Camera Sling

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Take a look at Black Rapid (type) slings. The weight of the camera/lens combo rests on your shoulder rather than on your neck. This is life changing. They cost quite a bit more than a traditional strap, but if you're carrying your rig for more than 45 minutes you will greatly appreciate it.
 
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If you use a tripod often, don't look at those - the usage of the 1/4-20 to mount to sucks balls. I hate having to unscrew and screw the stupid adaptor all the time. I prefer using the Op-Tech sling kit from the right strap lug to the bottom strap lug on all my 1-series bodies. With the quick-release clips, I can even take the strap off instantly if I don't want it on the camera when tripod mounted (prevents wind induced vibrations from a strap blowing around).

The whole Krap-Rapid vs Carryspeed style of strap is just overpriced and not very functional for those who have tripod plates attached at all times. And yes, they'll swing every which way but straight.

I started using the Op-tech sling style kit with Utility strap and the back of the camera sits nice and flat against my side/back.
 
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Hi,
I've got a SunSniper which is great, but has to be removed for tripod use.

I have been looking for the longer Canon straps that look like a normal strap but are about 18 inches longer, allowing you to carry the camer over your shoulder, and still have a tripod plate attached, but not yet found one.

Grant
 
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I currently have the BlackRapid strap. I used a SunSniper for a while, but it failed on their patented ball bearing coupling. The weight of my 7d/24-70/580ex was too much is 30+ Celsius weather.

The black rapid can only fail over time as the metals grind into each other. But this is only after lengthy heavy use. And it can be easily spotted as a gap is grinded in the carbine coupling.

The tripod solution I solved with a M-PLate from custom SLR. Check them out here: http://www.customslr.com/products/m-plate-pro

I use the combination to haul the 5d3+70-200/2.8IS and 580EX around on hikes. And it doesn't hurt one bit. Completely overrides the need of a backpack for me.
 
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The tripod solution I solved with a M-PLate from custom SLR. Check them out here: http://www.customslr.com/products/m-plate-pro

I also use the custom SLR M-plate. Great solution if you run a Manfrotto tripod (head). Solid, clever design. Only shortcoming is the "swinging" if you e.g. ride bike with it. Have attached a simple climbing cranine hook to tie the combo to my belt. Works fine for me.

KR
drolo
 
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I use the black rapid sling and it works okay, certainly good enough for me, but it is not ideal - lots of walking equals lots of swinging! The shoulder padded area falls off /slips off too easily, but it's not too bad overall.

Pro are also that in can hold memory cards and smaller (not Idx) batteries in the padded area.

Better in most respects than the standard strap.
 
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I use the Blackrapid sport strap (has an extra strap running under the arm):
http://www.blackrapid.com/products/sport
Since I have a Really Right Stuff L-bracket mounted permanently on my Canon 7D, I simply got a small RRS clamp
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F
and attached the Blackrapid to it. This lets me quickly switch from the Blackrapid to tripod, or use the camera without a strap (which I do quite a bit). I used this setup when I climbed Kilimanjaro last January (with tripod and two lenses).

I think that once you try one of these strap alternatives (I'm not religious about the BR), you will never use a conventional strap again. The price (at least for the BR) is a bit outrageous, but it is a one-time thing (like a lot of camera gear).
 
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docholliday said:
If you use a tripod often, don't look at those - the usage of the 1/4-20 to mount to sucks balls. I hate having to unscrew and screw the stupid adaptor all the time. I prefer using the Op-Tech sling kit from the right strap lug to the bottom strap lug on all my 1-series bodies. With the quick-release clips, I can even take the strap off instantly if I don't want it on the camera when tripod mounted (prevents wind induced vibrations from a strap blowing around).

The whole Krap-Rapid vs Carryspeed style of strap is just overpriced and not very functional for those who have tripod plates attached at all times.

That might be fine if you have only small lenses, but carrying my 1D X with my 70-200/2.8L IS II, 100-400L, or especially my 600/4L IS II dangling by the strap lugs is not my idea of a good time. I have a 1" Kirk quick release clamp attached to the lugs of my BR straps, with a little bit of Loctite so there's no chance of unscrewing. I can quickly and easily switch the attachment point from body to lens collars, all of which have AS plates on them.
 
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i have a bosstrap. i used it in the past with a 5DC and 24-105 and now with another even heavier rig.
i really like it a lot and it seems very secure. I chose this one because I don't like the idea of using the tripod screw as the connection point for the strap..
I felt like i would constantly be checking if it was coming unscrewed or even worse, it would just fall one day. I really liked the bosstrap solution, it's cheap(relatively,) fairly light, and sturdy.
http://www.bosstrap.com/
 
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docholliday said:
If you use a tripod often, don't look at those - the usage of the 1/4-20 to mount to sucks balls. I hate having to unscrew and screw the stupid adaptor all the time. I prefer using the Op-Tech sling kit from the right strap lug to the bottom strap lug on all my 1-series bodies. With the quick-release clips, I can even take the strap off instantly if I don't want it on the camera when tripod mounted (prevents wind induced vibrations from a strap blowing around).

