The New Black Rapid RS-7 arrived and I have had a chance to give it the once over. This is one of those products that I thought was a bit gimmicky in the beginning. Why mess with tradition I thought...neck pain is just part of photography. I kept seeing great reviews of the product and various pro photographers endorsing them so I began paying a bit more attention. My interest was really sparked when several of the photographers that I admire use them but have no affiliation with the Black Rapid company. So, after much deliberation I decided to try it out. I am very impressed.Pros:
- Light weight
- Very durable
- Good soft ergonomic shoulder strap
- Solid attachment to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera (most plates have additional threads for tripods)
- Bumpers keep the camera where you want it
- The low profile design makes it less obvious that you are carrying around a large DSLR by keeping the camera hip level and at the ready
- It is very quick to bring up to your eyes and allows for easy vertical use as well
- The RS-7 is compatible with the modular system allowing for small pouches to be added
- Quick release clip allows for fast detachment from the adapter
- The attachment adapter comes out relatively fast if you plan on doing tripod work
Cons:
While the attachment adapter comes out quickly there is no sure fire way to transition extremely quick from hand held with the strap to the tripod. However, most of the time if I shoot from the tripod I generally transport it over my shoulder.
The attachment adapter is low profile but does add a minor obstacle for vertical hand holding (if you have a large DSLR or one with a battery grip). This is not a deal breaker as it is very manageable
The Joey-1 Pouch was listed as being able to hold a smart phone (iPhone in particular) with a medium sized case. I have an Otter Box for my iPhone (which is pretty big) and it does not even come close. Now, the Joey-1 contains all my CF cards so there is certainly a use for the pouch.
Overall this item is well worth the price. You can find it here: http://www.blackrapid.com/
If you happen to have one please leave a comment and let us all know what you think. If you have any questions about this product drop me an e-mail or give me a call.
Helpful post for those who want a big camera with change out lenses. I will leave the photography to you, Jason!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem with my iPhone in the Otterbox, but I would not part the two for the world. =)
I thought of you at some point during vacation when I noticed a new Sony camera that is almost as small as a point and shoot digital, but uses lenses like the one you reviewed. Seen anything about that one, yet?
Ah, the Sony camera. Without seeing it I cannot be certain but it is likely a Micro 4/3s camera. That has a smaller sensor than most if not all DSLR but the sensor is bigger than you get in a typical point and shoot. The DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. What that basically means is there is a mirror inside the camera that allows you to see directly through the lens. This mirror flips up when the shutter is tripped exposing the sensor. The Micro 4/3s camera that Sony has developed allows you to change lenses too but it does not have a mirror on the inside. The industry as a whole should learn from what Sony is trying to do. For me though if I cannot get a look through the lens (without an LCD screen)at what I am photographing it is a deal breaker. I am sure all of that will be considered in the years to come and for those that don't want to deal with a DSLR this is a great new camera.
ReplyDeleteWhew.... I should have made this a blog post!!!