Which Double Strap for 2 gripped 5Ds with 24-70 & 70-200IS

After my last shoot I decided to seriously look into obtaining a double camera strap for comfort and convenience promised by the manufacturers.

Black Rapid DR1 and Cotton Carrier are the two that seem to have grabbed my attention. Then there is the Op Tech Super A & Sun Sniper DPH too.

When on eBay the Quick Draw (photograph attached) is very conspicuous. It's appears to be identical to the Black Rapid DR1.

I would like to hear from anyone who has experience on any of the above or is researching the market before purchase like I am.

I don't think this is a very comfortable solution, especially not for those of the female persuasion

The weight of 2 cameras plus lenses is carried completely on the shoulders and the back.
Also when moving the cameras will start acting like pendulums.

You'd better look for a solution where most of the weight is carried on the hips

I use the black rapid strap for weddings......

I always have atleast a 5D 2 with a 24-105 with a 580 EX attached on one side...

The other side is either a 70-200 f/2.8, 85 1.2, 35 1.4...or any other flavor of prime/zoom with a 580 attached as well.

It works fantastic. They stay on the hip and it is not uncomfortable in the least. I can run around (I do run) very quickly while pressing the bodies to my side. This in my opinion is by far the best out there.

I have tried a few others and this is the best for me. I have had these attached for over 8 hours with not much of a break with no discomfort.

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http://www.rustywilliamsphotography.com

Thanks Robert1955. I wonder if the pendulum swing action can be controlled when used in conjunction with SpiderPro Camera Holster with Plate and Pin? Perhaps someone out there has already tried.

Thanks RustyRus. Your opinion is in line with what I am reading elsewhere. Do you find that the zooms can project sideways and collide with whatever is in the way? I notice the plate supplied with the Quick Rapid allows the camera and lens to hug the hips a lot more.

Have you put one on? It really is amazing how well the system works. You almost get an immediate feel of what you need to do to keep the system steady. You can also adjust so they sit much higher on your body.

I have never had one swing out. I only every bang them when I am rushing through a tight space in a crowded bar or reception with chairs and people. It’s usually just the lens hood though that bangs. When moving I am usually holding one camera with a hand on the other or hand on both at my sides. You have two bodies and lens configs so there isn't much else you should need to mess with. I have used it with some handheld flash and it got very messy......I had to take a body off to do this easily.

I have yet to find anyone with anything bad to say about the black rapid dual strap. It’s really the best out there and once you put one on I bet you would agree.

Mosjos said:

Thanks RustyRus. Your opinion is in line with what I am reading elsewhere. Do you find that the zooms can project sideways and collide with whatever is in the way? I notice the plate supplied with the Quick Rapid allows the camera and lens to hug the hips a lot more.

Click to expand...

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http://www.rustywilliamsphotography.com

I wish I could try one out but the camera retailers within a 15 miles radius are unlikely to have a DR1 in the shop inventory. Would have to be ordered in.

Should the DR1 be worn over or under a jacket / coat?

Also, have you ever used the DR1 to carry just one DSLR with lens? If so, was that also more comfortable than the standard straps that come with the cameras?

Thanks

I own the double and the single r-7 (the one with the curve in the strap)....

I have carried one camera with the double strap and it works ok....The strap meant for one is much better but the double works if you clip on your belt or jeans.

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http://www.rustywilliamsphotography.com

Thanks again RustyRus. I've just placed my order for the DR1. hopefully that should put an end to slipping straps and 'strangulation by 2 straps' !

Thats great....I hope you like it as much as I do......

Mosjos said:

Thanks again RustyRus. I've just placed my order for the DR1. hopefully that should put an end to slipping straps and 'strangulation by 2 straps' !

Click to expand...

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http://www.rustywilliamsphotography.com

I have the Black Rapid double strap and although it is a bit pricey, it does work very well. I have worn it with two 1D bodies (24-70 & 70-200) during triathlon and other sports events and it is excellent. It does pay to take your time to adjust the length of each strap very carefully for comfort and reach.

This is particularly true if you have a larger eg 1D sized body on the left strap - for landscape orientation it is nice and clean but I have found that portrait orientation with the left hand strap can be a bit restrictive as you pull the strap further across your chest with the connection to the camera furthest from the left. I find that I have to lengthen the strap to minimise/avoid this problem which can mean that the camera hangs a bit lower than ideal when not held.

As for moving about loaded with two cameras attached, then as with other comments on this thread, I firmly rest a hand on each body with lenses pointing towards center of my back. This works fine for shorter sprints - if I need to move further, then I move the adjustable kickers up both straps so that the cameras rest more on my chest - then, again, with hands resting on cameras, I can move quite smoothly, comfortably and (for me) quite swiftly as well. Btw, this principle also comes in handy if you find that you're likely to use one camera for a given time and that you need to crouch down/knell without the free camera hitting or dragging on the ground.

just my view......

Thanks for the advice Minivip. Funny you mentioned the below

"Btw, this principle also comes in handy if you find that you're likely to use one camera for a given time and that you need to crouch down/knell without the free camera hitting or dragging on the ground."

I do crouch/kneel if my subject is shorter than I am.

This is the best solution if you're active and need to carry several large cameras and lenses.

It's the only solution I've found that allows me to hike long distances with my 500mm without back or shoulder pain.

For a 2 camera setup like you describe it would be perfect. Only downside if you're using it at a wedding or in public places is the stares and questions you get as it makes you look like a swat team member

For biking hiking or with large lenses it's the best solution i've found.

I shoot concerts and 90% of the time I have a 24-70 on one 5D2 and a 70-200 2.8 IS on the other. I keep my 70-200 body on my hip via the Spider Holster and my 24-70 5D2 on a Luma Loop strap. It works very well for me and I find that I can "park" my 24-70 behind me on the other side of the 70-200 when not in use. The Spider Holster makes life a lot easier - simple things like bending down to tie shoelaces is possible without worrying about cameras slamming into each other. I also have a bad back, and shifting the weight to my hip has helped that tremendously. I have my second Spider Holster on the way but I'm not sure if I'll use them both at the same time yet.

robert1955 said:

I don't think this is a very comfortable solution, especially not for those of the female persuasion

Click to expand...

Surely that is a female model in the OP's post? No problems.

I use Black Rapid DR-1 all the time during those all day long events, normally have a 1DS2 or 1D2 with 70-200 F2.8 IS MK2 mounted on and/or D3+ 24-70G or 14-24G, and I normally carry a few other lenses such as the 35L, 85L II or Zeiss 100 or whatever primes I think I will need it for the event on a fanny pack wear around my waist. the set up makes all my set up feel really light and I can easily walk around all day long without feeling much on my back. this set up makes it easy for me to move around, and the camera is always ready to shoot, I can easily swap lenses even while I am walking, highly recommended.