I saw that spider system, it looks pretty cool. I was thinking about getting it, but I also thought how some police officers have back pain carrying duty belts (I have a weak back). Would the spider system do that to a full time professional? You may end up getting suspenders to hold up the belt too, know how heavy camera gear can get. Which is counter productive to the goal of "taking off your shoulders".
Mathew, if you do decide on getting it, I would be interested in a review from you.
I definitely think that eliminating back pain altogether will have a lot to do with simplification across the board.
I already avoid full-size camera bodies and full-frame 2.8 zooms such as the 14-247 and 70-200. I stick with a D300 and Sigma 50-150 2.8 instead, for example, which is a whopping (are you ready for this?) 2.8 lbs lighter. Yeah.
Or, a D700 with a 35 f/2 or 85 f/1.8, for example. I might splurge on a pro-grade f/1.4 prime and add ~0.7 lbs if one particular lens really defines my style, but you get the idea. Simplify. People call me sissy for avoiding heavier gear, but my back thanks me. That, and I would recommend trying to avoid carrying anything on your shoulders, ever, if you can. Get a rolling camera bag for the heavier stuff that you don't always need instant access to. Just put a battery and your memory cards in your pocket, and you're good to go. Maybe get one lens pouch for a spare lens, or get two Spyder brackets and put a camera on each hip. A D300 and D700 with a zoom and a prime, and nothing else, shouldn't hurt that much as long as you stretch often and put the cameras down every now and then.
At least that's my hope. I'll definitely report on CameraTalk if I ever buy one... :-)
IM too anal with my gear to use the BR or Spyder. I did use a BR for a short while and didnt have an issue with it as for coming loose. My issue was the rub marks it left on the bottom of my $4k camera body. What do I use now? Canon CPS strap worn much like the BR across the chest. Just as comfortable, no rubs. The only difference I notice is not being able to pull up the camera quite as fast. Has this affected my ability to capture images? Not in the least. Its not like im in a quick draw duel with a pistol.
I wonder if there is any chance of emailing the BR makers and requesting a similar connector for use with other tripod QR plates? I think if a company is going to provide access to one proprietary system they should provide easy access to all of the most popular ones. (Yes, that was a very light jab at Smugmug and their Apple loving /Android hating ways =P )
The team at BlackRapid is working steadily on solutions for all tripod companies. It takes a little time as the hardware goes through extensive testing before releasing it.
I used the Spider Holster for the past wedding season and I absolutely LOVE it. I've got two Spiders on a ThinkTank Pro Speed belt and I will not be going back to straps any time soon.
With no real statistical data to back this up, I'd guess that >99% of Black Rapid users have no problem. However, that <1% that have had a $5K camera+lens fall on concrete are a little miffed.
With no real statistical data to back this up, I'd guess that >99% of Black Rapid users have no problem. However, that <1% that have had a $5K camera+lens fall on concrete are a little miffed.
It has happened to some.
I would say there is a <1% of users of every camera holding system out there that have had failures. Including BR, Spider, other straps, other holsters, bags with zippers failing, tripods with mounts that come off, QR plates failing, etc...I think <1% is so statistically small that it cannot be looked upon as a trend for the product, but rather the inherent risks of using any mechanical system to hold a camera. Things break...as long as it remains <1% of users then I consider it insignificant for purposes of determining product quality...
Have any of you guys had any problems with the Black Rapid strap breaking or the tripod mount pulling away from the camera body?
Also... anyone use there double strap? How do you like it?
I have 3 BR straps and they are my #1 most recommended piece of photography equipment. I was unsure about them before I bought them(due to camera falling) but I have been using them for almost a year now without a failure of any kind. My camera connectors never come loose either... due to the rubber washer. I have a RS7, a DR1 Double Strap, and Black Rapid just sent me the new RS Sport strap for free! They are always giving straps away and involve customers in testing. I also use the new T1 connectors for my RC2 plates which is REALLY convenient sometimes. I love every one of my BR straps and they will completely change the way you shoot and carry your cameras. You are just so much more mobile with them as well.... even in the densest of crowds. Neckstraps are a downright horrible and ancient design! I guarantee that once you try a BR strap for a few days, you will kick yourself hard for not getting one sooner and will NEVER go back to an awkward neck strap again. If you use a two camera set up, you will be completely amazed at how awesome it is to shoot with the double strap. It's like your not even carrying two cameras on you at all... until you need them, and then they happen to be right there at your hand.. ready to fire at a moment's notice. It's much better than fumbling with your tangled neck straps and missing shots. The double strap couldn't be any more perfect for wedding photographers or any two camera user. I know I REALLY sound like a Black Rapid ad but it really is awesome how much a simple strap changes the game. The way your camera glides up the strap right to your eye is really fast too. You can walk or run with both hands free and still have nothing swinging or bouncing on your chest. No hand needed to steady the camera anymore. You can lock your camera at your side or behind your back now. A modern photographer uses a BR style strap and that's all there is to it. It's not one of those things of preference either. One style is simply MUCH more functional and convenient than the other.
