Photoshop Insider

Rapid R-Strap Review

By Scott on Monday, October 13th, 2008 at 3:11 am | Reviews, Photography.

When I was hosting my Dunedin, Florida PhotoWalk (as part of the worldwide photowalk), I saw a photographer in my group, a very nice guy named David Rogers, using the handiest camera strap I’ve seen in while. It’s called the Rapid R-Strap, and while I thought it was ideal for shooting in situations like a photowalk, I’m going to order one tonight for use with my 2nd camera when I’m shooting sports.

After talking with David about it, he offered to do a full review of it for the blog, and so, here you have it; the complete review from photographer David Rogers (Thanks David!).

Review: Rapid R-Strap from BlackRapid
The Worldwide PhotoWalk seemed a perfect opportunity for me to test the R-Strap from BlackRapid, Inc. I’m not the kind of person that likes to wear a tie let alone a 6lb. swinging weight around my neck so when I found out about this strap and the fact that it came with a 30-day return policy I felt I couldn’t lose. If I didn’t like it I’d send it back and be no worse off.

It aint going back! The simplicity of the design alone has you saying “why didn’t I think of that.” Truth is, much like the automatic kitty litter box, you probably did think of it but never did anything about it.

How it works:
The R-Strap is worn over one shoulder (my left) and crosses the body like a car seat belt or messenger bag. It attaches to the camera via the tripod socket on a large lens setup or the camera body when using smaller lenses. The camera is now hanging upside down at your side or just above your right butt cheek. In one very smooth motion you grab the camera with your right hand and swing it forward and away from your body up to your eye. Shoot!, then lower it back to your side and continue about your day.

[ed. Here’s a quick video from the manufacturer showing the R-Strap in action]:

The greatest feature of this setup is the fact that your hands are free and your shoulders relaxed. With no camera in front of you, any motion forward like bending over doesn’t result in a swinging weight bashing that cute doggy on the head or slamming into the counter at the local store. (Yes, references made as experienced on my photowalk).

Walking with the R-Strap means no readjustments or shrugging to keep a camera balanced over your shoulder. The camera doesn’t swing from side to side across your chest and not once did my lens bash a table or chair as I walked by.

I tested the R-Strap (RS-1) with a Canon 70-200, 2.8 IS lens with a Rebel XT body in temperatures approaching 90 degrees and a humidity level of 80%. My point being, unless you have a pool nearby and are prepared to jump in, the conditions were not exactly conducive to a relaxing walk.

Aside from the R-Strap being extremely comfortable in comparison with any over the shoulder or around the neck apparatus, I never felt like I was wearing a camera that would attract attention. Brilliant for walking through a Flea Market or Turkish Bazaar, yet all the while staying ready for the grab shot.
The only added attention you will get as a result of wearing this strap is from other photographers. Even they don’t notice it until you show them, then all you will hear is, “huh, wait, what, show me that again” followed by “that’s so cool” or words to that effect. I have yet to show it to anyone who didn’t think it was a good idea. I wish I’d thought of this.

Another Gadget:
There are a whole bunch of photo gadgets on the market that promise more storage, better images and lighter loads. I’m not a heavy duty photographer and don’t enjoy carrying a lot of gear. My scorecard for any gadget is simple. If it makes me go and take pictures, it’s worth the money. When I started using Lightroom I said it makes me want to take more pictures. Now, with the R-Strap taking away a chief complaint of gear weight and discomfort, I am running out of excuses.

The Rapid R-Strap RS-1 is available from blackrapid.com for $44.00 plus s/h.
The RS-2 model has a space for cell phone and flash cards. $56.00 plus s/h

–David Rogers

Comment form for this post

^#1

I’m so glad to hear that the R-Strap is great! Mine should be getting to me (sent it to my cousin so I could get it on vacation) this week!

Lydia on October 13th, 2008 at 4:00 am

^#2

Thanks for the review, David.
Sounds great, I think i’m going to order one to try out myself.

