ceh1024 Loc: Lutz, FL

Here again is another episode of the continuing debate on whether to utilize a system connecting to the tripod mount or the standard camera connection points. Comments welcome.

When I received my T3i I researched quite a bit on the connect mechanism I wanted to employ. I knew that I didn’t want to wear a neck strap (been there done that.) I started to research slings as I thought them the best option (and still do) for what I wanted. I narrowed my search to two Black Rapid and Carry Speed.

My initial trepidation maybe even paranoia at having the only connection a single point on what controversially is a potential point of failure or damage. This later was slowly mitigated with use to the point where I was only slightly concerned but the fear never totally disappeared.

In my Opinion Carry speed blew Black Rapid away for several reasons:
1. I loved the swivel ball connector that attached to the Tripod socket far better than the snap shackle provided by BR.
2. The clips they used were incredible in that they had an additional locking point that I had never seen on a connector of the types used with webbing.

Now I have upgraded to the Canon 70D. The camera is noticeably heavier which again started my thoughts about the Tripod mount. The second motivation to look at changes was BR’s ability to legally shut down Carry Speed’s business with a patent violation. How that could happen with other companies employing the same philosophies is beyond me. But that is another issue.

I again looked at Black Rapid and their single point of connection tripod mount. There are many things liked about it. Things like style and accessories were very attractive. Pricing was outrageous.

I also started looking at Optech. During a trip there were a few instances where I carried my small shoulder camera holster and was shooting from it. I purchased a wrist strap that I really liked on the fly. Turns out it was made by Optech.

While reading the forum I read more about Optech and started researching the system. I was impressed with many of the features and interconnectivity options. Switching from my wrist strap to a sling would be simplicity itself.

However, here are my concerns.

Attaching to the standard strap mounts on the camera appears to cause the camera to hang in a way that allows the lens to fall at a right angle to the body rather than lying across the hip. This seems to be a little inconvenient and a possibly dangerous position. It also would seem to also allow more swing while walking or hiking.

The connectors are the same that everyone uses but I really would miss the safety locking connectors (3 point) used by Carry Speed. I know that Optech offers Velcro reinforcement for those that are nervous but should they have to? But maybe I am concerned for no reason. It would be great to have a source for the connectors used by Carry Speed.

At any rate these are my current thoughts hopefully I’ll resolve these issues in the next few weeks and try a solution.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I bought into the Optech sling for carrying a M43 with long zoom. I don't like using the tripod socket for anything but tripods, monopods or gorillapods.

I wanted the camera and lens to hang with the lens straight down under my arm, at my hip, with strap connections for security, so I used both strap mounts. The sling comes with two clips. I reversed the recommended male/female order on the camera so that it would point straight down.

When I'm shooting, the sling is more for drop protection than anything else because I'm holding on to the camera, so I unsnap the clip on the left.

In other words, I shift from a carry sling to a shooting sling with one of the clips.

I also added some larger key rings to the buckles on the shoulder pad. I have a couple very small belt pouch bags I can attach to the rings with a snap hook so I can keep some extra batteries and a polarizer handy, but out of the way.

There is nothing flimsy about the snaps. I bought the velcro reinforcements, but find them completely unnecessary.

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

I bought the OpTech sling as well. I carried my camera for awhile the way they recommend and I found myself with my hand on my lens all the time trying to make sure I wasn't going to run it into anything. Then I did like bsprague said and I reversed the male/female order, since I don't keep a grip on my camera at the moment where they suggest the other one goes, and now it hangs straight down. I don't have great big lenses on my camera, but I've never felt like I needed a reinforcement on the clips. I really like how secure my camera feels on both of the clips and it doesn't seem like it's straining them anywhere close enough that they might pop apart and drop my camera.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I use the OpTech/USA sling. I had the same concerns as you about attaching to the tripod mount.
There was a discussion here some time ago about this subject and several people contacted Nikon and Canon about it. Neither Nikon or Canon gave a thumbs up OR a thumbs downs on attaching the strap to the tripod mount, though both did state that the tripod mount was only designed for attaching the camera to a tripod.

ceh1024 Loc: Lutz, FL

Thanks for the reply. I hadn't considered the weight of the lens holding the lens down with two point connection. I'll experiment a little with that.

ceh1024 Loc: Lutz, FL

Yes I have read all of the quotes and comments. I have also seen comments from people who have tested the mounts on old cameras and could not make them fail. Who knows? I guess that each individual will have to find their own comfort level with that.

