I have used it for a couple of years without any problem on my 70-200mm attaching it to the foot - I'm even using the original setup .. it's like anything .. even my GT5541LS gitzo tripod which has also had loose screws .. you check your gear just like you make sure you haven't moved a main or sub dial affecting your shutter or aperature when your out and about shooting .... I really like it !
I haven't had that problem with mine... yet. But now I'm definitely checking the screw connector regularly. I wonder why that would unscrew if the ConnectR-2 carabiner can freely spin. I guess vigilance is the only real protection. I may try connecting to the left strap ring like Eric did... I guess nothing's perfect, but I have to say the sling-type strap really works well for me, so I hope it's not a fatal flaw.
Chris Langer wrote:
I like the Lowepro strap I have. It can be removed by two clips and is super comfy. Makes long work days much nicer.
Same here but I don't really trust the clips very much so I'm careful with the camera until I can make some kind of fail safe for it.
I have a Black Rapid RS-4 myself. I have heard all the same bad stories others have and decided to try it anyway. I think a great majority of the bad press they have gotten was from older hardware, which has been updated a lot. With the most recent hardware I don't really see any design flaw. The screw on FastenR-2 connector does use a rubber compression washer which I have found to work well when it's nice and tight. I'm sure it IS possible it could come loose... but certainly it is a good idea to check it periodically for tightness....which I do.
After using it I'd honestly recommend it to anyone. I'm in the camp that it's usefulness outweighs any potential downside (which I don't think is too likely these days). I use it with my D40 and 70-200 VR in particular. A full day walking around the Bronx Zoo with this combination on the Rapid Strap totally sealed it for me. Made it SO easy to carry.
Check out the Luma-Loop
Info at: http://www.luma-labs.com/products/loop
I considered the BR and crossed it off my list after much research. For safety I will loop the short ends of my old Op/Tech quick disconnect shoulder strap ends thru the Luma-Loop shoulder strap - a fail safe set up. I connect the Loop to one of the side connectors on the camera body so my camera quick release is always ready for a BushHawk or tripod.
Steve W
Never had any problems with the my BR. The new connector is better than the original safety mechanism (a piece of plastic tubing.) Bags and straps have much in common, no single one is right everybody.
When I bought mine I had similar fears. I connected a 3mm cord to the strap eye and then attached it to the BR strap and not the connector. The connector is what was reporting to fail. If you connect your safety to the connector then you are essentially not creating a safety.
The 3mm cord is rated for a 100# load and is thin enough to be in the way when shooting. The overall concept of the BR is good but they seem to have had issues with their manufacturing on the connectors.