Why didn’t you include a photo (or movie) of you using it, I think the concept might be much clearer then.

Elja Trum on October 13th, 2008 at 4:54 am

^#3

That’s definitely going on my christmas wish list Hope I find a site to order it in Europe

Thanks for the very detailed review !!

Skeevy on October 13th, 2008 at 6:02 am

^#4

…. I saw the strap some months ago on a website: too bad, that there is no possibility to buy the r-strap in Germany (as far as I know). If someone finds a German store or website which sells the R-Strap -> please send me a brief email.

best regards
Norbert
www.NPX-Photo.com

Norbert (NPX-Photo.com) on October 13th, 2008 at 6:23 am

^#5

Thanks Scott,
I have been looking for a new strap, I just ordered this one this morning. There is a good video in the website that help show how to use it… Thanks again.

Kurt Larson on October 13th, 2008 at 6:50 am

^#6

Photo or video to accompany this would be great!

Mike Simons on October 13th, 2008 at 7:00 am

^#7

Thanks for your input on what seems to be a very nice piece. Like Skeevy above, my Christmas list has a new item.

Thanks again,

Mike

Mike on October 13th, 2008 at 7:03 am

^#8

Apparently I’m an idiot - videos on the company site, and YTube.

Mike Simons on October 13th, 2008 at 7:07 am

^#9

I’d be all jazzed about this product if I didn’t keep a Really Right Stuff L bracket on my camera, thus taking up my tripod socket. All in all though, this looks like a fantastic idea!

John Barduhn on October 13th, 2008 at 7:10 am

^#10

i’ve had mine for a few months and its fantastic anyone that is a walk and shoot style photographer should invest in one of these

Jeff Tamagini on October 13th, 2008 at 7:21 am

^#11

Question: If you hang it from the D-Ring on the bottom of a quick release plate, do you think it will be secure?

Joey Schwartz on October 13th, 2008 at 7:32 am

^#12

Yep, that is definitely going on my Christmas list…..

Casey Gavette on October 13th, 2008 at 7:43 am

^#13

Note to Hohn Barduhn — The r-strap does work with the Really Right Stuff L-bracket. I’ve used it on mine for over 2 months and it works great. You can use it on the L-bracket as is, although I did modify the attachment mechanism; I wanted to be able to quickly put the camera & L-bracket onto my tripod without having to unthread the r-strap adapter. Really very simple…just put a split-ring onto the L-bracket and clip the r-strap directly to it. Works great. I’ve seen others make the same modiifcation.

Ron Carroll on October 13th, 2008 at 7:54 am

^#14

Very well written. I did a review as well with included video on the site assoc. with this comment.
Best,
Tom

tom on October 13th, 2008 at 8:07 am

^#15

I have been enjoying this strap for the past month. Highly recommended!

Michael Tapes

Michael Tapes on October 13th, 2008 at 8:35 am

^#16

Scott,

that is one awesome product. I am getting one to. Real cool design

Jason

Jason Moon Photography on October 13th, 2008 at 8:47 am

^#17

Thanks for the review. I’ve seen several reviews for this product now, and all of them have been positive. What I haven’t seen addressed is conflict between this strap and any backpack / bag that you may need to carry for storing that extra lens or whatever. Any feedback on this?

Brent on October 13th, 2008 at 9:16 am

^#18

I’ll give another plug for the rs-1. I love mine. I’ve repeatedly worn it for 8 hours+ in a day with no problems. Awesome strap.

No one on the Niagara Falls photowalk noticed it though

Paul on October 13th, 2008 at 9:35 am

^#19

Scott,

Thank you for letting me know about this great product.

Just ordered one, I´m looking forward to start using it soon!
Thank you also to Ron Carrol for sharing his experience with the R-Strap and the Really Right Stuff L-bracket.

Ben

B Forsberg on October 13th, 2008 at 9:39 am

^#20

I’ve been using this strap for a couple of weeks now. It’s perfect for sports and walk around.

