BlackRapid Straps - Questions for Owners

Light Artisan · Jan 4, 2011

The idea behind the BlackRapid has caught my attention since I first saw it quite some time ago, however in the early days I read some horror stories of the fastener falling apart causing the camera to drop to the ground - not cool.

After this, they supposedly came out with a fix for it - but even that wasn't doing the trick.

My first question; did they ever get this ironed out?

Next, the strap looks really bulky - how do you deal with it? Do you toss it in the bag, does it get it's own bag, does it stay attached to your camera?

Last... which single body version would you recommend? I don't think I really care about storage areas. The new sport one looks cool, but it seems their $17 accessory 'mod' does the same thing, correct?

Thanks in advance.

orb9220 · Jan 4, 2011

Was sent an RS-2 to review for my blog back in 2007 and yep the fastener was a problem that I pointed out in my review.

Since then I ordered the Black Rapid ConnectR-2 Second Generation / Locking Carabiner and hasn't been a problem since. As have a manfrotto tripod plate mounted to the bottom of my MB-D80 grip/D90 combo. And the plate has a D-ring to clip into.

As to bulky I don't find mine overly so. Yep it has a tendency to slide because of the pocket which I know I could remedy with a strip of non-slip material on inside of strap.

I have heard the newer models are better designed. But have no personal experience with them.

Mine I just fold up and put in bottom of main compartment as extra padding. So when I pull the cam out I grab strap also if needed. If out on long out and about then I wear the strap and reach in bag for camera and clip in if needed for longer periods of picture taking. If out with just the camera & one lens then is worn for long periods with no problems whatsoever.
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KmH · Jan 4, 2011

I own, and have extensively used 2 Black Rapid RS-2 straps for 2+ years now. No problems.

In fact every incident I have personal knowledge of there being a problem with a Black Rapid Strap connector, either the part attached to the camera or the part attached to the sling, was user error.

I take online anecdotal evidence with a very large grain of salt.

I have Manfrotto quick connect plates on all my camera bodies too and I'm still using the original MK I, spring loaded (non-locking) hook and gate clip just as I originally got them on both straps to clip to the quick connect plate D-ring's. The heaviest combo I carry that way is a D300 w/MB-D10 and an AF 80-200 mm f/2.8D lens.

Johnboy2978 · Jan 4, 2011

I've got the RS5. Mine is the newer model that has a locking caribeaner. I can't imagine a way for it to fail, however, I had heard of the early models failing and I attached a secondary caribeaner for redundancy. I'm a rock climber and had the extra caribeaner lying around (it's not load bearing, but would back up the original if it failed). I've since removed the extra one as I find it to be well made. I don't use the screw in attachment that came with it though, as I just prefer to leave my tripod quick release plate attached to my camera (manfrotto RC2) that also has a d ring (more or less) that I clip the black rapid into to avoid having to switch it when I go to the tripod.

I generally leave the Blackrapid sling attached at all times unless I'm going to be on the tripod for an extended period of time. I find the BR sling to be very comfortable and pleasant to wear. It's a little pricey at $65, but I haven't regretted it either.

Light Artisan · Jan 4, 2011

Thanks for the input guys!

Keith, I kind of wondered about that being user error but it 'seemed' widespread enough and the company did issue a revised version to those effected, correct?

My heaviest load right now would be a gripped D7000 with Nikon 70-200 VR, also with Manfrotto plate attached (probably to the lens).

orb9220 · Jan 4, 2011

No user error here and did have it happen twice with the original clasp & connector. And is well documented. And Black Rapid did email me after the review and confirmed there was a known problem and where working on a solution.

My heaviest load no problem was a D90/MB-D80 grip with a Nikon 80-200 f2.8 AF-D.
Heavy load but the strap performed well.
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Restomage · Jan 4, 2011

I have the brand new version of the RS-7 and it's awesome! My friend has the old one with the issues you addressed and it seems like they got it right with the new version!

KmH · Jan 5, 2011

Light Artisan said:
Thanks for the input guys!

Keith, I kind of wondered about that being user error but it 'seemed' widespread enough and the company did issue a revised version to those effected, correct?

My heaviest load right now would be a gripped D7000 with Nikon 70-200 VR, also with Manfrotto plate attached (probably to the lens).

BR didn't have much choice. One of the drawbacks for a company about the Internet.

It's called urban legend. It's easier for people blame the product rather than admit to themselves they had their head up their, uh, lets say they were suffering from optical rectalitis.

waynegz1 · Jan 5, 2011

I have the RS5 (newest model) and have yet to have any trouble with it. The new RS7 was the one that I was going to purchase initally, but after trying them both on I decided to go with the RS5. the 5 has space for media storage, battery storage, as well as storage for my iPhone. This beats having to run bag or dig into my bag to switch out items. Also the 7 didn't feel as comfortable to me as the 5 did.

The RS5 doesn't allow you to attach 'the brad' though. The brad accessory made it feel even more uncomfortable.

My heaviest load was a D300 w/ MB-D10 and a 70-200 2.8 VR I attached at the lens collar. The strap performed extremely well and didn't put much strain on your shoulder/traps.

I just fold it up, and throw it in my bag. It comes in a small little mesh type bag. Somewhat like the cases most smaller lenses come in, just made of mesh.

KmH · Jan 5, 2011

Mesh.

Small mesh bag, with a draw string.

Light Artisan · Jan 5, 2011

I think deciding which one will be as hard as deciding whether or not to get one in the first place.

waynegz1 · Jan 5, 2011

Either way you go, it will be more than worth it. My local camera shop offered to let me borrow one (after I purchased the more expensive one) to see which one I liked best.

Will you ever be carrying 2 bodies? The dual strap was super comfy, but I didn't have a need for that one.

Light Artisan · Jan 5, 2011

Most likely not... This will mostly be used daily as I walk through old quarries, through the woods, trails, etc.

I'm leaning toward the RS-5 because I have an iPhone and a little Bluetooth GPS logger that I use on my D7000 for geotagging photos.

Only drawback is having the larger strap... without a store nearby I'm going to have to choose blindly to some extent.