Black Rapid's "R-strap" REVIEW w/photos

BadgirlIROC wrote in post #6493127
So am I reading right that you get the strap for $44 but not the connector that attaches to the camera!?!? I emailed 2 days ago and no response....

No. You get the entire rig. Strap connector and all. Ready to go.

KK

Kiron Kid wrote in post #6493589
No. You get the entire rig. Strap connector and all. Ready to go.

KK

But I think the "new style" connector is extra right?

Mike - When your able to move around again swing by the house and take a look at my Upstrap. I'm very impressed with it, it WILL NOT slide off my shoulder. I use it on my 70-200 and I have one of their long bandolier straps on my 400. Plus Al (Upstrap owner) is a good guy, I've purchased several straps and have always received excellent service.

lowcrust wrote in post #5467707
Thanks a lot for this guys. I'd be all over one if it wasn't for the "tripod inconvenience".

Familiaphoto wrote in post #5468039
I just got my R1 today and spent 30 minutes playing quick shooter. Besides feeling silly doing that I have to admit the strap worked better than I expected. Being a big guy as well I was nervous it woudn't be comfortable but it is. Now I tested it with my 70-200 f/2.8 attaching the R-Strap to the tripod ring and I like how the camera hung balanced at my side. Very nice feel. Given I shoot with a 40D and use a grip I don't think I would attach to the grip's tripod mount with the 70-200 attached. I would be afraid of the grip coming loose.

lowcrust wrote in post #5468396
When I travel I wanna be able to quickly attach the camera to a tripod, so that makes this too tedious for me. Oddly enough it's also during travels that would appreciate the shoot-from-the-hip functionality of this strap the most.

This could easily be fixed in version 2.0 by introducing a female socket on the bottom of the strap holder. My 2 dollar eBay hand strap have this.

Blue S2 wrote in post #5503454
I just placed an order for the R2. Its backordered but thats ok. I use L-plates on my cameras and they don't have the QR-loop. I'm actually thinking of ordered another RRS clamp with screw instead of lever for security and locking it tight to the R2. That way I can quick release and go to a tripod should I need.

All my cameras have Arca-Swiss type "L" brackets and my big lenses have AS plates. I had a Kirk clamp that has a 1/4X20 threaded hole in it so I just attached the R-Strap fastener to it with Loc-Tite (so it won't come loose accidentally.) Now I can attach the R-Strap to each camera and lens very easily.

Blue S2 wrote in post #5858527
If you use an L-plate...the strap can attach to the left side and then the vertical grip buttons will be totally free to use.

A couple of my friends do this so they can put the camera on a tripod without removing the strap from it.

milorad wrote in post #6466468
hmmm.... an alternative for arca-swiss users?

http://www.kirkphoto.c​om/SS1big.jpg

I've got one... Didn't slide like the R-Strap. I converted it to operate similar to the R-Strap. I just sewed the ends together and used a "D" Ring and small carabiner. I already had a second Fastener from Black Rapid.

GM_of_OLC wrote in post #6469749
On another note, how high do you guys have your camera hang on the r-strap? I got it at a good height, but it's slightly hard to shoot portrait. So I lowered it, but now the tripod ring tightener on my 70-200 digs into my hip.

I have mine set so my hand falls on the camera naturally.

stathunter wrote in post #6487129
I have used my rapid strap a few times---and not sure it works for me. I use it on my MkII with the 70-200 2.8IS and I really need something with more cushion. There is no flex on the rapid strap--and yes I know it is not meant to flex but I need something with a little more cushion when I carry around the body/lens for 8+ hours.

I used mine at the Miramar air show for four consecutive days hauling the 100-400 and it was very comfortable the entire time. I used my home-made one on the other side to hold another camera with a short lens. It was great to be able to just drop one camera and grab the other when needed.

BadgirlIROC wrote in post #6490218
I'm hoping for an answer to this also!

when i emailed and asked them about this, you still have to buy the new connector with it. i don't understand why they don't just put that with the new r-straps....

col127 wrote in post #6511636
when i emailed and asked them about this, you still have to buy the new connector with it. i don't understand why they don't just put that with the new r-straps....

To me they wrote: "The R-straps will always come with their original hardware"

I know. The whole thing is just silly.

J.

I think they got a whole load of them stitched up with the old connectors so you expect them to change every single one of them? It is a good thing they have improved the product but I suppose it would be better if they cleared this lot before announcing the new connector so as not to piss everyone off.:o

The one thing I worry about is scratching my Gear!! Yea I know I am a whiner but doesn't sumthin like this make it easier for XXL guys like me to bang your gear on a wall or other object?

I got the same answer from them. I just don't like that they claim to give us the new connector for just a penny--it doesn't cost $5 for shipping. If this connector was a true upgrade, I wouldn't mind paying even $20 for it, but its not. It was a redesign because the previous connector was not up to par. Just because they have them all "stitched up" is no reason not to include a new connector...even if they have to raise the price of the strap a couple bucks. And to charge 2 shipping charges for 2 connectors to the same address is ridiculous...feels like an infomercial.

It cant be because they are all stiched up. If that were the case how would we connect the "new" connector?

This is just a bad business move and is really turning me off to this company

Its not really all stitched up, its straps and buckles. I think the poster just meant that the straps already come with the previous connector. Replacing the connector would take less than a minute!

To me, in Italy, from November 1st it costs 44(RS1)+16(CR2)+12(Shi​pping)=72$ +30%(customs and local taxes)=94$.
I can buy an Op-Tech Super Classic Strap for 20€ ......

davruns wrote in post #6517160
Its not really all stitched up, its straps and buckles. I think the poster just meant that the straps already come with the previous connector. Replacing the connector would take less than a minute!

My point exactly, if the "new" connector take less than a minute to attach and is the better option why not include it? Why charge extra for a design flaw that was corrected? On top of that they charge $5 dollars for the part for people who already ordered the product and call it shipping charges

I have a Manfrotto tripod mount and was concerned. However, this guy on his motorcycle doesn't seem too worried about a D ring/tripod mount with his R-Strap...

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=fSCM9eaIKuo