Thanks for pointing me to this strap. I have been using a Camera Slingers "Dual Deluxe" and although I have been happy with wearing it I have been unhappy with the support. I lost one of the connectors and have not been able to get a replacement I have contacted them and was told yes we have them but no further response when I say I want to order one.
So I will be a new owner of RS DR-1 Double Strap
I saved a few $ and bought an Optech Dual Harness......I have no qualms about it at all really......I had to really shorten the camera straps and have them velcroed so I did not have to cut them......all in all they work and keeps the weight off my neck......just what it is supposed to do.
I can hang my D300+50-500 on it alone with no problems.......the 50-500 on a neck strap really made my neck hurt....this replaces my Crooked Horn Outfitters Bino Rig I was using........and my Smuggy straps............
I thought the price was a little steep for the straps but I now have the single and double straps. Would never go back to a standard shoulder strap!. I photograph lots of motorcycle and automotive events and to have a wide angle and a long lens ready at all times is worth every penny! This allows me to carry two cameras and have my hands free at all times and not having the bother of lugging around a bag too. I've had tons of photographers come up to me and ask about the straps and say they're placing their order the next day!
Pentax K10D, K20D body, PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm f/2.8, PENTAX-DA* 50-135mm f/2.8, Pentax DA* 300mm f/4, Pentax DA 10-17mm, Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3, Pentax Super Takumar 200mm f/4,
My safety system for my BR
I had heard of reports of the cameras separating but nobody would confirm if it was the screw coming undone or the clip weld failing at the swivel joint. (Hope I described that correctly). Anyway, here is my safety system and also how I fasten to a RRS L Bracket. The scuff on the camera body is from originally not sliding the L Bracket over just a smidge to have room to disconnect the clamp. Oh well, minor battle damage on a well used camera.
Just an update since this thread was resurrected. I've had my original BR strap now for a few years. It's the original strap with the original connectors. I have yet to have any problems with it. It has never broken or come loose from the camera. Completely happy with the strap. BUT...
On a recent trip to the beach. I had the strap removed entirely from my camera and stowed in a mesh pocket on my backpack. The little star-shaped ring (pictured) worked it's way loose and fell off. I lost it. Really bummed about it. I just ordered the new Fasten-R3 to replace it and hope it works as well as the original.
I would like to resurrect this old thread to ask about the FR-T1 connector that is used to connect the BR strap to a manfrotto RC release plate. I just had my 3 year old Carry Speed strap drop my D7100 with the 300mm, f/4 D and the x1.4 TC attached... onto the couch!!! Whew. The socket wore enough to let the ball slide through at one particular angle. I'm suddenly in the market for a replacement strap. I do use a manfrotto monopod quite a bit and I want to be able to attach to their head easily. With the Carry Speed I could attach the release to the Carry Speed's base plate. Nothing to remove if you don't mind the strap dangling.
I see how the BR connection works by replacing the Manofrotto ring with a BR ring but the BR ring scares the hell out of me. It is a hinged version of the solid metal connector that comes with the basic BR sport strap. The hinge looks tiny and it is the only thing between 5 lbs of expensive optics and electronics and disaster.
Is anyone using this hinged FR-t1 connector with heavy gear? For how long?
I have been using BR for a few years. Instead of attaching them with the provided bracket, I have been attaching them to the left eyelit of the camera. I have had it support a D3s/Sigma 120-300 and no problems. I don't baby my camera either.
I have been using BR for a few years. Instead of attaching them with the provided bracket, I have been attaching them to the left eyelit of the camera. I have had it support a D3s/Sigma 120-300 and no problems. I don't baby my camera either.
Is that comfortable to carry that way? How does the lens hang, down or sideways? The D7100/300mm, f/4 is approaching 5 lbs. In theory I should be attaching to the lens collar.
Is that comfortable to carry that way? How does the lens hang, down or sideways? The D7100/300mm, f/4 is approaching 5 lbs. In theory I should be attaching to the lens collar.
It usually hangs down, but it is comfortable. With longer heavier lenses I am usually holding the lens, but this is more out of not having heavy weight pressed against my body and I don't want to put too much stress on the mount. If I need to go hands free for a moment I have not had any worries about it dropping.
I do find it has to be on the left eyelet though. If it's on the right side the strap will get in the way when grabbing the camera for a shot which defeats the purpose of the BR.
