Black Rapid vs Generic Strap vs Generic Strap with Black Rapid Fastenr?

[JacaRanda]

I've been using my Op/tech strap for a couple of weeks now, including a long hike with my kids, and I LOVE IT. I also bought a couple of extension straps, and the best configuration I have now is to have the right camera strap lug connected direct to the Op/tech loop, then a 6" extension on the left lug connected to the loop. I found with both lugs directly connected to the loop it got in the way when I was shooting, but with only the right lug connected it was too dangly (and the second lug connection is a bit of extra security). The connectors are really sturdy and tight.

Totally worth the price (which is way cheaper than the BR).

^^^^This this this. I have no doubt that BR is a good choice based on all the folks here that love them, and the amount of folks I see out and about with them.
However, I am totally satisfied with my OP/Tech sling strap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3x_-ad6fIs#t=102. It's the one item I am glad I did not spend more money on; unlike the Nifty Fifty or badly designed Apollo Orb.

 

[robbins.photo]

I've been using my Op/tech strap for a couple of weeks now, including a long hike with my kids, and I LOVE IT. I also bought a couple of extension straps, and the best configuration I have now is to have the right camera strap lug connected direct to the Op/tech loop, then a 6" extension on the left lug connected to the loop. I found with both lugs directly connected to the loop it got in the way when I was shooting, but with only the right lug connected it was too dangly (and the second lug connection is a bit of extra security). The connectors are really sturdy and tight.

Totally worth the price (which is way cheaper than the BR).

^^^^This this this. I have no doubt that BR is a good choice based on all the folks here that love them, and the amount of folks I see out and about with them.
However, I am totally satisfied with my OP/Tech sling strap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3x_-ad6fIs#t=102. It's the one item I am glad I did not spend more money on; unlike the Nifty Fifty or badly designed Apollo Orb.

Optech builds some quality stuff, no doubt about it. I opted for the BR RS-5 because it gives me a lot of storage space in the strap to carry extra memory cards, spare battery, microfiber cloth, etc - makes me more mobile without the need to carry around a bag which for me was worth the extra $$$. Even your average nylon strap is going to be more than enough to support the weight of a camera and heavy telephoto lens, really the thing to look at is the supporting hardware/connections - and even on the cheap chinese knock offs I've seen they are pretty solid.

The other consideration for me was the padding on the strap, I wanted something with some thick padding, that 70-200 mm 2.8 gets pretty heavy after lugging it around all day. So far no complaints. I have little doubt the optech probably offers some superior padding as well, I used some of their neck straps back in the day and they really did a fantastic job of reducing and redistributing the weight.

 

[Civchic]

Optech builds some quality stuff, no doubt about it. I opted for the BR RS-5 because it gives me a lot of storage space in the strap to carry extra memory cards, spare battery, microfiber cloth, etc - makes me more mobile without the need to carry around a bag which for me was worth the extra $$$. Even your average nylon strap is going to be more than enough to support the weight of a camera and heavy telephoto lens, really the thing to look at is the supporting hardware/connections - and even on the cheap chinese knock offs I've seen they are pretty solid.

The other consideration for me was the padding on the strap, I wanted something with some thick padding, that 70-200 mm 2.8 gets pretty heavy after lugging it around all day. So far no complaints. I have little doubt the optech probably offers some superior padding as well, I used some of their neck straps back in the day and they really did a fantastic job of reducing and redistributing the weight.

That's a good point. I'm "lucky", I'm already carrying a backpack with snacks, dry clothes, extra diapers, etc. Haha. Or on a big trip, hauling a wagon! My new divided compartments backpack is on the way - space for gear and separate cargo compartment.

 

[robbins.photo]

Optech builds some quality stuff, no doubt about it. I opted for the BR RS-5 because it gives me a lot of storage space in the strap to carry extra memory cards, spare battery, microfiber cloth, etc - makes me more mobile without the need to carry around a bag which for me was worth the extra $$$. Even your average nylon strap is going to be more than enough to support the weight of a camera and heavy telephoto lens, really the thing to look at is the supporting hardware/connections - and even on the cheap chinese knock offs I've seen they are pretty solid.

The other consideration for me was the padding on the strap, I wanted something with some thick padding, that 70-200 mm 2.8 gets pretty heavy after lugging it around all day. So far no complaints. I have little doubt the optech probably offers some superior padding as well, I used some of their neck straps back in the day and they really did a fantastic job of reducing and redistributing the weight.

That's a good point. I'm "lucky", I'm already carrying a backpack with snacks, dry clothes, extra diapers, etc. Haha. Or on a big trip, hauling a wagon! My new divided compartments backpack is on the way - space for gear and separate cargo compartment.

I've got a backpack that I store/transport all my gear in, then I also have a smaller bag that will fit the 70-200 and a few other lenses, I use it once I get to my destination (usually the zoo) and I'm going to be walking around, so I can change out lenses. I've tried shooting out of the backpack and it's a pain so basically I bought a bag just to haul lenses and such around in when I'm walking, then when I get back to the car everything goes back in the backpack for transport into/out of the house.

 

[Braineack]

Just moved the strap to the left loop. Seems to work well enough. Just hits the upper stop as I put it to my face, but no biggie.

Otherwise with the strap on the right loop, it would cut across my face as I use my left eye. The bottom loop was best, I only got the BR screw thing since I wasn't smart enough to move the loop to the left side. But I do like being able to set it down flush to surface again...

Sometimes I really can't brain when I have the dumb.