BlackRapid FastenR-T1 vs Manfrotto RC2 stock ring to attach BlackRapid straps

What is the issue with using the stock RC2 ring with BlackRapid straps? Any danger?
If not having a $17.95 worth FastenR-T1 with each of one's RC2 plates gives only aesthetic value???
Please share your expert thoughts!

Asked before - the D ring in the Manfrotto screw isn't structural. It may well bend and pull out under dynamic load of the camera (especially if you've got a hefty lens on it) hanging off it.

Found this. Will it be a good alternative for expensive Balckrapid solution?

Never tried it. It's your camera. You decide how much you're prepared to risk. It's 2/3 the price of the BR one, which isn't all that costly even then.

kaushama wrote in post #14375210
What is the issue with using the stock RC2 ring with BlackRapid straps? Any danger?
If not having a $17.95 worth FastenR-T1 with each of one's RC2 plates gives only aesthetic value???
Please share your expert thoughts!

The stock metal ring is not strong enough to hold the weight of most new DSLR's reliably with a lense attached. It's is a very soft metal designed only for turning the screw, not holding any weight at all. I know of at least one person who tried it and had the metal ring on the RC2 stretch out and detach causing his camera to drop to the ground. It's obviously your choice but I would spend the $17.95; it's a whole lot less than the potential damage to your gear.

I've had the Manfrotto D ring pop out of its housing before. I would never use it to carry my camera.

Try hanging some weight (40-50 lbs or so) from it for a few days. See how that works.

I contacted BR about it and they said the the d-ring on the manfrotto doesn't go all the way through the base. So like others have said over time it can expand/stretch and eventually fall out of the base causing your camera to fall to the ground.

This is not an original Manfrotto part (eBay knockoff), but this is very much the sort of thing you might wish to avoid....

I've been using the BlackRapid FastenR-T1 with my gripped 7D and 70-200 2.8 on dozens of hikes ( mostly around the tough terrain of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park) and so far so good. I do check to see if they are screwed in tight several times during my hikes. Just a habit I guess.

Anybody carry the Blackrapid with the Manfrotto on a regular basis? I'm about to order a tripod and I'm trying to decide if it's worth getting the Blackrapid piece or just putting the plate on when I want to use it.

The whole point of a QR plate is to make it quick to use. I have three T1s - one on my 100-400, one on my 70-200 and one on my 5D2 and could do with a couple more for my 7D and 1D3. Considering the total price of the kit, and even just the Black Rapid strap itself, it seems a trivial additional expense for the convenience time and time again. It's a pity they aren't offered as a standard option instead of the FastenR-3s.

For security I do use threadlocker nowadays, which makes avoiding the need to swap components out even more beneficial.

Thanks. That's kinda what I was thinking too. I don't mind the $17, or whatever it is. I agree, would be a great standard option to have.

Just saw this as I plan to get the FR-T1 too for my RC2. I noticed in the picture in the 1st post that the stem of the FR-T1 appears shorter and has less threads, w/c appears like it won't enter the tripod hole as deep as the stem of the RC2. Also, I notice the FR-T1 has sort of a neck at the top of the stem, does this go in the tripod hole as well, or does it block the stem from going in the hole fully? Lastly, does everyone just use the parts (i.e washers, etc) that came with the FR-T1, or replace them with the ones w/ the RC2? I ask because some feedback in Amazon give different descriptions, some say they use/prefer the washer of the original RC2, perhaps due to poor QC? Thanks.

There is another option which, despite now having several FR-T1s nowadays, I most commonly use. That is to use a Manfrotto MN323 quick release platform. It isn't terribly expensive and comes with an extra RC2 plate. This actually gives me a quick release to remove my camera from the strap, for tripod use, and instead of buying several FR-TR1s (too late now) a pair of these platforms will work with a double strap and ordinary Manfrotto plates and bolts. Of course there is a little more bulk and weight, but potentially more convenience, and once you have the platform(s) your costs are kept lower for any number of additional plates you might need.