Black Rapid Camera Strap.

[JohnP]

As I'm tired of carrying both my camera and a pair of binoculars using neck straps I've been looking to at least offload my camera from my neck. This Black Rapid strap seems to tick all the boxes but the weight of the camera on the tripod mount worries me some.... should I be worried? I also like the idea of being able to leave my Manfrotto quick release plate in situ when using the strap.

 

Here are a couple of links for both the strap I am looking at and the fastener for use with the Manfrotto quick release plate. May be one for BP to answer.

 

http://www.blackrapid.com/community/videos/?id=14#14

 

http://www.blackrapid.com/community/videos/?id=18#18

Edited July 1, 2013 by JohnP

[NannyFerret]

I have looked at something similar in the past but decided against it as I was worried about the weight on and around the tripod socket. so just in case you decide against the BlackRapid. here's an alternative solution to think about.

I have arthritis in the back of my neck and gets very painful with the camera weight hanging on it, so last week I just put the normal camera strap over my shoulder as the video and found it was much more comfortable. I just have to lengthen the strap a little now.
I have ordered a neoprene nicely padded strap off ebay to put on my main camera. 

I already have one of these and it is definitely a lot more comfortable. 

I don't want to take the one off my other camera so will wait until the other one comes from Hong Kong and will put it on a little longer that the present one to accommodate the longer reach across . 

I was dubious about how strong the first strap would be, but have given it a good tugging all ways and used it with the camera, no problems.

I have also bought a wrap around neoprene camera cover from ebay for under £5 to cut down the carrying weight.
I carry my other bits and pieces in a normal backpack along with a plastic bag to give the camera extra cover, should it rain.

Edited July 1, 2013 by NannyFerret

[JohnP]

I have read lots of user reviews and most give a good account of this strap and no one said they had any problems with the camera being held by the tripod mount.

[Black Pearl]

Not a fan personally but we sold loads at Jessops and the feedback was always positive. Can't see the weight being a problem as I sling my tripod over my shoulder at times and wander about with the camera dangling from the end.

They strike me as expensive for a strap but if they do the job then cost isn't an issue - there are a few Jessops open again so if you're near one it might be worth a look in and a try.

[JohnP]

Wex £54.00  .. eBay £37.00   only problem it's from the US... so customs charge may apply.

Edited July 1, 2013 by JohnP

[annie]

well..i don't know if I am going down the wrong road here, but the other week I had that bit fall off my hs20, BP put me right and all was well. last week I removed the neck strap from my hs20 cause it's always in the way, for a week I have just been holding it my hand by the grip part...now that is starting to fall off as well. don't think I can repair an area that big...need some sort of wrist strap..

[NannyFerret]

There you go, John I thought BP would advise you as he has a lot of experience in sort of thing. I am only speaking from my own personal worry.  If it's going to happen, it is sure to happen to me.     

[Guest DaveW]

From what I can see there is no reason you cannot use a camera on a conventional neck strap, if adjustable for the length required, and have it nestling by your hip on the other side as in the picture in this link, but without needing a special strap:-

 

http://www.smallcamerabigpicture.com/review-is-the-lance-camera-strap-the-perfect-strap/

 

Alternatively:-

 

http://asia.cnet.com/alternative-ways-to-carry-your-camera-62221140.htm

 

However one of the best ways to damage your camera or lens is to have them swinging about on long straps.  Just look how vulnerable the low swinging camera is to damage in this link, particularly if they bend over:-

 

http://steelevisions.com/blog/blackrapid-camera-strap-review/

 

Black Rapid even do a woman's camera strap Nanny, but I still wince when I see cameras swinging on the end of long straps since some day they will swing and contact a hard object. Here's a video. They even explain technical terms like "fasteners" and "connectors" so women can understand!

 

http://www.srsmicrosystems.co.uk/5929/BlackRapid-RS-W1-Floral-Women-s-Sling-Camera-Strap.html

 

Really the so called ever ready case (often called the never ready case) used in the past probably provided more protection when wearing a camera than most modern methods, but did not look professional. However professionals can afford to knock their cameras about and buy new ones more often than you or I can. I still prefer a camera in it's case as long as possible and with the lens cap on between taking shots in order to keep it safe rather than hanging naked and free. Here is a humorous video illustrating the point and even the "safe" methods there look a bit vulnerable to me:-

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4HjmI9Zi4k

 

As to using a camera without a strap, or with the strap not around your neck, I used to be on a site where a chap dropped a top of the range pro Nikon camera over the side of a boat through not having the strap around his neck.

Edited July 2, 2013 by DaveW

[JohnP]

Dave... there are some issues with trying to use the supplied strap in the way you mentioned at the top of your post, firstly the strap is not long enough and I can't get the camera far enough away to even look at the LCD screen properly. Secondly the strap is very thin and cuts in and needs more padding. Thirdly when using a longer zoom lens the camera is pointing downwards and this puts strain on the strap where it passes through the loops on the camera. This happens when using the strap conventionally around the neck as well and my strap is almost due for renewal because it is worn at this point while showing no signs of wear anywhere else. The camera swinging won't be a problem as I always have my hand on it anyway... even with a neck strap. The biggest problem I have is a lot of my time is spent on long walks in woods and being a keen bird watcher I usually have a pair of Swarovski 8x42 binoculars hanging from my neck too and I'm beginning to find the weight of both to much for my neck these days and I'm also tired of trying to stop the camera and bins knocking together when walking. I've taken the plunge and ordered a Black Rapid strap from Carmarthen Cameras cost £42.99 free carriage... Jessops online price £64.99. I'll either love it or hate, I'll let you know next week.

Edited July 2, 2013 by JohnP

[NannyFerret]

I like the look of the  Cotton Carrier Camera Vest. I would imagine that it would be so well balanced and if I could afford one at the moment, that would be the one that I would go for.

[NannyFerret]

John, we will look forward to your verdict on the Black Rapid strap as it will be good to get these things from someone who has had personal experience.

I have to be good though as have ordered this and some other small bits and bobs this week.

I have various camera cases and a backpack but like you I was looking for something to take the strain while also giving me something to carry other stuff in while travelling. 
I had the smallest LowEpro slingshot aw but still found it quite bulky and gave it to my son.
I think this will suit my travelling needs without have to take a seperate bag for lunch etc.

It looks easy to get at the camera too.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190863864159