Topic: Camera Straps (Read 24505 times)

chandsa · « **on:** January 05, 2013, 10:55:34 pm »

Hello folks,

Being a newbie here, I do have a noob question....

If you are in the market for a camera strap to use with a D800/D800E, which one would you go in for and why?

I have looked at straps from Black Rapid and UPStrap. I've also read some reviews on Amazon where some folks have complained about the Black Rapid fasteners being defective, thereby damaging the equipment. I don't know how much to trust those reviews. Having said that, which one between the two would you choose and why?

I'd greatly appreciate any insights you have to share with the community here.

Cheers!

tektrader · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2013, 12:02:36 am »

yeah, I would be buying a black rapid.. NOT................................

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3338762

I am looking for a long strap that attaches to the strap loops so I can still use it across my chest.

chandsa · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2013, 12:21:41 am »

Thanks for posting that link....I can't help but feel sorry for the person that started that thread and then grateful that they actually shared the experience to warn others. After reading this thread I think i'll stay away from the Black Rapid straps...

Cheers!

ripgriffith · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2013, 02:50:01 am »

Quote from: tektrader on January 06, 2013, 12:02:36 am

yeah, I would be buying a black rapid.. NOT................................

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3338762

I am looking for a long strap that attaches to the strap loops so I can still use it across my chest.

I read the DPR thread awhile back and, IIRC, this seems to have been an isolated incident. There certainly were not enough reported events to cause me much concern about BR straps, but the noise about this one has probably done the Black Rapid company a great deal of damage.

stever · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2013, 09:50:38 am »

i'm extremely happy with the Black Rapid straps which i've been using for a while. i was using UPstraps (and still use an UPstrap with Black Rapid hardware). i can comfortably carry a camera with fairly large lens all day with the Black Rapid - unlike any shoulder strap - and the camera is quicker and more comfortable to get into action.

my only caution is that the fitting screwed into the camera should be checked periodically. if you're using an L-plate on the camera, RRS now sells a small clamp that they recommend attaching to the Black Rapid (or other) fitting. i'm a little concerned that this is one thing too many to keep tightened and instead use a short double strap (each of which can support the camera and lens) looped thru the end of the bottom of the L-plate and hook the Balck Rapid strap to it.

there are a few other cross-carry straps besides Black Rapid but it's not obvious to me that any are better or have better hardware - the current Black Rapid hardware looks sound and has held up well for me

Peter Langham · « **Reply #5 on:** January 06, 2013, 03:35:24 pm »

Op/Tech makes a shoulder strap that attaches to the strap loops instead of the tripod socket.

ripgriffith · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2013, 03:42:33 pm »

Quote from: stever on January 06, 2013, 09:50:38 am

i'm extremely happy with the Black Rapid straps which i've been using for a while. i was using UPstraps (and still use an UPstrap with Black Rapid hardware). i can comfortably carry a camera with fairly large lens all day with the Black Rapid - unlike any shoulder strap - and the camera is quicker and more comfortable to get into action.

my only caution is that the fitting screwed into the camera should be checked periodically. if you're using an L-plate on the camera, RRS now sells a small clamp that they recommend attaching to the Black Rapid (or other) fitting. i'm a little concerned that this is one thing too many to keep tightened and instead use a short double strap (each of which can support the camera and lens) looped thru the end of the bottom of the L-plate and hook the Balck Rapid strap to it.

there are a few other cross-carry straps besides Black Rapid but it's not obvious to me that any are better or have better hardware - the current Black Rapid hardware looks sound and has held up well for me

The issue raised by the poster on the link wasn't with the strap, but with the camera not being strong enough at the attachment point to support the weight of the camera and lens. I was skeptical then; I am skeptical now about this being a real-world problem. I believe if it were, that we would have heard about on many forums. Photographers are not noted for being silent on such issues.

JohnBrew · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2013, 04:40:12 pm »

I use an Op/Tech strap on my D800. The same strap was used on a D200 and D700. I recently found the invoice when I bought it - 2006. Still going strong, only the Op/Tech letters have mostly scrubbed off.

DaveL · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2013, 04:44:11 pm »

Wapiti. Very comfortable.
Domke gripper strap
Think Tank strap
DaveL

I have stopped using my Black Rapid strap.

Philip Weber · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2013, 04:50:26 pm »

I've been using UPstraps for years and love them. Also, using them on my D800. I'm sure there are other good straps out there so ultimately, you'll just have to pick the one you think sounds the best and try it.

Phil

HarperPhotos · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2013, 05:29:38 pm »

Hello,

If you are feed up as much as I have with camera straps you might want to try what I did.

