I'm pumped. I just installed the Gripper. I didn't use the second sleeve, using the fixing advocated by Upstrap whereby one of the sleeves has three thicknesses of webbing going through it. Can't wait to start using it. Thanks to long time and experienced users weighing in on this strap.
Jim Mcnicholas wrote:
Savas, please explain what you mean by not using the second sleeve. Thanks.
It’s hard to explain, so here is a pic. I pushed it apart a bit so show how the web continually winds, resulting in the end going in between two parts of the web, and all of it passing through one sleeve. This is adjustable as you would expect. It’s extra shortened on this end as depicted so as to equalize and center the main strap part, due to the extra slack caused by the E-10 hand strap.
I have the Optech super classic strap and it's more comfortable around the neck then the Domke. I believe the Domke has a little more gripping power. The neoprene straps are thicker which attributes to the comfort factor. Choosing between them is tough. The Optech would probably be a little more comfortable when using a heavy lens or a vertical grip or both.
I've got the op/tech pro loop now (a camo prototype) that I keep on the D2H. It's reasonably comfortable but it has a tendency to get pretty hot on the neck and it gets pretty twisted up. That's why I was considering the Domke.
My pro loop tended to be hot and uncomfortable in humid warm weather. I won't use the Domke solely as a neck strap, but on shoulder a lot of the time; on neck once in a while and for short duration. It's long enough to wear the camera bandelero style - the strap across the body. So long as I maintain my present weight or lose some more.
I prefer the Domke Gripper for heavier loads, like a 30D with grip and 70-200/2.8 L IS. It doesn't bounce around like a neoprene spring while you walk; it just hangs in there. I don't use the Domke attachment gear. I cut off the metal swivel clasps and stick a stainless steel split ring through the sewn loop of strap that's left at one end of each of the narrow straps. I then reverse these narrow straps, and attach their un-terminated ends to the steel D rings at the ends of the Gripper strap using the webbing belt-buckle thingys. I attach the split ring ends to the camera body through a stainless steel swivel (400 lb test, used for long-line tuna fishing, costs about $5 for a pack of 10), and a small screw-gate "gear" carabiner to a split ring on the camera body. It looks something like this:
I think the screw-gate mini-carabiner a lot more secure than the spring loaded pull-up clips that open the swivel clasps that come with the strap. Also, I don't like to have the short straps hanging off the body when the strap is not in use.
I had second thoughts about the included clips as well, but people have been using these straps for a long time without incident. I put pliers to mine and attempted to forcibly pull it apart at the clasp's weak spot and it didn't release. But yes, it's nice to remove a strap and not have the small straps hanging off of it like a doggie's ears.
on the op/tech straps, the QR connectors are asymmetrical between the sides so you can disconnect the neck strap and connect the short ends. i know people that actually like it like that.
Thanks for the info on the pic. I ordered 2 of the 1.5 inch straps. Does anyone have any advice on removing the quick release? I have heard of people taking straps to shoe repair shops to have custom sewing done. Thanks
