Overview : The new FS-SLIM camera sling strap features an all grip, non-slip, and detachable slim neoprene shoulder pad which is a stretchy material that absorbs the weight of the camera. The FS-SLIM has an all metal front quick adjustment and 3-button snap buckle. The strap also comes with the newly designed F-1 Mounting Plate with Arca Swiss quick release ready.
Features :
- Neoprene shoulder pad, stretchy material
- All grip, non-slip shoulder pad
- Detachable, replaceable shoulder pad
- 3-button snap buckle
- 100% metal front quick adjustment
- F-1 foldable mounting plate with ball head connection
- Multiple tripod mounts available
- Arca swiss quick release compatible design
- FS-Slim Sling Strap x 1 (Includes the connector)
- F-1 Foldable Mounting Plate x 1
- Ball Head Locknut x 1
Quality/Usability : I've been waiting for Carry Speed to finally release their foldable mounting plate. It seem like it took forever!
The Carry Speed FS-SLIM consists of 5 parts: neoprene shoulder padding, nylon webbing strap with buckles and connector, mounting plate, ball head locknut and allen key.
The FS-SLIM neoprene strap is the same type of strap no matter which series you get. The strap is lightweight and flexible. You barely notice it on your shoulder. What's the difference between the wide and slim straps? Both neoprene straps stretch to accommodate the varying weights of cameras but to me, its mainly based on what your body build is. If you have a big shoulder, you should look into the wide (PRO) straps. If you have a small shoulder or a female, SLIM would be perfect match. If you're of average build, either will work fine but its personal preference. By far, I think neoprene straps are the most comfortable straps when it comes to sling straps. The stitching is nicely done and clean.
Main adjustments to adjust the length are made in the back. The model above is 5'11", wears a size L-XL shirt and the strap on the back extended near the bumper. I'm 5'9", size M shirt and when I have the strap, I get excess strap that needs to be folded. But a new feature to the strap (more so to the nylon webbing) is the front quick adjustment. Before the CS series, if you weren't going to use your camera anymore and you needed for it to be stable without it flopping around, you would slide the bumper stopper that was close to your chest and down to the camera. Now, the bumper stopper is gone. The bumper that is in the back that prevents the camera from going behind you is still included. The front quick adjustment is a pull strap that is located on the front of your strap. When pulled, it shortens the length of your strap which makes the camera come closer to your body. To loosen, just pull up. With the front quick adjustment feature working in conjunction with your body, your body is the front bumper stopper.
If you need to use the camera, simply pull on the plastic D-ring or pull your camera up and take a shot. The front quick adjustment will automatically loosen when you pull your camera up. This allows for a quick shoot.
Typical buckles require you to squeeze the buckle with two fingers and it releases. A thief or prankster can easily use their two fingers to release your strap and cause your gear to drop to the ground or even steal it. Even if you accidentally forget to fully push the buckle in, it can unclip and fall to the ground. One of the unique features that is different from other sling straps is the three (3) button quick release. With Carry Speed's 3 buckle quick release system, it now requires you to use two hands. You still use your two fingers to release the buckle but now you need to press a third button to release the third locking mechanism. This provides added security. Would-be thiefs won't know what hit them when they try to release the clips. They'll also have to work harder for it too.
The F-1 foldable mounting plate is a new product from Carry Speed. The plate is compatible with Arca-Swiss compatible tripod heads. If you don't have an Arca-Swiss system, you can mount your quick release plate to the F-1 plate. Another nice feature is the off-set location of ballhead locknut. It's to the side and in front of the camera. When you need to set your camera on a table, simply fold the locknut up and you're set. No need to remove the pin or disconnect your strap from the F-1 plate. When you need to use the camera, just fold the locknut back down and you're ready.
You won't have to install the ballhead locknut as its already attached to the F-1 foldable mounting plate, but if you need to install after you have removed it or install it into the tripod mount of your camera without the plate, simply hand-screw it into the plate or tripod mount of your camera. Once its hand tightened, use the included allen key or coin to tighten the locknut. To mount the mounting plate to the bottom of the camera, line up the screw on the mounting plate to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera. Once lined up, use the included allen key or coin to tighten the screw. Just like the CS-Slim, you have no place to store the allen key.
What's great about the ballhead locknut is that it works with the Spider Holster. So if you own a Spider Holster or plan on purchasing on, this will work.
Typical sling straps use a carabiner to attach to fastener on the bottom of your camera. But with the Carry Speed series, it uses its unique locking system. Inside the connector is a hollowed out center that houses the ballhead. To keep the ball from coming out, you simply screw the connector all the way down. The connector itself is totally unique as I have not seen anything like it and is patent pending. Once the locknut and connector has been installed and closed, the connector does not come near the body of your camera. This will not damage or scuff your camera.
Here is a promotional video for Carry Speed:
Conclusion : Overall, the Carry Speed FS-SLIM Camera Sling Strap with F-1 Foldable Mounting Plate is a comfortable strap. The new plate design is a great feature. You can mount your camera on a Arca-Swiss tripod without having to disconnect your sling strap. If you don't have an Arca-Swiss head and use Manfrotto or other type of quick release plates, you can easily attach it to the F-1 plate. I personally would of liked the mounting plate to be Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto RC2 compatible.
I love the ease of the front quick adjustment but sometimes, it can loosen without you touching it. However, having the strap tighter and camera closer to your body won't prevent the camera falling forward when you bend over. That was one thing I liked about the front bumpers, the camera never budged.