Rapid Strap! Anyone used it?

Just stumbled on this cool looking strap: http://www.blackrapid.​com/

Looks cool, not sure if it works as advertised. Here's the video of it in action:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=6EbaQaDiFoE

Anyone used it before, or have any other thoughts about it?
I like how you can store memory cards inside of it...

I do that with my strap I have now. As for storing cards, it's quicker to reach into my pocket or pouch. I've never liked having them in the strap.

I guess pending on price, it wouldn't be too bad.

Looks interesting.

I use the UPstraps now and they work great. The longer length is worth it alone and is a primary benefit of this one.

I don't like things that hang on the tripod mount point because I use tripods or monopods frequently. I'd have to look at using the hook connector to hold onto some other part of the camera to use it.

J.

Looks great, but what happens if you have a lens without a tripod ring and you like to shoot vertically using the grip? The 'lock' ring looks like it'd get in the way of my hand.

Actually you can do much the same thing with any strap (I happen to use an Op/Tech....a.k.a. POTN strap)

After a lot of frustrating juggling and knocking about using neck straps I found it much more convenient to just attach both sides of the strap to the left-hand side of the camera and hang the strap over my left shoulder. The camera hangs down out between arm and hip out of the way until needed, then swung into action easily without the strap getting in the way of the controls on the right side. It is especially effective with long lenses (which hang lens down) and/or when using a flash bracket.

Below is a shot of how I attach the strap on my 5D. I use a swivel snap connector taken from an Op/Tech parthttp://www.bhphotovide​o.com …em_Connectors_S​et_2_.html (though you can get metal ones from Ace hardware) and a 1" key ring.

One of the main advantages is that the weight is on the shoulder, not the neck. The camera is out of sight and secure -- steadied by the left hand - until needed, then able to be pulled up the the eye. If I'm carrying the shoulder bag on the right shoulder it balances the load. The weight of the camera can be lifted off the shoulder by simply grabbing it with the left hand to give the shoulder a break.

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

This would be similar to the rapidstrap if this could slide on the strap.

Check out Upstraps (http://www.upstrap.com) for a strap that will stay on your shoulder.

J

JohnJ80 wrote in post #4631639
This would be similar to the rapidstrap if this could slide on the strap.

Check out Upstraps (http://www.upstrap.com) for a strap that will stay on your shoulder.

J

I am not sure if you were reponding to my post.

If you were....as I described in this post (https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost​.php?p=4589446&postcou​nt=19) the Op/Tech (POTN) Pro strap will allow the ability to slide up to shooting position as well as give a good grip on the shoulder. This configuration can also be positioned, as the 'Rapid Strap', over the neck and down the (left) side. The Op/Tech also provides extremely good "starin relief" due to the way it is constructed.

I am not sure where you were going with the 'Upstrap' comment....it does grip...but will definitely not allow easy swinging into position....primarily due to the "grippiness".

However....we each have to find what personally works best for us....

I agree, everyone is different and requires different options... some people don't even like the strap...

UPSTRAP seems cool...

jrsforums wrote in post #4632062
I am not sure if you were reponding to my post.

If you were....as I described in this post (https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost​.php?p=4589446&postcou​nt=19) the Op/Tech (POTN) Pro strap will allow the ability to slide up to shooting position as well as give a good grip on the shoulder. This configuration can also be positioned, as the 'Rapid Strap', over the neck and down the (left) side. The Op/Tech also provides extremely good "starin relief" due to the way it is constructed.

I am not sure where you were going with the 'Upstrap' comment....it does grip...but will definitely not allow easy swinging into position....primarily due to the "grippiness".

However....we each have to find what personally works best for us....

Upstrap can be easily moved into position - I do it all the time pretty much as you describe with your optech strap. It does not grip unless there is force applied to it.

The difference between the rapidstrap and any other strap out there is that hook is loose on the strap and moves without the strap moving. That is its sole advantage and difference. Other than that, if the camera is fixed to a point on the strap, it is precisely like every other camera strap out there.

The Upstrap, because it does stay easily and securely on the shoulder removing the strain on the neck as you mentioned earlier.

J.

It looks pretty interesting. I wish I was able to see it in person before purchasing it though.
I can't stand my current camera strap.

undergrad. wrote in post #4661811
It looks pretty interesting. I wish I was able to see it in person before purchasing it though.
I can't stand my current camera strap.

We can email some online camera gear rental companies and ask them if they could carry it...

Interesting concept. I do that now with regular neck straps although it gets a bit tangly. For 48 to 56 dollars, that's a bit expensive! 20-30 bucks is more like it.

ZekaG wrote in post #4687973
We can email some online camera gear rental companies and ask them if they could carry it...

Thats not a bad idea.
I'm curious how well it will work considering that my current lenses don't have anywhere for the attachment to hook onto.

I've been thinking about getting some of these straps for our rental cameras and having a few extra on the side for people to try out. If we end up getting them I'll let you guys know.

I have 2 straps from black rapid and although they are kinda spendy, I think they are well worth it. They work just like advertised, and they are very well made (and in the US, I think, which probably accounts for some of the $$).

I also have to say they have some of the best customer experience I've ever seen! They went completely out of their way to get me a strap in time for a recent wedding, and all on their nickel. After using it, I have to say its the best way I've found thus far to carry both my cameras at weddings.