http://optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html

Ok, there's the link to the site where it has pics and a video of how the strap works. The male end uni loop is supposed to connect to the right side camera strap lug. I have uploaded one of the pics they have here and if you want to see more you can click the link for the site. They also include a female uni loop when you get the strap so that you can use it with a pro battery pack or other gear. What I did since I didn't like my lens sticking out and always keeping my hand on it was to take that male uni loop and move it to the left side of my camera and then placed the female one on the right and I connect both of them to the strap at once and then the lens hangs towards the ground.

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.