The search for the perfect way to carry a camera has led me on a hunt for camera bags, backpacks, and bags with enough space for both a camera and lens.
Little did I know that an award-winning company out of Seattle has perfected the art of wearing my DSLR in style, while saving my neck in the process. Black Rapid, makers of an assortment of straps, fasteners, and add-ons for smart phones, now carries the RS-W1, specifically designed by women photographers to fit a woman’s build.
Black Rapid recently sent me an RS-W1 to check out for reviewing. Out of the box, the strap comes folded and secured with a band. Attached to the strap is the FastenR, the steel screw that connects to your camera’s tripod mount, and the ConnectR, a steel carabiner. After unfolding the strap, check under the padded area for the keeper, a small plastic open clip. It will come in handy when taking up extra strap length after adjustment.
Once you’ve adjusted the length to fit your body, the extra strap comes off of the webbing and gets put back into a plastic loop. The keeper gets that (now folded) extra length of strap.
A small instruction booklet is included in the box with the strap, but I found it easier to refer to the website’s own video for proper placement and adjustments. I’m 5’4″, so I needed to take up a good amount of excess strap in order to attain the correct ‘at the hip’ length for attaching the camera.
The above photo shows the excess strap that later gets tucked into the keeper (photo below), the aforementioned small clip located on the back of the RS-W1.
All Black Rapid straps are meant to be worn sling-style over the shoulder. The big plus about these straps is in the ease of shooting. There are two bumpers (aka ‘brakes’) that snap into place on each side of the fastener, securely holding your DSLR.
The bumpers will help stabilize your camera when you’re on the move. By releasing the front bumper, the camera freely glides up and down the strap so you can be ready to shoot at an instant. The back bumper prevents the camera from moving too far away from your hip. It’s also helpful against theft, knowing that the camera won’t move too far back there!
I tested the strap first with a prime 35mm and later a heavier 18-200 mm, both attached to my Nikon D90. It does take some getting used to, as the bulk of your equipment is now at the hip. I walked around town without too many people around, but I would consider keeping my camera closer to me if I were to encounter a large crowd at an event. As well, your camera is now upside down, a small trade-off for having your hands free.
I was able to freely move about with both weights of lens.
Pros:
I love this strap’s simple, stylish design, with the subtle floral fabric pattern. The curvy shape is comfortable against my body. There’s also a ballistic nylon version available (also in black).
The FastenR attaches quickly and easily to the camera and I feel secure in using a bit of muscle with the ConnectR to get a tight fit. The video suggests making sure that it’s on there tight enough, but not to go overboard.
The strap comes with a one year replacement warranty, but given the fact that Black Rapid straps are constructed of ripstop nylon and sturdy webbing and both the FastenR and ConnectR are made of high grade steel, I don’t think I’ll need to replace this strap for a long time.
Cons:
You’ll need to remove the RS-W1’s FastenR when using a tripod, as the FastenR screws right onto that bottom part of the camera.
The RS-W1 retails in the States for $58.95 and is available in stores around Vancouver.
Disclosure note: I was sent the Black Rapid RS-W1 for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2
