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So I'm looking at upgrading the strap on my 60D from the Canon strap and I think a shoulder strap would be most functional. The one issue I have is that everyone on the forums tends to lean towards the Black Rapid but I'm not sold on using the tripod mount for my strap.
Does anyone have any suggestions on shoulder straps that use the actual strap connections?
Can anyone give me a good reason for why I shouldn't really care or be concerned by using the tripod mount?
Thanks everyone,
Brian
Definitely recommend the Blackrapid. I'm not aware of any shoulder straps that use the regular strap lugs (although I've seen lots of people wearing the Canon strap across the chest). One issue I could see with a shoulder strap and the regular lugs is that makes it awkward to get the camera into shooting position. The upside down position with the BR strap is fast to lift to the eye.
About the tripod socket - what do you use it for? Do you actually thread your open socket onto the 1/4"-20 screw on a platform every time you shoot from a tripod? Or do you use a quick-release plate? (If you don't, I'd consider it!)
If you do use a QR plate, what kind? I used the Manfrotto RC2 plates for a while - in that case, BR makes a FastenR-T1 which replaces the Manfrotto D-ring (and is designed to support a load). You simply unclip the carabiner from the FastenR to mount the plate to the clamp. I had several of those, one for each plate. They were great, although the slight play between plate and clamp led me to Arca-Swiss type plates/clamps eventually.
Currently, I have Wimberley/RRS plates on all cameras and tripod collars. I attached the BR FastenR-3 lug to a Kirk 1" clamp (semipermanently with a bit of Loctite Blue), so I can easily move the BR strap connection point from camera to tripod collar or remove it to mount to a tripod/monopod clamp. It's a great system, IMO.
I use a BosStrap by BosTail to attach my Black Rapid strap to the strap connectors.
+1 for the Black Rapid is the way to go, it is the best I have found. You can comfortably carry your camera without it weighing on you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by badbnl1533
Because it is the way to hook up the Black Rapid, and the comfort of the Black Rapid is worth it. That is enough reason for me.
If you haven't been to Black Rapid's website I would recommend going to answer some of your questions.
Watch the video is very informative. http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/rs-7/
When I need a shoulder strap, I use my blackrapid.
Most of the time I just have one of these wrist straps http://www.gordyscamerastraps.com/
I use the Cinch by Luma Labs. http://luma-labs.com/products/cinch
It attaches at TWO points so the camera cannot "twirl" at all on just one attachment point.
It also has the oh-so-handy ability to "cinch up" for snug carrying, and to "cinch out" for extra slack for shooting. I love it.
This is the one that I have and use it all the time. Once you get one, you'll never use the old strap again.
I had a look at those BR straps few days ago and they look pretty good but my 7D is always gripped and I'm a bit concerned by the whole camera +lens being carried with two screws and therefore two weak points...
Also, in which situations do you prefer a BR strap over a lowepro toploader (see reviews in the review section)?
I've carried a gripped 7D, gripped 5DII, or 1D X, much of the time with a big white zoom (28-300L, 100-400L, or 70-200/2.8L IS II) from a BR strap for two years. The only sign of stress/wear is the leading edge of the nylon strap has become a little frayed. I doubted that would affect the integrity of the strap, but to be certain, I emailed BR support. They agreed that there was no danger, but they sent me a new RS-4 for free, anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steph
I've got the Lowepro Toploader Pro 65AW and 75AW. They're great for transporting the camera, plus I can strap a Lens Case to the side for an extra lens, and with the 75AW, either the 40/2.8 pancake or a 430EX II can fit in the side pocket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steph
So, when would I choose the BR over the Toploader? Any time I actually want to *use* the camera. With the BR strap, lifting the camera to my eye is very fast. If it's stuck in the Toploader, you'll miss shots. I do sometimes sling a Toploader hanging on my left side with a second lens, and the BR with the camera hanging on the right.
Steph,
Just what environment are you looking to use this in? There might be other solutions than a strap. I have a Peak Design Capture clip on the shoulder strap of my small bag - lowenpro photorunner. I use the shoulder strap approach across my left shoulder and the bag on my right hip. (slope shouldered football stuff, I can't keep shoulder strap on unless my neck is in the way). I have it angled, etc so that the camera weight is on the clip and the lens rests on the top of the bag. If I am in real dicey area - over water, etc. I use a handstap threaded through the quick release for the Peak Design.
It takes a little jiggering around but it is a handy way to take a small bag keep your hands free, move the weight to a broad shoulder strap, etc.
My two pennies worth.
Mike
My Blackrapid strap is THE workhorse of my kit. I have used it extensively internationally, lots of hiking, etc. I've tried others too. Nothing compares at this point. I have no concerns about the way it attaches to the tripod socket. For active use, it's the best solution IMO.
Ditto, Black Rapid carries it for me.Quote:
Originally Posted by thekingb
Another vote for the Black Rapid. I use the RS-Sport Version.
Here's a few more brands:
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0083/1012/files/AP-Strap-Test.pdf?1014
Rich
+1 Black Rapid.
I have the dual strap harness. Splits up to use for one camera. Think it is called the Black rapid DR-2
Had it for a little over 6 months now and love it!
Dave.
Interesting. I reccomended the Cinch shoulder strap by Luma Labs yesterday. http://luma-labs.com/products/cinch
As mentioned, I use it and love it. They had been promising a solution for tripod plates, and they have it now. So now you can have this strap AND a tripod plate mounted at all times. Even better.
http://luma-labs.com/products/m-connect
Thanks everyone for the info. I'm guessing that if the tripod mount really caused long term issues people would be all over these forums. I think hearing your reasoning will help to talk myself out of the big concern. Thanks
Put it this way, if your camera is on the end of your tripod, you'd have no problem inverting the centre column would you?
The only issue I've found is if I'm wearing jeans or trousers with protruding metal rivets. Luckily only one pair of my jeans does so I just don't wear them when I'm taking the BR out.
I use an OP/Tech Utility Strap Sling that I've retrofitted with BlackRapid connecting hardware. The OP/Tech sling doesn't have pockets but is less bulky and looks more comfortable. But the BR hardware is a lot more confidence inspiring than the plastic OP/Tech connectors. If you don't want to bother mixing and matching, just go with a BR sling.
I started using the sling last October for shooting weddings. It was a revelation - so much easier on the neck and back than a neck strap. I'll never go back.
Black Rapid do some very un-bulky straps too, without pockets. I've got one of the RS Sport ones (comes with a BRAD under-arm bit) and it's much smaller than some of the others.