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.

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.

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.

I just recently received my 70D. The first thing I did was to take a few pictures and videos. Videos came out smoothly albeit a little shaky but no staccato. However I do have to attribute that to the lens.

I am using a Tamron 18-270mm (B008E). I knew going into this that it probably would need to be upgraded by Tamron to be compatible with the new camera's. Tamron to their credit is currently giving me a free upgrade and I should receive it back in about 10 days.

Chuck

Oh what a trip you could have since you are driving.

Along the same along a path to the Grand Canyon you could pick up the road in Phoenix and got in order to.

Montezuma's Castle
Sedona
Grand Canyon
Monument Valley
Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon
Bryce
Zion

There are other nice stops but I can't remember right now. Try looking at one of the tour companies and see where they go. They generally have a nice path they run through all those areas.

Everyone is right about the cpl filter absolutely necessary especially this time of year.

BTW went to high school in Jax I'm in Tampa now.

Chuck

*******


http://www.bulkrenameutility.co.uk/Main_Intro.php

I use it all the time :)

Antwerp(Antwerpen) and Ghent are also great cities to visit. Mind the statue in the main square in Antwerp. It portrays the origin of the city. It honors the legend of the city's origin. Antwerpen(hand throwing ) refers to the slaying of the giant. You will get more information on this on your tour I am sure.

Gent is a little like Brugge and Antwerp but is larger and includes a university so you have some of that environment otherwise all are great photo opps.

You can get some nice pictures from the observation platform on the Eiffel tower. Also go up to Sacré-Cœur either the front or the walk in the back there is a railing from which you can take some nice pictures.

Of course it depends on the weather and smog. Those are the highest areas that I can think of right now. Also great nigthtime pictures along the Champs-Élysées and from the top of the new ferris wheel near the Jardin des Tuileries.

Well I'm new here but I just lurk and acquire such incredible information. When I saw this topic I just had to register to respond.

These along with many other places are some of my most loved. I lived and worked in Brussels for several years. So I will provide you some of the highlights that I think of immediately.

Everything is a photo opp.

Of course the tulips mostly around Amsterdam. Outside the city in the fields you can see any color tulip and hybrids as far as the eye can see from April through beginning of May.

Amsterdam

Train station is great architecture but can be hard to photograph due to the plethora of electric buses and other vehicles along with all the electrical lines.

there is a great Marine museum that is several floors high almost all period models with some ships berthed behind the museum itself. It also houses a great bookstore and a modelers kit and parts supply.

The tour boats off the main street provide a great overview of the city and canals so you can go back later for more in depth.

Several fine art museums (Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk) in Amsterdam along with the Anne Frank house.

Walking the parameter 1 block over from the main street to the train station is a wonderful experience it is mostly shopping but a fun walk where you can find many pieces made in delft and unique stuff from the area.

if you start around the dam which is a large area at the opposite end of the street from the train station and go counterclockwise you wind up at Rembrandt Park where there are a number of indoor/outdoor eateries.

There is also a Hotel on the main street called De Roode Leeuw which has a traditional Dutch restaurant.

Brussels

So many place here.

The Grand Place - wonderful place with many shops and restaurants in and around. See the famous Manneken Pis Statue just off the square.

also around the outside of the square you will find antique shops, crystal, lace and tapestry stores.

Sablon (a section of Brussels) - Chocolate, art, antiques and a flea market although I can't remember what days they have it. There is a really good one about a half mile from there I think on Wednesdays that is more for the locals I used to find things that I remember a a kid.

The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert or just the shopping arcade is a great experience and is surrounded by many small restaurants specializing in various specialties.

atomium bruxelles is a nice short trip to the old worlds fair location. They also have a a Chez Louis there (the greatest place for mussels in the world)

If you are there on May 1st for the following week only the King and Queen open up the arboretums for a really incredible flower and plant exposition. the arboretums are part of the 1934? Worlds fair and are spectacular in their own right.

Brugge

I can not say enough about Brugge. One of my most favorite cities in Europe.

Not to miss.
The market place with its clock tower. If you can climb to the top you will be rewarded with great views of all of Brugge. If you go the extra step you will see the actual mechanism that is used for the tune played by the bells ( it's worth it).

The Merchants house great tour and you will see that he owner had his own balcony to the cathedral.

The cathedral itself is great and has some real mystery attached to it that the locals know. If someone got interested there could be a book similar to to some of Dan Browns works but true.

There is a a small Basilica that was built over the top of an older Gothic Basilica that is worth seeing.

Of course art, antiques and chocolates are always there.

Brugge was originally the center for lace and there are numerous demonstrations and shops for that.

Could go on and on but you should have enough info to do an internet verification for what I am describing.

Everything in Brugge is a photo opp.

Chuck