt comfortable with this set up and I could take the bino's off real easy and quick and hand them to someone elsein the group if needed, I already have op/tech straps for my camera's so this worked out for me.I always have some sort of bag to stash my camera in when we are in the parks be it a small shoulder bag or a backpack.I was once told you never can have to many camera bags. Hope this helps.

 

[Code]

If I were going bagless, I'd use the slide locks to keep my camera on my chest when on rides. It would be hard for me to feel comfortable doing that on coasters, though.

As for the OpTech BR clone, I don't think I'd be comfortable with the camera hanging on just one of those thin nylon cords.

 

[Pineapple Whip]

Still loving the gear references. BodyBag is up my alley as I even want to ditch my compact shoulder bag on hot days.

Used to work next to Adorama and 17photo, and would pass by B&H every morning on the way in. Need to find a comparable store in Orlando. I don't mind ordering stuff, but I've become a fan of going to real stores again.