So I was reading though my huge list of blog subscriptions last week and I came upon a review on CrunchGear of this new BlackRapid camera strap. After reading the review I started doing some more research on it and after a few days of deliberation, decided to buy.
The idea behind BlackRapids bandolier style of strap is to make it easier to do what all photographers want to do…SHOOT PHOTOS! All BlackRapid straps employ the same design principle that allows the camera to be quickly slid from the resting (waist) position up to the shooting position.
After opening the mesh bag the strap comes in, I began to take a closer look at the strap itself. The build quality looks amazing…not a loose thread or unkempt webbing cut. This particular model, the RS-4, is similar to the original R-Strap (RS-1). It has a similar slim profile but also has a nice slim zipper pocket for storing memory cards, ID, cash, etc.
The RS-4 I received still has the old style FastenR bracket that has been the main topic of debate in others’ reviews. This L shaped bracket screws into the tripod socket on the bottom of either your camera body or the tripod mount of your lens.
*The newer FastenR-2 is an aluminum puck with the screw on one side and a d-ring on the other. You can view the manufacturing schematic for it here.
When I first attached the bracket to my D90, I looked to see how easily this might come loose. But once tightened, it’s not going anywhere. Sure, this is not the same concept as a typical camera strap, and there is the “potential” for it to come unscrewed, but give it a chance. When you actually get your own strap and see for yourself, you’ll have confidence in it too. Plus, as often as we change settings on our cameras, adding a little double check for tightness isn’t too much to do if you’re still unsure.
*You may also use a tripod mount quick release like the this Bogen RC2 unit. I plan on testing this as well. Update: After researching some, I found a user on a Canon forum that had dissected his bogen RC2 tripod plate. He found that the D-ring does not go completely through the thumbscrew and with some effort (albeit quite a bit) the D-ring can be pried loose. And after I tried the plate on my D90, the way the camera was hanging on only one end of the D-ring, it would just be a matter of time before a good jolt pulled it out of its socket.
The strap is attached to the FastenR bracket via the swivel clip shown above. BlackRapids now includes a small piece of clear tubing that slips over the clasp and keeps it from opening unintentionally (which was apparently an issue). The spring tension on the clasp is actually pretty substantial and in my opinion it would be difficult for it accidentally bump open but better to be safe than sorry.
*The above clasp is also being replaced by BlackRapid with a carabiner style clasp with a spin lock.
One of the key reasons I wanted a new strap is due to the pain that the factory Nikon strap caused, especially when paired with some accidental sunburn. Well that problem is solved in two ways, first, the BlackRapid’s strap sits on your shoulder vs. around your neck. Second, the strap actually has some padding and a nice breathable mesh over that. To say the least, this strap is extremely comfortable.
I had a chance to go out this past Sunday during the sunset and shoot a little. It’s hard to believe such a minor improvement on strap design would turn out to be so incredibly innovative. It simply makes an enjoyable task more enjoyable. The camera is easier to work with while moving around, looking at angles, setting up remote flashes, etc… and it’s right there at your side when you’re ready to shoot. This is definitely a must buy!
Enjoy some images captured with the assistance of the RS-4.
Update 4/19/09: Well I’ve gone on several weekend trips with the RS-4 lately, and also a 2 hr hike. My only complaints with the strap are…The way the lens on my 18-105mm kit lens sits against my hip as I walk, the autofocus and VR switches tend to get flipped off from time to time. Not sure how this might affect other lens on other camera systems but if the switches are there it might. Also the shoulder pad does tend to slip to the back of my shoulder as I bring the camera up. But that’s about it. You gotta think though, it’s not a perfect thing. But it is far superior to a regular camera strap…and no still no unscrewing of the mount yet!
Update 5/5/09: Just ordered the new FastenR-2. With any luck, it will arrive in time to shoot Formula D Atlanta this weekend. 5/12/09: Just arrived, read
my review.
Update 5/12/09: This weekend I was able test using the RS-4 along side my new
Lowepro Classified 160AW. Having the two straps on the same shoulder is kind of a pain, so I opted to do a cross shoulder setup. The main reason was I was using a rental 70-200mm f/2.8 and it was kind of big and just wouldn’t work having them both on the same side of me.
On a positive note, the RS-4 and D90/70-200mm combo was fantastically balanced when the FastenR was mounted to the lens, and was as easy to swing up and shoot as with smaller lenses. But I still had the same problem of the various switches being flipped when the camera rubbed against my hip or leg. Big nuisance…especially with VR being cruicial on that lens.
