p.1 #1 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
I'm in need of a robust sling strap that I can quickly attach/remove from the bottom of my Nikon Z8 or the foot of my 400 or 800mm lens. I like the quick screw attachment of the Black Rapid straps, of which I have several, but I just had one of the plastic connectors break, sending my camera and 70-200 lens to the ground (fortunately it had a soft enough landing that there wasn't even a scratch). That cautionary tale has me searching for alternatives.
I've looked at the Peak Design Slide and Holdfast Moneymaker Solo straps. Both look solid but require an Arca plate to attach to the camera base plate or lens foot, and the Holdfast looks more cumbersome to attach/remove. Does anyone have any other suggestions?
While I typically carry my 800 and 600mm lenses on a monopod/gimbal setup, I also shoot a lot handheld and like hiking with a sling strap.
p.1 #2 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
The most secure options are Arca plates with steel insert QD sockets combined with a sling such as the Magpul MS4® Dual QD Sling GEN2. Military grade hardware.
p.1 #3 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
JBPhotog wrote:
The most secure options are Arca plates with steel insert QD sockets combined with a sling such as the Magpul MS4® Dual QD Sling GEN2. Military grade hardware.
Excellent suggestion. I'll need to add/replace my foot/plate for the QD sockets but it looks quite robust and worth the price when I've got an 600 or 800 lens on the sling. I'm leaning toward the QDM version, which seems less likely to accidently release.
p.1 #4 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
I tried the QDM as I had one in the bits drawer and although it "seems" to be less likely to accidentally release, it wasn't The side locks were more likely to brush against things and release from the QD socket. The standard QD sling swivel button is a bit protected by the sling and the D-ring because of the different placement of the release, I felt it was more secure than the QDM swivel.
Eco-Scott wrote:
Excellent suggestion. I'll need to add/replace my foot/plate for the QD sockets but it looks quite robust and worth the price when I've got an 600 or 800 lens on the sling. I'm leaning toward the QDM version, which seems less likely to accidently release.
p.1 #5 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
JBPhotog wrote:
The most secure options are Arca plates with steel insert QD sockets combined with a sling such as the Magpul MS4® Dual QD Sling GEN2. Military grade hardware.
My problem with that is the absence of any padding or give in the strap, which can make carrying a heavy-ish camera/lens combo bothersome.
I tie both of the optech loops to the QD socket and clip them into the sling. The shoulder pad has a nice pleasant give to it as you walk. The MS4 is milspec and will take a beating, but IMO is not particularly comfortable for a camera application.
p.1 #6 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
Magpul have a padded strap, MS1 Padded Sling.
GroovyGeek wrote:
My problem with that is the absence of any padding or give in the strap, which can make carrying a heavy-ish camera/lens combo bothersome.
I tie both of the optech loops to the QD socket and clip them into the sling. The shoulder pad has a nice pleasant give to it as you walk. The MS4 is milspec and will take a beating, but IMO is not particularly comfortable for a camera application.
p.1 #7 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
JBPhotog wrote:
Magpul have a padded strap, MS1 Padded Sling.
Saw that, but how does one convert it to a single QD attachment? Seems that a series of adapters are required that will bring the total cost well over $100
That is in line with the BlackRapid pricing and is probably worth it for someone who is a heavy user, but is salty for occasional use. It also feels like it will survive a nuclear blast but will weigh you down daily.
p.1 #8 · Sling strap for camera base and large lenses
How is it going to weigh you down physically? You can decide if military grade is preferable to other strap/sling combos all of which are of lesser quality.
FWIW, Kirk Photo recommend the Magpul combo with their QD socket rails and camera brackets.
GroovyGeek wrote:
Saw that, but how does one convert it to a single QD attachment? Seems that a series of adapters are required that will bring the total cost well over $100
That is in line with the BlackRapid pricing and is probably worth it for someone who is a heavy user, but is salty for occasional use. It also feels like it will survive a nuclear blast but will weigh you down daily.
