Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I am looking into the three models above and thus far can only see slight differences between them such as the RS-5 has an integrated pouch.

Any suggestions in terms of model to get from any of you that already have one of these? I know the underarm stabilizer is a recommended option by some.

Thanks in advance for your input.

I would go with either the R4 or R7. The nice thing about the R4 is that you can store an extra memory card or so on it. My bro-in-law uses this one. The R7 sits more snugly on your shoulder without shifting as much (which is the one I ended up getting). The R5 is just too cumbersome. It's nice that it can hold all those extra accessories but that adds weight to the overall strap and the tendency of it to pull on your esp with a cellphone in the pocket. The cellphone pocket is held via magnets and the flap can catch on clothing etc and possibly spill your phone out of the pocket.

I was strap shopping Tuesday, and I couldn't stand wearing the Black Rapid straps...I can't stand anything that crosses in font of my neck because I feel like it's going to choke me!

Good old fashioned straps are few and far between these days...I had to settle on a Tamrac that I hated the least, until I find a decent strap I like.

I find the R4 shifts a bit here and there but it's ok for me.

This is one of my issues in delaying going this route - I want to find a detachable 'conventional' strap that has very short clip segments that remain on the camera body. That way I can switch quickly between a BlackRapid and a standard camera strap. So far, the best one I saw was a Omni-tech (I think). I looked at a Tamrac with a lot of neoprene on the neck portion but it was not comfortable.


Thanks Carlton - I appreciate the insight.

RS-4 with BRAD strap. Never had an issue with it going across my neck and choking me and dying.

Thanks Vee - does the Brad strap only work with the RS-4 or other models too?

Works with the other models. I chose the 4 because I didn't need storage for my phone, just room for two CF cards.

bought the RS extreme sport coz they say its more comfortable wrapping around your shoulder.... so far so good.. no complaints... doesnt shift too

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... Strap.html

That's because the BRAD mod is included.

Do any of you go back and forth between a BlackRapid and conventional strap or do you always stick with the BR?

One of my camera bodies I use the BR strap, the other has a conventional one. I don't bother swapping the one with the BR strap 'cause I find the BR makes it easier to carry. But that's just my personal preference.

always BR. it's easy to carry, not in the way of anything, and your neck will thank you in the long run.

Only use the BR.

Have any of you used the Joey J1 or J2 cell phone pouch with the RS-4? I saw one this weekend and it looked like it requires the strap to open up to accept the accessory.

Here is the response I just got from BR:
They are not compatible. The J-1'2 and 2's only work with the RS-7 and DR-1 and 2.

I will just have to have my assistant carry my phone. Oh, wait a second, that's me

Thanks for the reminder...just picked up the Manfrotto fastener.

What is the Manfrotto fastener?

BlackRapid Manfrotto Fastener.

Ah, thanks. I use RRS L-Brackets and that is one of the reasons I have waited to adopt the BR system because I don't think I can attach the bracket to the ballhead with the BR FastenR-3 affixed to the L-Bracket. I think either Lxdesign or Hotwire had a workaround by affixing the FastenR-3 to a arca swiss type clamp and they screw that onto the L-bracket.