black rapid straps (1 Viewer)

[Tony Knight]

I have the canon 550 and always carry with 1.4x and the 100-400 IS lens attached. Carrying over one shoulder on long walks is a real pain so i'm looking at getting a strap from the black rapid range, probably the RS-5.

I've looked at copious videos on youtube comparing the RS7, 5 and 4 and they all look good. However they all seem to be shown with shorter lenses than my set up.

Does anyone on the forum use these straps with a 100-400 lens and a1.4x converter ? Is it secure and comfortable with that weight hanging by your side ?

thanks
Tony

 

[RyanEustace]

I'd also appreciate peoples opinions on this as I've been toying with the idea of getting one also.

 

[Lisa W]

I've used the women's version with a Canon 1D Mark III and a 100-400mm, and the Canon with a 400mm DO lens attached. I really like it. I can stay out all day with either of those combinations and feel fantastic when I get home. Once adjusted the weight of the gear is negligible and the setup is so easy to use. If I could figure a way to add my binoculars to a second strap I would switch to the double harness.

 

[clascronlund]

I use the Black Rapid RS-4 strap with my Canon 550D and 300 4.0 + 1.4 converter.
It's almost the same weight as 100-400 IS.
And it's really awesome, one of the best thing i bought to my camera.
You have to connect it to the tripod mount for best carrying.
I also use the FastenR-T1 with Manfrotto quick release.
Also works great so I easally could detach it from the strap and put it on my monopod.
So don't hesitate just go and get it

 

[Keith Reeder]

I don't use a Black Rapid, but I love the principle of the sliding design.

For a long time I used a home-made (ahem!) "homage" to the Black Rapid, and it coped with my gripped 7D and 100-400mm (plus 1.4x as the mood takes me) with no problem whatsoever.

Now though I'm using the Op-Tech interpretation of the idea, the Sling Strap: a lot cheaper than the BR strap, especially if you already own an Op-Tech strap, because you can simply buy strap adapters to attach to your strap's shoulder pad.

I prefer the Op-Tech item because I just don't like the idea of attaching the camera and lens to a mount that screws into the tripod mount: the OP-Tech comes with two sliding camera mount attachments, and I attach my camera by putting one adapter onto the grip strap mount, and the other onto the right-hand camera body strap mount, which provides absolute fit-and-forget security, with the added benefit of the camera hanging perfectly with the base of the grip against my right hip, keeping the mode dial and buttons well out of the way of accidental knocks.

 

[tdodd]

I've had the DR2 double strap since Feb and often split the pair to use one strap only. I've happily suspended combinations of 7d, 5D2 and 1D3 with 70-200/2.8 IS and 100-400 (no TC though) and had no problems. I have bought a couple of FastenR-T1 bolts to go through my Manfrotto RC2 QR plates and so I retain quick and convenient flexibility to use a tripod if I wish. I've used low strength Loctite to secure the bolts more firmly into place and reduce the risk of any surprises.

Although the recommendation when using long lenses is to attach the FastenR to the tripod foot I stick with the camera body for my fastening point. It all works fine.

Here's a pic of me loaded up with two cameras hanging off the DR2 and a third attached to my Cotton Carrier vest. You may note that in this pic I've actually attached Manfrotto MN323 QR platforms to the Black Rapid ConnectR clips, which gives quick release from the Black Rapid system, for a super rapid switch to a tripod, and allows me to use standard Manfrotto RC2 plates without the T1 bolts and D-rings. I no longer use that configuration since the odds of me lugging a tripod around and not leaving the camera locked into it are very low indeed.

 

[jimthomson]

I use a Quick strap which is a chinese knock off of the black rapid.

I got a black rapid ConnectR which I attached to an Arca swiss style clamp.

Used like this makes it easy to swich lenses as I can easily connect to the arca plate on the lens or my camera.

 

[gergrd]

I've had the Black Rapid (RS-7 I believe) since early this year. I use it with my Canon 7D and the 100-400 mostly. It works well, the fastener never loosens and it makes it significantly easier to carry the camera and lens than it was previously.

 

[Tony Knight]

Thanks guys - well that seems a pretty unanimous "yes" so I guess I've just got to decide which to buy now ! The advanced "ergonomics" of the R7 or the carrying capacity of the R5.....I like the idea of the ability to carry spare data cards and batteries in the strap rather than my pockets but is the pouch on the shoulder awkward, bulky and uncomfortable..?

 

[tdodd]

Throughout winter and beyond I've been wearing my R-Straps underneath my coat, which improves discretion and affords some protection to the camera(s) when wandering about. Maybe for birds and nature that is not an advantage, but for urban/street shooting I feel much happier with my gear inside my coat than outside. I guess a thick, bulky strap with bulging pouches might limit that approach. Just a thought.

 

[the black fox]

i to like keith reeder use the op-tech version and i find it ideal for having the camera at your side ready to go ,the advantage being that you have a secure point on your lens and one on your camera body ,there is always the possibility that the lens and camera will part company so the added security is a must imho

 

[Roy C]

I use a Black Rapid strap (RS-7) with my 300/2.8 which is almost double the weight of your 100-400 and it works a treat. I attach mine to the tripod foot(via a lens plate)but you can also attach to the Camera body as well if you want -- don't bother myself !. You can get cheaper Chinese Knock off's but with over £5 K worth of kit hanging from it I did not feel inclined to scrimp on saving £20-£30.

 

[Roy C]

,the advantage being that you have a secure point on your lens and one on your camera body ,there is always the possibility that the lens and camera will part company so the added security is a must imho

You can do the same with a Black Rapid if you want!

