R Strap owners, a few questions...

1. Can you wear a backpack and use rstrap?
   
2. What's the difference between the rs-4 and the 7?
   
3. I have concerns about using the tripod thingy to support a camera and lens upside down. The screw was designed to support a camera/lens with the weight pressing down on it, not upside down and hence pulling away? Also, do you feel yourself constantly checking that the screw has not come lose and tightening it?
   

1. Yes. Either if the backpack is over the strap or if the strap is over, really doesn't matter. You'll lose some length of the strap if it's under the backpack pad, but still will have more than enough room to get the viewfinder to your eye.
2. The RS-4 comes with a pouch on it for memory cards. I bought the RS-7 because the shoulder pad is curved to be more comfortable on the shoulder. The RS-7 also has the shoulder strap stiched to the strap so that the strap cannot move through the pad. I prefer this as I don't want the camera just moving around too much. I'm sure there are more, but these are the ones that I considered.
3. As to using a quick release plate, cannot comment to it as I have not done it. But keep in mind that most plates are built to hold pretty large amounts of weight (think large lens), so I wouldn't be too worried about going that route. I just use the screw in the bottom of my camera, and it hasn't budged. I put a small dabble of water on the rubber piece to make more of a seal when screwing it into the base of the camera, but I doubt it's necessary. When you screw down the strap, there is a good quarter inch of rubber that compresses when you tighten the strap into the base. This is causing a good seal in itself.

I'm also using this with a much heavier camera than you. I think you'll be fine

TaDa wrote in post #9363722
1. Yes. Either if the backpack is over the strap or if the strap is over, really doesn't matter. You'll lose some length of the strap if it's under the backpack pad, but still will have more than enough room to get the viewfinder to your eye.
2. The RS-4 comes with a pouch on it for memory cards. I bought the RS-7 because the shoulder pad is curved to be more comfortable on the shoulder. The RS-7 also has the shoulder strap stiched to the strap so that the strap cannot move through the pad. I prefer this as I don't want the camera just moving around too much. I'm sure there are more, but these are the ones that I considered.
3. As to using a quick release plate, cannot comment to it as I have not done it. But keep in mind that most plates are built to hold pretty large amounts of weight (think large lens), so I wouldn't be too worried about going that route. I just use the screw in the bottom of my camera, and it hasn't budged. I put a small dabble of water on the rubber piece to make more of a seal when screwing it into the base of the camera, but I doubt it's necessary. When you screw down the strap, there is a good quarter inch of rubber that compresses when you tighten the strap into the base. This is causing a good seal in itself.

I'm also using this with a much heavier camera than you. I think you'll be fine

Thanks for your reply. Think you've just about covered everything there. Oh and I will be upgrading to a 5d2 at the of the month so the weight will increase a little, but not as much as a 1 series...

.mark. wrote in post #9363604

1. Can you wear a backpack and use rstrap?
   
2. What's the difference between the rs-4 and the 7?
   
3. I have concerns about using the tripod thingy to support a camera and lens upside down. The screw was designed to support a camera/lens with the weight pressing down on it, not upside down and hence pulling away? Also, do you feel yourself constantly checking that the screw has not come lose and tightening it?

Thanks

I use an OpTech Utility Loop adapter to connect the R-strap to the camera. They work perfectly and can carry all the weight you'll ever need. I got the idea from another member around here who posted some pictures about this, but I forgot his name.

http://www.adorama.com …searchinfo=opte​ch+utility

Tom H. Photography wrote in post #9364665
I use an OpTech Utility Loop adapter to connect the R-strap to the camera. They work perfectly and can carry all the weight you'll ever need. I got the idea from another member around here who posted some pictures about this, but I forgot his name.

http://www.adorama.com …searchinfo=opte​ch+utility

Ordered. Will try it out thanks.

Tom H. Photography wrote in post #9364665
I use an OpTech Utility Loop adapter to connect the R-strap to the camera. They work perfectly and can carry all the weight you'll ever need. I got the idea from another member around here who posted some pictures about this, but I forgot his name.

http://www.adorama.com …searchinfo=opte​ch+utility

I did exactly the same this morning with a BIGMO and a 5D MKII and it worked great - the OpTech Utility Loop attached to the tripod ring of the BIGMO.

I've worn a backpack with my RS-4 a couple of times, but none of those were photography backpacks. I am pretty sure it doesn't make a difference though.
To me, the RS-4 already is very comfy, maybe the curved RS-7 is more comfortable, but it's not that my RS-4 is bad or so.
My screw has been pretty tightend up, to a level where the rubber visibly gets compressed, and after that I never had any problem like unscrewing itself.

I've shot a few weddings with my DR-1 including last night with 1D3, 70-200, and flash hanging on one side and it doesn't have me worried one bit. I check the fittings occasionally but never find any room for tightening.

.mark. wrote in post #9363604

1. Can you wear a backpack and use rstrap?
   
2. What's the difference between the rs-4 and the 7?
   
3. I have concerns about using the tripod thingy to support a camera and lens upside down. The screw was designed to support a camera/lens with the weight pressing down on it, not upside down and hence pulling away? Also, do you feel yourself constantly checking that the screw has not come lose and tightening it?

Thanks

1. My wife does it all the time...
   
2. Already been answered...
   
3. My three cameras and two L lenses (100-400 and 70-200 2.8 IS) all have RRS L brackets or plates on them. These attach to the tripod socket in all cases. In order to not lose the functionality of the L brackets when using the R-Straps, I did this:

thanks for all the advice guys, this forum is invaluable. I've ordered on rs7 and a lowepro primus. My next decision is which body to upgrade to, but that's giving me the biggest headache of all!

JWright wrote in post #9380039

I attached the R-Strap to a Kirk clamp and use the clamp to attach the strap to the camera. (Keep in mind this is the early Black Rapid hardware, but you get the idea...)

Is this really a 'safe' solution? I don't know, it looks pretty failable somehow.. How well do RRS plates get clammed in the Kirk clamp? And how badly to you have to twist it to lock it?

I used the R-Strap for a while, still have it, but when I got my 580 EX II I didn't like where it sat. I switched to a hand strap instead.

DeVVitt wrote in post #9386414
Is this really a 'safe' solution? I don't know, it looks pretty failable somehow.. How well do RRS plates get clammed in the Kirk clamp? And how badly to you have to twist it to lock it?

I am not sure how tight using Kirk clamp on RRS plates is but RRS or wimbreley clamp with RRS/Wimberley plates is super solid. Probably lot more than RS straps. Lot of nature/sports guys use the clamp/plate combo with 1 series bodies and 500/600mm f4 lenses. RRS/Wimberley also have safety stops on their lens plates.

DeVVitt wrote in post #9386414
Is this really a 'safe' solution? I don't know, it looks pretty failable somehow.. How well do RRS plates get clammed in the Kirk clamp? And how badly to you have to twist it to lock it?

I've been using the setup for a couple of years now and I've never had them loosen up on me.

Hmm, in that case I should take a look at a system like that, since it looks very easy. Thanks for the reactions.