R-Strap

[obnoxiousmom]

Is it really worth the purchase? Do you have one? How has it improved your photography? Does it make your camera more secure?

Im taking a trip to New York and I want a way to carry my camera that is safe and secure.

[CxThree]

Yes. Totally worth it. I have one and it's the only strap I use anymore. WHen i shoot for long times, the strap really pays off. I do not feel the weight of the camera nearly as bad as the stock straps.

[Dave Jr]

I had an original R Strap and really liked it. The strap tore away from the pad, something they said they had seen happen on the older model, and they sent me a new R7 strap as a replacement, no charge. The R7 is very nice.

They eliminate neck strain, and it is very nice to be able to let go of your camera and have your hands free (I use an E-1 hand grip).

[DeVVitt]

I am very happy with mine. No, it has not improved my photography, but does your neckstrap improve yours?
I'm glad I bought it, it balances out very well and secure. I only consider it slightly annoying when having my 580II attached to my camera. Might get myself a QR neckstrap for such occasions, but they do not occur a lot.

[vmaidens@gmail.com]

I love mine like no other, its a bit bulky when I get mem cards, iPhone, batteries etc in but it makes for a quick draw if your out walking around. I can carry just about any lens on the body without a lot of fatigue for long periods of time as well.

So has it made me a better photographer? probably not, but I might have missed fewer shots by being able to get it from hip to eye fast.

[johnlo]

totally LOVE it. I purchased recently and kicking myself for not buying it earlier when I had the chance to get a discount and NO TAX too. oh well.

[katodog]

Safe and secure isn't possible on a strap that can be pulled off or cut. Safe and secure means something like the Cotton Carrier (http://www.cottoncarrier.com/).

Cotton Carrier Thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=726545)


Keeps your gear on your body, and it's hard for someone else to pull your gear away from you. Keeps your gear from moving around like it would on straps, and it's fast and easy to access your gear.

[opus13]

have it, love it, recommend it.

[crumbs357]

I have a RS4 and it's well worth the price. If you're going to be walking about New York all day, the strap is far more comfortable compared to the packaged neck strap. While the new fastner does a good job a securing the camera to the strap, I have noticed that it has led to some paint scraping of the bottom edge of the camera body, right below the lcd. I personally don't mind this cosmetic damage, but you might. In terms of theft prevention, the R Strap is obviously not going to prevent a slash and grab, but neither will the stock neck strap. Either way, NYC is relatively safe so theft isn't that much of a concern.

[TaDa]

Best strap that I've owned.

[_method]

Safe and secure isn't possible on a strap that can be pulled off or cut. Safe and secure means something like the Cotton Carrier (http://www.cottoncarrier.com/).

Cotton Carrier Thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=726545)


Keeps your gear on your body, and it's hard for someone else to pull your gear away from you. Keeps your gear from moving around like it would on straps, and it's fast and easy to access your gear.

That looks unbelievably dorky. After watching the videos though I am a little convinced, but not too much.

[JWright]

I have two R-Straps I DIY'd into a dual camera strap by using THESE (http://blog.tonyschreiber.com/2008/06/19/the-best-two-camera-strap-setup-yet-part-ii/) instructions. The setup works fine and is plenty secure for my purposes.

There are many and varied arguments in favor of the R-Strap and in favor of the Cotton Carrier. The theft prevention issue is certainly one of them.

Personally, I like the idea of the camera being attached to me when I'm shooting for several reasons. If I get jostled and lose my grip on the camera it won't go crashing to the ground and if some thief tries to grab it, it's still attached...

[JohnJ80]

I think they are junk - and I've got one. You're camera swings into stuff, it is hard to use a tripod, and you are pretty much constrained to one way to carry your camera. Also way more secure.

Cotton Carrier is much better for a carrying system that promotes rapid use. If you want a strap, the UPstrap is better as is the optech.

J.

[1stGenRex]

I really think the comparison is not really a good one.

R Strap vs Stock strap- R strap wins for sure

but it seems that something like the CC is a more specialized item. that's like asking which is better, a tripod, or a monopod.

It truly just depends on situation

[yourdoinitwrong]

I find my R-strap much more comfortable to use than the junk Canon sends out. I shoot a lot of sports so I'm usually stationary most of the time so the camera hanging off my side doesn't bother me. If you are going to be walking around quite a bit though that may be an issue, it could be prone to bumping into things or other people. Another benefit I find is that with the strap attached at the bottom of the body, it doesn't get in the way of the viewfinder or back panel like the regular neck strap is prone to do when shooting in portrait orientation.