Thanks for the info Jon. My main concern is safety when the big lens is on. I expected to attach the strap to the lens collar. But I wouldn't be walking long distances with that lens on so maybe I don't have to attach to the lens. My main bag is backpack that is very comfortable and I would use that to carry the kit. The strap would only be used during actually shooting. Lots to think about, thanks again.
I've shot entire football games with the D3s/120-300 like this with the strap attached to the eyelet. When walking around I just support the lens with my hand, and I can keep a mono-pod attached too.
Thanks for the info Jon. My main concern is safety when the big lens is on. I expected to attach the strap to the lens collar. But I wouldn't be walking long distances with that lens on so maybe I don't have to attach to the lens. My main bag is backpack that is very comfortable and I would use that to carry the kit. The strap would only be used during actually shooting. Lots to think about, thanks again.
No hinges, no moving parts, just metal on metal. The BR connector goes on one end, the Manfrotto plate the other. No switching.... and $20. It is already an arca plate. I wonder why Manfrotto doesn't make an RC plate with extra space for more attachments.
well..since this thread is resurrected..I have found a replacement for the BR. The Peak design strap and clasps work better. The one big issue I had with the BR is that the camera "flopped" around my behind. It was always spinning and bouncing around. The peak design eliminates that. I just used it for 2 week vacation wear I had the camera on me for 30-40 hours and it worked great. The design is such that the camera can not rotate and flop around. It's just a better design.
well..since this thread is resurrected..I have found a replacement for the BR. The Peak design strap and clasps work better. The one big issue I had with the BR is that the camera "flopped" around my behind. It was always spinning and bouncing around. The peak design eliminates that. I just used it for 2 week vacation wear I had the camera on me for 30-40 hours and it worked great. The design is such that the camera can not rotate and flop around. It's just a better design.
Daniel...
That's good to know. I bought the Peak Design Capture Clip. I used it during my 11 day trip to Europe last week. Love it. Even handled my D800 and 70-200 f/2.8 with no issue. Their system is all compatible so I may now pick up their strap since you like it.
My setup is a FastenR through a Manfrotto RC2 into a 1Ds and 70-200 f/2.8. No problems or close calls.
Thanks esheato; Is it really faster to disconnect the BR from the FasterR rather then just unscrew the original connector from the camera/lens and screw in the RC2? I've only had the BR for a few days but seems quicker to just unscrew the connector than to fiddle with the clasp.
Comments
I definitely think that eliminating back pain altogether will have a lot to do with simplification across the board.
I already avoid full-size camera bodies and full-frame 2.8 zooms such as the 14-247 and 70-200. I stick with a D300 and Sigma 50-150 2.8 instead, for example, which is a whopping (are you ready for this?) 2.8 lbs lighter. Yeah.
Or, a D700 with a 35 f/2 or 85 f/1.8, for example. I might splurge on a pro-grade f/1.4 prime and add ~0.7 lbs if one particular lens really defines my style, but you get the idea. Simplify. People call me sissy for avoiding heavier gear, but my back thanks me. That, and I would recommend trying to avoid carrying anything on your shoulders, ever, if you can. Get a rolling camera bag for the heavier stuff that you don't always need instant access to. Just put a battery and your memory cards in your pocket, and you're good to go. Maybe get one lens pouch for a spare lens, or get two Spyder brackets and put a camera on each hip. A D300 and D700 with a zoom and a prime, and nothing else, shouldn't hurt that much as long as you stretch often and put the cameras down every now and then.
At least that's my hope. I'll definitely report on CameraTalk if I ever buy one... :-)
=Matt=
My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
Roak
<== Mighty Murphy, the wonder Bouv!
The team at BlackRapid is working steadily on solutions for all tripod companies. It takes a little time as the hardware goes through extensive testing before releasing it.
With no real statistical data to back this up, I'd guess that >99% of Black Rapid users have no problem. However, that <1% that have had a $5K camera+lens fall on concrete are a little miffed.
It has happened to some.
I would say there is a <1% of users of every camera holding system out there that have had failures. Including BR, Spider, other straps, other holsters, bags with zippers failing, tripods with mounts that come off, QR plates failing, etc...I think <1% is so statistically small that it cannot be looked upon as a trend for the product, but rather the inherent risks of using any mechanical system to hold a camera. Things break...as long as it remains <1% of users then I consider it insignificant for purposes of determining product quality...
Just my 10 cents wirth!
