Modifying the Optech Tripod strap for use with camera?

[lsquare]

Has anyone here tried this before? By default, the strap is too wide to attach to the camera. This strap is really comfortable to use with a heavy camera with battery grip.

[Wilt]

Huh? The Optech straps have a variety of strap end connectors suitable for dSLR connection, and this has nothing to do with the width of the shoulder portion at all.

I happen to prefer the width of the Optech Super Classic (for an nnD) over the width of the Optech Pro (which seems better suited for a big heavy 1Dn body with a big heavy super tele lens).

[lsquare]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I'm talking about the connector part. You know, the part that slips and secure into the camera? The tripod strap that I have is too wide for the camera.

[jacobsen1]

right, but they're all quick release. Just buy the right ends from B&H for your existing strap.

[Wilt]

Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I'm talking about the connector part. You know, the part that slips and secure into the camera? The tripod strap that I have is too wide for the camera.

I prefer #3, others prefer #4...either work fine with the Canon dSLR strap connection points.

From the Optech web page:


http://www.optechusa.com/images/PRODUCTIMAGES_LINKED/XEP-hi5f10.jpg

"With the OP/TECH USA "Connection System", you have several options of connectors. This enables you to buy an extra set of connectors to customize the strap to better suit your needs. Straps can be lengthened to be worn across the chest or shortened to be worn at chest level. Another feature of the "Connection System" is the small carrying handle created when the quick disconnects of the "Connection System" are latched together. Available in sets of two and only from OP/TECH USA.
The Connection System is available on the Fashion, Classic, Super Classic, Pro, Super Pro, Reporter and Utility Straps.

1. Swivel Hook Connectors
(10.5"-16"/side)
2. Adjustable Connectors
(7.5"-10"/side)
3. 3/8" Web Connectors*
(3"-17"/side)
4. Pro Loop Connectors
1/4" web (9"-12"/side)
5. Super Pro Connectors
A design(9"-13"/side)
6. Super Pro Connectors
B design (9"-13"/side)
7. Utility Loop Connector(3"/side)
8. Uni Loop(3"/side)
9. Uni Loop Adaptor
10. Backpack/Reporter Adaptor
11. Adapt-Its
12. Mini QD Converter
13. Lens Support Adaptor
"

[lsquare]

right, but they're all quick release. Just buy the right ends from B&H for your existing strap.

Unfortunately B&H is closed right now. Are there any other places to buy the connectors? Also, how can I be for sure that the connectors will be securely attached to my strap and not snap with my camera falling to the ground?

[Wilt]

Optech stuff is very well designed; it has never accidentally released on me.

Lots of places carry Optech....Google is your friend...'Op/Tech strap'!

[lsquare]

Optech stuff is very well designed; it has never accidentally released on me.

Lots of places carry Optech....Google is your friend!

That doesn't mean it'll never snap. The idea of a quick-release system seems kind of dumb to me since I never changed the connectors on my last Lowepro strap. I always get the feeling that it might snap at one point.

[Wilt]

That doesn't mean it'll never snap. The idea of a quick-release system seems kind of dumb to me since I never changed the connectors on my last Lowepro strap. I always get the feeling that it might snap at one point.


Then buy an Optech strap with 'binocular ends' (no QR) if you're going to be paranoid.

[Jon]

Unfortunately B&H is closed right now. Are there any other places to buy the connectors? Also, how can I be for sure that the connectors will be securely attached to my strap and not snap with my camera falling to the ground?
POTN Shop stocks them. I haven't had mine fail.

[lsquare]

I prefer #3, others prefer #4...either work fine with the Canon dSLR strap connection points.

From the Optech web page:


http://www.optechusa.com/images/PRODUCTIMAGES_LINKED/XEP-hi5f10.jpg

"With the OP/TECH USA "Connection System", you have several options of connectors. This enables you to buy an extra set of connectors to customize the strap to better suit your needs. Straps can be lengthened to be worn across the chest or shortened to be worn at chest level. Another feature of the "Connection System" is the small carrying handle created when the quick disconnects of the "Connection System" are latched together. Available in sets of two and only from OP/TECH USA.
The Connection System is available on the Fashion, Classic, Super Classic, Pro, Super Pro, Reporter and Utility Straps.

1. Swivel Hook Connectors
(10.5"-16"/side)
2. Adjustable Connectors
(7.5"-10"/side)
3. 3/8" Web Connectors*
(3"-17"/side)
4. Pro Loop Connectors
1/4" web (9"-12"/side)
5. Super Pro Connectors
A design(9"-13"/side)
6. Super Pro Connectors
B design (9"-13"/side)
7. Utility Loop Connector(3"/side)
8. Uni Loop(3"/side)
9. Uni Loop Adaptor
10. Backpack/Reporter Adaptor
11. Adapt-Its
12. Mini QD Converter
13. Lens Support Adaptor
"

Wilt, I'm going to place an order for a set of connectors after I get a response from you. What's the main difference between #3 and #4. My Lowepro strap have connectors similar to #3 so I'm familiar with how it's like. I'm not sure how well the Pro Loop connectors will perform. Any advantages or disadvantages?

[jacobsen1]

I sell #3 and #4 for my small forum on our op tech straps (which I won't link).

#3 is the 3/8ths webbing connector. The nice part of that is if you want to completely remove your strap from your camera regularly, it's easier. The downside is it's much stiffer, so when you put the camera in a bag you have to bend the strap in as well.

#4 is the "pro loop". They're a bit tougher to get onto the camera (I usually use a fork tine to snag the loop through the camera lug) but they're softer. Once they're on the camera/strap go into a bag easier. Also, with the pro loop you can take A PORTION of the strap off VERY QUICKLY (with the plastic disconnects), but the loops themselves stay on and act as a short/mini strap...

If you like going from strap to NO strap, or don't trust the plastic, go with #3. If you like going from strap to short strap, get #4 (the shorter strap is actually a nice "hand" strap). Personally I use either #9 (which leaves a TINY clip/strap stub on each side) or #3 because I use a strap ~50% of the time, and when I want it off I want it OFF....

here's a better shot of the ends on #3 and #4:
http://www.newschoolofphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/nsop-straps/img_0333.jpg

[lsquare]

Thx Ben!