I found this company in the US called Berkeley Point who sell these very well made spring clips.

http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/hardware/stainless_clips.html

The clip I use for my Fuji X10 is the "Micro" and the clip for my Nikon D800E and D800 is the "Nano"

Cheers

Simon

chandsa · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2013, 02:36:10 am »

Thanks for the suggestions folks! I was reading up more on the UPStraps today and certainly those straps have gotten me quite interested. I'll have to check out the Op/Tech strap and certainly the Berkeley point products seem to be a choice I might consider.

Thanks again!!

OldRoy · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2013, 04:37:33 am »

As someone who is usually fitted with a backpack, the Capture Clip has largely displaced this issue (although I'm experiencing a tendency for it to jam a bit after some wear.) There's a Cotton Carrier equivalent too, I believe. I notice that the Capture Clip manufacturers, Peak Design, have just introduced a quick release multi function strap/safety tether which looks interesting too, although it appears to be more suited to smaller format cameras and is clearly aimed primarily at Capture Clip users.

Odd that both manufacturers have settled on "CC"?
Roy

Ken Bennett · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2013, 07:26:32 am »

Based on a review on this web site many years ago, I've been using Upstraps ever since. I would not use any other strap. I usually carry more than one camera, so at least one rides over my shoulder. The Upstrap keeps it there, no questions asked. Walking, running, bending over, whatever - the Upstrap stays locked on better than any other strap I have tried.

The only downside is that it's slower to deploy the camera than something like a Blackrapid, since it's locked on so well. Doesn't bother me.

Tim Gray · « **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2013, 09:13:06 am »

I've used OpTech UPS and Black Rapid. The OPTech and UPS with a Canon 1ds3 et al. but the Black Rapid only with the Panasonic 4/3. From an ergonomic perspective the Black Rapid is my favourite - I use it with a small QR clamp from RRS or Kirk (I forget) and an L bracket on the Camera.

Ellis Vener · « **Reply #15 on:** January 07, 2013, 01:49:35 pm »

Quote from: chandsa on January 05, 2013, 10:55:34 pm

Hello folks,

Being a newbie here, I do have a noob question....

If you are in the market for a camera strap to use with a D800/D800E, which one would you go in for and why?

I have looked at straps from Black Rapid and UPStrap. I've also read some reviews on Amazon where some folks have complained about the Black Rapid fasteners being defective, thereby damaging the equipment. I don't know how much to trust those reviews. Having said that, which one between the two would you choose and why?

I'd greatly appreciate any insights you have to share with the community here.

Cheers!

UPstrap. Security and non-slip pads are the reasons. Friends who have hairy necks hate them however.

Chairman Bill · « **Reply #16 on:** January 07, 2013, 01:59:42 pm »

I use an OpTech strap on my D700, and if (when?) I could afford a D800, I'd use it on that too.

martinreed22 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 08, 2013, 05:39:36 am »

As always, personal preference makes a ton of difference. Here's my experience. I do suffer from neck/back issues if I wear a strap for more than a couple of hours.

1. Op/tech strap is a good example of conventional strap, used for several years on film/early DSLR. I don't have experience of UPStrap but certainly gets good feedback from users.

2. A Black Rapid is now my standard strap for casual use, such as a modest walk out, or getting in and out of car a lot. Works well for 5D2/3 w/24-105 or similar. Tolerable with 70-200/2.8. I've not had a single issue with the camera attachment (either direct or to an L plate), but I do check tightness regularly. Strap not getting in the way is a big bonus.

3. If I'm out for a long walk I will use a SpiderPro, often with a small Kata bag or two on the belt with an extra lens or two (helps balance anyway). Easily copes with 70-200/2.8 or a 400/5/6. By putting the weight on my waist I avoid 90% of the back issues. Slightly scary at first not using any strap, but in reality I've never had a problem. Ultimate answer to strap getting in the way

Regards, Martin

JohnBrew · « **Reply #18 on:** January 08, 2013, 07:10:47 am »

I tried an Upstrap and went right back to the OpTech. Perhaps they have changed the material since I had one. Mine was stiff as a board and therefore uncomfortable.

ripgriffith · « **Reply #19 on:** January 08, 2013, 09:11:33 am »

I've never trusted quick release thingies holding my camera (if they can, they will), which rules out OpTech and many other straps of that type. For years I have been using Domke straps without the metal swivels (I also don't like anything metal close to my camera... if it can hit a lens, it will... which has kept me from using the otherwise remarkable original Domke bags: flying metal fasteners). The woven-in rubber strips on the strap have always worked well for me, even on slick nylon jackets, the strap is very flexible, comfortable on my neck and, if need be, wraps easily around my wrist when I want to carry the camera that way.

Author Topic: Camera Straps (Read 24505 times)