Last Updated on 08/30/2011 by Sander-Martijn
To be honest, I had immense reservations when it came to any strap from Black Rapid. The way their strap connects, with their ConnectR-2 (CR-2), to a camera was daunting. The camera hanging upside down at my hip made me nervous. I first tested a Black Rapid strap with a friend’s camera. However, I was not completely convinced. When I found out it existed, I contacted Black Rapid via their twitter account (@BlackRapid) and I challenged their representative to persuade me into getting the strap while at Photo plus Expo 2010. You know what? I was won over.
Testing gear
Nikon D90with and without battery pack
Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD
Crumpler THE CUSTOMARY BARGE Laptop Camera Backpack (Black/Black/Gun Metal)
The BlackRapid RS-7 is a strap that can be customized with additions, like extra storage. Its durability comes from the fact that it’s built with ballistic Nylon. It has a comfortable feel to it. The ConnectR-2 and the FastenR-3 connectors are built with solid materials and are designed by Black rapid.
Initial test
My initial test was at day 1 of Photo plus Expo. What I had was my Tamrac Evolution 8 Camera bag, Nikon D90, Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens and a small sense of “wtf am I doing, I can’t afford another camera right now.” Having said all that, I was more than amiably surprised at what I thought of the Black Rapid RS-7. The strap performed as advertised and I got used to it slowly but surely. It took me a bit to stop cradling my camera.
On the move
I found it easier to put the Black Rapid RS-7 on first then a book bag .The camera was able to move along the strap easily. If I put the camera on over the bag, I had to remove the strap when I had to take the bag off. Putting the camera in the bag with the strap was easy as any other camera strap. This came in handy while taking the train and or the bus. Getting out the car was easy as well, which made it easy for quick landscape photography on the go.
With a Jacket or a Coat
Black Rapid RS-7 works extremely well with a jacket or a bulky coat. An interesting feature was the ability to go ninja with a big jacket. With my Nikon 35mm and D90, I was able to put my jacket on over it, walking around without the camera being noticed.
Walking with Kids
Something that was actually an issue with me was having my camera with me when I had one of my my kids along. With a normal camera strap, I tended to leave my camera at home. The Black Rapid’s easy access allowed me to carry my D90. With my 50mm lens on I could quickly shoot with one hand with a Mini Me in another.
Whom is Black Rapid RS-7 for?
Most photographers on the go will find the Black Rapid RS-7 useful. It is good for events photographers, or any photographer who needs to access their camera quickly.
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