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BlackRapid RS-Sport Review By Mike Swiech
Like most people that own a camera you have a strap with it. It hangs around your neck (can be a pain after awhile) and it becomes cumbersome and very touristy, while you are walking down the street, or through a busy market, etc... It wasn't until I found and fell in love with BlackRapid and the R-Strap brand of camera straps. It is not like other camera straps that you wear around you neck and have to feel pressure from your camera and lens straining and pulling you down.
BlackRapid has several other types of straps (RS-4, RS-5, RS-7 RS-W1 (for Women) and the double strap DR-1), but today I will be talking about their RS-Sport strap. This strap is made for the "On The Go" photographer in mind. Here are some of its features:
The difference between this strap and a conventional camera strap is that it goes diagonally across the torso from shoulder to hip and is adjustable to fit most photographers. It spreads the weight evenly across so you no longer have to feel that "Pain In The Neck" feeling again. The benefit of having this setup is that you can move around more freely in public places, you don't have to feel like people are looking at you like another tourist with a camera around their neck. The added benefit of the RS-Sport is what the company calls a BRAD (BlackRapid Arm Defense) a separate component that you have to purchase separately for the RS-4, RS-5, RS-7 RS-W1) This goes under your arm and prevents the strap from sliding backwards on your shoulder. It does fit more snugly as it is a bit shorter compared to the other straps, but if that is an issue then the BRAD is easily removed from the strap. 
Well how do you go ahead and connect your camera/lens to this strap. That's easy. The FastenR-3 attaches to the tripod socket located on either the camera body or the lens. The ConnectR-2 clip is then clipped to the FastenR-3. (Please do not forget to tighten the locking mechanism on the ConnectR-2) Your camera will lay upside down on your side securely.
Another nice feather of the BlackRapid brand of straps are what’s called “bumpers” These bumpers prevent your camera from moving. There is one up around your chest area, and another one down around your hip. The one on your chest limits how high up you want your camera to slide to your face, while the one by your hip limits how far you want your camera to slide behind your back. When the bumpers are in place its that extra feeling that you know your camera is secure and will be where you want it to be.
There are extra MODS that you can purchase for your BlackRapid Strap whether you have a RS-Sport or a RS-7. It depends on what you are looking for. My only complaint that I do have for this product is that they do not have an adapter that is universal to connect my FastenR-3 to other Tripod quick plates beside the Manfrotto 200PL-14. This in my opinion is a small thing but something that they should look into further.
Overall this is one of my favourite camera accessories that I own. I have the ability to move more easily, have my hands free; feel less noticeable that I am walking around with an expensive camera and lens. I recommend this strap and endorse this Brand to everyone and anyone that is looking to change there gear.
Twitter: @blackrapid Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlackRapidStrap Article by Mike Swiech
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