One minor thing to be aware of is that the screw in adapter that the strap hooks on to, protrudes out from the bottom of the camera a bit. Not a problem if you are gripping the camera in landscape orientation, but when you flip over to vertical like I do most of the time, it can be uncomfortable.

If you have a lens attached that has a collar, it’s not a problem since you can attach the strap to the lens. But for a lens like the 24-70, it makes vertical shooting a bit uncomfortable.

Other than that, it is a fantastic strap. I love it.

Les on October 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am

^#21

Any women have experience with this strap? Seems ideal for the burly male physique, but may cut accross my softer feminine frame. Anyone?

Rosanne Christie on October 13th, 2008 at 9:59 am

^#22

I’m another happy R-strap user. If anything, it may bring less attention to you because the camera is down by your side under your arm. Consider it like a messenger style bag without the bag.

Looks like there will be a sales increase this week.

Stephen on October 13th, 2008 at 10:00 am

^#23

@ Brent. I have used the R-strap with a backpack on and it worked fine.

I just put the strap over my shoulder and then put the back pack on. It restricted the movement of the camera up and down the strap a little bit, but not really very much and I was still able to shoot with no problems.

I’ve started experimenting with using the R-strap in combo with a Think Tank belt. That may be the ultimate setup for shooting sports. Still working the kinks out though.

Les on October 13th, 2008 at 10:02 am

^#24

Just ordered a R2. Looking forward to it.

JB

Jeff Borden on October 13th, 2008 at 10:06 am

^#25

If you want to save $44 and have an existing (detachable) strap from a laptop or messenger bag, you can make your own R-Strap, I did after looking at this:

http://www.diyphotography.net/the-diy-r-strap

After using my (padded Brenthaven) laptop bag strap for a day, it seems that I have most of the benefits of the R-Strap, just that I don’t have the storage and the way I adjust my strap is a bit more traditional.

Sam on October 13th, 2008 at 10:07 am

^#26

Love mine. It is great to use for the second camera while i shoot weddings. I use it on the 70-200 and thread it into the collar. And Les, if you have a good quick release tripod plate (we use the bogen rc2 system) you can use the D-ring to attach the r-strap and have much more comfort shooting vertical, otherwise I agree, the given connector is uncomfortable when attached to camera base and trying to shoot verticals. All in all a highly recommened product

Randy Gresham on October 13th, 2008 at 10:10 am

^#27

Hi Scott,

Interesting fact you might not be aware of : David duChemin of pixelatedimage.com, and a guest blogger on your site on 8/27, did a
great write up and a promo give away of the Rapid R strap back on 7/24.
I’m surprised but I don’t remember him mentioning it in his guest blog though the thoughts he shared were certainly more important than equipment. The Rapid R Straps are great and I’m glad to see you’ve picked up on it as the creator deserves the support of the photo community for filling a need so well. Keep up your great blog!

Russ Poole on October 13th, 2008 at 10:44 am

^#28

Ron Carroll
Could you give a little more detail on the connection to the L-Plate. I have a RRS L-Plate on a Canon 1D Mark IIn and use a BH-40. Love your website, I need to get out more.

Sal Vazquez on October 13th, 2008 at 10:53 am

^#29

That looks pretty cool. Looks great for walking around the Zoo for hours at a time like I do. Gotta check this out.

Mark on October 13th, 2008 at 11:08 am

^#30

Darn you Scott Kelby! This was exactly what I was looking for. I just ordered one…

Scotty on October 13th, 2008 at 11:13 am

^#31

I just got my R-Strap last week. Preliminary testing at home, I really like it. The hold up for me is, as noted in a previous posting, the difficulty with using the camera in vertical mode (D700 with MB-D10 grip) because the attachment sticks into my hand and prevents me from holding the grip tightly (I use the RRS L-plate).

