Black Rapid?

Rainbowsend

Does anyone use a Black Rapid strap? How do you find it, easier than a traditional neck strap? Is it more comfortable than a neck strap especially with a long lens on the camera? There is a cheaper version on the market called a Q Strap (I think) less than half the price but looks the same to me except the camera plate is a little different. Any views?

chisel

Don't know but I'm interested in the answers you get. They look very useful....

mdebets

I have the double strap (DR-1) from Black Rapid and it's by far the most useful gear I bought.

I normally have a Canon 40D with the 24-70L and a 30D with the 70-200 2.8L (both with grips and often a flash as well). Before them, I regularly had neck and shoulder pain and tensions after walking around with this set-up for a prolonged time. These days, i barely notice them, as the strap really takes off the weight from your neck.
I was a little bit afraid at the beginning, that I would drop the camera, as the whole weight is only hanging on the one screw, but haven't had any problem so far.

The only problems I can see is if you use a monopod for your long lenses, as you can't do that together with the Black Rapid strap. Overhead shooting can also be a little bit awkward.

There is also a second system from http://www.sun-sniper.com, which looks very similar.

Don't know anything about the q-strap

NakedDex

I find my RS-7 a lot more comfortable than a neck strap, but the cushion/pouch section tends to ride away from my shoulder fairly regularly, making it quite annoying at times too.
The pouches are handy for incidental things like spare cards and lens cloths, but nothing bigger really.

It's definitely my choice over the neck strap, simply because of where it sits at my side when I'm not handling it, or switching to another body, but I'm still looking for something I'm really happy with.

Rainbowsend

@ mdebets.....the attachment for the camera on the Q-strap is like a plate with a ring for attaching the strap and a knob for securing it to the camera, in the centre of the knob is the usual monopod/tripod mount which I thought was a better idea as you dont have to take the strap off before attaching it to a monopod or tripod. The only thing was the ring to attach the camera is not central so the camera would hang at a slight angle, dont know if that is good or not?

I have a knock-off of the double strap, made by "Samark". I'm not sure where I got it, but I'd guess eBay. Think I paid €30 for it and I couldn't fault it.

You can also seperate the two straps, if you only want one camera with you. Handy stuff. Little steel bolt thingy with a D-ring screws into your tripod socket, and the strap itself has a hook on each side, that clips onto the D-ring onthe bottom of the camera. The hook gets screwed closed, so it's all as safe and sturdy as you'd like.

Certainly wouldn't be spending money on a BlackRapid after using this knock off one. Not an issue with it so far.



http://cgi.ebay.com/Dual-2-Double-Camera-Binoculars-Shoulder-Strap-Harness-/230566001754?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35aecdfc5a


The above isn't my one, but it seems similar enough. I note with the above one, it leave the tripod socket free. Could be useful (though it doesn't look as secure as the one that goes straight into the tripod socket).

Rainbowsend

I have just ordered a Q-strap off ebay, £23 so I will let you know how I find it when I get it. Thanks for the feedback

pullandbang

Both myself and the missus have them. They are brilliant - much more comfortable than a neck strap.

Nebezpeci Mys

My bf has one of them as well and is very happy with it - the only down side is that you have to take it off if you want to use a tripod; the strap uses the same 'screw' as the plate...

Rainbowsend

Nebezpeci Mys wrote: »

My bf has one of them as well and is very happy with it - the only down side is that you have to take it off if you want to use a tripod; the strap uses the same 'screw' as the plate...

That and the fact that the Q-strap is half the price, is why I went for that one, thought it would be a bit of a nuisance to have to remove the strap every time you wanted to put it on a tripod!

TinyExplosions

Me and the better half both use RS-7's and wouldn't go back to standard neck straps again!

ozymandius

+1 for the Q-strap. I love it. Nearly got an R-strap, but thought it was just too expensive (there's a recession you know).

The base-plate/atachment is a bit clunky, but now I actually prefer it to the Black Rapid yoke, which could twist out. Whilst it does provide a socket for a tripod, you wouldn't put a tripod plate on it.

The carbiner on the Q-strap doesn't appear to be as good as the Black Rapid one, but I would trust it with my D90.

Got mine here - http://myworld.ebay.com/jscamerastore

PopeBuckfastXVI

+1 for blackrapid, so much more comfortable than regular neck strap

gloobag

Have the RS-7 myself, and can't see myself ever needing another strap. Very comfortable and very well made.

DotOrg

Rainbowsend wrote: »

Does anyone use a Black Rapid strap? How do you find it, easier than a traditional neck strap? Is it more comfortable than a neck strap especially with a long lens on the camera? There is a cheaper version on the market called a Q Strap (I think) less than half the price but looks the same to me except the camera plate is a little different. Any views?

I've been using this one:
http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/rs-5/
for the past 18 months and I love it, I'd never go back to a traditional strap. and i use mine with the baseplate form my manfrotto tripod as the connection point so it's really quick to put on and off the tripod. Yes using a monopod can take a little longer to attach but that's never been an issue.

But for comfort and convenience with a heavy camera, it's by far the best strap I've ever used

Rainbowsend

:D getting quite excited now (yes I am easily pleased) cant wait to get it and try it out.

chisel

Thanks for the ebay links - i bought a double q strap for 26euro -essentially 13quid each!

they're on the way..

