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| BlackRapid RW WS-1 Women's Camera strap |
Michael, my hubby, thoughtfully bought me a new camera strap for a Christmas gift this year. I really needed one. My shoulders and neck are always aching when shooting. He researched with care this BlackRapid RW WS-1 women's strap and thought it would be perfect for me. While the design is admittedly sleek, ergonomic, comfortable and innovative, I wouldn't give it 5 stars. Here are my thoughts and complaints.
For a hefty $59 retail I am sorely disappointed with the construction. The "Bumpers" which are used to hold the camera stationary on the strap when you are relaxed are made of plastic. While I'm sure this lightens the load of the strap it feels cheap. The technique or construction of the shortening/lengthening of the strap is frustrating. It leaves you with a large loop that you tuck under another cheap plastic fastener. The fastener however feels loose, and from behind as you are moving around and shooting that loop slides and bunches, looking silly, I'm sure. I also have tried a few different lengths and still worry about the camera bumping into things. At times I feel like lifting my camera to my face with bumpers released is more of a nuisance than a help as the strap slides along your shoulder, forcing you to readjust when you set your camera at your hip again. The shoulder/chest pad is touted as being padded, however, this padding must be a milimeter thick. It is nothing like I expected with all the rave reviews out there. Lastly, if you like to set your camera down, you'll have to learn to set it on its side because the strap screws into your tripod plate/camera bottom.
I'm sorry BlackRapid, but this truly could be improved on. I'd like to see metal fasteners and bumpers, and at least a half or more centimeter in padding. I'm tempted to buy a cover strap for the extra padding and to hold down my excess loop.
Positively, the ergonomics are superior to carrying a camera across your chest with a regular strap. This is probably the best feature and why I would say it is absolutely innovative in its raw design. So thanks for that! Also, as a mom the bumpers do help keep the camera at my back as I am on the floor with my kiddos, but when I am walking around the camera swings in circles. I also have trouble deciding the best length for the strap as I have a long torso, but when I am kneeling down I'm nervous I will slam my lens on the floor.
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| sorry guys-this is the least chesty photo for the black rapid that I could find-it illustrates the curve which makes it so comfy for women |
Its better than your conventional strap in comfort and ergonomics, and the bumper feature is smart. But I thought it would be helpful to give a more sobering review in comparison to all the praise. I give it about 3/3.5 stars.
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7 comments:
I wish I had read this before I bought mine. I am not that happy with the strap either. I hate that you can not sit your camera down on a flat surface without the camera tipping and resting on the lens.
Leanne, I've had to learn to set it on its side or to remove the strap. I agree. It's goofy. Although when using a 70-200 mm lens, it is much more comfortable to carry than a conventional strap.
Do the negatives out weigh the positives? I can't wear an around the neck strap as it causes headaches.
Kathy
Kathy,
I can relate. Yes, any ergonomic strap like this would probably be very positive for you. Have you looked at any hip holsters? Those would be incredibly comfortable. You just have to watch it when you kneel down. If I carried two bodies, I would buy another black rapid to wear them tandem, strapped together. Hope this helps!
Check this out:
http://www.slrlounge.com/spider-camera-holster-review
lastly.. Check out the Brad Strap. I'm getting one of those soon. It fixes the major annoyance of the strap falling behind my back.
thank you. I will check on the others too.
Kathy
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