I have been using Blackrapid products for a few years now and none of them have ever let me down. So when I got a chance to check out the Blackrapid Cross-Shot Sling Camera Strap and the Shot Camera Strap I jumped at it. The Cross Shot is a new version of their classic camera strap. The design is different from the BlackRapid straps like their Rs7 or Yeti.
Like many of their other straps, it features durable polypropylene webbing, a rubber shoulder pad for comfort, and their special FastenR and ConnectR locks.
It’s also bright orange.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The strap is extremely light.
- The Cross-Shot folds neatly in a bag.
- The Cross-Shot comes with the Lockstar which protects the metal hardware from touching the camera body or lens.
- You can be seen in the forest with the Cross-Shot.
Cons
- The strap is bright orange. It almost glows at times.
Gear
I tested the Cross Shot and Shot with my Nikon D700, Nikkor 85mm f1.8D and my Nikon D90 with my Nikon 50mm f1.8G
Tech Specs
- Cross-Torso Right or Left-Side Strap
- Non-Slip Molded Rubber Shoulder Pad
- Durable Polypropylene Webbing
- 63″ Long, 1.0″ Wide Strap
- 10.5″ Long, 1.5″ Wide Shoulder Pad
- FastenR, ConnectR, Lock Star Included
Ergonomics
The Cross-Shot is a cross body camera strap similar to BlackRapid’s other offerings. With the camera attached, it comfortably goes across the body. On long photo walks or busy jobs this frees your hands to do other things when the camera is not in use.
The Cross Shot has bumpers to control how the camera travels on the strap. Every person is built differently, so this allows for individual customization. If you do not want the camera to go down too far, this will stop it.
The hardware that connects the camera to the strap is sturdy. It comes with with LockStar. This prevents the hardware from coming unlocked by thieves. It also prevents it from coming into contact with camera. FastenR FR-3 has a rubber gasket and can be tightly attached to the body. This is the most important part, and it works well.
The Cross-Shot has a rubber a non-slip shoulder pad. It handles the rain better than the knitted, padded shoulder pads of its predecessors. It grips your clothes though. If you are wearing a loose fitting shirt the strap will make it move on your body.
Build Quality
The strap is put together nicely. It has everything it needs to hold a camera efficiently. Walking around with it a long amounts of time was no problem. The new shoulder pad was comfortable and did not move.
Ease of Use
The design of the BlackRapid Cross-Shot is minimalist. This allows for it to be used right out of the box. You only need to set the length and adjust the LockStar. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll lose this strip, and if you’re ever in a forest, this strap will be easy to find. This strap really shines on long hikes in the forest or even on the slopes.
There is an interesting issue with the bright orange strap: it casts color in bright light. It’s something to keep in mind if you are too close to your subject since it can reflect onto your subject. My arms covered it mostly while I was shooting, but if I were shooting an outdoor portrait with a 50mm lens I think I would have the color casting issue. The shortest lens I would use the Cross-Shot with is an 85mm.
The Shot
BlackRapid has also come out with their reinvention of the classic camera strap: the Shot. It came along with my Cross-Shot. The Shot shares many of the design features of the Cross shot, only it’s much smaller. The build quality is mostly the same as well. The Shot is for those quick moments where you just need the camera on you arm. It’s not bad even for a big person like me. It works best with mirrorless cameras.
Tech Specs for the Shot From B&H
- Hangs Down from One Shoulder
- Non-Slip Molded Rubber Shoulder Pad
- Durable Polypropylene Webbing
- 35″ Long, 1.0″ Wide Strap
- 10.5″ Long, 1.5″ Wide Shoulder Pad
- FastenR, ConnectR, Lock Star Included
Conclusions
Likes
- The Cross-Shot has a good design
- It is easy set up
- Easy to hide away in a bag
Dislikes
- The bright orange color. I wish this strap was darker or a flat black.
I would not wear this the Black Rapid in a shoot where I wanted to be invisible. I would wear it at an event where I may want people to notice me. It makes it easier to get shots of people looking at me. This strap is also great outdoors. In the snow or on the trail this strap will make sure you are seen. There is a certain safety aspect to it. People do notice the color of the strap. Overall, the BlackRapid Cross-Shot is well designed and comfortable.
Read more at https://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/05/19/photographing-faces-cystic-fibrosis-interview-ian-ross-pettigrew/#OTAREToJuOPVIJ6g.99
Read more at https://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/05/19/photographing-faces-cystic-fibrosis-interview-ian-ross-pettigrew/#OTAREToJuOPVIJ6g.99
Read more at https://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/05/19/photographing-faces-cystic-fibrosis-interview-ian-ross-pettigrew/#OTAREToJuOPVIJ6g.99
Read more at https://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/05/19/photographing-faces-cystic-fibrosis-interview-ian-ross-pettigrew/#OTAREToJuOPVIJ6g.99