Redesigned BlackRapid Breathe Series

Being one of the industry leaders in Camera Straps BlackRapid has had a bit of experience in what's worked and what hasn't in the market.  Seven years of development, innovation, and customer interaction have resulted in the new BlackRapid Breathe line of camera straps. Getting away from the neckstrap you get with your camera allows for more flexibility, comfort, and airflow. Especially during long periods of shooting. BlackRapid Breathe is designed to be lighter, more comfortable, easier to use, and most importantly more secure.So what do you get in this next generation?

• A new shoulder pad design for better weight and position
• Airmesh grip layer to fix the strap to your shoulder and provide ventilation
• Straps now come with the Brad underarm stabilizing strap(instead of paying another $15)
• Better Duraflex buckles, one of the higher end suppliers
• Springloaded bumper locks secure the camera's range on the strap
• Hypalon hook up points, the rubber they use to make durable inflatable boats for increased strength
• New connectors with the CR3 (Connect R) and FR5 (Fasten R) as seen right which lock into BlackRapid's lockstar for a more secure hold on the camera

As for the one complaint most have is the fact that there is only one point of failure in the strap. Meaning if that lock comes loose, that is now secured even more with a bracket finally, your camera will fall. For years I've suggested OP/TECH uni-loop and system connectors as a way to connect to the top of the camera from the strap but now BlackRapid offers a tether accessory kit. As my solution is four times cheaper than the $35 tether kit and has buckles if your interested in a backup our recommendation stays the same.

Buy a strap today from B&H:

Curve Breathe	Street Breathe
Sport Breathe	Sport Breathe Left
Cross Shot Breathe	Backpack Breathe
Hybrid Breathe	Double Slim Breathe
Hand Strap Breathe	Wrist Strap Breathe

DIY - Black Rapid and Dolica Tripod Plate - Making them work together

One of my readers sent me his excellent solution that allows him to use his Black Rapid Fastener and Dolica quick release plate. Dolica AX620B100 and Black Rapid SportFor a Dolica quick release plate to use it with a black rapid sport requires a few modifications if you want to use both without having to switch. Technically this works on any similar designs with a 5mm or more available space under the quick release plate. I didn’t want to spend the money for a Manfrotto tripod for it to be compatible, and even that has issues with tolerances.Suggested fixes were Black Rapid’s recommended M-plate by Custom SLR is $70 and Really Right Stuff has an L plate for $60. For $17.95 you can replace the fastener with Black Rapid’s FR-T1 Manfrotto RC2 version and skip the adapter plate. Unfortunately while looking up the FR-T1 the same issue pops up with the neck of the screw blocking the inset of the quick release. Black Rapid sent me the specifications and compared to the Dolica fastener everything is relatively the same except for the inset.So… Remove the offending material! Really, it’s made out of stainless steel, it’s going to hold either way. No guarantees but if you’re paranoid of the screw coming out or metal breaking you can use an op/tech H uni-loop as a backup to a top connection(more about using the uni-loop as backup). It is the perfect size to connect from behind the Black Rapid carabineer to one of the top points of the Canon Rebels.Get a grinder, dremel, etc. with a bit that can grind stainless steel. Take the lip down to the hole in your quick release so it can inset for the least amount of wiggle. You can use Sugru to rubberize it and fill in gaps as well so things don’t slide around. Connect it all up and secure the carabineer with gaffers tape (does not leave residue) to make sure the slide does not retract.

Thanks to Roy for sharing this excellent DIY.  

Black Rapid Strap - Mini-review and gif

Mini Review of the Black Rapid RS-7 Sport Strap.Pro:

• Having your camera at the hip, no banging against your stomach
• The attachment is on the bottom(tripod socket), traditional straps always seemed to be in my way when they are attached at the left and right strap hooks.
• The strap is super comfy
• The quick release system allows you to quickly go from no strap to strap in seconds. Even unscrewing the camera connector is quick.

Cons

• Pricey - but a good strap that is going to last you years and years
• If you are not careful the quick release lock could come undone.
• On occasion, when I lift the camera to shoot, the strap slides off the shoulder.  I know others are having this issue because Black Rapid addresses it on their FAQ page.   I plan to add some small rubber grip-e-ness to the bottom of the strap to see if that helps.  I am also considering going with their double strap system and attaching a lens bag on the other side.

Support this site- Order your Black Rapid Strap from Amazon or B&H. Let me know if you have any questions.