I mounted my Black Rapid strap screw to a manfrotto quick place adapter

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554141&Q=&is=REG&A=details

and mounted an RC2 plate to my camera. This allows me to quickly attach/detach the camera from my BR strap and quickly attach it to my manfrotto monopod/tripod.

This is where I got the idea:

Black Rapid - Manfrotto Quick Release Adapter

Good luck!
 
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Seeing as this thread has popped up again, is anyone using the Peak Design system?
http://peakdesignltd.com/capture/
https://peakdesignltd.com/leash-cuff/
This has been one of the bigger Kickstarter successes.

The Peak Design CapturePro looks to me to be a sophisticated, evolved, compact design. The DualPlate is an intriguing design compatible with both Manfrotto RC2 and ARCA.

The Leash strap system can convert in seconds from a sling strap to a conventional neck strap. The Leash is a little thin, but I emailed Peak Design who promptly responded saying a wider, more comfortable strap suited to the weight of a pro body with 70-200 zoom will be shipping very soon.

I often work long days on my feet carrying a lot of gear. The search for a perfect carrying system is a bit like the search for the holy grail. I have a Spider Pro system with the dual holster belt which has been very good but is worn out and needs replacing. I recently did my dough on a full set of CarrySpeed straps; the Extreme, the Pro and the Dual plus extra plates. Initially the system looked full of promise, and I figured I'd get used to the clumsy attachment system and bulky components. What I will say about CarrySpeed is that it is just great if you're only carrying one body/lens so long as that does not include a 70-200 f/2.8. The ability to instantly hitch the camera up tight solves the BR bouncy-bouncy issue. Two straps doesn't work together and the design implementation of the Dual is a mess.

Once you've moved away from the traditional neck-strap, it's very hard to go back. But the whole sling-strap and holster industry is still very young and evolving fast.

Ahhh...what to choose?

-pw
 
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ikirumata said:
docholliday said:
If you use a tripod often, don't look at those - the usage of the 1/4-20 to mount to sucks balls. I hate having to unscrew and screw the stupid adaptor all the time. I prefer using the Op-Tech sling kit from the right strap lug to the bottom strap lug on all my 1-series bodies. With the quick-release clips, I can even take the strap off instantly if I don't want it on the camera when tripod mounted (prevents wind induced vibrations from a strap blowing around).

I mounted my Black Rapid strap screw to a manfrotto quick place adapter

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554141&Q=&is=REG&A=details

and mounted an RC2 plate to my camera. This allows me to quickly attach/detach the camera from my BR strap and quickly attach it to my manfrotto monopod/tripod.

That's all fine and dandy, until that RC2 let's go on you. I've had multiple Manfrotto plates crack in the pot metal (on my Hasselblad 203FE, no less). Plus, I don't use the Manfrotto QR system. I use the Arca-Swiss system. And, even with your setup, you'd still have to unlatch the Krap-Rapid from the plate before docking onto the tripod. I can have the strap still on camera with the body mounted to the AS B1.
 
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docholliday said:
ikirumata said:
docholliday said:
If you use a tripod often, don't look at those - the usage of the 1/4-20 to mount to sucks balls. I hate having to unscrew and screw the stupid adaptor all the time. I prefer using the Op-Tech sling kit from the right strap lug to the bottom strap lug on all my 1-series bodies. With the quick-release clips, I can even take the strap off instantly if I don't want it on the camera when tripod mounted (prevents wind induced vibrations from a strap blowing around).


I mounted my Black Rapid strap screw to a manfrotto quick place adapter

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=554141&Q=&is=REG&A=details

and mounted an RC2 plate to my camera. This allows me to quickly attach/detach the camera from my BR strap and quickly attach it to my manfrotto monopod/tripod.

That's all fine and dandy, until that RC2 let's go on you. I've had multiple Manfrotto plates crack in the pot metal (on my Hasselblad 203FE, no less). Plus, I don't use the Manfrotto QR system. I use the Arca-Swiss system. And, even with your setup, you'd still have to unlatch the Krap-Rapid from the plate before docking onto the tripod. I can have the strap still on camera with the body mounted to the AS B1.

+1 There's no way I'm hanging my camera/lens upside down on an RC2 plate. They're acceptable on a tripod, but I would never trust them in a stressful situation. Go Arca-Swiss. Use a 1" clamp on your BR strap and replace your plates.
 
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brad-man said:
There's no way I'm hanging my camera/lens upside down on an RC2 plate. They're acceptable on a tripod, but I would never trust them in a stressful situation.
Have you broken one brad-man?

I'd be the last person to denigrate the excellent Arca-Swiss plate. But let's set the record straight. There's nothing wrong or weak about RC2. For more years than I care to remember I've hoisted a 300f/2.8 with a 1-Series body mounted to a monopod with Manfrotto 234RC Monopod head & RC2 (with the little brass locking pin rotated) over my shoulder and walked, jogged, run to my next shooting position. I see plenty of other sports shooters doing the same with much heavier 400f/2.8 glass.

If anyone has ever broken one, I'd bet that it was an eBay cheapie RC2 clone/knock-off with suspect metallurgy.

-pw
 
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