The Black Rapid RS-7 is a camera strap that replaces the strap that comes with your camera. It hangs over one shoulder and goes across your chest and the camera hangs near your waist. Below is a picture from Black Rapid's website that shows how it hangs:
A month ago, I went to the zoo with my Canon 100-400mm hanging around my neck on the Canon strap that came with the camera. When I got home, my neck was killing me. I had been diagnosed with a pinched nerve in my neck several months before hand and carrying a camera started to be part of the problem. I needed to find a better way!
I started researching some new solutions since I was unaware that there was a market for this type of thing. While there are cheaper straps on the market, the many positive reviews for Black Rapid caught my attention.
Also, I noticed that Black Rapid had some storage solutions that could be attached or removed depending on the situation. While they do make a strap that has storage built in, I prefer the ability to remove it when I won't be needing it (like when I have a camera bag with me). I ended up buying their "Joey-3" storage solution. It can hold and iPhone and a couple memory cards:
I started researching some new solutions since I was unaware that there was a market for this type of thing. While there are cheaper straps on the market, the many positive reviews for Black Rapid caught my attention.
Also, I noticed that Black Rapid had some storage solutions that could be attached or removed depending on the situation. While they do make a strap that has storage built in, I prefer the ability to remove it when I won't be needing it (like when I have a camera bag with me). I ended up buying their "Joey-3" storage solution. It can hold and iPhone and a couple memory cards:
Another selling point was how it would fit. I am 6'4 (or so) and they actually make an extender for tall folks. I figured that I could order it if I needed it. Thankfully, the strap fit fine, but this type of attention to detail says a lot about the thought that went into making this strap.
I did have one major issue with the strap. The way it connects to the camera does not leave a way to connect a tripod. Therefore, anytime I need to use a tripod, I would have to remove the strap. Not really something I want to do!
Luckily, Carry Speed also makes straps and had a remedy. Instead of using the Black Rapid ConnectR-2 to attach the strap to the camera, I am using the Carry Speed Mounting Plate (you can see it on my camera at the top of this review). I bought two of them and may buy a couple more just in case they are discontinued:
I did have one major issue with the strap. The way it connects to the camera does not leave a way to connect a tripod. Therefore, anytime I need to use a tripod, I would have to remove the strap. Not really something I want to do!
Luckily, Carry Speed also makes straps and had a remedy. Instead of using the Black Rapid ConnectR-2 to attach the strap to the camera, I am using the Carry Speed Mounting Plate (you can see it on my camera at the top of this review). I bought two of them and may buy a couple more just in case they are discontinued:
The other benefit of this plate is that the camera connects to the side of the camera, rather than in the middle. For me, this allows it to hang steadier and closer to the body.
So, how does it perform? Fantastically! With the weight being distributed on my shoulder and chest, rather than my neck, I can carry everything easier. Even my 3 pound 100-400mm lens is a lot easier to manage. Also, the camera is at your side, rather than the middle of your chest, so it is more stealthy for street photos.
Finally, this is one one of the best additions to my photography kit that makes it easier to carry around a camera all day. When it comes to photography, being able to comfortably carry your camera means you will take the camera with you more often and in return you will have more opportunity to take photos. Nothing is really more important than that!!
So, how does it perform? Fantastically! With the weight being distributed on my shoulder and chest, rather than my neck, I can carry everything easier. Even my 3 pound 100-400mm lens is a lot easier to manage. Also, the camera is at your side, rather than the middle of your chest, so it is more stealthy for street photos.
Finally, this is one one of the best additions to my photography kit that makes it easier to carry around a camera all day. When it comes to photography, being able to comfortably carry your camera means you will take the camera with you more often and in return you will have more opportunity to take photos. Nothing is really more important than that!!
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