*Review* Black Rapid RS-4, RS-7, Sun Sniper "The One", "Steel"

Hi all, I just completed a review of the Black Rapid RS-4, RS7 and Sun Sniper straps.

I would post it here, but because the pictures are attached to a local forum, it's a little difficult for me to transfer them.

CLICK HERE FOR REVIEW

Great review! Nice to see another model to choose from. I appreciate the close up shots too as the Black Rapid site doesn't have the greatest pics.

I was just thinking about buying either the BR RS-4 or RS-7, but I have a few issues.

RS-7
-as you pointed out, the ignorant quick release
-the adjustment system seems like a step backwards compared to the RS-7
-can't be used left handed (some might say it is moot since the shutter release is on the right)
-it looks like there is some excess strap that loops somewhat off the back and no way to tuck it in
-possible scratch issues when using with a camera bag or sitting down

RS-4
-personal choice, but I hate the zipper case
-possible scratch issues when using with a camera bag or sitting down

Since you live close to me, did you get them in Singapore or order from the US and have them shipped? I see BR does offer international shipping, but I'm still curious.

I wonder how many people carry their camera around the neck (to front), not on the shoulder. I try to carry it off shoulder with my stock Canon strap, but I just can't get it to swing up.

I use an Optech strap, cross shouldered. Bringing the camera up, quickly, is not a problem for me. I love the slight bounce in the pad. Not too much, not too little, for me. Plus they take up very little room in a bag.

Nice review..

i had an rs-4 and sold it for the sun sniper one.

i must say after using both, the rs-4 feels super cheap when compared to the sun sniper one. the shoulder padding is so much thicker and heavy duty on the sun sniper. the main reason i hated my rs-4 is the webbing they used. it was so thin and felt so cheap. it would always get twisted up when i used it.

the sun sniper webbing is so much thicker and stronger. has not twisted up on me yet. i can actually just cram it in my bag when im not using it and just pull it back out without a problem.

my friend also has the rs-7 strap and i found that the quick release on the back being very weird. first thing i i said to him when i noticed it was "hey your black rapid has a quick release. how neat! why is it on the back?! what if i just walked up behind you and released it? you wouldnt even know"

booja wrote in post #11496881
"...what if i just walked up behind you and released it? you wouldnt even know"

That was my concern too. BR sells an accessory to cover the quick release, however I don't understand why it's not included.

bohdank wrote in post #11496314
I use an Optech strap, cross shouldered. Bringing the camera up, quickly, is not a problem for me. I love the slight bounce in the pad. Not too much, not too little, for me. Plus they take up very little room in a bag.

++

I'm using the same method and it's perfect, also the camera does not spin around since it has two strap mount points.

But that being said, I would like to switch to a hand strap and this leaves me to only use the sling style straps when I do. This review is great for my future decision and will help out.

As much as I have imagined a hand strap I cannot visualize it being, in any way, usefull or practical for my shooting. Each to their own.

Headshotzx, if you were too choose any of the straps which would go with?

Thanks for the comments everyone. I'm sure the phrase "whatever floats your boat" would apply here. It's up to you to decide how best you'd carry your camera.

texaspancake wrote in post #11497784
Headshotzx, if you were too choose any of the straps which would go with?

I think it definitely depends on your camera. As I now use the gear in my sig, I probably would go with the Sun Sniper Steel. Not only is it the most comfortable for me (as I do not have thick shoulders, so the V shaped padding issue doesn't affect me), but it's the safest, the most "weight-reducing" to me, and it has better materials.

But as I said in the review, I will stick to my RS-4 because I've already bought it and it's pretty low profile, perfect for my street shooting. The Sun Sniper is just unnecessary bulk if you're just going out with a 5D2 + 50mm, or like a T2i with kit lens.

Thanks for the reviews. I have an RS7 and it works well for me. Probably crazy glue the quick release....

I use an OpTech sling on my G11. Lets me keep the 11 under my coat when the weather is bad. No concerns about dropping my camera. (I know it's a light camera; works for me though.)

Best,

Where's the review of the camera strap worn across the chest like so many do? This is my problem with the Rapid because it costs way more than most straps yet it's simply a strap across the chest and I have the same wear, a pad on my shoulder, and it moves easily from down on my side to up on my eye.

You need to try out the RS-Sport. I got one for free from BR recently and like it much much more then my RS-7. thanks for an awesome review.

Nice reviews zexun.

One gripe I have for not using these straps is the fact that it uses the tripod mount as a mounting point for the strap. The jury still seems to be out on whether or not it's a good idea.

Have you encountered any issues with it before? Which of the four straps gives you a better sense of security in terms of the strength of the mounting point.

_aravena wrote in post #11501904
Where's the review of the camera strap worn across the chest like so many do? This is my problem with the Rapid because it costs way more than most straps yet it's simply a strap across the chest and I have the same wear, a pad on my shoulder, and it moves easily from down on my side to up on my eye.

If you take a long strap and sling it across your body diagonally, not only does your lens point out dangerously (and awkwardly) to the side, more often than not the strap would not be long enough, and the camera will be at your chest area. Not only that, when you want to bring the camera up, the entire strap moves, i.e. the padding moves as well because it's a single unit, not a movable camera and separate strap element.