Photography Thailand Forum

[Gregg Spradling]

I'm kind of fed up with the stock EOS camera strap as I think most are and was looking for an alternative. The sling style straps look to be very functional and a good alternative. I was leaning towards Black Rapid, but there's always something about each model that bugs me.

RS-7
-the quick release just seems dumb and a point of failure (or maybe a bold thief)
-the adjustment system seems like a step backwards compared to the RS-4
-it looks like there is some excess strap that loops somewhat off the back and no way to tuck it in
-possible scratch issues when using with a camera bag or sitting down

RS-4
-personal choice, but I hate the zipper case
-the pad looks bulky, which might come into play if I carry a bag on the same shoulder
-possible scratch issues when using with a camera bag or sitting down

I found a nice review from this guy of both the Black Rapid straps and Sun Sniper.

At this point I'm leaning towards the Sun Sniper
-no excess straps hanging about
-simple effective design
-appears to have a thinner pad, no storage (plus for me)

The only negatives I can see with the Sun Sniper strap is that there are no bumper locks and possible scratching issues when stored in a bag. I'm not sure I would miss bumper locks as I already subconsciously continually adjust the strap when on one shoulder. 

So does anyone have any experience with either of these straps? Positive or negative thoughts with either?

Both companies ship international so I always have that option if I'm unable to find one here.

off topic, I had to laugh at the 99 cent DIY model on their site. You know someone will do it.

[Marc Schultz]

Didn't know such a thing existed, but I think I am sold on the idea (except for the cost). Basically there are 4 models being discussed here; the Black Rapid RS-4, Black Rapid RS-7, and then 2 models from Sun Sniper, one with a steel cable inside and one without, correct? I agree, looking at his good review, and the 4 models, I would go for the Sun Sniper Steel model.

The camera manufacturer strap is such a pain, especially when shooting in the studio. I often just want to remove it, which it is such a hassle so I just leave it on. These new straps do tie up your tripod mounting hole on the camera though. So if you are shooting outdoors, and sometimes with a tripod and sometimes without, you will have to keep removing the tripod plate to attach the shoulder strap and then back and forth. It adds another step to the work flow. With a normal strap you can have both a strap and the tripod mounting plate attached to the camera at all times and it is much faster for back and forth. So that would be the only real concern/consideration I see. But I think the pluses are great.

I was surprised to see though they are about $75. I can imagine paying $35-$50, but I think the price is way over the top for a piece of stitched fabric. It is a German company though and normally anything made in Germany or sold by a Germany company is very expensive. You also have the Euro to USD exchange rate issue which is another factor making the cost so high.

[Gregg Spradling]

Yeah, the price is definitely a concern for what amounts to a strap with a slider.

They do make a fastener that works in conjunction with a tripod for 650B.

If I could find the slider I thought of just making one myself. It wouldn't be hard to find a nice pad and flat nylon. I could buy the fastener if needed, I would just need to find a slider.The end result would be a custom model that fits perfect, no extra slack needed.

BR has some decent videos on their site for each model if you are interested in the setup process and seeing one in use.

[David Salmanowitz]

Gregg--Do not know about the Sun Sniper but i do know a little about the Black Rapid. Someone showed me the model for a single camera and I tried it on and it just seemed weird to me, he was sold on it. I well might have gotten used to it but I have a lifetime of using a normal over the shoulder strap, so it just seemed odd. Another friend is sold on their one for two cameras.  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/645448-REG/Black_Rapid_RSD_1BB_RS_DR_1_Double_Strap.html  I just do not like having to unscrew the plate if I wanted to put the camera on my tripod, too much time=missed shot. He even said depending where he is he will walk around with the camera already on the tripod, and have just one body off the strap. Most times I prefer a camera on the tripod w/o a strap getting in the way, but there are times where i might be carrying the camera and need to get it on tripod quick so just have to deal with the strap.

These are the straps I have been using for 5 or 6 years now and really like them.  http://www.upstrap-pro.com/
 

[lancemueller]

Gregg,

I own a few BlackRapid straps and I love them for outside shooting. I have even used them occasionally in the studio when moving around a lot to avoid setting down my camera frequently.

I commonly leave my tripod mounting plate on the camera. My specific plate (Manfrotto) has a mounting hold on the bottom of the plate that mimics the same as whats on the bottom of the camera, so I can attach the strap to that, just like I would to the bottom of the camera. Then when I need to mount to the tripod, I quickly remove the RS lug and snap it into my tripod.

Overall I have been very happy with the strap. I originally bought my initial one in the US, but I have found a dealer here in Thailand and have since purchased them from him. He will meet you anywhere you wish, commonly near a BTS station and let you see or try the strap. I have no affiliation with BlackRapid or the dealer here in Thailand, I am just passing on a positive experience.

Lance

[Gregg Spradling]

thanks for the replies everyone. I think I just need to see one in person and try it.

Lance- do you think your dealer carries the Sun Sniper brand? Do they have a shop they work from or is more of a casual thing?

I commonly leave my tripod mounting plate on the camera. My specific plate (Manfrotto) has a mounting hold on the bottom of the plate that mimics the same as whats on the bottom of the camera, so I can attach the strap to that, just like I would to the bottom of the camera. Then when I need to mount to the tripod, I quickly remove the RS lug and snap it into my tripod.

Have you thought about getting this lug for use with your tripod?

[lancemueller]

Gregg,

The link you just quoted is the provider (iPhoto) here in Thailand that I purchased from. The are located in a province south of Bangkok, but have a local representative in Bangkok (no office). I just called them and they arranged to meet me in Bangkok.

Lance

[Khun Hans]

Looks good to me. Will try one soon and post and extensional test report with figures ,charts and 100% views directly from the 'Situation Room' (as our American friends like to express) 
Hans