@Ron Carroll: What is a “split ring”? That sounds like it could be a good solution if I can put something onto the corner of the L-bracket and then attach the R-Strap directly to it.

Neal Lippman on October 13th, 2008 at 11:22 am

^#32

Looks like it will work great. I just do not understand why manufacturers keep using metal clips, hooks whatever you want to call them. This is a sure way to scratch your camera body or lens. One other problem with this strap is I do not see a way to attach it to the tripod mount if you are using the arca-style mount.

William Snyder on October 13th, 2008 at 11:23 am

^#33

I might just try this product out some day because I usually wear my strap as a sling but it’s too tight.

Btw, I think David Du Chemin (pixelated image) did a review of this gear a couple of months back…

Mike Lao on October 13th, 2008 at 11:29 am

^#34

This is definitely a great strap. I have owned one for a while and it meets my every demand. I have not had any problems with it either in landscape or portrait mode. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose, everything to gain.

Jose Rivera on October 13th, 2008 at 11:42 am

^#35

Scott,
I have had my R-Strap for a couple of months and it works great. It screws onto my RRS L-Plate and does not interfere with the Nikon hand grip (It on a Canon 40D no less). Unless you are going to do all portrait with the L-plate the R-Strap has to come of for the camera to grow legs.

What was really cool about the R-Strap is that I could have my U-Strap belt on and it would tuck right behind one of the lens pouches with no trouble. It was awesome when we were tramping around the woods in Oregon a couple of weeks ago. The camera never once his a tree (can’t say the same foe me) and it didn’t have to sit there and bounce all over my belly either.

I did a review one a bunch of storage stuff on my blog. Here is the link: http://peekphoto.blogspot.com/2008/10/to-carry-or-not-to-carry.html

Take care.

Doug Peek on October 13th, 2008 at 11:48 am

^#36

Scott, glad to see you reviewed this strap! I have used mine for months and have loved it since day one. Since I got mine a couple of my friends bought one and they love theirs too.

One thing I wanted to mention is that they are giving replacement clips for $0.01 with free shipping. Basically the metal part on the strap that holds the camera, they made a better one and are offering a 1 cent upgrade to people who have already bought the strap. Cool!

Chad on October 13th, 2008 at 12:02 pm

^#37

Whoa! That’s freakin’ awesome! Thanks for sharing with us David!

(:
~Issac

Issac on October 13th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

^#38

This is just great! I found another thing I just can’t live without!!! I have been wanting something like this forever!!

Time to go out and shoot and make some more $$$!!

Thanks Scott, David, & Ron!

Thomas Miller on October 13th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

^#39

I have been using 2 R-Straps for awhile and they work great. Actually if I am going “loaded for bear” I can use two cameras with R-straps and a Boda Bag. That is using 2 D300s with grips and a 17-55 2.8 plus a 70-200 2.8 along with other lenses in the Boda. This is not a light set up. I have used this set up numerous times on long days without any problems. Much less discomfort than the strap around the neck and on the shoulder.

Highly recommend the R-straps.

Tom

Tom Marriage on October 13th, 2008 at 12:28 pm

^#40

I saw one in action during the San Diego photo walk.
I just haven’t gotten around to ordering one yet and this is the reminder I needed.
Thanks.

Alan Hess on October 13th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

^#41

Wow, that looks really useful. Thanks for adding the video link. I hate camera neck straps and I only use a hand strap but this can get a bit tiresome after a while. This R-strap looks very well thought out.

Thanks for the great review David!

James
Freiburg, Germany

James Walker on October 13th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

^#42

I am a women who has been using this strap for 6 months now. Perfect for weddings where you wear 2 bodies, one around the neck, the other on the rapid strap, hanging down my back. Sooo much easier on the neck. Also great if you shoot alot of young kids. No bending over and and having the camera swinging around their head. I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Lauri HILL on October 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

^#43

Does this work if you have an L Bracket attached to your camera? Or if you have a lens foot attached to your lens? IN other words, there are no available threaded holes to which to attach anything…

Chris Zink on October 13th, 2008 at 4:29 pm

^#44

That’s great, but I am looking for a camera strap that will support 2 cameras. I have seen some DIY setups, but nothing commercial. Any thoughts?

