Connecting PD straps to Z lenses (and trusting the foot)?

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Yes, the B2-FABN. Works quite well. PD connectors on both sides. Use it as a safety with the Cotton Carrier with a Z8 and 800. Even under testing, it holds quite well. I also use the same setup occasionally with a PD slide camera strap, just not as comfortable to me for a longer hike as the Cotton Carrier setup.
What Cotton model do you have? Like it? Average/bad etc?

Thanks!
 
What Cotton model do you have? Like it? Average/bad etc?

Thanks!

What Cotton model do you have? Like it? Average/bad etc?

Thanks!
I have the G3 and I really like it. In my opinion, getting it adjusted comfortably is the key. A little high or low makes it seem awkward and cumbersome and it took me a little time to find that sweet spot. And I found, for me, the adjustment changes with the lens setup as well. For me, it took a little patience to get it to feel just right. But with all of that said, I'm very satisfied.
 
The foot itself doesn't worry me. It's the anchor that does.

I know they say the PD anchor connectors are rated to 200lbs, but they make me nervous. I don't mind using them on little point & shoot cameras or other light loads, but I don't think I could trust it on my 600f4. Even if they are capable of handling that much weight, the connector cords are so thin... it wouldn't take much to start wearing through it. And unlike a wide nylon strap that would show wear and fraying a lot more obviously, a thin cord might wear and snap long before it was easily noticed.

I opted for a QD port connector on a BlackRapid strap that attaches to the foot. Then I made my own safety strap from some nylon, a QD connector, and a locking carabiner. I sewed one side closed, then used a sliding buckle to allow for adjustment on the other side. I hook the safety strap into the QD port on my L-bracket on my camera body. The carabiner gets clipped onto the main strap. So if one fails, the other will still hold with minimal drop. I am all about redundancy.

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The foot itself doesn't worry me. It's the anchor that does.

I know they say the PD anchor connectors are rated to 200lbs, but they make me nervous. I don't mind using them on little point & shoot cameras or other light loads, but I don't think I could trust it on my 600f4. Even if they are capable of handling that much weight, the connector cords are so thin... it wouldn't take much to start wearing through it. And unlike a wide nylon strap that would show wear and fraying a lot more obviously, a thin cord might wear and snap long before it was easily noticed.

I opted for a QD port connector on a BlackRapid strap that attaches to the foot. Then I made my own safety strap from some nylon, a QD connector, and a locking carabiner. I sewed one side closed, then used a sliding buckle to allow for adjustment on the other side. I hook the safety strap into the QD port on my L-bracket on my camera body. The carabiner gets clipped onto the main strap. So if one fails, the other will still hold with minimal drop. I am all about redundancy.

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I use both PD and QD.

I’ve never been worried with PDs anchors, only used a z8 with 600PF, and my 186

The one thing they have over QD is as the cord wears, it changes color. They use different layers to indicate worn level, sort of like a car tire.

QD pop them in and you can’t tell. PD you can tell.

As I said, I use both technologies.
 
I use both PD and QD.

I’ve never been worried with PDs anchors, only used a z8 with 600PF

The one thing they have over QD is as the cord wears, it changes color. They use different layers to indicate worn level, sort of like a car tire.

QD pop them in and you can’t tell. PD you can tell.

As I said, I use both technologies.
Oh, that's really good to know about the PD cords! The color change definitely helps with the visibility issue. I do have a PD strap for a small camera, so I use both, too. But just... not on my 600.
 
Oh, that's really good to know about the PD cords! The color change definitely helps with the visibility issue. I do have a PD strap for a small camera, so I use both, too. But just... not on my 600.
I think the color scheme is black >yellow>red

But don’t quote me on it- if you google you’ll find it

They’ve always had it to my knowledge, thought it was pretty clever
 
The only connector I trust 100% is the Kirk Photo Security Strap that clamps onto any Arca-Swiss base plate or lens foot. Zero chance of it coming lose and having damage to a camera or lens. When not in use I fold the strap over the clamp and it fits inside a small pocket on my lens case. I have been using the Kirk strap since 2018 and no need to buy new feet or base plates to use it. It does take me about 10 seconds to attach or detach the strap but I can afford that amount of time. I cannot afford the time lost having a lens or camera off for repairs or the loss of the use of them during a trip.

Kirk SS-! Security Strap.JPG
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