BlackRapid. RS-4, RS-5 or RS-7?

Ginu · May 17, 2011

Geaux said:
What are some of the issues have been fixed from the rs-7? (in the sport)

I haven't tried any of their straps but this is what I gathered from watching their videos and random online reviews:

1. wider shoulder strap which should convert into comfort
2. added underarm strap which locks the main strap from rotating when grabbing the camera. (pretty big improvement when once the strap is on, you wont have to readjust)
3. extra lock clip which locks on the strap and allows the camera to move to that location only. (for example you bend over and camera slides on the strap right under your chest/stomach and with the extra lock this doesn't happen)

Also I'm not sure if they can be called fixes... more like improvements and #2 and 3 are huge. I use a slingbag for mountain biking and the biggest issue and annoyance was the constant sliding... I would take a small jump and the slingbag would end up under my chest/stomach area and of-course I found a easy fix... just attached a diagonal strap with a clip from the chest area of the main strap to the other side and now it sits there regardless on what I jump; now I just undo the plastic latch/clip and swing the bag around which takes an extra 1-2 seconds

but well worth it for my aggravation from constant readjusting and discomfort.

Ginu · May 17, 2011

Also I forgot to mention, but they do have a version of the strap which is for the feminine photographer... apparently it follows the curves and I'm assuming the strap is shorter. Just another thing to think about for the feminine photographers

Geaux · May 17, 2011

Ginu said:
I haven't tried any of their straps but this is what I gathered from watching their videos and random online reviews:

1. wider shoulder strap which should convert into comfort
2. added underarm strap which locks the main strap from rotating when grabbing the camera. (pretty big improvement when once the strap is on, you wont have to readjust)
3. extra lock clip which locks on the strap and allows the camera to move to that location only. (for example you bend over and camera slides on the strap right under your chest/stomach and with the extra lock this doesn't happen)

Also I'm not sure if they can be called fixes... more like improvements and #2 and 3 are huge. I use a slingbag for mountain biking and the biggest issue and annoyance was the constant sliding... I would take a small jump and the slingbag would end up under my chest/stomach area and of-course I found a easy fix... just attached a diagonal strap with a clip from the chest area of the main strap to the other side and now it sits there regardless on what I jump; now I just undo the plastic latch/clip and swing the bag around which takes an extra 1-2 seconds but well worth it for my aggravation from constant readjusting and discomfort.

Yeah, the underarm strap, while nice ... I don't think I'll have much need for it, ya know? The wider strap on the other hand, sounds nice, but imo (especially with my budget), I can't justify 20 more bucks than my original budget for that.

#3, the rs-7 also has the dual clips to lock the camera down by your side, just letting ya know.

I'm going to pick up the rs-7 on my way home from work tonight. Just an FYI, their 30 day 100% money back guarantee is only for purchases from their direct site, not their distributer stores/sites.

Ginu · May 17, 2011

Geaux said:
Yeah, the underarm strap, while nice ... I don't think I'll have much need for it, ya know? The wider strap on the other hand, sounds nice, but imo (especially with my budget), I can't justify 20 more bucks than my original budget for that.

#3, the rs-7 also has the dual clips to lock the camera down by your side, just letting ya know.

I'm going to pick up the rs-7 on my way home from work tonight. Just an FYI, their 30 day 100% money back guarantee is only for purchases from their direct site, not their distributer stores/sites.

From the pictures on their side it doesn't seem that the RS7 has the lock clips but could be wrong. At work now and cant watch more videos... and the under arm strap is handy for an extra 10$ and its worth it in my opinion. Much easier to swing the 10$ now then later.

Price of the RS7 on their site is 58.95 vs 69.99 for the RS Sport

Edit: you're right, the RS7 does have the dual lock in clips, just haven't noticed them b4.

Geaux · May 17, 2011

Ginu said:
Price of the RS7 on their site is 58.95 vs 69.99 for the RS Sport

I know, it's killing me to say the 10 dollars more is too much when spending 60 already on a strap, but the wife agreed to 50'ish and if that turns to 70'ish I might be in some trouble. I need a good tripod soon, so can't be pissing off the Mrs

Ginu · May 17, 2011

Geaux said:
Ginu said:

Price of the RS7 on their site is 58.95 vs 69.99 for the RS Sport

Click to expand...

I know, it's killing me to say the 10 dollars more is too much when spending 60 already on a strap, but the wife agreed to 50'ish and if that turns to 70'ish I might be in some trouble. I need a good tripod soon, so can't be pissing off the Mrs

Haha I hear ya. That's funny and exactly what I did and bought a nice tripod but not as tough as I should have bought in the first place as it was the agreement with the Mrs...
Now I am looking to sell my Sherpa and get an upgrade to something heavier which again will cost more from the pocket

davidrh · May 18, 2011

I received the RS-5 as a gift. Initially I thought it was way too much strap for me, but now I think it's perfect. I use the storage all the time. I use it for my Apple camera connection kit so I can transfer photos to my ipad, a lens cleaning kit, and the wireless remote control. It's also a good place to keep your lens cap while you're shooting. (I keep UV filters on my lenses and keep the cap off for most of the day -- hence also the need to occasionally wipe down the filter with the cleaning kit.)

I pretty much commit to one lens for the day. So I put the lens on and go, and I don't have to worry about grabbing all that extra stuff since it all stays with the strap.

One more thing: I attach my camera to the strap with a BosTail (attaches to the stock strap mount) because I think it hangs better that way, and it's also easier to put the camera on a tripod quickly.

Hope this helps.

Geaux · May 18, 2011

Thanks davidrh

I actually went out and bought the rs-7 last night, just gotta get it adjusted correctly to where it fits on my hip better. Definitely a release in weight on my neck, greatly appreciated haha

Ginu · May 18, 2011

Just a quick update.
So I went to the camera store to purchase a Blackrapid strap and the RS7 is 89.99 and the sport 99.99......for a strap and this does not include the 12% HST... I found it ridiculous but ended up ordering the sport strap from Adorama shipped to Canada for 83$....

So for the Canadian fellas, look online to find a better price and shipped.

Geaux · May 18, 2011

Wow! Mine, in store, was the same price online + shipping.

Robin Usagani · May 18, 2011

I bought a china made no name brand for like $18 or something from amazon.. Pretty good LOL.

Ginu · May 18, 2011

Geaux said:
Wow! Mine, in store, was the same price online + shipping.

You're lucky... to buy the strap in the states would be 69.99 and free shipping

Geaux · May 18, 2011

Schwettylens said:
I bought a china made no name brand for like $18 or something from amazon.. Pretty good LOL.

..until it sends your camera crashing to the ground lol.

While expensive, it's worth it imo becauseI can't see going cheap on a product that lets your expensive camera dangle on your side.