Q Strap v Op-TEch v Black Rapid

Which strap when considering cost v quality v equipment being carried?

  • Q Strap

    Votes: 11 16.4%

  • Op Tech

    Votes: 28 41.8%

  • Black Rapid

    Votes: 28 41.8%
  • Total voters
    67
  • Poll closed .
I

imagerap

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Robin
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Having just read a related thread, I'm also looking to purchase a sling-strap and would appreciate your views.

Q: When balancing the cost versus quality of the straps, against the equipment being carried, which strap would you be content to use?


Please would you vote accordingly...Voting set to public and will close in 2 weeks.

Thanks.
 
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I Use the op tech because my cameras already had optech straps.
 
I use Op-tech, tried a Blackrapid, did not get on with it, also they are very expensive for what they are.

You could buy three Op-tech straps, for the price of one Blackrapid
 
I wanted a straight-forward neck-strap replacement for the 'kit' strap but I also wanted to wear the TP badge with pride, have a sense of belonging and an elite group identity - so I bought an Op Tech TP strap ;)
 
Had an Optech but realise I'm not really keen on the 'round the neck' type strap.
Had a BR and it was fine but nothing exceptional and kept slipping off my shoulder, (I dont wear it 'crossover' style).
Got a Q-Strap with the rubber-grip shoulder piece and never looked back.
 
Optech sling works well for me, two securing points and can leave Q/R plate permanently attached (helps that I already had an Optech strap)

Usually unclip one of the connectors when I want to use the camera, hardly an onerous task though
 
I used to have a Q Strap. But for similar money I have to say the Optech is better value in my opinion.

The only caveat to that is I dislike the fact the strap gets in the way if I shoot portrait. So I've attached the connector to the tripod screw via a black rapid type mount.

I also like the fact I have two mount points on my strap and can attach one to my camera body, the other to the tripod mount of my 70-200. It just gives me that extra feeling of security.
 
Op/Tech here, attachments on a range of film cameras and a DSLR with two actual straps which are both used frequently.

Whilst there have only been a small number of reported failings with the Q strap, the nature of the failures makes me very wary and the Op/Tech system seems to be universally trusted.
 
Optech for me too not familiar with the others but would not trust anything with a tripod plate D ring type system
With the Optech I use the straps are attached to the camera strap lugs and are sturdy and safe , been using mine now for a good two years now:)
 
Had a black rapid rs7, nice strap but expensive... Also had a qstrap (with the wire insert) but didn't like it that much as. Now use a caden strap, the strap itself isn't quite stiff enough but the fact the shoulder piece is neoprene make it non slip and superb comfy.
 
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I've got 2 Q-Strap slings and a Q-Strap dual harness. Never had a minutes problem with any of them and I carry some heavy and expensive gear around without worrying.
 
This is how I connect my Optech strap.

optech_zps1f8c3927.jpg
 
boyfalldown said:
Your evidence?
Click to expand...

You wish... read the reviews, review this forum (should be plenty I recall) and then do some thinking... It was kind of obvious
 
daugirdas said:
You wish... read the reviews, review this forum (should be plenty I recall) and then do some thinking... It was kind of obvious
Click to expand...

And I'll ask again, politely your evidence? As to an increase in insurance claims. if you will.

Without all the snidey 'its obvious' comments. Just seems like you've made it up and can't support your claims. You'd never do that, would you?
 
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gadgeteer said:
This is how I connect my Optech strap.

optech_zps1f8c3927.jpg
Click to expand...

I just don't trust the quick release clips, I end up putting cable ties through 'em all! :D

It's that last loop that is apparently the weak link as well, as it wears.

I've also got a Pap Strap somewhere, it's got a huge clip on the strap but a tiny snub to screw into the tripod mount... The strap is strong but not comfy as it has a poor shoulder "pad". I couldn't recommend one of these at all.
 
could someone tell me what the advantages are over the stock strap's ? ,is it a comfort thing is there more to it ?
 
boyfalldown said:
And I'll ask again, politely your evidence? As to an increase in insurance claims. if you will.

Without all the snidey 'its obvious' comments. Just seems like you've made it up and can't support your claims. You'd never do that, would you?
Click to expand...

OK how about this one http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1240109
and some cautious comments here http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=12133.0 like checking the screw every few minutes, etc.

I had seen a lot stronger posts than that but I haven't got time to look for any more than that.

I have personally enough experience with tripod plates going loose and that is with a lot less stress than a long shoot. At the end of the day why would you trust such a big investment to a screw on a thread :thumbsdown:
 
daugirdas said:
OK how about this one http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1240109
and some cautious comments here http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=12133.0 like checking the screw every few minutes, etc.

I had seen a lot stronger posts than that but I haven't got time to look for any more than that.

I have personally enough experience with tripod plates going loose and that is with a lot less stress than a long shoot. At the end of the day why would you trust such a big investment to a screw on a thread :thumbsdown:
Click to expand...

