BlackRapid vs CarrySpeed

[PhotoRebel4]

I'm going to be getting a should sling strap in the near future and have had my eye on a BlackRapid RS-7 for a while. Recently, I came upon a review of a CarrySpeed CS-1. The CS-1 looked like at least as good a strap as the RS-7, but for a little over half the price.

A couple things concern me about the CS-1. First is the mounting plate. While it is universal for tripod plates, it looks like it will really be in the way when shooting portrait style with my battery grip. The other main thing is the old saying, you get what you pay for. I know their clip is rated for 150lbs, but I've read (I don't know if it's true or not) that the new versions of the CS-1 are made in China now.

I'd love to hear any opinions on either of these from anyone who's used them.

Thanks!

[kirbinster]

Can't comment on the knock off, but I have a few black rapid straps and love them.

[rokclmb]

I can't offer any opinions on either of the straps you've listed. I saw the BlackRapid a while ago online but could never bring myself to spend that much money for a few feet of webbing and a couple of buckles. I dug through my camping gear and found everything I needed to make my own.


My DIY version of a shoulder sling camera strap by rokclmb, on Flickr

If you don't have the parts laying around, most hardware or camping stores sell these things. A friend told me he copied mine and it cost him about $18. The only thing I'd like to add to mine is a pad for my shoulder (which I could steal from one of my messenger bags).

[xxpinballxx]

love the Black Rapids and the Sun snipers.
I had a knock off and it was just not the same!

[NathanFranke]

One of these days, perhaps even 20 days from now, I hope to get the Optech version of the same thing. It's the same thing as Sun Sniper or Black Rapids, but it attaches to the existing attach points on the camera instead of hogging the tripod mount. That seems more secure to me (I've seen several stories here and elsewhere about the strap coming unscrewed from the tripod mount and the camera falling to the hard concrete). It's also much, much cheaper.

I think Sun Sniper's version includes a steel cable as a theft prevention measure--no one can sneak up and cut your strap to abscond with your camera. I wish Optech's had that, but I can't afford a $70 camera strap.

[Rentham]

Have a Black Rapid. Sturdy. Well made. Doesn't look like camping gear. Love it.

[dakwegmo]

Originally Posted by Rentham

Doesn't look like camping gear.

Not a selling point in my book.

I also have a Black Rapid Strap and love it. I've read a few reviews of nasty things happening with the CarrySpeed plates, so if you decide to go that route, make sure you test it thoroughly before committing the weight of your camera gear to it.

[rokclmb]

Originally Posted by Rentham

. Doesn't look like camping gear. Love it.

I love that mine looks like camping/climbing gear.

[PhotoRebel4]

Thanks for the input. I will probably go with the BlackRapid. I will also be getting a tripod, which will more than likely be a Manfrotto, so the fact that the BR only works with Manfrotto QR plates (with the additional fastener) won't be a problem.

I've also looked at the OP Tech one, but one of the reasons I wanted a sling type strap was to hook to the bottom of the camera so the strap was out of the way while shooting.

I was looking to save some money, but I guess it still stands that you get what you pay for and that you shouldn't cheap out on camera gear, especially when it will be what keeps it from hitting the ground.

I'd still like to hear others' opinions.