emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Is anyone familar with this product, and if so, what is your opinion of it. It's $79.00 on Amazon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeXIXRaxYt8

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Bought one. Tried it for several weeks and delegated it to my junk pile of stuff that did not work well for me.
The whole system works as advertised. It is comfortable and holds the camera securely. But grabbing the camera for a shot involves a hard to get used to twist to release it (especially with a long telephoto lens). And always having the camera right in front of me was ungainly at times.
It also looks a bit geeky.

I ended up adopting the Carry Speed CS-PRO MK II Camera Sling System (www.carryspeed.com) and find it meets my needs quite well. I now have one on all three of my DSLRs.

For more information see:
http://www.carryspeed.com/products/cs-pro-camera-sling-system

For a video review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS37P6on5ZE

CERS show interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MJl2FMp0OPQ

But camera straps are a personal thing, and everyone has their preferences.
The Cotton Carrier is very heavily advertised and as a result it has become popular.
You might love the Cotton Carrier.

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

I like the idea of the sling, so I think I'll look into that, also. I also thought the camera looked like it might be a little awkard.
Thanks for the info, it always helps to get a review from someone who has used the product.
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IzzyKap Loc: Rockville, MD

I too have been using Carry Speed Camera Sling system for several months and am very happy with it. I especially like the ability to attach my camera to a tripod without having to unscrew the sling mounting plate from my camera. I strongly recommend getting the one with F-1 folding mounting plate.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Good point. The F-1 folding plate is a great idea.
I purchased mine before this was plate available and will probably buy one for testing.
Right now I'm using RRS's L-bracket.

IzzyKap Loc: Rockville, MD

I too have purchased mine before the plate was available and have purchased the plate subsequently and find it very convenient.

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Just finished looking at some videos and reading about the sling strap and that's definitely what I'm looking for. This will serve my purpose much better then the Strapshot. Thanks for the help, you've saved me some research time .
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Skibo Loc: Richmond, Va.

Might want to take a look at Black Rapid also!

emmons267 Loc: Arizona, Valley of the Sun

Actually, I'm reviewing both. Thanks for the advice.

IzzyKap Loc: Rockville, MD

I bought Black Rapid before my current Carry Speed and liked it. The only drawback was having to unscrew it from the camera body in order to use a tripod.

Hankwt Loc: kingsville ontario

I use the black rapid R7 with the longer screw and a manfrotto plate no need to unscrew anything i also added a uniloop quick disconnect to the camera eye on the left side for added security - goes from eyelet to the caribeener

IzzyKap Loc: Rockville, MD

Sounds also like a good solution. Are these stock items?

Hankwt Loc: kingsville ontario

yes the longer screw is right from blackrapid all available online from each mfg or amazon /ebay

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Here is quick summary of the advantages and differences between several camera straps that I own - things that proved important to me.
1) Comfort
2) Security
3) Flexibility
4) Quick access
5) Easily and quickly removed

Black Rapid RS7
Does most things well.
Well made. Comfortable.
Handy anchorage for optional storage pockets (if you really want them there.)
Anchorage to the camera can scratch the camera.
Direct anchorage to the tripod socket is not as strong as if a plate is used to counter tortional force.
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod.
The quick disconnect can be opened with one hand, a liability if careless and it makes it easier for thieves when traveling in foreign locales.
The camera connection has a potential weak link at the end of the locking swivel hook that can wear and fail. (But I have never heard of one failing to date...)

Cotton Carrier
Awkward twist required to free it from the clunky metal chest plate; especially so with a long telephoto.
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod.
I just did not like it. Personal preference, so personal bias involved.

Carry Speed CS-Pro
Better anchoring system to tripod mount by using a standard Acra Swiss plate with a swivel ball for attaching the camera strap mount. Stronger and more flexible as it can go off and on a tripod without removing the strap anchor from the camera.
The camera strap has a double lock disconnect which is more secure and works well.
Supplied with a second security strap for long telephoto lenses.
Comes with an easy-to-use wrist strap which connects to the same mounting ball. A secure feature to have when mounting and un-mounting the camera from a tripod.
Widest and most comfortable strap of the lot. Great for heavy lenses.
The ball and socket connection is probably overkill, so that appeals to me. Very very secure.

Luma Labs Cinch
A solid design by a small firm without a big advertising budget.
Uses both the tripod mount and one camera body strap lug; providing double security anchorage and less stress on one mount.
Strap anchorage must be removed to mount camera on a tripod.
Offers a well designed adjustable strap for keeping the camera at your side, and adjusting the strap on the fly. Takes some getting used to, but it works and is a good concept.
See: http://luma-labs.com/products/cinch for more information.

So which is best?
There is no winner. They all offer advantages and it quickly becomes a personal choice based on your priorities. If you carry a camera around all day, comfort is a primary concern. Cotton Carrier and Carry Speed are best in that regard.

If you are carrying a heavy telephoto on a less expensive DSLR, the tripod mount may be over stressed. The Luma Labs Cinch and Carry Speed (when using the second lens strap) are the best choices. Both have a more secure mounting system.

If you want to carry some very small items on the strap, the Black Rapid system offers pouches that are easily attached to the strap. This convenience is important to some folks.

If you want to carry two cameras both the Cotton Carry and the Carry Speed have good options to address this. This allows flexibility without having to buy two straps from the onset and easy conversion back to one camera.

At the end of the day, only you can decide what works best, and you often can only do that if you try out the most promising straps for several days.