OP/TECH strap help

twinsmom · September 16, 2011

I've done some research and seen that several people here use these. I currently have only one camera but plan to eventually add a second. I want a system that will work either way. I want total flexibility. I'm looking at the Dual Harness, the double sling and the utility strap sling. I'm not sure I get the main difference between the first two. I am thinking that I would like one of the first two and the utility sling for my casual days. They have different connectors-which I don't understand either. Anyone share their experiences with this setup?
Thanks

DavidTO · September 16, 2011

Dunno about what you're asking, but have you looked at the Black Rapids?

Nikolai · September 16, 2011

I have been using Op/Tech straps (Pro loop) for years. Still do. I also recently got a Black Rapid (dual), but for a different purpose.
So, my modus operandi is as follows:

public events - cameras on the shortened loops hangin from the backpack straps (via carabiners) - cause I need my backpack with me anyways. Although recently I began to carry both BlackRapid and backpack, so the jury is still out...
formal events (weddings, etc) - black rapid
studio - camera on a tripod, short loop
family hikes (one body, one lens, snapshots) - body on a full strap

HTH

ziggy53 · September 16, 2011

I shot a wedding reception last July and I used 3 - cameras with flashes, all hanging with Op/Tech fixtures.

2 bodies were on an Op/Tech "Dual Harness" and one body on an Op/Tech "Pro Strap, 3/8". (I used a Canon 1D MKII, a 5D MKII and a 40D. All of the lenses mounted were either heavy "L" or the EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM on the 40D.)

It was a 5 hour shoot and I was thrashed/beat but the system saved some of the back strain I would have otherwise encountered. All of the fasteners are the same 3/8" connectors, so it's easy to mix-n-match which camera goes where. The dual-harness has a chest strap that you can omit, if you like. It's still pretty secure without the chest strap.

http://www.adorama.com/OTDHR.html

http://www.adorama.com/OTPSBK.html

(That was probably the only time I would hang 3 bodies simultaneously but it was a large outdoor event and no chance to get back to my cart for most of the time.)

Art Scott · September 16, 2011

with my dual harness I carry a 50-500 sigma on D300 + D300 with 17-80 or 24-120.......oh it does a great job with any single camera and lens...do D300+BigMa (50-500) works great and I hate neck straps for the most part so I use the Dual Harness with just one cam and never had a prob...no sliding to the heavy side or any such thing.

EDIT.... I did add split rings to my cameras so that the harness could be attached using the smallest carabiners I could get at Northern Equipment and Menards ....... I can unhook very quickly if i need to pod a camera.

twinsmom · September 16, 2011

DavidTO wrote: »

Dunno about what you're asking, but have you looked at the Black Rapids?

I have looked at them but I'm not sure I'm thrilled with not being able to use a tripod without extra work. I'm assuming those that use BRs don't use tripods often?

MomaZunk · September 16, 2011

The dual harness is for 2 cameras and the utility strap is to modify a regular neck strap to a sling(cross body strap) I think. I have a pro strap and a regular one, so I used the utility strap to mod into the cross body. I like the short straps(uni-loops) that come with the slings which I believe are also used on the dual harness. I can easily remove the camera from the strap when I am using a tripod, or if I want to put the camera in my purse.

Take a look at the OP/TECH site. They have things on sale pretty regularly. I ordered most of my stuff directly from them.

divamum · September 17, 2011

I have a 7d which has an Optech Pro strap, attached as normal (ie the side lugs) and worn around my neck

I have a gripped xsi (my backup camera) which I wear on a sling; I attached a single connector to the lug on the grip and then clipped the sling to that. I wear this one across my body (hanging near my hip) when I carry both cameras.

I have been EXTREMELY pleased with both straps - I find them very comfortable. I bought them via the "Sidewalk Sale" section of their website, and all items arrived exactly as described - the flaws were very minor cosmetic things which do not in any way affect the performance. If I ever want to wear my 7d with a sling I'll probably need to get one of the connector extenders to make it long enough to hang on my hip, but that's easily done, and not expensive.

Given that two straps+connectors+sling cost me well under the price of a single Black Rapid (which I don't think I would have liked anyway, since I do actually prefer the way the camera hangs when it's around my neck), I have no complaints

I especially like that it's an interchangeable system so that as my needs change, I can easily adapt without starting from scratch (and without spending a ton of money).

Andy · September 17, 2011

twinsmom wrote: »

I have looked at them but I'm not sure I'm thrilled with not being able to use a tripod without extra work. I'm assuming those that use BRs don't use tripods often?

SUPER easy to take the BR body ring-clip off of the camera, takes about 5 seconds maybe.

catspaw · September 17, 2011

Andy wrote: »

SUPER easy to take the BR body ring-clip off of the camera, takes about 5 seconds maybe.

Truth. Also, I've clipped the BlackRapid 'clip' to the body ring (where the normal strap would attach) on occasions - especially when using a tripod on a precarious location (say, middle of a cliff) where I want to make sure the camera stays with me no mater what.

While BR might not recommend (do they? no idea) the use of that ring, I figure if the normal camera strap is going to attach there, it's hardly a weak point in the set up.

lightyear · September 18, 2011

Optech straps
I have used Optech, and other, straps for 15+ years, have watched their line expand into all sorts of designs, they have a small printed catalog, also the same online, listing and showing alll that they make. It is all well made and designed, and I know nothing better.
Stan

twinsmom · September 21, 2011

Just wanted to drop and thank everyone. I'm going with the Optech straps for now. BR look great and I hear lots of great reviews but they are a lot more than I want to sink into something I'm not sure how much I'll use/like.
Thanks
Bonni

Art Scott · September 22, 2011

twinsmom wrote: »

Just wanted to drop and thank everyone. I'm going with the Optech straps for now. BR look great and I hear lots of great reviews but they are a lot more than I want to sink into something I'm not sure how much I'll use/like.
Thanks
Bonni

Which one(s) are you going to use? For ease of use for any strap I suggest going to walmart in the craft area and getting a package of split rings (like used on a key ring) about the size of a quarter.....this is threaded thru the small hole on the strap anchor on the camera body.......you can now thread the strap(s) on and off fairly fast......

to take it one step farther.....I bought some really small carabiners (approx 1.75 inches long) to attach my straps to now I can hook up or un hook really fast.......

with this wset up I can swing my camera up ahd hook to my tripod uninhibited......That is what I did not like about any system that the lug for the strap is attached to the camera mount hole in the bottom of camera........

Good Luck withthe new straps.....

twinsmom · September 22, 2011

I am ordering the harness for sure. I'm not sure if I'll order another one to do a normal or sling strap or just use the harness. Thanks for the DIY. That looks like a great set up.

OP/TECH strap help

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