Black Rapid Strap (Page 2): Having read about concerns about the Black Rapid strap, which I've used for 2 yrs, I purchased some small link straps from OP-Tech. These go thru the strap...

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

Having read about concerns about the Black Rapid strap, which I've used for 2 yrs, I purchased some small link straps from OP-Tech. These go thru the strap lug and can be then attached to the Black Rapid strap, vial clip. Works very well, and eleviates any concern about trip-pod socket.
Cost was $7 from B&H with free shipping.

pathoot

I have mine for several years now...love it. I carry the Nikon d800 and have no problems. If I see a situation, I push it back behind me and no one see it....
I seem to have my hand on it...you can adjust it for the perfect position.

Jim S Loc: Barrington RI, DC now Hilton Head,

Hoosier in GA wrote:

Having read about concerns about the Black Rapid strap, which I've used for 2 yrs, I purchased some small link straps from OP-Tech. These go thru the strap lug and can be then attached to the Black Rapid strap, vial clip. Works very well, and eleviates any concern about trip-pod socket.
Cost was $7 from B&H with free shipping.

That is the only way to do it. It is cheap insurance and secures the camera to the camera lugs.

ramapo Loc: New Jersey

I used the Black Rapid for a couple of months but switched over to the Op Tech. I like the flexibility of the Op Tech attachment system over the use of the tripod socket. And I didn't care for the camera hanging upside down. However I never noticed a problem with the tripod attachment itself such as loosening. Obviously it gets in the way of using a tripod which was also part of my reason to switch. Pretty much personal preference although I was a bit wary of the Black Rapid with my heavier telephoto lens.

cweisel Loc: Arizona

A similar discussion a while back left me with the impression to buy a Carry Speed. I have not pushed the shutter on that purchase yet. Does anyone have experience with both and have a preference? And of course, why?

karelowe Loc: Boise, Idaho, & Mesa, AZ

I had a Black Rapid and loved it except for the difficulty in using the tripod (as it is secured in the tripod hole). I then switched to the Carry Speed so I wouldn't have the tripod issue. If I remember correctly I bought the Carry Speed for about the same price as a bracket for the Black Rapid that would alleviate the tripod issue. I like the Carry Speed as well. No issues.

cweisel Loc: Arizona

karelowe wrote:

I had a Black Rapid and loved it except for the difficulty in using the tripod (as it is secured in the tripod hole). I then switched to the Carry Speed so I wouldn't have the tripod issue. If I remember correctly I bought the Carry Speed for about the same price as a bracket for the Black Rapid that would alleviate the tripod issue. I like the Carry Speed as well. No issues.

Thanks for the feedback. Still undecided though. Tripod, monopod is important as well as comfort.

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

JR1 wrote:

I would never trust anything that screws into the tripod bush, there have been comments here and GOOGLE of people hearing and feeling their precious gear crash to the ground because it came undone, oh well lugs are on cameras for a reason

If you do want one

1. Tighten fully
2. Check every use

JR1 - I agree completely. Also, if any of these straps are used, what happens to your quick-connect tripod mount? I am back and forth between hand-held and tripod so I think these bush-mount straps would be a real problem. Now if I was a street-shooter or did only snap-shots, I suppose these would be a great addition. But if all I wanted were snapshots, I would probably have a P&S in my pocket.

dspoon2 Loc: Rockwall TX

ditto op tech...every product i've bought from them has been top notch!

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

Al Beatty wrote:

Hi Kimkaye,

I love mine but based on some comments on UHH I also attach a short strap from the base plate to one of the camera strap anchors. Take care & ...

That all seems to me to give you the feeling of protection. Which is comforting. The photos that I have seen is where the tripod socket did not pull out or give way, the plastic case of the camera around the tripod socket broke. So then you would need a new case. Your secondary strap will probably hold the camera from hitting the ground.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

JR1 wrote:

I would never trust anything that screws into the tripod bush

If you do want one

1. Tighten fully
2. Check every use

This is a given. Always check your equipment before using it. This include the condition of the battery, memory card, camera settings, lens, AND especially the strap. Check the screw and check the lanyard connection to make sure it's tight every time you put it on. I've been using the Sport Strap for a couple of years now and my camera combo weighs 13lb 6oz. I use it on the camera too but only when I have one of my smaller lenses attached.

pking5820

Kimkaye wrote:

Anyone have good or bad experiences with this strap? I am not sure of the security. Should I trust it with my d7000 and 18-300 lense attached? Thanks for any feed back!

I recently bought the Sport version used it and then modified it in two ways. It is working out to be the best strap to date- and I've had too many to count. Have yet to see any problems with the underside connection but will consider the "extra" strap that has been suggested here.

I used a sewing awl to modify the under arm strap to a elastic under the RIGHT arm (left side kept falling off it I took the camera off the strap for any reason). I keep a comfortably snug tension that can be expanded if I put on a jacket.

The second modification was to sew on a "micro cleaning cloth" under the strap to keep it from slipping down on the front when I put extra batteries (AAA) in the attachable carry case.

They recommend you carry it down next to your belt - NOT ! Way too much swinging if you let it go. I keep it half way between my belt and my armpit.

Hope this helps.

Pete

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

Another 2 thumbs up for the Carry Speed. Very, very comfortable.

bgtmd Loc: San Angelo, TX

If you use any Really Right Stuff Plates, this is a secure and convenient way to use the Black Rapid strap and not compromise the tripod connection. http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&eq

Lorendn Loc: Jackson, WY

bgtmd wrote:

If you use any Really Right Stuff Plates, this is a secure and convenient way to use the Black Rapid strap and not compromise the tripod connection. http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&eq

Now that is a nice option!