After a workshop late last year, I had my mind firmly set on purchasing a new camera strap.  If you have ever used the traditional camera strap, shot portrait, and been highly annoyed at how the strap hangs in the way of the viewfinder, then this new strap is right up your alley.

The camera straps offered by Black Rapid are really quite impressive.  At first, I was skeptical as it did not seem too reliable in how the strap was connected to the camera and how the camera was supported.  Basically, leaving the camera to hang by my side with a single connector brought with it a feeling of vulnerability that I was not quite ready to deal with.

I had heard complaints regarding the original versions and that cameras were dropped.  Not due to the strap itself, but the connector/latch.  I was told that the lobster claw would invert and pop out, letting the fastener to come out causing your camera to drop.  This was said to be improved and corrected in newer strap models.

Still, I thought I would give it a shot.

With a price tag of $48, I was almost tempted to try the DIY versions offered via Photojojo, but I wanted to try the real thing and not trust my own ability to craft a quality product.  I was pleased with a relatively quick processing and shipment of my order.

I immediately fell in love with how the strap fit.  It felt far more natural than having the camera hanging on my chest.  Also, shooting portrait style completely removed the strap from my viewfinder.  It is a tad bit cumbersome for my right hand where it connects, but having big hands it is not an inconvenience, or so much of an inconvenience as to not use the strap.

The lobster claw and fastener area is vastly improved from what I saw of earlier models.  In fact, it is almost a pain to remove the connector from the strap itself, which I prefer because that means my camera will stay connected.  It is a sturdy connection and having shot several type of events with the strap, I no longer worry about the strap coming undone or dropping my camera.  The fastener paint chips really quickly and already looks a bit beat up.  I don’t really care though, because it is functional.

The zipper pouch to me is useless.  I guess I could see how someone might want or need that, but I have yet to use it.  I would have rather had some way to connect my memory card pouch to it, which is more practical for me.

What I like best is the overall feel.  When I am not shooting, the camera sits to my side and I feel freed in a sense (yea, I know that sounds a bit silly).

Overall, I think the price tag is just a tad bit high, but the product is quality so I did not mind paying for it, especially after using it.