And that's evidence of an increase of insurance claims how? That was your specific claim, and so far you've not supported it. Frankly if you can't do a screw up properly then you deserve what you get.

Sadly, I know from personal experience the OP-Tech style straps can do just as much damage as using the tripod mount.Due mainly to the way they fail to control the cameras
 
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daugirdas said:
OK how about this one http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1240109
and some cautious comments here http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=12133.0 like checking the screw every few minutes, etc.

I had seen a lot stronger posts than that but I haven't got time to look for any more than that.

I have personally enough experience with tripod plates going loose and that is with a lot less stress than a long shoot. At the end of the day why would you trust such a big investment to a screw on a thread :thumbsdown:
Click to expand...

Ok so just to even the supposed "insurance claims", I just googled Optech strap fail and got at least 3 examples, so I guess that's even. Personally I went for the BR because I felt the metal clip was less likely to break than the plastic of the Optech. Also when carrying a lens that's twice the weight of the body I would rather have the strap screwed to the tripod thread of the lens, rather than have all that weight hanging on the camera mount. I have been more than happy with my RS Sport 2 and would buy again. Most of the supposed claims are people not closing the snap hook. After all how big a deal is it to go the screw a quick twist when you clip it on.
 
wooders said:
could someone tell me what the advantages are over the stock strap's ? ,is it a comfort thing is there more to it ?
Click to expand...

Comfort - but some straps also offer a convenience for the user that the stock strap doesn't afford by design. For example, Op Tech straps have QR buckles so the strap can be removed easily and over-the shoulder designs allow a different technique, keeping the camera to the side instead of the front and, imho, being better suited than round-the-neck for big, heavy lenses - the strap can be attached to the heavier lens instead of the lighter body, reducing stress on the lens mount (I've always thought that they'd make binocular carrying easier too).
 
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jj_glos said:
I just don't trust the quick release clips, I end up putting cable ties through 'em all! :D

It's that last loop that is apparently the weak link as well, as it wears.
Click to expand...

I was a bit :thinking: at first when I got the Optech wrist strap but it's been brilliant. When I purchased the shoulder strap, I tested the system by attaching a 6kg weight to the strap then dangling it by the connector. Then I swung it around and 'stress' tested it. It passed a treat. In fact the website reckons the connectors will take a static load of 66kg's. Given my heaviest combination is only around 3Kg, my tests and the rated max weight has given me more confidence.

Bear in mind when using my 70-200, i attach one clip to the lens and the other to the camera. Just gives me that little bit extra security. It certainly feels more solid than the Q Strap. But like I said earlier, i still use the Q strap double harness
 
Sorry Robin I can't tell if you are male or female!

I use a Black Rapid Womens strap and it is brilliant!

Comfortable easy to use and secure. I wet the rubber washer, check it regularly and have never noticed it having loosened whilst wearing it.


Heather
 
daugirdas said:
I would never use any screw in system for practical reasons. They account for a lot of insurance claims. So optech
Click to expand...

boyfalldown said:
And that's evidence of an increase of insurance claims how? That was your specific claim, and so far you've not supported it. Frankly if you can't do a screw up properly then you deserve what you get.

Sadly, I know from personal experience the OP-Tech style straps can do just as much damage as using the tripod mount.Due mainly to the way they fail to control the cameras
Click to expand...

Keith W said:
I do not see where they said that

Has a post been deleted?
Click to expand...

Not as far as I know


Heather
 
daugirdas said:
They account for a lot of insurance claims
Click to expand...

boyfalldown said:
And that's evidence of an increase of insurance claims how? That was your specific claim
Click to expand...

Keith W said:
I do not see where they said that

Has a post been deleted?
Click to expand...

Tigger.ufo said:
Not as far as I know


Heather
Click to expand...


They said they account for a lot of insurance claims which is not the same as what Hugh is claiming they specifically claimed

Which is why I asked if a post had been deleted :thinking:
 
Going to throw another one in to the mix.
Carry Speed Fs pro or slim.
I use the slim and no problems, you can also tighten the strap down whilst walking, when you lift the camera, it loosens off.
 
if you have any doubts about the tripod thread just use uni-loops - adds a little to the cost but you then have no chance of a costly repair:




 
imagerap said:
Having just read a related thread, I'm also looking to purchase a sling-strap and would appreciate your views.

Q: When balancing the cost versus quality of the straps, against the equipment being carried, which strap would you be content to use?


Please would you vote accordingly...Voting set to public and will close in 2 weeks.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have Optec with Canon 7D with either a 24-70 f/2.8L or a 70-200 f/2.8 L lens i.e. very heavy. I have to carry the camera holding the lens on my forearm and use the Optec for safety. Even with Optec which is well designed and well made the weight is just too much for my neck.

I'm looking at speed sling but I want to try before I buy. Not sure where I can do so.

Good luck
 
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