Gear Review: Black Rapid RS-4

Image courtesy of BlackRapid

I know I just finished saying that it would be silly for this blog to turn into a big gear review blog but I did want to share my thoughts about my favorite camera strap: the RS-4 from BlackRapid.
The best thing about this strap is how it connects to the camera: via the camera's 1/4"-20 tripod nut. This is good for two reasons: 
One, it holds the camera upside down which puts your camera in a good position to grab, no matter which side you carry your camera on.
Two, if you have a longer lens with a tripod foot attached to your camera (such as the Nikkor 70-200mm), you can attach the strap to the lens rather than the body of the camera, thus relieving stress on the camera body and also properly balancing your camera/lens.


Another interesting feature is the metal fastener actually slides up and down the strap. The strap actually stays in place. It's also easily adjustable and features a small zippered compartment in the shoulder pad for things like memory cards.


BlackRapid suggests that retailers sell the RS-4 for $53.95. B&H follows this suggestion.