Workaround to a sniper strap?

[PaulVI]

This is the "Strap Buddy" at around US$15. Reviews are distributed widely down to 2 stars. It turns your regular strap into a sling.

This is the Sun-Sniper Camera Screw at just over US$32, intended as a replacement in the Sun-Sniper strap, US$82. The screw has no reviews, but the strap averages 5 stars, with only 1 review of 4 stars.

Last year, I bought the Crumpler Industry Disgrace, which, for me, is as good as they said it would be. However, I do sling my camera across the body much of the time, and I try to shoot quick takes from the slinged position, which is a touch awkward. I'm very interested in the Sun-Sniper sling, but $82 is a little more than I'd like to spend on a strap, particularly after I just bought the Crumpler.

Do you think that I could use the Sun-Sniper screw in conjunction with the Crumpler, as a sling, as the Strap Buddy was intended to function? Would you just get the Strap Buddy? Just get the Sun-Sniper sling? Or would you not even consider using the camera tripod mount as a (tensile?) load bearer?

Thanks.

[zona5101]

Check out the Black Rapid strap. Use the search feature here on DPS for some testimonials.

[ravncat]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Check out the Black Rapid strap. Use the search feature here on DPS for some testimonials.

absolutely - also worth noting black rapid has a pending (patent theft) lawsuit against sunsniper - sunsniper used to manufacture for black rapid (before it existed as sun sniper).

[PaulVI]

I read the recent article here on the Black Rapid. I appreciate the positive reviews, but one commenter suggested the Sun-Sniper because it's more flexible (supple?) and conforms better to the shoulder. Looking at the product on Amazon, I see that the Sun-Sniper screw rotates on ball bearings.

I also find the OpTech system very interesting (also suggested by a commenter), as it attaches to the camera on one (!) of the camera's strap attachment points, not on the tripod mount. The drawback of the OpTech system is the quick connectors.

[Twinpanther]

I bought the Black Rapid RS-Sport 2 about a month ago and I love it.

The shoulder is very comfortable and it works perfectly for me. I could carry it all day and not feel burdened at all. The only part I'm not 100% happy with is the under the arm strap. I'd give it a 5 on a 1-10 comfort scale and it isn't removable which I guess is understandable as it is pretty much needed for the strap not to move around as you sling your camera.

The connector (FastenR-3) works perfectly. Never loosening and has a nice snug (but not over-tight) fit to your tripod mount.

Strap locks are a great idea too and they work well to keep your camera in place while moving around and are quick to adjust when you want to use your camera again.

Sorry, wasn't trying to turn this into a ad for the strap but I'm really happy with mine and wanted you to know, lol.

[PaulVI]

I like the ball-bearing screw of the Sun-Sniper. A commenter on the DPS article on the Black Rapid also said that strap of the Sun conforms better to the shoulder.

I have the Black Rapid strap. I've hung a 5D Mark II, Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS II, and 580exII from it, and it felt perfectly secure. Great for any event photography.

Even bought a second one for my secondary camera that I carry during weddings.

[PaulVI]

Pardon my partial repeat answer - I forgot that I had submitted that previous comment.

Now I'm considering other options that don't use the tripod mount: OpTech and Luma Loop.

So confused.

[PaulVI]

Photoboothguy: Good to know that Black Rapid can hold such a large system! I guess this makes me feel better about it.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by PaulVI

Photoboothguy: Good to know that Black Rapid can hold such a large system! I guess this makes me feel better about it.

I use the Blackrapid DS1 for weddings and carry two bodies for 10 hours at a time. Works great. I have another fellow I shoot with swear by the cotton carrier. He carries two bodies with it all day and there is nothing swinging. It also incorporates hand straps.