Black Rapid Straps RS4 Black Fabric, Lightweight and Low Profile, with ConnectR-2 and FastenR-2
by BlackRapid
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Our Price: $53.95 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $44.99 (click here) Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Black Rapid Straps RS4 Black Fabric, Lightweight and Low Profile, with ConnectR-2 and FastenR-2
Customer Review: Great strap, especially for walking around and shooting
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this strap for use with my Canon 5D and it works very well. The main purpose for switching to this style lens was for easy access to my camera while helping my wife with the kids. I've taken this on trips to the zoo, beach, Seaworld, and other amusement parks. I can easily push the stroller and still have access to my camera for a quick shot, and slide it back down to my side. Before, I would have to fumble for the camera, or tuck it away in the stroller. Now, I can take quick shots and have my hands free in no time.
The biggest adjustment is to trust having your camera suspended upside down. Once you gain confidence that your camera will be okay and won't fall, you'll really love having the strap. I routinely have my 5D with battery grip, hand strap, & 24-70L attached without any concerns (occasionally I'll also add the 580EX flash, as well). I tend to have my right hand on the camera if I don't want it bumping into things in tight spaces, but otherwise it doesn't swing around too much as long as you're not running around.
The two things that I don't like are that I find myself constantly sliding the strap back in place. If you notice the padding area with the R logo, it will slide backwards as you move the camera in position to shoot and doesn't always slide back, so the padding ends up behind my back. It's not a big deal to pull it back in place, but it just feels a little awkward when the padding is not resting on my shoulder. I believe they now have an attachment to the R-strap to keep it place. The second thing, is that you screw the strap to the bottom on the tripod slot. So when I need to take off the camera and strap, I can not place the camera flat on a surface, without unscrewing the strap off first. There is nothing that can be done, as this is just how the strap attaches to the camera. What I end up doing, is placing the camera on it's side, or on top of a sweatshirt or my jacket.
Overall, I love this product, as I can carry my 1 year old son on my left arm, and still have access to my camera for a shot of my 4 year old running around. Another bonus is that on trips, I always have a backpack; You can place the strap over the backpack so it will function just fine even with the backpack on. I've read on camera forums that you can make a similar style strap yourself for much cheaper. So if you want the benefits but don't want to pay the high price, there are DIY options if you feel like making one yourself. However, it is nice to have the refined look of a commercial strap, and once you use it you'll realize the advantages of this type of strap.
Customer Review: Very comfortable
Summary: 5 Stars
This review is for the Blackrapid RS4, Blackrapid Double strap, and the Cotton Carrier. I own all three. If all you need is one strap the RS4 is impossible to beat. It is comfortable and very convenient to use.
The double strap is the most comfortable way to carry two cameras (I carry a Nikon D700, 24-70, SB 900 on one side and a Nikon D300, 70-200 VR on the other). I can WALK around all day with absolutely no discomfort from the weight of the cameras. They won't slip off and are both very easy to access.
Here is my problem with the double, and to a lesser extent, with the single RS4, the camera hangs off to the side. It is difficult to do anything but stand or walk. Things like squatting down, sitting, or running, are problems. When I lean over to take a close up of a flower, the other camera will invariably flop around front. Also the camera's stick out from my sides and I have bumped them many times. In one case I hit something hard enough to crack the case on the back of the flash unit.
I bought the Cotton Carrier. It is very secure and does not have the swinging issues. However, it is not as comfortable to wear all day. During a long shoot, my chest was sore from the chest plate. Also the edges of the shoulder straps rubbed on my neck. I am going to try some more adjusting on the straps, but I don't think it will help beyond what I have already done.
In brief,
For one camera use; hands down Blackrapid RS4
For two cameras, no crowds, no leaning over, no sitting, not much moving around or just walking; Blackrapid double strap
For two cameras, active, moving around leaning over, sitting, laying on the ground, Cotton Carrier, but it is less comfortable that than the double.
And all three are a pain when switching to tripod mounts.
