Customer Reviews

Black Rapid Straps RS4 Black Fabric, Lightweight and Low Profile, with ConnectR-2 and FastenR-2

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A nasty fall some years ago left me in the hospital and gave me permanent difficulties carrying things around my neck. A pound is about my limit. My binoculars at 22 oz fatigue me. My DSLR weighs in at 3 pounds. Carrying it with a normal neck strap starts hurting within 20 minutes. A birder's shoulder harness helps a little but not much. Attaching a padded monopod and carrying the kit over my shoulder was my best answer before getting this strap. That's okay for hiking but awkward in any kind of crowd. With the BlackRapid strap on my camera. I can go out for half a day with just a little fatigue.

Obviously, you don't need a bad back to benefit from this strap. I'd recommend it for any heavy camera/lens combo. The wide padded strap that slings cross body does a very good job of distributing the camera's weight and keeping it inline with the body. The free swing of the camera on the connector allows it to fall - lens down - just behind my hip and out of the way. With a bit of practice it's extremely fast to get the camera up to eye level. It also offers pockets in the strap for extra memory cards, lens cloth or other small extras. Add in easy adjustment, secure, quick attachment and quality build and you've got a winner. This is a substantial and well made product.

The strap uses the camera's tripod socket to mount so you can't use quick release plates. The attachment fitting also keeps the camera from sitting flat on its bottom. So, if you're going to need a tripod camera mount, you're probably better off using a camera bag or a belt holster, which you probably already own. For a hand held shots, though, it's the best thing I've seen.

If you find your camera a bit heavy and your back aching at the end of the day, or if you just appreciate well made, designed and comfortable straps, then here's the most comfortable strap around.

I do a lot of street shooting and have grown to dislike the normal Nikon strap that comes with your camera. I saw a print ad about the Black Rapid strap and decided to try it out. Santa delivered it and I really dig this thing.
No more fumbling with the old style straps, twisting and tugging and having it swing back and forth on your hip.
With this strap my camera (Nikon D300 with a 24-70- pretty heavy combo) sits upside down on my hip or almost centered in the middle of my back. It takes the weight off your neck and sits very comfortably.
But, the true advantage is when you grab the camera with one hand, slide it up the strap, put camera to your eye and start shooting. No thinking, debating- just grab, slide and shoot.
I haven't really thought much of whether it is expensive or not, all I know is that I have finally found a great strap to take some of the awkwardness out of shooting with my camera.
Yeah it does make you wonder that with such a simple invention, why didn't I think of it, but you didn't,so get over it and enjoy your shooting experience.

I bought this product about 4 months ago and at first it seemed awesome. I loved the way the camera is slung over the shoulder with the grip facing outwards so that you can immediately grab the camera and snap a picture. Ergonomically and functionally it is great. However it has one fatal flaw.

The carabiner type connector that is between the metal connector that screws into the bottom of the camera and the strap is made out of metal. If you sit down with your camera in your lap the caribiner type connector will scratch your camera. I went on a two week vacation during which time I carried my camera around with me all day using the Black Rapid Strap. We would walk around for a while and then drive to the next location. By the time I got back home there was a deep scratch about 1 1/8 long and 1/8 inch wide on the bottom back right side of the camera. When I checked for potential contact between the metal connector and the camera the scracth matched up perfectly where the location the metal connector contacts the camera when seated. The scratch took the paint off of the camera body exposing the raw metal of the camera.

I contacted the store I purchased the product from and they are supposed to contact the makers of the Black Rapid Strap. Of course I have not heard anything back and what are they going to do, replace my camera body? Unlikely...

Pros:
1. Super comfortable
2. Peforms as advertised
3. Ergonomically great

Cons:
1. It will scratch your camera body and ruin it.

Given the price of a good DSLR camera body it is not worth it until the company realses a non-metal connector or a rubber coated connector....

Seeing the "trailers" put out for this strap, they turned me off to the idea. They were just so ridiculous, I didn't even want to support them (using cameras in a "gunslinging" competition, throwing a camera behind your shoulder (with the strap on) and having it come spinning around right back to you - throw in some cheesy effects/fast-cuts and it just came off as kind of stupid).

