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Your thoughts about BlackRapid Breathe Street Camera Strap?


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I just bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D3400. I don't like the strap that came with it, because it's too short and the back caught on my hair.

 

I'm thinking about buying a blackRapid Breathe Street Camera Strap, like this:

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LFOTJBU/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A33B5HMV3IIODK

 

What are your experiences with it?

 

Do you recommend another brand/model?

 

Are there any cheaper places to buy it at?

 

I know there's a metal safety clip on it to prevent the tripod mount thread at the bottom of the camera from loosening up and dropping the camera. Any problems with this?

 

Thanks!

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Do you recommend another brand/model?

Have a look at PeakDesign. I avoided Black Rapid like the plague since I don't like the single point attachment (that does loosen) or their swivel. I purchased some Carryspeed straps a few years ago but they turned out not to be easy to work with (too long with limited adjustment range); their connection system appeared better thought out than Black Rapid's (their straps and connectivity have changed since then).

 

I use PeakDesign's Cuff wrist strap (they just changed the design a bit, I have the older one) on all my cameras. I also have their Slide strap but only use it occasionally. I like their anchor point attachment; it's easy to attach and detach and appears quite secure and safe.

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Seems awfully pricey for what it is. :confused:

 

I have been exclusively using Op/Tech USA for over a decade now--their Pro Strap system. With a cornucopia of detachable connectors, extenders, and various gee gaws, I can quickly swap between heavier gear such as an RB67, to a TLR, off to "old skool" 35mm, and around to my D7100 with battery grip, heavy zoom, and flash bracket... :cool:

 

There are single point systems as well. As I do a lot of street/public event stuff, the aforementioned system has worked well for me with NO issues at all. I will be long dead before any of them wear out. :eek:

 

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A tripod mount is for, errr, tripod mounting - not for taking a strap. Unless you like the nervous charge of constantly waiting for your camera to crashingly unscrew itself (which it almost certainly will), then use the strap mountings that Nikon have thoughtfully provided.

 

Any old make of broad stretch material strap will be more comfortable than the provided strap. Just check the material for strength and the clasps/clips for security. It doesn't look cool, but slinging the strap across the body is more secure than hanging it around your neck or from one shoulder.

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There's nothing intrinsically dangerous using a single-point attachment to the tripod socket. I check the connection religiously (in lieu of a profane adverb), but have never found it loose. RRS makes plates which accept a military-style quick release. These are very reliable, since dropping a weapon is practically a court-martial offense, or at least good for 100 pushups for the entire platoon.

 

At the same time, the single-point attachment should be easy to remove for use on a tripod. The thin strap connector looks like it is hard to remove, or even check its status. I prefer the SunSniper swivel to that of any Black Rapid straps.

 

I like the way over-shoulder straps distribute the weight on my lower back, but have problems with the "sliding swivel" approach. It invariably binds when the strap twists, pulling the shoulder pad out of line. I now use a Magpul single-point sling with an RRS mini-clamp attachment, clamped to the L-plate on my camera. The entire strap rotates when you raise the camera (or rifle), then rotates back to the rest position.

 

There's nothing basically wrong with the Peak Design attachment, using thin loops through both strap lugs on the camera, and quick connectors to the strap itself. I guess you have to trust plastic quick-connects over metal attachments to the base plate.

 

The thin Black Rapid strap seems ideal for concealing a camera under a coat or jacket. The same caveats apply, however. If I were in a situation which demanded stealth, I prefer to keep both hands free rather than use a wrist strap.

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