Camera harnesses -- OpTech vs. Black Rapid: Looking into getting a camera harness. I go out two camera and am tired of missing shots because I had to changes lenses. I know some guys...

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Looking into getting a camera harness. I go out two camera and am tired of missing shots because I had to changes lenses. I know some guys who use OpTech and some who use Black Rapid. The Black Rapid is the more expensive, about three times as much. Does anyone have experience with either or both and can make recommendations?

Nigel7 Loc: Worcestershire. UK.

Can't comment on those 2 makes but recommend you also consider Peak Design. They don't do a harness but I either use two PD straps or a strap and a belt clip. Less cumbersome than a harness. Their clips can also attached to a backpack shoulder strap.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I have an Op-Tech 2 camera rig I have never used. PM me if you are interested.

Thanks

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

I have the Black rapid which is fine. It also can be taken apart to use as a single strap.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have several OP/TECH straps, and I like them very much. All of their products snap together with each other, and that's a big advantage. I've found no negatives to their products.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

kb6kgx wrote:

Looking into getting a camera harness. I go out two camera and am tired of missing shots because I had to changes lenses. I know some guys who use OpTech and some who use Black Rapid. The Black Rapid is the more expensive, about three times as much. Does anyone have experience with either or both and can make recommendations?

I have been using a Black Rapid strap with my cameras for several years now.

I have a Black Rapid Arca Swiss plate on my camera that slides into arca Swiss clamps on my tripods. The carabiner on the strap connects to a foldable D connector on the plate when not on a tripod. Works great.

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I had a Black Rapid, but didn't like it because it would not stay fixed on my shoulder. I bought the OpTech, and find it works perfectly. This is the OpTech harness that holds 2 cameras, each can be on the sides, or one on the side and the other on the front. I don't use them as much any more, because I don't do weddings now.

I would recommend the OpTech over the Black Rapid.

Ourspolair

I have been using Optech for several years. Works well for me.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

I have not used the dual rigs before but I do own the following:

Peak Design - comfortable, convenient and less bulky - $$
Op Tech - most comfortable, looks and feels sturdy but bulky due to shoulder pad. Can be customized - less $$
Black Rapid - appears to be bulky, comfortable, sturdy - $$ - Still new in the box.
Joby - older but much like Black Rapid, strap design not as good as all of the above & would not recommend.

The Peak Design is the most convenient to disconnect and use on multiple cameras. I use it with my G9 kit.
I own two of the Op tech straps and use them on D500, D750 & D7100 and really like the system but it is bulkier for travel purposes than the Peak Design system. Much of this is just personal preference so you will get many opinions. I purchased the Peak Design at the same time as the Black Rapid and liked it so well I never actually tried the Black Rapid. Good luck on the dual setup if that is what you decide to go with.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

jerryc41 wrote:

I have several OP/TECH straps, and I like them very much. All of their products snap together with each other, and that's a big advantage. I've found no negatives to their products.

I too like the Op Tech straps. But I often have an issue with it getting in front of my right hand. I use the release attachments. I should see if there is a way to adjust and use the single strap. Is that how you use it?

IDguy Loc: Idaho

IDguy wrote:

I too like the Op Tech straps. But I often have an issue with it getting in front of my right hand. I use the release attachments. I should see if there is a way to adjust and use the single strap. Is that how you use it?

Checked out the Optech straps. This is the one I have for both cameras: https://www.adorama.com/otusxlqab.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw-5v7BRAmEiwAJ3DpuJibffwvpOC_nQvfqbciEboP5iFxkKTscfNEVr5dYUgGMnIcPYgh1BoCBQUQAvD_BwE&utm_source=adl-gbase

I have had them several years. When I look now I see most of their camera straps do not have the closed loop. That is what gives me grief. I’m going to try modifying one by replacing the loop with their extensions. If that works I’ll get a second set. If not I’ll try cutting the loop.

But the ones without the loop won’t have my issue.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

kb6kgx wrote:

Looking into getting a camera harness. I go out two camera and am tired of missing shots because I had to changes lenses. I know some guys who use OpTech and some who use Black Rapid. The Black Rapid is the more expensive, about three times as much. Does anyone have experience with either or both and can make recommendations?

Optech says you only need one of the connectors per camera. In that case the utility strap I have might work, although the two cameras would bump when walking unless you hold one.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

PS: Op/tech web site seems broken. Amazon and camera stores have them.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

I have used an OP Tech sling strap for many years. When I looked into purchasing a second body I got one of the double slings. The couple of times I wore it I liked it just as much as my sling strap for one camera. They also have the double harness that clips together across the chest for more security that it won't slip if there's a bigger lens on one side vs the other.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

dpfoto wrote:

I had a Black Rapid, but didn't like it because it would not stay fixed on my shoulder. I bought the OpTech, and find it works perfectly. This is the OpTech harness that holds 2 cameras, each can be on the sides, or one on the side and the other on the front. I don't use them as much any more, because I don't do weddings now.

I would recommend the OpTech over the Black Rapid.

Hmm. That's exactly the reason that I dropped OpTech for Black Rapid. Never seen a better shoulder grabbing strap than my Black Rapid.