Fortunately, I decided to give it a chance and I was VERY glad I did. I've been using it for about 6 months now and love it.

My main concern wasn't discomfort with the included cameras straps, it's that I wanted something to hold 2 camera body besides wrapping both around my neck (or doing the "over the shoulder" trick). I looked into the Black Rapid Double Strap - For Two Cameras , but it had its drawbacks: you HAD to use 2 cameras or it'd be unbalanced (you would have to connect the empty side to your belt loop), plus it was a bit more limited when trying to shoot vertical (portrait) shots (if you watch the commercials, they always shoot landscape-style).

I decided to make my own Dual Strap by picking up a pair of RS-4s and going "cross-style" with one over each shoulder. I have to admit, it really works great!

Included is the actual strap (which has a "ConnectR" (caribiner)) and a "FastenR-2" (a screw-in piece that has a ring on the end). It's very simple - screw the FastenR into the tripod mount, and then connect the carabiner to the the ring. Earlier models had problems with the carabiner opening, but the new versions include a locking mechanism.

Connecting/disconnecting is very easy and most importantly, it feels secure (even with a high-end model, with flash, battery grip and long lens). The carabiner part is not tied to the strap, it runs freely alongside it so you can easily lift/lower it without adjusting the strap.

The RS-4 has a little zip-up pocket on it - this is good for holding any small objects you might have. The other models have larger pockets -- I actually prefer the RS-4's smaller one as it's much less bulky.

I looked at all the models and decided the RS-4 was the best for me.

The Dual-Strap version has the problems listed above, the RS-5 had a bigger pocket and the RS-7 has a "quick release" clip in the back which is a TERRIBLE idea, I think, as if it becomes undone, everything falls crashing to the floor. The RS4 has a solid connection throughout.

The system itself is very basic - a strap, a carabiner and a keyring with a 1/4" 20-threading on the other end. Because of this, many people are making their own off store-bought pieces and I think that's just a bad idea. If you're going to balance (and rely on it to hold) thousands of dollars of gear, do you really want to go cheap on the parts holding it altogether? There is always the chance of pieces breaking, but I'd tend to spend the cash and get the "real thing" than trying to make my own.

I have used several other good straps including the Op/Tech and several wide conventional straps from the 1970s which have hippy-ish embroidery on them. They are all better than the standard Nikon straps.

My Nikon D300s with the MB-D10 second battery and a GPS really gets quite heavy after you drag it around for a while. Especially if you have a nice lens on the camera. I find that this strap is the best for carrying the camera, and also for quick access.

After the all the above positive comments I do have to note that I find this strap to b more than a little overpriced.

I'm a professional photographer specializing in youth athletics and often carry two, and sometimes three different cameras during a game for hours at a time. Typical camera straps (around the back of the neck) can "scissor" with one another, and the added weight of heavy zoom lenses puts undue pressure on the back and neck.
The "RStrap" is a lifesaver! It hangs across the shoulder with a padded cushion and the camera slides down to an inverted hanging position at my hip until I need it. Even with a heavy 400mm lens the Black Rapid keeps the weight off of my neck and greatly reduces neck fatigue (and anyone who's carried a heavy lens with an ordinary camera strap will attest to THAT wear and tear!)
Initially I was hesitant to purchase this product because I couldn't justify spending over [...] on a mere strap, but after having used this product for dozens of sporting events from baseball to rugby I heartily endorse the RStrap to anyone out there who might be thinking of making the same purchase.
THIS IS THE BEST PRODUCT I'VE ADDED TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY ARSENAL, BAR NONE! You won't regret it, I promise. Order one, attach it to your camera and let the weight hang effortlessly off of your shoulder instead of pulling down on the back of your neck. You'll see instantly why this should have been part of your equipment years ago!
Can't say enough about this product. It's easy to adjust the length of the strap so that your camera stays out of harm's way when you kneel to shoot with a second camera, and allows you to put a hand on two different cameras for that split second choice between cameras as the action unfolds.
If you hike or work with heavy equipment I highly recommend the Black Rapid RS4! You won't be disappointed!

