Black Rapid and Nikkor 500mm lens
May 15, 2015 10:06:25 #
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. However, recently, I had to carry my 500 Nikkor and tripod w/Wimberley head a considerable distance in AZ. I noticed that my companions were carrying their large lenses with separate straps slung over their shoulders.
I realize that I need assistance and have ordered a BR Sport to carry the lens, only the lens.
I'm still concerned about the security of the Black Rapid.
Would some sort of safety connection be advisable?
Is the BR Sport capable of carrying such a load?
I still feel that carrying such weight secured only by a screw attached to the tripod collar to be risky.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I realize that I need assistance and have ordered a BR Sport to carry the lens, only the lens.
I'm still concerned about the security of the Black Rapid.
Would some sort of safety connection be advisable?
Is the BR Sport capable of carrying such a load?
I still feel that carrying such weight secured only by a screw attached to the tripod collar to be risky.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
May 15, 2015 10:19:13 #
Ive been doing it for years. My 500mm lens with camera body and teleconverter weighs in ar about 13.5 pounds. I use a Swiss Arca plate and clamp for quickly attaching it to the strap or tripod.
May 15, 2015 11:17:20 #
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
The tripods foot will handle the load of carrying the lens from the strap, MUCH better than the tripod socket on your camera will. You still have the issue of where to attach if you want to mount the lens on a gimbal head though. Unscrewing the BR D-ring every time would be a terrible PITA.
Your lens originally came with a strap designed just for that purpose, and it has strap lugs on the lens to accomodate that factory strap. I use them on all my long glass and they work great. I suggest using what was supplied first to see it if fills the bill for you before spending big bucks on a BR strap.
May 15, 2015 11:22:05 #
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
I have used a BR strap for several years now. I have no doubts about how secure the connection is. I would worry about some of the knock off brands however being made with cheaper metal & clasps. The BR carabiner connected to a BR D-ring will support plenty.
I connect an Arca Swiss plate to my Nikon battery gripped D7100 and then a BR D-ring to the plate, works nicely and have no worries about support. I carry various camera & lens combos and never have had an issue.
Of course, for peace of mind, adding a security strap is possible.
May 15, 2015 12:21:48 #
May 16, 2015 06:18:03 #
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
I have a BR, the harness, on one side is a D700 with a 70-200 on the other side is a D800 with a 24-70, both with flashes. They are secure.
May 16, 2015 06:36:45 #
Theres nothing better , or more comfortable or safer for your lens, then a Black Rapid Strap..I swear by them!!
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
May 16, 2015 06:58:51 #
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
I do it with twp straps attached to the arca swiss type tripod foot on my 600mm F4 with no hesitation - total load of lens and camera is about 16lbs.
However, I also have several bags, an over-the-shoulder Tamrac long lens bag and a backpack-style LowePro Lens Trekker 600 AW II. The Tamrac is for a single lens and attached camera, and the LowePro is a system to which you can attach various lens and accessory pouches.
If it is a short distance - less than half a mile, I will just mount it on the tripod and let my personal sherpa carry the whole mess on her shoulder. :)
There is no issue using the tripod screw/collar/lensplate - it's designed for all sorts of stresses - the bigger issue is the strap - which may be stitched into a loop, or, if it is a BR strap, it is stitched to a neoprene shoulder pad - which has two stitch points either of which can be stressed to failure.
May 16, 2015 08:13:23 #
sueyeisert
Loc: New Jersey
I was at B&H buying my 2nd Blackrapid strap and saw BR straps with Nikon written on the strap. To me that's an endorsement of the BR brand. Just follow BR/'s instruction's. EVERY TIME I use the straps I make sure the connections are tight. Never had a problem.
May 16, 2015 09:04:02 #
Great advice here. Thanks so much. This will be my first BR purchase and had some concerns. Thanks to your help, these concerns are no longer.
May 16, 2015 09:51:16 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
I would not string that 500 mm lens with a strap to carry. Rather I have a backpack just for that lens - Tamrac and Lowepro make great bags for that lens, camera and a TC. It is easier and safer. The 500 is expensive and a single strap isn't going to protect it in transit, hike or carry. Invest in a good pack for it and you will sleep better.
May 16, 2015 11:32:12 #
Mark7829 wrote:
I would not string that 500 mm lens with a strap to carry. Rather I have a backpack just for that lens - Tamrac and Lowepro make great bags for that lens, camera and a TC. It is easier and safer. The 500 is expensive and a single strap isn't going to protect it in transit, hike or carry. Invest in a good pack for it and you will sleep better.
:thumbup:
May 16, 2015 12:48:16 #
Take a look at the Spider Holster. It's a belt system. You can attach another pouch to hold a lens. I love it no strain on my neck anymore.
May 16, 2015 14:02:58 #
wapiti wrote:
I've always been hesitant about the BR straps. Ho... (show quote)
Go for it. I use a black rapid sport to carry my 600 f4 and 1DX with no problem with the black rapid screw in gizmo and attach the strap to it. I tried cliping it onto a tripod adaptor with a bent wire thing to turn the screw. When I clipped to that, it came apart and I dropped the 600 & 1DX in the dirt. Fortunately no problems after cleaning. Be sure you screw into the lens, not the camera body, as you can bend the lens mount with the weight of a big lens.
May 17, 2015 05:44:32 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
I use a BR strap on my nikon 200-400 f4 but as a back up only. I have the BR strap attached to my tripod foot of the lens but I carry the lens with two hands while I walk.
I also have a Minolta 600 f4. I use a converted kayak rack to carry the lens in a case, I also have a tripod with wimberley head, I strap that to my converted kayak rack and toe it behind me until I get to the shooting location. I then put everything together and shoot. I would not attempt to carry the 600 on a BR strap, too heavy as I am sure the 500 would be also.It can really tear up your shoulder in a short time.
I have also see folks convert two wheeled golf carts in the same manner. Air filled tires are also a big plus.
I also have a Minolta 600 f4. I use a converted kayak rack to carry the lens in a case, I also have a tripod with wimberley head, I strap that to my converted kayak rack and toe it behind me until I get to the shooting location. I then put everything together and shoot. I would not attempt to carry the 600 on a BR strap, too heavy as I am sure the 500 would be also.It can really tear up your shoulder in a short time.
I have also see folks convert two wheeled golf carts in the same manner. Air filled tires are also a big plus.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.