Black Rapid Camera Strap

[blackcloudbrew]

While this may seem like either a trivial topic or shilling for this company, I would like to report that I have come to love and enjoy using this camera strap made by Black Rapid.


It's sturdy, comfortable, and as their promotional info suggests - quick to use. The key thing is that your camera hangs around your hip and is out of your way (mostly). If I could just get it with a nice red PENTAX on the strap I'd feel even better about it. They make a number of attachment gadgets to it which I can see their usefulness. The are continuing to expand their line and I think that's good. Anyway, I've used it since February this year even out hiking around for hours with my k10d, DA* 16-50, and battery grip on. It's very comfortable and when I also strap on my fanny pack and binoculars, it works well too. 

So check is out at: http://www.blackrapid.com/

Full disclosure - I'm in no way connected or paid by these folks and just wanted to share my happiness with their product.

Tim

[Craig]

Tim,    That looks like a cool system.  I was really impressed with the double until I saw the price tag.  Are these products any cheaper at other locations?  It's cool that you have shared your experience with us.  I know that the stock strap left me wanting more after a long day of having the camera around my neck.  I ended up going with Op/Tech for just under $20.  I would be willing to give the Rapid a go if it were a bit cheaper.  It would be nice to test drive the Rapid before dropping the cash.

Craig

[blackcloudbrew]

I ordered mine directly from BlackRapid. They list some distributors on their site but they are mostly near BlackRapid's base in Seattle. I had seen one in use in a class I took in January and that's what sold me. I don't think you are going to do better on price than directly from them. It is good quality gear and my only regret is that I went with the standard hook to the body (no that's not a boxing move). It's ok mostly but with the Pentax battery grip the placement of the screw in spot is a bit different than the camera body and when using the camera with the grip in a vertical mode, the hook on point is a little tight on the hand. Not a big deal but it is a issue.

Using it with a back pack on as well can be a bit of a challenge but I've not found it limiting either. Important to me is that the neck pad is comfortable.

Tim

Oh, I just re-read your comment. I had upgraded last year to an Op/Tec strap with a neoprene neck strap. I 'thought' it was going to be better than the stock strap. After installation of the BR strap, the Op/Tec strap is now in the give-away bin as I really found its design uncomfortable in practice. YMMV