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

pnmd wrote in post #6620125
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

I just came back from 3 weeks overseas (I know, yay me). Used the RS2 strap every day, all day connected to the D-ring on the bottom of my Manfrotto RC2 quick release plate. No problems or worries, never looked like releasing or loosening. First few days I was keeping an eye on it, but after a while I gained more confidence in it. This was with the original connector, too. I've ordered the new one, but hasn't turned up yet. Gear it was holding was 30D (no grip) and either 17-55 or 10-22 lens. Don't reckon I'd have a problem with 70-200 or 100-400 either, although I'd use the tripod ring with RC2 plate.

Until I tried the R-Strap I didn't quite get what all the excitement was about. Such a simple concept but a significant improvement. I still think it's a great idea but I do have one caveat. I found it extremely uncomfortable to use when shooting vertically with a gripped camera. You have to contort your hand around the FastenR which puts your hand and forearm into a stressed position.

I'm going to try using the RC-2 plate instead of the FastenR and see if that's more comfortable. I'm a little bummed because I'll end up throwing a couple of unused FastenRs into a drawer. The worst case is I won't be able to use the R-Strap at all or only for specific situations.

agreed. i don't know why they just don't ship the existing straps with the new connectR?

goldcanon wrote in post #6642343
agreed. i don't know why they just don't ship the existing straps with the new connectR?

I don't think they can do that right now..............as they've yet to even get those (CR2) from their Distributor.

Hey all,

I'm new to the forum, having stumbled on this thread while researching the BlackRapid straps. Thanks -- the comments here have been very helpful. One question that I think I probably know the answer to: The strap seems made for use while upright, standing and walking. I'm guessing it isn't suitable for an environment where I may have to be seated (for example, casual shooting at a ball game, from stadium seats). With the camera hanging on my hip by design, I don't suppose this would be that great in that setting, correct?

Thanks in advance.

when shooting sitting down with the rstrap i place the camera on my lap. I can see where this can be a bit annoying, but it hasnt really bothered me yet. The benefits definitely out weight the annoyance. btw, this is also an issue when shooting in a squatting position or standing by railings. You just have to be aware of it all the time. That being said, I love my diy Rstrap, and would choose it over a neck strap any day.

I just place it on my lap as well and it doesn't seem to be a problem. I guess it's no different then putting the camera on your lap with the neck strap around your neck (depending on how long the slack is). If you're like me, with the traditional neck strap, the camera rests on my big belly when sitting down......and the weight on my neck starts to get uncomfortable.

Thinking about it now....I guess when sitting down I can also move the stop adjuster on my RS1 further up my chest so the camera doesn't move. I have to try this....

my r strap is diy so i dont have a strap adjuster, but wouldnt the moved up strap adjuster just cause the entire strap to rotate forward causing the camera to move into the lowest position again?

pnmd wrote in post #6620125
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

He seemed to have some kind of a safety strap on there...

I don't know what he was riding, but something that noisy and that vibrated that much wouldn't get into my garage...

Has anyone that ordered the new ConnectR received them yet? I ordered two a month ago and I still haven't received them, although Black Rapid said they'd be out in a week. Apparently they are coming from overseas...

What about the new RS4?

I just got my R strap and was able to take it out for a nice long test drive. The strap does come with the connector that attaches to the camera. I wore it for 4 hours shooting at a dog show. I love it. I know it is expensive but it is worth it. I read some negative reviews and I was a little hesistant. Glad I bought it though. For those long shoot, this is a great tool.

Champion201 wrote in post #6669575
What about the new RS4?

The RS4 can store compact flash cards. I do not think there are another differences. At least that I am aware of.

I've had mine for over a week now and I'm loving it. My only concern right now is that I'm using my spectra on the 5D L bracket over the included mount and next week my 5Dii will arrive w/o L brackets being made yet.... Tough problem I know...

I recently received the RS1 and I must say I am a happy buyer. Used it last weekend and no problems. I attached it to the left side of my L-bracket for my gripped 40D and works perfectly. I have no problems taking pictures in portrait orientation.

Only one minor issue would be that the strap moves easily. I would have to adjust it back to where I want it. But that's no big deal.

I am very tempted to get one of these for my gripped 40D. Probably the RS4

Has anybody had any experience of using them with a flash attached too (580 EX II in my case)

I am paranoid about having the extra weight of the flash and also the flash pulling against the hot shoe mount when hanging upside down.