Black Rapid - Tripod Quick Release issue solved

Just wanted to share my solution.

I solved my Black Rapid issue, now I don't need to use the FastenR-2 and it frees up my tripod socket for any quick release plate. I don't need to rely on those with the D ring screw connector used on some quick releases eg. Manfrotto. The offset connecting point also means that the quick release plate can almost be any size required, as the strap connection will not get in the way.

Basically I just stole the lug connector of an old Optech neoprene strap and connected it to the bottom of my battrey grip. Other normal strap lugs on top of the camera are also useable as conection points if you don't need a battery grip.

Function of the R strap remains unchanged.

It improves vertical handling with the battery grip as the FastenR-2 is no longer in the way of your palm, when holding the grip normally. Before you had to hold the FastenR-2 as well as the grip, which made it pretty unconfortable.

The softer plastic of the Optech connector doesn't damage and scratch things like a metal split ring would. So far there have been no problems with the ability of the Optech connector to handle the weight of the camera, lens (200mm F/2.8 in photos) and battery grip.

1. Connection point at the bottom of the battery grip, notice the seperate monopod quick release.

You're a braver man than i am.. i don't think i could put so much trust in a piece of soft plastic.

Mark Anthony wrote in post #9972959
You're a braver man than i am.. i don't think i could put so much trust in a piece of soft plastic.

I guess if you see one of those "I dropped my 5dm2" threads you'll know that the soft plastic gave way. I'm pretty confident the Optech connector will hold out, they seem well designed. You could always rig a safety lanyard to the upper lug above the card door of the camera and connect this to the RS-5, but this would start to get messy with so many connectors around.

Why use the R-Strap at all then? The large advantage of the R-Strap is the position it holds the camera. Without thought, I can lower my hand, grab my camera body in perfect grip, raise it and take a shot all in one simple and natural motion.

You have a good idea here, but I do not see where it marries to teh R-Strap at all. Some of the R-Strap knock offs hang the camera like your suggestion though. That's why I went with the R-Strap.


Put a 70-200 F2.8 IS, 100-400L, or a 300 prime L on your configuration and I think you will see the balance of the R-Strap's original configuration.

CxThree wrote in post #9974035
Why use the R-Strap at all then? The large advantage of the R-Strap is the position it holds the camera. Without thought, I can lower my hand, grab my camera body in perfect grip, raise it and take a shot all in one simple and natural motion.

You have a good idea here, but I do not see where it marries to teh R-Strap at all. Some of the R-Strap knock offs hang the camera like your suggestion though. That's why I went with the R-Strap.

Put a 70-200 F2.8 IS, 100-400L, or a 300 prime L on your configuration and I think you will see the balance of the R-Strap's original configuration.

Thanks for the comments, the actual angle of the camera is only a few degress different to the centralised FastenR-2, so it still presents the grip the same way.
The R strap still works the same way, the camera body just hangs ever so slightly different.

On the longer telephotos you have mentioned I would probably connect the R strap to the tripod mount ring, if I'm not using a monopod.