Strap - Alternative to top attachment?

[rottie102]

I'm looking for an alternative to my Optech strap - it's very comfortable but it does annoy me when I actually don't need it. It's a PITA to attach and detach though... So I'm looking for something that doesn't leave much on the camera when I unclip it.

I've found this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camera-Shoulder-Neck-Sli...

Anyone used similar thing? Should be pretty secure, right?

[Gad-Westy]

I have one and it's pretty good. The only concern I have is that since I got mine I have read of a couple of instances where the clips have failed but I understand that this is usually because they haven't been correctly tightened. Something to be mindful of. I'm now very careful when I put it on.

The standard L-plate that is supplied is nice for balancing things with a heavy lens but I would forget it if you intent to use a tripod as by the time you attach another plate to that, things gets too wobbly. If you use manfrotto plates, a better option (and what I've gone for) is to leave the tripod plate on the camera and get one of these to replace the standard fastener.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0049H89F8/?tag=hydra0b...

You can then safely hang the camera from the tripod plate. Q strap can supply something similar but I bought one and it simply doesn't fit. Actually on the subject of black rapid, they basically offer the same but higher quality and a lot more money.

If you go for the Q-strap and are a member of Talk photography, there is some sort of offer going. see here:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread...

There is also loads of info and feedback on that thread.

[rottie102]

Gad-Westy said:

I have one and it's pretty good. The only concern I have is that since I got mine I have read of a couple of instances where the clips have failed but I understand that this is usually because they haven't been correctly tightened. Something to be mindful of. I'm now very careful when I put it on.

The standard L-plate that is supplied is nice for balancing things with a heavy lens but I would forget it if you intent to use a tripod as by the time you attach another plate to that, things gets too wobbly. If you use manfrotto plates, a better option (and what I've gone for) is to leave the tripod plate on the camera and get one of these to replace the standard fastener.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0049H89F8/?tag=hydra0b...

You can then safely hang the camera from the tripod plate. Q strap can supply something similar but I bought one and it simply doesn't fit. Actually on the subject of black rapid, they basically offer the same but higher quality and a lot more money.

If you go for the Q-strap and are a member of Talk photography, there is some sort of offer going. see here:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread...

There is also loads of info and feedback on that thread.

Awesome! Thanks for the tip! I've ordered the neoprene one.

[cornet]

Be careful with cheap ebay knockoffs. Sure they are cheaper than black rapid straps but I'd rather pay the money knowing my camera was actually going to stay attached.

[rottie102]

cornet said:

Be careful with cheap ebay knockoffs. Sure they are cheaper than black rapid straps but I'd rather pay the money knowing my camera was actually going to stay attached.

I wouldn't be surprised if both would come from the same factory in China... Marketing budget increases the final cost a lot!

I really like this idea and will definitely do the same:

[Gad-Westy]

cornet said:

Be careful with cheap ebay knockoffs. Sure they are cheaper than black rapid straps but I'd rather pay the money knowing my camera was actually going to stay attached.

To be fair, the Q strap is a bit more than cheap ebay knock off. They're a UK company and have sold a huge number of them as the TP thread that I linked to will testify.

[markmullen]

I use BlackRapid and can really vouch for them, I use a DR1 dual harness adapted with Arca Swiss clamps to take Arca lens plates and L brackets on my cameras.