Nikon Branded Black Rapid Strap

[Gianna'sPapa]

Nikon has announced they have teamed with Black Rapid to produce a Nikon branded Black Rapid Strap. See press release:

http://www.nikon.com/news/2014/0225_strap_03.htm

I'm hoping this will somewhat tone down the rumors of cameras not being made to use a Black Rapid Strap.

 

[Skywise]

I'm confused... you can't currently use a black rapid strap with Nikon cameras?

 

[DSLRuser]

I'm confused... you can't currently use a black rapid strap with Nikon cameras?

Some folks are reluctant to use Black rapid or any anchor that uses the tripod mount to fully support the camera.

I love my BR Strap (in a nikon). Its one of 2 strap types I use.

 

[Skywise]

Some folks are reluctant to use Black rapid or any anchor that uses the tripod mount to fully support the camera.

I love my BR Strap (in a nikon). Its one of 2 strap types I use.

Yeah, I had heard that. I use mine with a Canon and love it but the OP made it sound like some people thought the Nikon's were "weaker" in that mounting aspect.

My only beef with it is having to take it off when trying to switch to a monopod/tripod mount! (I know there's adapters but my tripod/monopod's are too cheap to be "universal" like that! )

 

[Pixel Dust]

People have said that tripod mounts were not designed for a pulling force. And that it just rests its weight while on a tripod.

When in fact, the tripod is pulling on the camera's tripod mount to keep it secure. DSLR's are always front heavy with almost any lens. Try this: Balance your camera on a tripod without using a tripod attachment. Which way does it fall?

I do understand people's fear of dangling the entire weight of the camera and lens from a single point. Especially with larger lenses.

But now, it seems like Nikon has over engineered the tripod mount enough to offer a strap that utilizes the mount.

Let's take a look inside:
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nikon+D5100+Teardown/5271
Even the lower end D5200 has a metal tripod mount plate. And the plate spans the bottom width of the camera. And don't forget you still have the outer casing too. (Step 9, Third photo)
Oh, and the mounting points for the neck strap is attached to the same frame as the tripod mount. (Step 12, First photo)

 

[handicap18]

For many years now there have been a few stories that have come out that people have had their camera fall while it was mounted to a Black Rapids strap. Stories like that and the paranoia that comes with it drive me crazy. How many car accidents are there every day, yet people don't think twice about getting in their car and driving.

With that, that is why Gianna's Papa mention that it may tone down somewhat the rumors that dSLR's aren't made to go with with the BR strap (which IMO is a stupid rumor). Nikon has teamed with Black Rapids to make another strap that says Nikon on it. Kinda like the NFL teaming with Nike to make their uniforms. Or Tiger Woods teaming with Titleist to make him golf balls. Or the NBA teaming with Spaulding to make them basketballs. Etc... Just a marketing thing. Nothing more.

I've been using a Black Rapids strap for about 5-6 years with 3 different Nikon dSLR bodies. I've never had one issue. (even with my D700 with 24-70 f/2.8 lens & SB-900 flash attached or my 70-200 f/2.8 lens attached). Tomorrow I'm going to use it while skiing.

 

[DSLRuser]

Y

My only beef with it is having to take it off when trying to switch to a monopod/tripod mount! )

same. you can't even use a trash can at night as a tripod when using a rapid strap. that is a pain.