Black Rapid RS-5 Camera Strap (Page 4): Good to know. Thanks.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Bellisari wrote:

I have used Black rapid for many years and have never experienced a problem. They now make a tether kit which you can review on their website it eliminates the issue of attaching to the tripod socket

Good to know. Thanks.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

MT Shooter wrote:

Like these?:

Wow, That's gotta really suck. Good point MT.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

steveg48 wrote:

This logic doesn't make sense. Tripod sockets are designed to support the camera when it is on a tripod. When the camera is attached to a strap there is additional torque and forces on the socket that are not present when it is on a tripod because it is swinging.

Nikon says they designed their strap in conjunction with RRS. I called RRS and asked them if the strap should be directly attached to the tripod socket. They said no.

What EXACTLY are those tripod sockets supporting?

THE WEIGHT OF THE CAMERA/LENS ASSEMBLY! :roll:

Makes ZERO difference WHAT orientation that camera/lens assembly is; it's designed to bear the load. PERIOD.

Gravity is gravity my friend, and in this case, it doesn't matter if it's pushing or pulling; the engineering is EXACTLY the same because the STRESS is the same.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

peterg wrote:

I use different straps, including a Black Rapid, f... (show quote)

^^^BINGO!!!

And I'm not agreeing based on what someone TOLD me, but rather on extensive personal experience. :D

Raleigh Loc: Reside in Olympia WA

I also use the Op/Tech.
If you use the tripod socket for your camera strap, do you ever use a tripod?

CSI Dave Loc: Arizona

steveg48 wrote:

Nikon says they designed their strap in conjunction with RRS. I called RRS and asked them if the strap should be directly attached to the tripod socket. They said no.

Maybe it has something to do with RRS wanting to sell you a $70 adapter? :)

Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC

CHOLLY wrote:

What EXACTLY are those tripod sockets supporting?

THE WEIGHT OF THE CAMERA/LENS ASSEMBLY! :roll:

Makes ZERO difference WHAT orientation that camera/lens assembly is; it's designed to bear the load. PERIOD.

Gravity is gravity my friend, and in this case, it doesn't matter if it's pushing or pulling; the engineering is EXACTLY the same because the STRESS is the same.

Yes, but in a static load situation only... Add the dynamics of a swinging or dropping motion and the whole picture (no pun intended) changes with the abrupt and high force loading of the mechanical connection.

CSI Dave Loc: Arizona

I have both the Op/Tech and Black Rapid. The BR was first, which I still like. I tried the Op/Tech from MT's recommendation in previous discussions. I find the Op/Tech's slightly stretchy padding to be slightly more comfortable on the shoulder. The only thing I don't like about it is that the strap from the lug seems to end up in my face a lot while shooting, depending how I'm holding it and my body position. I never noticed that with the tripod mounted BR strap. Never had any issues with the tripod mount integrity, for what it's worth.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Gitchigumi wrote:

Yes, but in a static load situation only... Add the dynamics of a swinging or dropping motion and the whole picture (no pun intended) changes with the abrupt and high force loading of the mechanical connection.

^^^You can NOT develop sufficient force "swinging" a camera/lens combination to overwhelm the design standard. That just does not and CAN NOT HAPPEN.

As for the potential for stress from a drop... well; anyone who has actually USED a Black Rapid Strap in the field KNOWS how to move the camera/lens from shooting position to storage/travel.

You SLIDE it into place... you don't drop it. ;)

The whole idea that the tripod lug nut is not designed to support the weight of a camera/lens combination is an urban legend. Absurd and NOT based on real life experience. The fact is, examples of support failure are the extremely, insignificantly RARE exceptions.

TRULY nothing for ANY of us who DON'T abuse our gear to worry or even be concerned about. ;)

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

CSI Dave wrote:

I have both the Op/Tech and Black Rapid. The BR w... (show quote)

^^^EXACTLY!!! :thumbup:

lwerthe1mer Loc: Birmingham, Alabama

I bought a BlackRapids strap a few years ago. I found that, with my camera swinging from my hip, it was like a wrecking ball on a crane. Perhaps that's too dramatic, but I switched back to a conventional strap which places the camera in front of me.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

A person should no more allow their camera to "swing like a wrecking ball on a crane" from their hip as they should from their chest.

The goal is to ACT like that camera is an expensive investment and treat it accordingly. ;)

Bobc163 Loc: Australia NSW

I have used the black rapid strap that you are talking about and used it for 4 months on an overland trip through Turkey to Beijing
I never had a concern and i had a 5Dmk111 with the 24-105 lens attached
only hassle was when I wanted to use the tripod
I have since changed to a Custom SLR fitting and strap and this enable me to fit the whole lot on the tripod using either a Manfrotto quick release or the other standard mounting (can't remember the type)
I have found the CSLR system to be very comfortable and i like the way the camera is balanced
Definetly worth a look at

Bluemeanie

It is a good solution Takes the weight off your neck You need to hold or brace the camera when you walk Other than that it is fine

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

If you have a Manfrotto tripod you can put a special fitting from blackrapid. the plate stays stays on the camera and can be used by the black rapid strap.
Hope I was clear.