 

[BodyResults]

There's a picture of Bill Majors in his book of him using the Black Rapid on his 500mm F4 for handheld work. That was a strong enough endorsement for me to get one for my 500mm F4.

You can see the picture at
http://digitalbirdphotography.org/3.12.html

I also called Black Rapid about using this for a heavy lens like a 500 F4. They told me the strap is rated for 300 pounds but carrying such a expensive lens it would be wise to keep a hand on it.

Doug

 

[Roy C]

There's a picture of Bill Majors in his book of him using the Black Rapid on his 500mm F4 for handheld work. That was a strong enough endorsement for me to get one for my 500mm F4.

You can see the picture at
http://digitalbirdphotography.org/3.12.html

I also called Black Rapid about using this for a heavy lens like a 500 F4. They told me the strap is rated for 300 pounds but carrying such a expensive lens it would be wise to keep a hand on it.

Doug

Yep, I heard of several guys who were carrying the 500/4 with a BR strap which is why I went for one for my 300/2.8 ( a lightweight in comparison). With the strap components rated for 300 lbs and the tensile strength of a 1/4" tripod screw being in the region of 1000 lbs (I think !) I reckon it will easily be up to taking the 100-400 !
I carry my set-up via an arca quick release clamp on my lens plate which means I have a natural carrying handle for extra security.
Strangely enough the 300/2.8 + extender carries better than the lightweight 100mm macro or the 70-200/4 (both of which I attach to the Camera body) probably a case of better balancing when attaching to the tripod foot.

 

[Keith Reeder]

I reckon it will easily be up to taking the 100-400!

Who suggested it wouldn't?

My problem with BR and similar arrangements is not with component failure, but with the simple fact of life that screws unscrew.

If others are happy to take the risk, good for them. I'm not. I've had a scope unscrew from its tripod before (and yes, I used to check the tripod mount regularly), and although I'm well aware of the newer connectors which are supposed to prevent the camera from coming loose, I've read enough of this and this and this to make me decide not to take the chance.

Every one else, it's your money - do whatever you're happy with, but I do think it funny that a few folk in the first post I link to have resorted to using their BR straps attached to the camera strap mounts because they don't trust the screw. If they're doing that, they may as well use the Op-Tech.

 

[Roy C]

Who suggested it wouldn't?

My problem with BR and similar arrangements is not with component failure, but with the simple fact of life that screws unscrew.

If others are happy to take the risk, good for them. I'm not. I've had a scope unscrew from its tripod before (and yes, I used to check the tripod mount regularly), and although I'm well aware of the newer connectors which are supposed to prevent the camera from coming loose, I've read enough of this and this and this to make me decide not to take the chance.

Every one else, it's your money - do whatever you're happy with, but I do think it funny that a few folk in the first post I link to have resorted to using their BR straps attached to the camera strap mounts because they don't trust the screw. If they're doing that, they may as well use the Op-Tech.

There was problems with a few of the earlier BR models some years ago but anyone who who has a screw undo with one one the latest models must be an idiot who forgot to tighten it up !!!, the latest ones have a rubber washer with stops it from undoing (especially if you dampened the washer before tightening up) I have checked my loads of time it it has moved whatsoever in almost a year.

It is easy to cherry pick a few negative comments on just about any product but if you believed them all then you would not buy anything. You should know this better than anyone re the 100-400 , there are tons of negative stuff about this lens and if everyone believed them then now one would ever buy it and would be discounting by now . I know everything you use is the very best Keith and there is nothing you like better than to rubbish other peoples gear (and judgement) but this is very much like a case of someone condemning something they have not tried.

BTW, then originator asked if anyone who had used a BR strap thought it was secure enough for the 100-400 so I do not think my comment saying 'I reckon it will easily be up to taking the 100-400' is anything but helpful to the him so I cannot think for the life of my why you should quote my reply to him in such an aggressive and nasty way.

 

[Tony Knight]

There are obviously many who are happy with different solutions here - thanks for the suggestions. Think I'll go with the black rapid. Roy any particular reason you took the R7 rather than say the R5? The storage on the R5 looks pretty useful to me (avoids batteries and data cards jangling about or falling out of my pockets) but not sure if a strap full is uncomfortable to wear ?

 

[Roy C]

There are obviously many who are happy with different solutions here - thanks for the suggestions. Think I'll go with the black rapid. Roy any particular reason you took the R7 rather than say the R5? The storage on the R5 looks pretty useful to me (avoids batteries and data cards jangling about or falling out of my pockets) but not sure if a strap full is uncomfortable to wear ?

Tony, there was a couple of reason's why I went for the RS-7. Number one was the supposed better ergonomics of the shoulder piece although I have never tried or seen the RS-5 so do not know if the -7 it is any more comfortable or not. The other was that I did not want/need any storage on the strap. You can get a 'Joey' pouch to fit on the RS-7 as an optional extra but I have not bothered. If you think you can make use of the extra storage facilities on the RS-5 then that is the one to go for I would have thought. I am sure there are many reviews of the RS-5 out there but here is a link to one that I just found http://kefkafloyd.com/2010/02/22/blackrapid-rs-5-strap-review/

I am a weakling OAP and carrying my 300/2.8 is quite a challenge for me, to be quite honest if it was not for the Strap I would probably have sold the lens and given up bird photography by now.

All the best in whatever you decide Tony

 

[Tony Knight]

thanks - have gone with the R7. Think having full pockets of batteries etc on my shoulder would be a distraction in my line of vision and will leave the bits and pieces in my pockets !

Thanks everyone for comments.

Tony