Black Rapid RS-5

[SnapHappy123]

I am looking at getting a Black Rapid RS-5 strap for my Canon 7D. Just wondering if anyone has this setup and what they think of it and also what lenses they have used it with?

If you have any other strap suggestions I'd be interested to know what they are.

Thanks

[Tatts]

I have a chinese knock off Q rapid strap off ebay for ~$20. Works great, haven't had a problem with it. Used a gripped 500d with a 70-200 f4 IS without a problem.

[jasnat]

I have the older version, the one with the locking screw. I love it you can walk around all day with no neck pain:th3: I have used it with a 300mm not a problem at all

[etherial]

Hey Snaphappy, welcome to the forum,

I wrote a bit of a review on the RS5 about a year ago...http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?54988-Travelling-with-gear-Blackrapid-R-Strap-RS5

[pmack]

I have a chinese knock off Q rapid strap off ebay for ~$20. Works great, haven't had a problem with it. Used a gripped 500d with a 70-200 f4 IS without a problem.

with or without a tripod mount?

[Ms Monny]

I am thinking of getting one really soon. I have read the reviews and looked at the website etc etc and I think it would be an absolute 'neck saver' plus it wouldn't be swinging when walking - my pet hate!!

[ausguitarman]

I have a chinese knock off Q rapid strap off ebay for ~$20. Works great, haven't had a problem with it. Used a gripped 500d with a 70-200 f4 IS without a problem.

Got one of these in the mail right now :).

[Cattleprod]

I also have one of the Chinese ones and I'm very happy with it. MUCH better than the neck strap in my opinion. :th3:

[Namus]

Been using a RS-4 for the last 2-3 months (after using a Crumpler neck strap for the better part of 8 months) and it's far and away better than the neck strap....easy to use and can store an extra memory card in the pouch which saves scrounging around in the bag...took me a while to get used to not wanting to hold/support the strap whilst holding my loadout (typically 40D + 70-200), but you get used to it after a while; do recommend :th3:

[PROtog]

I have been using an RS-4 since December, it takes all the weight out of my 70-200 f2.8. Which one you prefer will really come down to what storage you want included.

Come into our Mitcham showroom and bring your camera+lens if you want to try before you buy, we have the full range in stock.

[Ms Monny]

Wish there was someone in Adelaide who stocked it....I phoned up a couple of well know places only to be told they didn't know what I was talking about :eek: and the other was a lady who said it probably can only be ordered online. I want to see and feel it first BUT I think online is my only option.

[terry.langham]

I have had a version 1 or 2 R-strap for about 3yrs without an issue. Have used it with a 70-200mm f/2.8 and it was definately more comfortable then the standard neck strap.

As for the "chinese" knockoffs, you need to check that the material used doesn't degrade over time. If the materials become brittle, stiff or "fluff" stats coming off them, replace the strap. Not saying they are no good, just saying as a tradesman in a textile industry, it would be wise to look for degredation before you end up with a broken body or shattered front element on your favourite lens.

[SnapHappy123]

Thanks everyone, my black rapid RS-5 has arrived and looking forward to testing it out.

[terry.langham]

You mean, test it out like this? :eek:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andywitt215/5633112373/in/photostream/lightbox/

[Gollum]

Can Black Rapid Solve this problem? Does it come with knee pads?

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b466/Gollum4242/60_photo_60325.jpg

But seriously

How safe will my gear be if I use one of these? It looks like the camera can be removed easily? What is to stop somebody doing a Rip and Run?

[terry.langham]

I have upgraded the clip on mine to the screw gate carribena that BR sell and it would be difficult for someone to remove the camera from the strap. Not sure if they are now standard on the newer straps or they still ship with the regular clip and plastic tubing to secure it.

[Exposed Monkey]

I use an RS-5 and love it. I need to invest in the fastnr that allows me to keep the tripod QRP attached to the camera though

[pmack]

yeah i'm looking for ways of getting a tripod plate that I can leave on the camera and still attach the black rapid.
there's the manfroto plate which you can even leave the hook on, but i think i want a plate that is custom to my camera, like the markins ones...

[Danielle10]

Where does one buy one of these from?

[yummymummy]

I have the chinese knock off too, and it's awesome! :) I got the double strap for about $30

[Danielle10]

I got the chinese one the other day, but when I looked at the picture on eBay it looked like the rs 5 but when got it , it didn't have the pockets and storage I wanted like the rs 5.

[Wazza999]

I've the Chinese knock off as well - no problems with webbing but the plastic bits, the stop and strap adjustment are v. flimsy. I replaced them with bits off old backpacks when they broke. However I've stopped using the whole thing as the camera hanging at your hip, while comfortable means that hoods and lens caps are forever being dislodged when you're walking. Also means you're stuck with using a camera bag as the whole thing is too big for a holster type camera case which I prefer if I want to go light or use and ordinary backpack.