shoulder strap

[Skywise]

Thank you for the photos! I always have a hard time visualizing these strap systems.

My only issue with my BR is when I want to use my tripod.

I spent the extra $$$ and got the manfrotto tripod QR plate with the BR hook. It works decently with the only hassle being A> I need a manfrotto tripod QR mount on whatever I'm using and B> the BR hook is annoying to hook up because the hook is thick enough to support the weight but that just barely leaves enough clearance to get the strap connected to it unless the bolt loop is "just so".

 

[Pixel Dust]

C'mon - the tripod mount is not designed to hold any load, much less the entire camera's weight plus a lens. I would trust one single lug far more than I would trust the tripod mount. Plus, because you're threaded through a connector, there is zero danger of the connection point coming loose.

Maybe someone should tell that to Nikon before they made their own sling style strap that hangs off the tripod mount.
http://www.nikon.com/news/2014/0225_strap_03.htm

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1046487-REG/nikon_94007_an_sbr2_black_rapid_quick_draw.html

Here is a teardown of the Nikon D5100, one of the lower-end DSLR in Nikon's (old) lineup. On step 12 you will see that the strap mount and the tripod mount are attached to the same frame of the camera. Obviously, this is only one camera and not all cameras are designed like this.
https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nikon+D5100+Teardown/5271

Thank you for the photos! I always have a hard time visualizing these strap systems.

My only issue with my BR is when I want to use my tripod.

I've been using Blackrapid straps for many years now with no problems. I keep my tripod plate on all the time with the Blackrapid fastener replacement kit for the Manfrotto plates. I wish I had a photo of my setup for you to see.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734696-REG/Black_Rapid_RFH_1E0_FastenR_T1_for_Manfrotto_200PL_14.html

 

[mom2rtk]

I've been using Blackrapid straps for many years now with no problems. I keep my tripod plate on all the time with the Blackrapid fastener replacement kit for the Manfrotto plates. I wish I had a photo of my setup for you to see.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734696-REG/Black_Rapid_RFH_1E0_FastenR_T1_for_Manfrotto_200PL_14.html

That seems to make way too much sense. I wish I was using a Manfrotto so I could get one. I use the Luxi l iii.

 

[kmclark]

Thanks for everyone's responses and input. I wound up ordering the BR strap. Now I am debating on mounting my MF tripod plate to it or not. You guys and girls have me thinking about that. If I order the screw for that, I might order me a Joey as well.

 

[SevenSeas]

Thanks for everyone's responses and input. I wound up ordering the BR strap. Now I am debating on mounting my MF tripod plate to it or not. You guys and girls have me thinking about that. If I order the screw for that, I might order me a Joey as well.

Almost immediately after getting my BR strap, I had to order all the accessories for quick mounting. Go ahead and do it now!

Also -- for those of you carrying your camera in the parks on a BR strap...do you carry a bag around too? Does it get bothersome?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Almost immediately after getting my BR strap, I had to order all the accessories for quick mounting. Go ahead and do it now!

Also -- for those of you carrying your camera in the parks on a BR strap...do you carry a bag around too? Does it get bothersome?

Because I carry a lot of equipment and am a pack mule, yes, I also have my backpack. Saying that, what I carry at WDW is far less than I carry everyday when I'm shooting so it seems rather light!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Almost immediately after getting my BR strap, I had to order all the accessories for quick mounting. Go ahead and do it now! Also -- for those of you carrying your camera in the parks on a BR strap...do you carry a bag around too? Does it get bothersome?

Often I do but just because I usually carry an extra lens or two. But I'll sometimes just go with the camera and I have a neoprene cover for it if I want to have some additional protection along.

 

[Groucho]

Also -- for those of you carrying your camera in the parks on a BR strap...do you carry a bag around too? Does it get bothersome?

I do - I still primarily use an old boxy Tamrac camera bag for my lenses and such. I've tried a variety of other solutions, but I keep coming back to it. Depending on how sore I'm feeling, it moved between the two shoulders or even bandolier-style in the opposite direction of my strap. Nobody said that you're going to look good wearing camera gear.

The bag I use the rest of the time is a bigger sling-style one that you swing forward to access; and here is a where the BR strap started to be a pain. If you have the BR strap on top, the sling bag is "fighting" the BR strap, and if you switch them around, the BR strap can't move and you lose a lot of reach. That meant I was having to take them both The Op/Tech solves this with its quick-release buckle; it takes a second or two to move it from being in front or behind the other strap. This is also what I do when my boxy camera bag is being carried bandolier-style. I'll note that that bag has an Op/Tech SOS strap on it, too - definitely nicer that the original strap that was on it.

So, with the BR strap, it depends on what kind of bag you're using. Shoulder bags are fine IMHO, bandoliers are a bit of a pain.

 

[Skywise]

Almost immediately after getting my BR strap, I had to order all the accessories for quick mounting. Go ahead and do it now!

Also -- for those of you carrying your camera in the parks on a BR strap...do you carry a bag around too? Does it get bothersome?

As a (way too) frequent visitor to Vegas I've got a canvas messenger bag I keep the camera in along with an extra lens. (Usually a normal zoom and a UWA). The bag also helps keep the camera out of sight when walking on the strip (not that much of a conern) and I also use it to carry a spare battery, memory card and it's also a convenient way to carry purchases.

