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Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport Camera Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2


Review: BlackRapid RS-Sport Camera Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2

Overview : Can't stay still? The RS-Sport will keep your gear safe and steady in even the most strenuous situations. Slide the camera up the strap to grab that perfect shot. With its sturdy design and under-arm safety tether, the RS-Sport isn't going anywhere, even if you are.

The BlackRapid RS-Sport Extreme Sport Strap is designed to hold and keep an SLR camera and lens steady in even the most strenuous shooting situations. Slide the camera up the strap to grab that perfect shot. The strap has an under arm safety tether that keeps the camera secure. It includes a CR-2 connector-2, FR-3 fastener-3 and a BRAD MOD that secures the camera to the strap.

Features :
  • Holds SLR camera with lens attached
  • Under arm safety tether
  • FR-3 fastener couples to connector-2
  • CR-2 connector-2 a smooth swivel with a positive lock to ensure the safety of the camera and lens
  • BRAD MOD secures the strap during action shots

Quality/Usability : Comparison review between RS-Sport and RS-Sport 2 can be found HERE.

Many people use the BlackRapid straps for different styles of photography such as family events, sports, wedding and studio work whether you're a professional, amateur or beginner. BlackRapid has different camera straps such as the RS-4, RS-5, RS-7, DR-1 Double Strap, DR-2 Slim Double Strap and RS-W1 Women's. Each are different from each other but they all serve the same purpose: hold your camera and doing it comfortably at the same time.

My camera gear consists of a Nikon D7000 DSLR (body only/body & kit lens), MB-D11 grip, SB-600 flash and a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 lens. With all this attached, the camera can get very heavy after a long period of time. So getting a strap that is comfortable not only short term use but long term use is a major factor.

The newest BlackRapid camera strap to their line up is the RS-Sport. The RS-Sport is geared more towards photographers who are more active. The quality and craftsmanship you get in any of the R-Straps is also found on the RS-Sport. In addition to the new RS-Sport strap, BlackRapid has changed their packaging. No longer are straps shipped with a drawstring mesh bag but they now come in a box. This makes their product more professional looking and easier to display in stores.


The RS-Sport is worn diagonally across the torso from shoulder to hip and is adjustable to fit most photographers. The pad has a mesh underside for comfort and breathability. Rather than a straight design, the shoulder pad has a unique shape to it. The strap contours your body when its over your shoulder so you do not have to worry about the strap rubbing against your neck. To adjust the strap, simply rotate the strap to the front of your chest and pull on the strap or tug on the clip. This will loosen the strap to your desired length. Or you can just take the strap off the adjust. Due to the unique design of the strap, there is no zipper for storage. The RS-Sport also does not allow you to add any mods such as pouches onto the strap.

But what the RS-Sport does include that would need to be purchased separately for the RS-4, RS-5 and RS-7 is the BRAD mod. The BRAD is know as the BlackRapid Arm Defense. This goes under your arm and prevents the strap from migrating backwards. Since the RS-Sport is shorter in length compared to the other R-Straps, the BRAD sits a little closer to your armpit. If you don't have a need for it, you can remove it. The video below will give you more information about the BRAD.


To connect the R-Strap to your camera, it consists of two things: ConnectR and FastenR. The FastenR attaches to the tripod socket located on either the camera body or the lens. The ConnectR clip is strong, swivels smoothly and locks to ensure the safety of your camera. Once connected, the camera hangs upside down, resting securely at your side or in the small of your back, with the lens pointing behind you. Since the FastenR takes your tripod socket, your camera will no longer sit flat on the table and will have to be on its side or faced down. This also means no hand straps on your DSLR. If you own a tripod, it will get annoying as you will have to unscrew the FastenR from the camera, screw the camera onto the tripod. When you're done, just repeat the process in reverse order. However, if you own a Manfrotto 200PL-14 QR Plate, BlackRapid has a FastenR-T1 that replaces the screw on your quick release plate with a compatible BlackRapid version. This allows you to leave the QR plate on your camera at all times and use the R-Strap. When you need to mount the camera to the tripod, simply unclip the ConnectR from the T1 and slap the camera with the QR plate onto your tripod. No more having to unscrew and taking up your precious time.

On the strap, there are two plastic bumper clips...one near your chest and one towards the back. You can slide these up and down the strap. The purpose of the bumper clips is to prevent your camera from moving. Moving the one near your back down to your hips stops the camera from going further back but it also brings your strap back to its normal position if the strap migrates towards your back. Sliding the bumper near your chest all the way down to the bottom and behind, prevents your camera from moving. With this, you can walk around without having the fear of your camera moving around or smacking into things. When you need the camera, move the chest bumper back up and bring your camera up to your face and begin taking shots.

With the camera at your hip or behind your back, you can maneuver easily through a crowd, carry a tripod or other gear or simply have both hands free. When you’re ready to take the shot, the camera quickly glides up the strap into shooting position.

On June 25, 2011, my god-daughter was celebrating her 2nd birthday. With all the kids running around, I thought it would be a perfect time to try out the RS-Sport in a busy environment. When I needed the camera, getting it in shooting position was a snap. When it came time to running after munchkins, helping clean and carry things, this is where the strap outshines ALL other camera straps. I moved the chest bumper down to my waist to lock the camera in place and I was able to do things I normally wouldn't be able to do if the camera was in front of my chest with the strap hanging from my neck. I was also able to have my camera on my side, a drink in one hand and catch/throw a frisbee with the other. Even bending/kneeling for the frisbee on the ground, the BRAD strap held the RS-Sport in place.

All BlackRapid straps are compatible with all cameras with tripod mount whether they are Digital SLR's, Point and Shoot or video cameras whether its a Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Fuji, Sony, Casio, JVC, Kodak, Pentax and many others. So as long it has a tripod mount at the bottom of the camera, it will work.

Conclusion : Overall, the BlackRapid RS-Sport Camera Strap with FastenR-3 and ConnectR-2 is a must own camera strap if you're an active person (even if you're not). The BRAD definitely helps with keeping the strap in place and preventing the strap and camera from moving. Even if you're not active, the camera strap is very very comfortable. The distribution of weight is so perfect that you probably won't notice it and you definitely will not be in pain. Of all the things I own, this is my #1 favorite camera gear (besides my camera).

The new RS-Sport 2 is the pretty much the same but RS-Sport 2 strap is not as wide.




Manufacturer: BlackRapid
Site: Buy from Amazon / Buy from Adorama / Buy from B&H Photo


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