MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Due to several published reviews of the OpTech USA Double Sling camera strap that I use, I have just been retained by a camera supplier to field test two different double camera straps.
This post will be the first installment of that test as the straps have just arrived. Both of these strap systems are pretty much knock-offs of the Black Rapid Double Strap design and utilize the tripod socket of your camera for mounting rather than the neck strap lugs as provided by every camera manufacturer. It is clear that these straps sole competitive purpose is price as they are each priced at about $100 less than the Black Rapid, and right on par with the street price of the OpTech product.


First strap is called the Safe and Fast Double Strap, here is the dealers description of this strap:
"The Safe and Fast Double Camera Harness/Strap for Digital SLR and Video is the ideal strap for action photographers. It is a revolutionary new camera strap. The fully adjustable strap allows you camera to glide easily along the strap. When not in use, your camera will hang comfortable at your side or behind you depending on how you position the strap. When you need to shoot, just grab the camera and pull it up into shooting position. The strap will stay in comfortably in place on your shoulder as the camera slides along the strap on its unique sliding carabineer. The strap is also equipped with an amazingly tough steel wire which is designed to prevent theft by cutting the strap while attached to your body. This is the perfect strap for photojournalists, sports photographers, nature photographers hiking or climbing, urban warriors who need to keep the cameras out of the way while working through the crowds, and wedding photographers."


The second setup is the CAPA Double Shoulder Harness Strap. Here is its description:
"The CAPA Double Camera Harness/Strap for Digital SLR and Video is the ideal strap for action photographers. It is light weight and very soft, also wide, anti-slip, soft spongy features all make your shoulder comfortable and reduce the pressure when carrying large DSLR camera and lens. The fully adjustable strap allows you camera to glide easily along the strap. When not in use, your camera will hang comfortable at your side or behind you depending on how you position the strap. When you need to shoot, just grab the camera and pull it up into shooting position. The strap will stay in comfortably in place on your shoulder as the camera slides along the strap on its unique sliding carabineer.
The metal clip effortlessly slides along the strap up to where you’re pulling it. In that way, you can shoot in a pinch, just in one swift motion from rest to shooting. And it is also easy to set your DSLR down to resting position in between shots."


Both of these straps will be tested in the field carrying a pair of Nikons. One is a Nikon D800 with a 24-70mm F2.8 mounted, and the other is a Nikon D800E with a 70-200mm F2.8 mounted. This setup is a good representation of an average sports shooting situation at a high school football, volleyball or basketball game where 2 camera bodies and lenses are always a good idea.
I will update the testing as I have results of build quality, fit, adjustability, wearing comfort and functionality.
Pics of the straps and their hardware are below. I have not included the OpTech design in these pics but may be doing so in conjunction with this evaluation if needed.

Thanks to all who watch and have interest in this comparison.

Safe and Fast Double Harness/Sling


Safe and Fast Mount Hardware


CAPA Double Strap


CAPA hardware

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Thanks - have been looking to purchase a new one. Will hold off til your final analysis/comparison is done.

Canonuser Loc: UK and South Africa

Is the camera tripod socket designed to take the weight of a camera and perhaps a large lens swinging about on it. I do not know, but have never seen a camera manufacturer's comment or recommendation on this issue.

Jamers Loc: Michigan

For what it's worth, what I remember reading (about a year ago from/or about Nikon) the tripod socket is not designed for the purpose of "hanging" the camera. From what I recall, there was no mention as to the size or weight of the lens attached, just the socket was not designed for that purpose.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

It never ceases to amaze me the things I learn on this forum. I have no plans to travel abroad but some idiot will pull something here similar. Looks like a new strap will be purchased as soon as MT finishes his review. Thanks for the important information. Mike

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have tried to find that post too, and cannot locate it. As I recall, a member wrote letters to Nikon and Canon and asked about the tripod socket issue and both replied that it was NOT designed for those stresses and damage from such use would not be covered by warranty should it occur.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Initial impression review have been done and posted:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-97415-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-97431-1.html

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

UPDATE:
I have just been asked to add the "K Strap Double Strap" to my review series. A sample will be mailed to me on Monday so I will be adding that model once it arrives. I think it is little more than another Black Rapid/Carry Speed knock-off though

Jamers Loc: Michigan

Yes, it appears we both read the same statement, I will continue to look through other sites as well. It would be nice though to have such a device such as you are testing. My DSLR has a battery grip with two EN-EL3e batteries, and a lite 17-50 lens, and it does not take long before my neck and shoulders ache, and my hands begin to tingle.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

After reading MT's reviews it appears that the search continues. Hopefully some-one comes up with a reliable strap soon although I hate to give up my op-techs and Crumplers which serve me well.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The answer is here:

http://optechusa.com/double-sling.html

olcoach Loc: Oregon

This is good stuff but now I'm concerned about some crook cutting my strap.

Jamers Loc: Michigan

Good point

Pentony Loc: Earth Traveller

Would not use a harness which only uses a tripod connecting screw for camera body for reasons previously elucidated. However for additional safety when using a heavy long lens, if that long lens has a built in tripod thread, would consider modifying OPtech by adding a strapped tripod screw for attaching to that lens.

Please pass that suggestion to Optech.

Will be following this post. Thanks for the updates.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Something like this? (it can also be attached to the lenses tripod socket if you wish to).