Bob Timmerman
Wizardpix Photography
Murfreesboro, Tn 37127
[...]

I bought this strap for use with my Canon 5D and it works very well. The main purpose for switching to this style lens was for easy access to my camera while helping my wife with the kids. I've taken this on trips to the zoo, beach, Seaworld, and other amusement parks. I can easily push the stroller and still have access to my camera for a quick shot, and slide it back down to my side. Before, I would have to fumble for the camera, or tuck it away in the stroller. Now, I can take quick shots and have my hands free in no time.

The biggest adjustment is to trust having your camera suspended upside down. Once you gain confidence that your camera will be okay and won't fall, you'll really love having the strap. I routinely have my 5D with battery grip, hand strap, & 24-70L attached without any concerns (occasionally I'll also add the 580EX flash, as well). I tend to have my right hand on the camera if I don't want it bumping into things in tight spaces, but otherwise it doesn't swing around too much as long as you're not running around.

The two things that I don't like are that I find myself constantly sliding the strap back in place. If you notice the padding area with the R logo, it will slide backwards as you move the camera in position to shoot and doesn't always slide back, so the padding ends up behind my back. It's not a big deal to pull it back in place, but it just feels a little awkward when the padding is not resting on my shoulder. I believe they now have an attachment to the R-strap to keep it place. The second thing, is that you screw the strap to the bottom on the tripod slot. So when I need to take off the camera and strap, I can not place the camera flat on a surface, without unscrewing the strap off first. There is nothing that can be done, as this is just how the strap attaches to the camera. What I end up doing, is placing the camera on it's side, or on top of a sweatshirt or my jacket.

Overall, I love this product, as I can carry my 1 year old son on my left arm, and still have access to my camera for a shot of my 4 year old running around. Another bonus is that on trips, I always have a backpack; You can place the strap over the backpack so it will function just fine even with the backpack on. I've read on camera forums that you can make a similar style strap yourself for much cheaper. So if you want the benefits but don't want to pay the high price, there are DIY options if you feel like making one yourself. However, it is nice to have the refined look of a commercial strap, and once you use it you'll realize the advantages of this type of strap.

When I originally bought the RS4 I was looking for a strap that would allow me to finally get rid of the hideous Canon strap that comes with all their cameras and begin carrying my camera without putting a lot of strain on my neck. The RS4 did both of these things and being a professional photographer, I have found it helpful on numerous occasions whether it's a portrait session where I only need one camera body or even when I'm on vacation, being able to walk around without having the camera in the way the entire time. I would highly recommend this strap to anyone with a DSLR, be they professional or amateur, and for the hard-working professional, I would recommend the Black Rapid RS-DR-1 Double Strap For Two Cameras when the situation demands two camera bodies and lenses (e.g. weddings and events).

This strap seems useful but in principle, but I found it not comfortable hanging upside down on my side, especially when walking around. Since it is only supported by the tripod socket and not two lugs on the camera, it tends to bounce and sway too much, even with the strap locks in place. Further, it made my shutter release press by itself too often so I could not leave the camera on while using this strap.

Further, the connectors are metal and over time, they do contact the bottom of your camera so they could scratch/mar your camera.

I much prefer a non sling type strap as it feels a lot more secure.

Close but no Cigar!
I bought three of these at the same time for my three cameras. I thought they would do great. The idea is fantastic however, the execution is lacking.
The webbing is real cheesy; it twists and curls under load.
The part that attaches to the camera mount looks flimsy and it makes noise under load when you are walking, it makes a kind of a squeaking and grinding noise.
The part that attaches to the Camera tripod mount is grinding against the hook and leaves metal shavings all over everything...I am concerned that the shavings will end up inside the camera. OUCH!!!
All in all it's a great idea and concept they just went low bid on the components. For this much money I would think it would be much better quality.
I carry heavy cameras and lens; perhaps if you carry a light weight camera you won't have the problems...good luck!