Dave Hutchinson on October 13th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

^#45

It does not seem to be a concern in any of the comments BUT hanging on your butt behind you to me is asking someone to grab it (camera not butt) in a crowd. To me it does not look like a safe way to carry a camera.

cooksfriend

Frank Severa on October 13th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

^#46

Wow what a coincidence! I used mine for the first time at an 8 hour wedding yesterday. It is very handy and keeps your camera and lens safely out of the way. For Canon users though I had it hanging with a 1D MarkIIN attached to a 70-200 2.8L IS lens and although it supported the camera and lens very well I had incredible back pain after 5 hours. Probably my fault I should have swapped the lens after I wasn’t using it much after the ceremony. This strap and a Boda bag is what I think Ideal for wedding photogs IMHO.

Jermaine Beckley on October 13th, 2008 at 6:19 pm

^#47

Sounds like another “must have” tool. But, I too, would like more information on how to use with RRS brackets.

@Ron Carroll — would you please give a little more detail (or maybe a picture) of how you hook the R-strap to the RRS brackets — I always have an L-bracket on one body and a regular RRS on the other.

THANKS!!

Dianne Arnold on October 13th, 2008 at 6:28 pm

^#48

I saw this strap a few months back. David DuChemain(Probably butchered the spelling of his last name) talked about it on his blog, pixelatedimage.com. I recomended it to my friend, who immediately bought one as well. Even though he swears by it, I find the padding a little to bulky for my taste. I can’t see paying $50 bucks for it. Just when I was about to swear it off, I found a post on the Do-it-yourself site that Matt recomended on Photoshop User TV….www.diyphotography.net on how to make your own. I just got the materials at Wal-Mart this weekend and made my own. The supplies cost me about $10 bucks. I actually like my ghetto home made strap bettr than the R-Strap. I love your blogs, books and photoshopuserTV. Don’t ever stop spewing the knowledge that pours out of that photographic mind of yours.

Cheers!

Jason Miller

Jason Miller on October 13th, 2008 at 6:33 pm

^#49

I just brought the Rapid R-Strap at Simons Camera in Hollywood this afternoon and this really works. I have a Mark IIn with the RRS L Bracket always attached. There is a thread hole in the L-Bracket to screw in the FastenR.
I have the Tripod setup but do not always use it so having the Rapid R-Strap on for 90% of the time will work for me. The canon with a 16-35 len is weightless.
One more thing, I am a big guy and the Strap fits without a problem.

Sal Vazquez on October 13th, 2008 at 6:38 pm

^#50

For Rosanne, I bought a Rapid R Strap, RS-2 model, a few months ago, and I wouldn’t want to shoot without it. The great thing about it is that it is adjustable, so it should fit just about anyone. I’m only 5′ 3″ and it is not too big for me. I can’t carry a camera around my neck because of an injury, but with the Rapid R Strap I can carry any camera over my shoulder with no fatigue. (And it hold my cell phone and driver’s license, so I can leave my purse at home.)

Suzanne Offner on October 13th, 2008 at 7:24 pm

^#51

Is there a way to wear two of these for switching out two cameras? One hanging on the right side and one on the left? That would be and ideal situation for me. Looks like a “Why didn’t I think of that” device.

Eric Booth on October 13th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

^#52

Cool, cool, cool! I want one!

For those of us with bad necks, shoulders, etc., this looks like the perfect solution to carry around a quality camera with a big lens. Currently I walk around with my D300 in my left hand to keep the weight off my neck and shoulders. With the R-strap I should be able to have both hands free and finish the day without pain–andthat’s worth more than $44!.

I think I just found out what I want Santa to put in my stocking this Christmas!

Thanks for the review and the video.