In DW I alternated between using the bag and just taking the camera with me on a BR strap. I stuck with just the strap during the hot and sweaty day but at night I'd bring along my 75-300 zoom lens and get a bit more fancy with the night lighting.

 

[firemanchip]

So I ended up getting an OPTech strap and I`m really happy with it. Is there a way to tether the system? I looked on Amazon and at B@H and I don`t see anything from OPTech. It feels pretty secure as is but a little peace of mind would be nice.

 

[jamez2014]

So I ended up getting an OPTech strap and I`m really happy with it. Is there a way to tether the system? I looked on Amazon and at B@H and I don`t see anything from OPTech. It feels pretty secure as is but a little peace of mind would be nice.

Look for optech secure its they are little Velcro loops, but optech straps get a vote from me, never trusted black rapid tripod mounts, especially after seeing a 5d3 and 70-200mm 2.8 IS falling to the floor last night optech to me seem very secure never had a problem with them personally

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Look for optech secure its they are little Velcro loops, but optech straps get a vote from me, never trusted black rapid tripod mounts, especially after seeing a 5d3 and 70-200mm 2.8 IS falling to the floor last night optech to me seem very secure never had a problem with them personally

Interesting. I've never actually heard that as a verified truth. I use my 6D with my 70-200 2.8L all the time. Truth is though, I never take my hand off my 6D or the lens itself when the 70-200 is on it. I'll let the other combinations roll but that one makes me nervous so I habitually keep my hands on it. I've never had a real reason to distrust it. I guess I'm just being overly cautious.

Having said all that, I've never tried the Op-Tech, though I like the concept of the support actually being from the intended support point (although arguably only one of them). Certainly, it has to be better but the BR has never failed me so I don't see a formidable reason to change.

Love my BR. I do know this. I'll never go back to a neck strap. EVER. The BR has spoiled that forever. That much I'm sure of.

 

[mom2rtk]

Interesting. I've never actually heard that as a verified truth. I use my 6D with my 70-200 2.8L all the time. Truth is though, I never take my hand off my 6D or the lens itself when the 70-200 is on it. I'll let the other combinations roll but that one makes me nervous so I habitually keep my hands on it. I've never had a real reason to distrust it. I guess I'm just being overly cautious.

Having said all that, I've never tried the Op-Tech, though I like the concept of the support actually being from the intended support point (although arguably only one of them). Certainly, it has to be better but the BR has never failed me so I don't see a formidable reason to change.

Love my BR. I do know this. I'll never go back to a neck strap. EVER. The BR has spoiled that forever. That much I'm sure of.

Have you seen the tether strap BR sells? I used to go around with my hand on my camera out of nervousness, but now I don't worry about it at all. I'll probably never need the strap, but I love the peace of mind it gives me.

 

[jamez2014]

Interesting. I've never actually heard that as a verified truth. I use my 6D with my 70-200 2.8L all the time. Truth is though, I never take my hand off my 6D or the lens itself when the 70-200 is on it. I'll let the other combinations roll but that one makes me nervous so I habitually keep my hands on it. I've never had a real reason to distrust it. I guess I'm just being overly cautious. Having said all that, I've never tried the Op-Tech, though I like the concept of the support actually being from the intended support point (although arguably only one of them). Certainly, it has to be better but the BR has never failed me so I don't see a formidable reason to change. Love my BR. I do know this. I'll never go back to a neck strap. EVER. The BR has spoiled that forever. That much I'm sure of.

I was one of the believers that it was just internet propaganda but went optech route as to me it just made more sense to use the actual strap mounts, but seeing that much gear crashing definitely has dismissed any idea of me trying black rapid, I can imagine if your disciplined and check the mount regularly it's not a issue, but every system has it benefits etc before the gear went for a dive I was actually admiring the setup with two cameras seemed to look comfortable and easy to work with.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Have you seen the tether strap BR sells? I used to go around with my hand on my camera out of nervousness, but now I don't worry about it at all. I'll probably never need the strap, but I love the peace of mind it gives me.

Yea. I bought one and forgot all about it!

I may try it again this coming week at WDW. I remember for some reason I took it off. I seem to recall the carabiner bumping my camera and I didn't like that. I'll have to look at it again.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Looks like I may have been using it wrong. I definitely need to re-evaluate it next week.

Thanks!

 

[photo_chick]

Look for optech secure its they are little Velcro loops, but optech straps get a vote from me, never trusted black rapid tripod mounts, especially after seeing a 5d3 and 70-200mm 2.8 IS falling to the floor last night optech to me seem very secure never had a problem with them personally

I've never seen a mount fail with one of the straps that uses them, but I've seen tripod mounts fail when cameras are on tripods. I just can't bring myself to trust the strap to hold it by those tiny threads.

 

[Groucho]

FWIW, I'm just taking a break between walking around Animal Kingdom and heading over to Epcot, and I carried my K-3 with a Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 almost nonstop today so far, and even with the fairly big and heavy lens, it never felt anything but secure and I could easily get by just fine letting it dangle there, which I would definitely not do with the tripod strap.

My shoulder is getting sore but it's definitely better than if I was carrying it much of any other way, and definitely beats the pants off the B/R strap IMHO. I am also using a sling-style bag, and the ability to quickly re-buckle the Op/Tech in front or behind the bag's strap is fantastic. I love this strap.