I have 3 BR straps and they are my #1 most recommended piece of photography equipment. I was unsure about them before I bought them(due to camera falling) but I have been using them for almost a year now without a failure of any kind. My camera connectors never come loose either... due to the rubber washer. I have a RS7, a DR1 Double Strap, and Black Rapid just sent me the new RS Sport strap for free! They are always giving straps away and involve customers in testing. I also use the new T1 connectors for my RC2 plates which is REALLY convenient sometimes. I love every one of my BR straps and they will completely change the way you shoot and carry your cameras. You are just so much more mobile with them as well.... even in the densest of crowds. Neckstraps are a downright horrible and ancient design! I guarantee that once you try a BR strap for a few days, you will kick yourself hard for not getting one sooner and will NEVER go back to an awkward neck strap again. If you use a two camera set up, you will be completely amazed at how awesome it is to shoot with the double strap. It's like your not even carrying two cameras on you at all... until you need them, and then they happen to be right there at your hand.. ready to fire at a moment's notice. It's much better than fumbling with your tangled neck straps and missing shots. The double strap couldn't be any more perfect for wedding photographers or any two camera user. I know I REALLY sound like a Black Rapid ad but it really is awesome how much a simple strap changes the game. The way your camera glides up the strap right to your eye is really fast too. You can walk or run with both hands free and still have nothing swinging or bouncing on your chest. No hand needed to steady the camera anymore. You can lock your camera at your side or behind your back now. A modern photographer uses a BR style strap and that's all there is to it. It's not one of those things of preference either. One style is simply MUCH more functional and convenient than the other.
So I will be a new owner of
RS DR-1 Double Strap
http://www.realphotoman.com/
Work in progress
http://www.realphotoman.net/ Zenfolio 10% off Referral Code: 1KH-5HX-5HU
I can hang my D300+50-500 on it alone with no problems.......the 50-500 on a neck strap really made my neck hurt....this replaces my Crooked Horn Outfitters Bino Rig I was using........and my Smuggy straps............
I had heard of reports of the cameras separating but nobody would confirm if it was the screw coming undone or the clip weld failing at the swivel joint. (Hope I described that correctly). Anyway, here is my safety system and also how I fasten to a RRS L Bracket. The scuff on the camera body is from originally not sliding the L Bracket over just a smidge to have room to disconnect the clamp. Oh well, minor battle damage on a well used camera.
On a recent trip to the beach. I had the strap removed entirely from my camera and stowed in a mesh pocket on my backpack. The little star-shaped ring (pictured) worked it's way loose and fell off. I lost it. Really bummed about it. I just ordered the new Fasten-R3 to replace it and hope it works as well as the original.
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
I see how the BR connection works by replacing the Manofrotto ring with a BR ring but the BR ring scares the hell out of me. It is a hinged version of the solid metal connector that comes with the basic BR sport strap. The hinge looks tiny and it is the only thing between 5 lbs of expensive optics and electronics and disaster.
Is anyone using this hinged FR-t1 connector with heavy gear? For how long?
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
I have been using BR for a few years. Instead of attaching them with the provided bracket, I have been attaching them to the left eyelit of the camera. I have had it support a D3s/Sigma 120-300 and no problems. I don't baby my camera either.
Is that comfortable to carry that way? How does the lens hang, down or sideways? The D7100/300mm, f/4 is approaching 5 lbs. In theory I should be attaching to the lens collar.
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
GaryB
“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it!” - Ansel Adams
I like the connection method. I'd worry a bit about a no-name brand with heavy equipment. How much weight are yours carrying.
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
It usually hangs down, but it is comfortable. With longer heavier lenses I am usually holding the lens, but this is more out of not having heavy weight pressed against my body and I don't want to put too much stress on the mount. If I need to go hands free for a moment I have not had any worries about it dropping.
I do find it has to be on the left eyelet though. If it's on the right side the strap will get in the way when grabbing the camera for a shot which defeats the purpose of the BR.
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
Joby Ultra Plate
No hinges, no moving parts, just metal on metal. The BR connector goes on one end, the Manfrotto plate the other. No switching.... and $20. It is already an arca plate. I wonder why Manfrotto doesn't make an RC plate with extra space for more attachments.
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
85 and 50 1.4
45 PC and sb910 x2
http://www.danielkimphotography.com
Daniel...
That's good to know. I bought the Peak Design Capture Clip. I used it during my 11 day trip to Europe last week. Love it. Even handled my D800 and 70-200 f/2.8 with no issue. Their system is all compatible so I may now pick up their strap since you like it.
Moderator of the People and Go Figure forums
My Smug Site
My setup is a FastenR through a Manfrotto RC2 into a 1Ds and 70-200 f/2.8. No problems or close calls.
Thanks esheato; Is it really faster to disconnect the BR from the FasterR rather then just unscrew the original connector from the camera/lens and screw in the RC2? I've only had the BR for a few days but seems quicker to just unscrew the connector than to fiddle with the clasp.
http://wernerg.smugmug.com/
https://fstoppers.com/business/blackrapids-customer-service-team-goes-above-and-beyond-30483