Richard Chan on October 13th, 2008 at 10:06 pm

^#53

Great timing on this review…Mine is scheduled for arrival tomorrow, and now I’m even more convinced that I made the right choice. $50 ain’t cheap but I think it’s going to be well worth it!

Frank Serritelli on October 13th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

^#54

I’ve had one for a couple of weeks, and it’s terrific.

I’ve got a serious-enough neck injury, and this is a heap better than the normal straps.

Mic Cullen on October 14th, 2008 at 12:41 am

^#55

Sorry to be so late in joining this conversation. I also use the R-Strap. I have simply tethered it to the corner lashing point on my 5D battery grip. In this way it hangs perfect and keeps my tripod QR plate open. I also don’t care for the bulk of it. I have the model with the cell phone pouch. It was very easy to cut off and now it is close to perfect!

Matt Brandon on October 14th, 2008 at 10:10 am

^#56

Great review David. You sold me and I’ll be ordering mine shortly. Thanks again for the great review!

Shawn Grimes on October 14th, 2008 at 11:05 am

^#57

This looks great! I’m going to buy this for sure. I can see how it’s going to help my sports photography!!!!

Jarrod Michael on October 14th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

^#58

I’ve had mine for a few months now, and it’s best strap I’ve ever used—and I’ve used plenty.

John T. on October 14th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

^#59

Brent. Post 17. I just tried it with a backpack on and found that the backpack straps did NOT interfere with the function of the R-Strap. Put the strap on first and then the Backpack. also see post 23

Les. Post 20. I agree on the vertical, uncomfortable but not unusable. A Hinged bracket may be better if it could be manufactured to the same strength.

Neal. Post 31. A split ring is a metal ring just like those you may have on a keychain. The ones that break nails when you try to separate the parts to get your key on it.

Dave. Post 44. Interesting challenge. Maybe Black Rapid are working on it?

Frank. Post 45. I understand your comment but bear in mind the strap is still attached to you. Unclipping it isnt a very speedy operation if that is what you are worried about. It also rests very close to your hand (thats the idea) so could be in constant touch with your fingers.

David on October 14th, 2008 at 8:52 pm

^#60

Scott:

I noticed that the swivel snap on the RapidStrap looks just like the ones on my NaneauPro camera bag. I had two fracture at the swivel in two weeks — one on the hand strap and one on the shoulder strap. Luckily I was able to catch the bag before it hit the ground.

Since the NaneauPro service center is in Orlando I was able to stop by an pick up replacements and point out that I suspected that the swivel loop is compressed to lock the parts together and that is causing a stress fracture under heavy loads.

jon clifton on October 15th, 2008 at 8:56 am

^#61

I bought the strap also.I was looking for a long neck strap because all the one’s i found were to short I’ll 6′2 and tha camera always hit me in the middle of my chest I found ans adjustable one that lowered it to my waist and worked like this one but couldn’t take it off the camera. this one sounded great so I got one thanks for the tip Perk

perk on October 15th, 2008 at 5:30 pm

^#62

Scott Bourne over at TWIP didn’t have a good experience with the strap

http://twipphoto.com/archives/1210#comment-10288

TimT on October 16th, 2008 at 10:51 pm

^#63

Is it a problem to use this strap when you are using a battery grip? It seems like all the weight of the camera & lens is then pulling against the connection with the grip.

Dudley Warner on October 17th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

^#64

Received mine today, feels and works pretty good. Just hope that clasp is strong and sturdy.

Denis on October 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

^#65

Mine arrived here in the UK yesterday. Last night I was shooting at our local pro soccer team (Brighton & Hove Albion), and I took the RapidR along.

The strap is awesome. I had a Canon 30D + 70-200mm f2.8 lens on the end, and I hardly knew I was wearing it, but when it was needed, it was THERE.

If you are thinking of getting one, don’t think any longer - just buy. You’ll not regret it!

Geoff Penn on November 13th, 2008 at 4:48 pm