The only other thing that would sometimes irritate me was that I had to take off the whole Carry speed assembly to have the camera sit flat. That was using a quarter to unscrew the 1/4 bolt and remove the plate holding the connector.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I've got the Optech and been a little worried about one point of support. I'm going to try the idea of use the other clip as well to see how that works out. Was going to get the Velcro straps for a little more peace of mind, but 2 clips should handle it...

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I just want to say that I have used OpTech straps since 1982 without a single HINT of a failure. In fact, I still use that very first strap almost daily, it now carries a Nikon D7100 and Sigma 150-500mm "Bigma" lens. Yes, by the camera lugs. I trust OpTech with all my gear just because of my personal 32 year history with them. And they are the ONLY camera straps I choose to sell in my store.

Philadd Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I use the black rapid and like it a lot. Just make sure that if you go that route that you either buy their tether kit or make your own just in case something were to happen to the tripod mount.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I carry a BR system that has been retrofitted to hang the camera from the lugs like the OpTech system. I also use an underarm strap to keep the shoulder strap from slipping. Doing so gives me one big advantage. I lock the rear keeper near the small of my back. When climbing (e.g., onto a train car from below the boarding ramp), I can swing the camera back and use the front keeper to lock the camera behind me. Because of the underarm strap, the entire assembly is prevented from sliding back; the camera stays where I put it.

I am also experimenting with a system that holds the camera like a regular neck strap, but is longer and carried cross-body. This system (still in development) will allow the camera strap to slide, but through the slots on a much longer, but lighter non-slip pad. The latching mechanism would be a single latch for positioning attached to the pad. I am trying to use some old hot moldable plastic (such as is used in modern day casts and braces) as a stiffener for the pad; the material is light, perforated for air flow and will bend rather than break. It is also strong and difficult to cut when set, providing security. Part of the harness is an optional tether kit which, for those who feel the need, can use the tripod socket as a single or double safety option. If I wasn't using so many parts from other systems, this would probably be a good Kickstarter program.

bettis1 Loc: Texas

I also have/had concerns about the various sling options. When I first began to use the Black Rapid sling I left the original Nikon strap attached so that I could use it when I decided to unclip the BR. It didn't take long to figure out that having two slings on the device just added to the possibility that the camera would be jerked off of a table when it was put down.

I now just use the BR and my comfort level is increasing. Actually, when you analyze a standard factory strap you functionally only have one attachment point, too. In other words, should one of the top points fail, the camera and strap will fall unless you are able to catch them.

The biggest difficulty that I have now with the BR is that when the camera is placed down, either with or without the sling attached, the camera won't sit flat with the attachment point still on the camera. That also raises the concern about it falling from its perch somewhere.

The biggest fault that I see with the factory sling is that the attachment points are on the top of the camera. This causes the camera with a long lens to hang at a 45 degree angle when at the side. If the attachment points were on the side of the camera at mid point, then the camera and lens would hang straight down when at the side.

Bob

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

I have used the Optech system for years on my D-7000 with the 18-270 Tamron and some times an SB800 flash on top. I have never had any issues. I even wore it on a 15 mile bike hike around Shark Valley in the Everglades. As for the angle of the lens (angle dangle) I usually have the base of the camera resting against my body so the lens points straight down. The only negativity is when you turn the camera to take a portrait type shot, the straps can get in the way of the eyepiece but i have gotten so used to it I never notice it when I am shooting anymore.

wingnut1956 Loc: chicago

Another one you may want to look at that got me interested, though I have not purchased it yet, is by Peak Design...they have what appears to be quite a nice setup but I don't know of anyone using one.

ronz Loc: Florida

Check out the Spider Pro system

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

I am using the OpTech Mirrorless strap with my EM-10 and change from the grippy side to the to the smooth side when I want to use it like a sling. With their quick connect system, it is easy to attach a wrist strap when I want to use the camera this way. I find it very convenient.