32finn

Hey Chisel, do u have a link to where u got it for that? Cheers

chisel

32finn wrote: »

Hey Chisel, do u have a link to where u got it for that? Cheers

Here ya go.

http://wap.ebay.ie/Member/G/ViewItem.aspx?aid=230566001754&tid=540326541013&emvAD=800x511&emvcc=0

32finn

Cheers mate

Rainbowsend

Well I received my "Q" strap in the post today, and am well chuffed with it, it is comfortable and easily adjusted. It was well worth the money considering I paid nearly the same price for a neck strap which makes my neck sweat and ache!! Happy snapping and thanks for all your positive feedback.

image1960

Call in to Photocare in Lower Abbey Street. They have the full range of straps in stock, and will be glad to let you try it on.

coolmoose

Bought my Blackrapid RS-5 direct from BR last year, and I wouldn't go near another strap again. Great item, fantastic for walking around with even for a whole day. Would definitely recommend!

ozymandius

ozymandius wrote: »

+1 for the Q-strap. I love it. Nearly got an R-strap, but thought it was just too expensive (there's a recession you know).

The base-plate/atachment is a bit clunky, but now I actually prefer it to the Black Rapid yoke, which could twist out. Whilst it does provide a socket for a tripod, you wouldn't put a tripod plate on it.

The carbiner on the Q-strap doesn't appear to be as good as the Black Rapid one, but I would trust it with my D90.

Update for Q-strap owners.

Well, I posted above that I wasn't impressed with the carabiner that came with the Q-strap and sure enough it started to come apart. Before it disintegrated totally I bought a ConnectR-2 direct from Black Rapid (€15 inc postage). Much more superior item. This I trust 100%. So strap has cost €28 + €15 - still sufficiently cheaper than the RS-7 to make it worthwhile.


ConnectR-2 on right - Click for bigger

Rainbowsend

I noticed that also the clip was a little iffy, but while visiting my Dad who took a shine to it, so I gave it to him being an engineer he noticed the clip wasnt up to scratch and "did a job on it". He sent me a replacement strap last week.....a Black Rapid! Now having seen and used the two different brands I would recommend the Q Strap for comfort a far superiour padding on the strap and super comfortable, but the clip on the Black Rapid is better, but
then a replacement clip still makes the Q strap cheaper.

chisel

Just to update you all. I bought the strap from tthe eBay seller (see post above) on the 18th January but it hasn't arrived yet. Contacted the guy and he asked could we wait another few days to see does it come - the slow post often takes 20-30 days. I also bobought other stuff from a different seller at the same time and it hasn't arrived either.

chisel

Ah wouldn't you know it - it arrived today! Very impressive alright..... yes the carabiner isn't great but you'd pick one of those up cheap somewhere. Given that I essentially got 2 of them for 27euro I think it's great value.

Seems very comfortable, doesn't seem to bounce around as I walk and the shoulder padding is good. The rest of the strap isn't the heaviest ever but that's probably a good idea since it fits into the bag easily plus its still plenty strong to carry the camera + lens.

All in all a great deal i think.

City-Exile

ozymandius wrote: »

+1 for the Q-strap. I love it. Nearly got an R-strap, but thought it was just too expensive (there's a recession you know).

The base-plate/atachment is a bit clunky, but now I actually prefer it to the Black Rapid yoke, which could twist out. Whilst it does provide a socket for a tripod, you wouldn't put a tripod plate on it.

The carbiner on the Q-strap doesn't appear to be as good as the Black Rapid one, but I would trust it with my D90.

Got mine here - http://myworld.ebay.com/jscamerastore

I have the Double Q strap.
Don't use it very often, but it's very capable of supporting a fully loaded body on each side.
Think it was about $35 at the time.
Certainly worth it for that money.
I'm glad I didn't waste money on a Black Rapid.

jonboy74

I use the cotton carrier carry-lite system for my 550D and absolutely love it. Its more expensive but I like having it secure on my side plus not worrying about what happens if the tripod mount comes off...

http://www.cottoncarrier.com/productscarry-liteconfig.html

sarkozy

What's the cheapest way to get any of the Black Rapid straps in Ireland? I need it for a Canon 5D.

kelly1

Is it easy to replace the carabiner on the Q-strap?

dinneenp

There was a discussion about BR recently here, I was thinking of getting one.
In the end I went for BR over a cheaper version as a few people said the camera fell off cheaper ones.
I should be getting it this week (guy was meant to bring it back from UK before Xmas for me).

Rainbowsend

kelly1 wrote: »

Is it easy to replace the carabiner on the Q-strap?

Yes, the strap can be detached through the adjustment buckle and the new carabiner can be put on, I bought a black rapid carabiner as they are very strong, The end of the strap is folded and stitched and wont fit through the buckle so I just cut off the end re threaded it and folded and restitched the end. (a shoe menders would do it for you if you are not handy with a sewing machine)

kelly1

Thanks Rainbowsend. I'm thinking of going for the BR Cargo. Save myself some hassle

alb

gloobag wrote: »

Have the RS-7 myself, and can't see myself ever needing another strap. Very comfortable and very well made.

Same here.