My $8 DIY R-Strap

I set out to make my own R-Strap instead of dropping $60 on one. I am very pleased with the way it came out. I used a universal strap, actually meant for a rifle which was ~$5, a double-sided carabiner (I think it has another official name, but you get the picture) which was ~$2.50 both picked up at Bass Pro Shops, and a 1/4" eye bolt which was ~$.50 from Lowes. The great thing about it is that the strap is already padded and has the same padding design and feel as the lowe-pro straps I've seen.

The only down side to this setup is that the carabiner is a little bit smaller than the nylon strap is wide, so it doesn't slide up and down the strap, but this doesn't keep it from functioning like it's supposed to, I can still pull the camera quickly up to my eye from my waist, I just have to help the strap back around when putting it down. This could be solved by using a wider carabiner or hooking it into another adapter similar to what black rapid has around their straps. In the future, I will continue to adapt the strap and add pockets to it as well as trim the bolt down so it doesn't stick out so far.

For the cost and the money saved, I love it. It is very comfortable and easy to use! Take a look!

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

My only suggestion is to shorten the eye-bolt as much as possible to so as to reduce the torque it might exert if the strap were pulled sideways. I suppose you might also add a thick steel washer under the nut to spread out the load more.

Great idea, however the eye bolt kills it for me. Kinda cheesy.

Pony up another $18 or so for a proper R fastener bolt. You'd still be way ahead.

very resourceful! however I see two potential issues:

1. the eye bolt has a dangerous gap - if you can weld that thing shut, I'd feel more secure. in time, because it is supporting so much weight, it may become looser, making it more and more possible for the carbiner clip to slip out.

2. the carbiner doesn't really look that secure. worst case scenarios seem to occur more often than we wish, and with this design I can see how the thin nylon strap could sneak through the clip of the carbiner. I like the blackrapid design because it has a screw that locks the clip, making such a sneaky strap scenario impossible.

If it works for you kudos for finding a great money saving alternative, but I'd perhaps address the above issues to prevent a terrible crash to the pavement!

(I won't shoot without my RS-7!)

I will be continuing to improve it, but as of now, I am going to be very careful and gentle with it, especially since it'll be on my brand new 7D :P I don't think I'll ever let it hang for more than 30 seconds without a glance to check on it until I know it's safe.

I will probably add some sort of backup safety strap just in case something goes wrong and then eventually probably use a manfrotto QR plate with the D ring or just go ahead and get a BR connector.

As of now, I'm not too worried about the gap in the eye hook, I've checked it out and made sure there is no way it can slip through without being unclipped. I was actually originally going for a QR plate, but couldn't find one and saw this and thought, for 49 cents, it'll do until I get one.

The strap in the carabiner is a little fishy, but even when I'm trying to take it out, it's somewhat difficult due to the strap being bent long ways. I'll definitely be keeping my eye keenly on it though. I will probably eventually get a locking carabiner as well, one that you have to push down the sleeve in order to open it, which was also what I was looking for, but they didn't carry any in the store.

Thanks for the feedback!

I wouldn't worry too much about that eye bolt. A 1/4"-20 eye bolt will hold 100+ pounds easily without separating and a measly 2-3 pound camera\lens will not cause it to fail. I would shorten it just a bit though as that would cause problems putting it in most gear bags.

As for the "Cheesy" comments... You're entitled to them but functional is functional and if it works, who cares what it looks like. Personally, I don't think it looks all that bad. I've seen FAR worse from even fairly high end professionals, though their work is FAR better than mine, so I won't make any snide comments on what their gear looks like.

Great job!

Be very careful with that "S" shaped carabiner. I've used them for a key ring for a couple years and had to go searching for my keys twice because the spring loaded wire clasp on them is weak and opens easily and they came off my belt loop. You have a good idea, but I'd shorten the eye bolt like others suggest and keep up the search for a more secure clip.

that would bother me so much when shooting vertically.

yjt wrote in post #12013478
that would bother me so much when shooting vertically.

A downside I am finding to most of the BR system(at least the lower line RS straps that I have tried)...

I tried this exact same thing, I use 2 nuts tightened against each other to help line up the hook better and tighten into the body easier. I am quickly getting tired of the hook, I don't shoot portrait often, but it is very irritating when I do.

I don't like the r-strap either, or having the strap hang over the top of the camera. I am thinking of getting this...
http://www.amazon.com …S5W7N&colid=13S​G4F00XC0ZL

seems like it might suit my needs better, low impact and quick release.

dkim82 wrote in post #12009238
very resourceful! however I see two potential issues:

1. the eye bolt has a dangerous gap - if you can weld that thing shut, I'd feel more secure. in time, because it is supporting so much weight, it may become looser, making it more and more possible for the carbiner clip to slip out.

2. the carbiner doesn't really look that secure. worst case scenarios seem to occur more often than we wish, and with this design I can see how the thin nylon strap could sneak through the clip of the carbiner. I like the blackrapid design because it has a screw that locks the clip, making such a sneaky strap scenario impossible.

If it works for you kudos for finding a great money saving alternative, but I'd perhaps address the above issues to prevent a terrible crash to the pavement!

(I won't shoot without my RS-7!)

On 1. i'd think the carabiner would bend broken before the eye bolt even budges. If you've had one of those size eye bolts in your hand and tryed modifying them, you'd know that they can take a crap load of force before it even happens anything. And to be honest, the carabiner seems to be the weakest link in the chain above!

But i'm with you on your thoughts!

I'd definately make the eye bolt short as possible and use a "safer" carabiner, depending on what lens you got mounted on your dslr ofcourse. If you ain't going heavy, i see no problem though.