Black Rapid DR-1 or DR-2

FlyTVR

FlyTVR

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Anyone use the Black Rapid system? If so, whats the difference between the 1 and the 2.

Also, what are the alternatives?

Finally, the D-ring that screws into the camera.... which system has a swivel (bearing based) link?

Cheers.

Dav
 
Funny you've not had any responses Dav. I'm also wondering and looking at the products.

A wee bump to see if anyone has any experience.

Looks like the DR-2 has shorter cords?
 
Hi all, just thought I'd chime in as I use a recently purchased Black Rapid system - mine is an RS7. I just recently spent a month in south east asia using it and I couldn't be more happy with it. Beautiful build quality and a joy to use. Very clever design. They're a little pricey, but well worth it (i got mine on ebay).

FlyTVR, mine has a swivel joint on the connector, on the strap - and as far as I can tell, I'll bet they all have this design (there is a swivelled caribiner which connects to the D-ring).

Cheers.
 
Only just seen the thread. I have the DR-2 system, bought in Feb this year. I don't know whether there is any difference in strap length - I don't see why there should be - but the primary difference is that the DR-2 has much less material in the shoulder pad area. That's what attracted me to it, because on a hot day I'd rather have a bit more ventilation and a bit less sweat.

I've never tried the DR-1, so I can't say whether there is a difference in comfort, but I've had no problem lugging a pair of cameras round all day on a TP meet. The heaviest load I've carried is a 1D3 and 70-200/2.8 IS or 100-400. The other side might have a 5D2 and 24-70 or something like that.

It's possible to split the straps and use one as a single strap, but it needs to be extended to full length (with my body size at least) to make that comfortable. Going back to double strap mode it can be worn full length but I do prefer to shorten the straps a bit. Often I just go with however it happens to be set when I put it on.

The swivel part is in the clip that dangles from the straps. The part that goes into the camera does not swivel. That's true for both the ConnectR-3 (the current standard connector) or the T-1, which is a replacement D-ring for a Manfrotto RC2 QR plate.

Pic of me and my gear....

20110217_153415_1119_LR.jpg
 
Calzor Suzay said:
Is that the cotton carrier as well?
Click to expand...

Yes. That's the Cotton Carrier Vest. I bought the Cotton Carrier vest and holster in December 2009. It's a good system, but having had a camera drop to the floor when wearing the holster at the waist I have become very wary of it. There is no problem when wearing the holster attached to the vest.

The Cotton Carrier system is better when you want your gear immobilised, such as when climbing over obstacles or negotiating difficult terrain, either on foot or bike, but it does look pretty nerdy, at least when worn without the concealment of a jacket (mind you, a DR-1 or DR-2 will barely look any more "normal"). The problem is that either you use tethers (none supplied at the time I bought mine, and hence the accident) or you have a camera that is attached to nothing at times and requires precise re-fitment into the carrier to ensure it is secure before letting go. The problem I had was that the camera insert simply unscrewed itself as I walked along. I had ignored the recommendation to use Loctite, so I guess it's my fault, but I do think there is a design weakness there, which is maybe why they added tethers to the system later on. TBH I really think they should have sent tethers out to all existing customers, FOC, but they didn't.

With the DR-2 I feel slightly less like I'm fitted out for a tour in Afghanistan and I feel my gear is at far less risk of meeting an untimely end. I also think it is a little quicker (and safer) to swap cameras with the DR-2. The downside with swinging straps is that they swing, so if you are highly active they might cause a lot of inconvenience.

As a consequence I keep both systems, although apart from that photo above, taken purely for illustrative purposes, I have not used the Cotton Carrier once since getting the DR-2.
 
Brilliant many thanks for that....

I sometimes get down on my belly to take shots but I can see that I just need to take a little more care with a swinging camera and lens.

Looks like I may go for the DR-2 :)
 
Thanks for that Tim, I've considered the Cotton carrier for when I'm biking a few times now. Sounds like a solid system for holding it in place once tethered. Still a chunk of money for something I'll probably usually occasionally but then if I had it I might take the camera more often, catch 22 :)
 
EOS_JD said:
Looks like I may go for the DR-2 :)
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FWIW I bought mine direct from Black Rapid in the US. Packaging was customs friendly, and even with import costs factored in would have worked out no dearer than buying from the UK. I did have some concerns about the depth to which my T-1 adapters screwed into the camera but the after sales service I received from across the pond was excellent. They couriered replacement T-1s to me at no cost and did not require the originals to be returned. It turns out that they were all identical and in follow-up discussions by email they decided to refund me in full for the T-1s, as well as allowing me to keep the units received. As it happens, after further research, I think my fears were unfounded, but it was impressive customer service.

I do use Loctite 222 threadlocker with all my Black Rapid inserts, as well as with my Cotton Carrier inserts. I imagine most people do not, but after my unfortunate Cotton Carrier experience I see no need to take chances. I certainly prefer the neat and invisible peace of mind offered over additional straps and zip ties that some resort to. Probably most people are fine without any kind of safety net.
 
I have a single Black rapid,fantastic bits of kit.Don't be tempted to by a cheap copy, they are Mickey Mouse compared with the genuine article.
 
Daryl said:
Dav!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE NOT WEARING ONE OF THOSE NEAR ME AT F1 Silverstone. you can stand on your own.

Even a Pro would not go out looking like Inspector Geek-a-Gadget.

Have you got a lens yet bigger than 200mm Will need it.
Click to expand...

Fella, I was only going to do headshots of you. b****r - I don't have anything wider than 24mm! :bang:

Thanks for all the comments from everyone (except Daryl).

Cheers.

Dav
 
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