Customer Review: Good news strap for bad news backs
Summary: 5 Stars
A nasty fall some years ago left me in the hospital and gave me permanent difficulties carrying things around my neck. A pound is about my limit. My binoculars at 22 oz fatigue me. My DSLR weighs in at 3 pounds. Carrying it with a normal neck strap starts hurting within 20 minutes. A birder's shoulder harness helps a little but not much. Attaching a padded monopod and carrying the kit over my shoulder was my best answer before getting this strap. That's okay for hiking but awkward in any kind of crowd. With the BlackRapid strap on my camera. I can go out for half a day with just a little fatigue.
Obviously, you don't need a bad back to benefit from this strap. I'd recommend it for any heavy camera/lens combo. The wide padded strap that slings cross body does a very good job of distributing the camera's weight and keeping it inline with the body. The free swing of the camera on the connector allows it to fall - lens down - just behind my hip and out of the way. With a bit of practice it's extremely fast to get the camera up to eye level. It also offers pockets in the strap for extra memory cards, lens cloth or other small extras. Add in easy adjustment, secure, quick attachment and quality build and you've got a winner. This is a substantial and well made product.
The strap uses the camera's tripod socket to mount so you can't use quick release plates. The attachment fitting also keeps the camera from sitting flat on its bottom. So, if you're going to need a tripod camera mount, you're probably better off using a camera bag or a belt holster, which you probably already own. For a hand held shots, though, it's the best thing I've seen.
If you find your camera a bit heavy and your back aching at the end of the day, or if you just appreciate well made, designed and comfortable straps, then here's the most comfortable strap around.
Customer Review: WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a professional photographer specializing in youth athletics and often carry two, and sometimes three different cameras during a game for hours at a time. Typical camera straps (around the back of the neck) can "scissor" with one another, and the added weight of heavy zoom lenses puts undue pressure on the back and neck.
The "RStrap" is a lifesaver! It hangs across the shoulder with a padded cushion and the camera slides down to an inverted hanging position at my hip until I need it. Even with a heavy 400mm lens the Black Rapid keeps the weight off of my neck and greatly reduces neck fatigue (and anyone who's carried a heavy lens with an ordinary camera strap will attest to THAT wear and tear!)
Initially I was hesitant to purchase this product because I couldn't justify spending over [...] on a mere strap, but after having used this product for dozens of sporting events from baseball to rugby I heartily endorse the RStrap to anyone out there who might be thinking of making the same purchase.
THIS IS THE BEST PRODUCT I'VE ADDED TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY ARSENAL, BAR NONE! You won't regret it, I promise. Order one, attach it to your camera and let the weight hang effortlessly off of your shoulder instead of pulling down on the back of your neck. You'll see instantly why this should have been part of your equipment years ago!
Can't say enough about this product. It's easy to adjust the length of the strap so that your camera stays out of harm's way when you kneel to shoot with a second camera, and allows you to put a hand on two different cameras for that split second choice between cameras as the action unfolds.
If you hike or work with heavy equipment I highly recommend the Black Rapid RS4! You won't be disappointed!
Bob Timmerman
Wizardpix Photography
Murfreesboro, Tn 37127
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Customer Review: WARNING! Metal Connector will scratch your camera
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this product about 4 months ago and at first it seemed awesome. I loved the way the camera is slung over the shoulder with the grip facing outwards so that you can immediately grab the camera and snap a picture. Ergonomically and functionally it is great. However it has one fatal flaw.
The carabiner type connector that is between the metal connector that screws into the bottom of the camera and the strap is made out of metal. If you sit down with your camera in your lap the caribiner type connector will scratch your camera. I went on a two week vacation during which time I carried my camera around with me all day using the Black Rapid Strap. We would walk around for a while and then drive to the next location. By the time I got back home there was a deep scratch about 1 1/8 long and 1/8 inch wide on the bottom back right side of the camera. When I checked for potential contact between the metal connector and the camera the scracth matched up perfectly where the location the metal connector contacts the camera when seated. The scratch took the paint off of the camera body exposing the raw metal of the camera.
I contacted the store I purchased the product from and they are supposed to contact the makers of the Black Rapid Strap. Of course I have not heard anything back and what are they going to do, replace my camera body? Unlikely...
Pros:
1. Super comfortable
2. Peforms as advertised
3. Ergonomically great
Cons:
1. It will scratch your camera body and ruin it.
Given the price of a good DSLR camera body it is not worth it until the company realses a non-metal connector or a rubber coated connector....