[waynema]

1. you have to unscrew the connector every time you need to mount the camera on tripod.
2. Connector will scratch your body (bottom) for sure over time.

[1stGenRex]

1. you have to unscrew the connector every time you need to mount the camera on tripod.
2. Connector will scratch your body (bottom) for sure over time.

ummm, this is the case on BOTH of them?....I'm not sure which one you are referring to, but I don't see how the 2nd one is even somewhat true

[katodog]

With the Cotton Carrier, there is no need for screwing and unscrewing to mount on a tripod. They make a kit for most tripod plates that goes onto the camera and the CC. Also, there's no scratching of the body involved with the Cotton Carrier.

[1stGenRex]

I've seen someone with a tripods plate and an R Strap in class, maybe they hacked it, who knows...and how is there scratching from an R Strap?

[obnoxiousmom]

So has it made me a better photographer? probably not, but I might have missed fewer shots by being able to get it from hip to eye fast.

Thats what I meant by improve your photography. In other words did you miss less shots :)

[sabesh]

Is it really worth the purchase? Do you have one? How has it improved your photography? Does it make your camera more secure?

Im taking a trip to New York and I want a way to carry my camera that is safe and secure.
Yes x 4. Totally worth it. I also have a DR1 for commercial gigs when I need access to two DSLRs.

[JWright]

I've seen someone with a tripods plate and an R Strap in class, maybe they hacked it, who knows...and how is there scratching from an R Strap?

I use RRS L brackets on all my cameras and RRS plates on my lenses. To facilitate attaching the camera to a tripod and yet still be able to use the R-Strap, I fastened the strap hardware to a Kirk clamp with a 1/4X20 threaded hole in it. The clamp stays attached to the strap and I use it to attach to the bracket on the camera.

http://johnwright.smugmug.com/Photography/My-Gear-1/IMG535-3511-20Dplain/394195412_vSVjp-L.jpg

Note that this is the original R-Strap hardware and has now been replaced with better and more secure attachments. It is possible the person who mentioned the scratching had experience with the older hardware which could scratch the camera body if not tightened correctly.

The current FastenR-2 (http://www.blackrapid.com/product/hardware/fastenr/) has a rubber washer that creates the friction to hold it in the tripod socket, at the same time providing a cushion between the camera body and the metal portion.

[CxThree]

I've been using the R-Strap for quite some time. I have ZERO scrathes on the camera from it's use. It's connector has a large rubber washer on it. I don't see how it could scratch anything. HYPE!

[lannes]

I don't think there is much of a difference between the R-strap and wearing a normal strap diagonally across the body, all you might need is to make a bit longer than normal. Functionally this achieves same movement as the R-strap and I actually prefer the camera back flat against the hips and where you can maintain some control where the lens is pointing by holding it with your hand.

[CxThree]

The difference is that the R strap hangs your camera from its bottom. When you reach down and grab it, you are in perfect position to come straight up for a shot. Once you try one, you will see.

[macroshot]

I bought the RS4 in December to use on a vacation. Didn't spend any time with it other than figuring out where I kind of wanted it to hang. Used it and really liked it (and I considered several options.) Also had a Domke F-6 on my left shoulder so occasionally the R-Strap would get caught, but wasn't a big deal.

The only thing I don't care for is if I have a heavier lens on - specifically the 70-200 f/2.8 IS w/ hood attached - then it gets a little funky with shifting or sitting in place. Otherwise, I like it and it works as advertised. A little pricey IMHO but it is what it is.

[CxThree]

THe solution there is to put on your 70-200 tripod ring and attach the R-Strap to it. I keep a connect-r on my camera and my tripod rings. Then the heavier lenses are more blanced. Give it a try.

[hfgarris]

THe solution there is to put on your 70-200 tripod ring and attach the R-Strap to it. I keep a connect-r on my camera and my tripod rings. Then the heavier lenses are more blanced. Give it a try.

Yes, using the tripod ring on longer/heavier lenses is the way to go, works great. :cool:

Just remember which piece (lens or camera) is attached to the strap if you are changing lenses ... because you have to hold onto the other piece or you will drop it. There was a report of someone forgetting it was the lens hooked to the strap, not the camera. He went to switch lenses, let go of the camera thinking it would be held by the strap, and discovered it wasn't! :(:o:(

-howard