David S.
New member
Don't mess around. The Blackrapid hardware is very good, and I recommend using a safety strap. D500 + 200-500.
Safe ways to carry a large lens with a strap? (Where to attach strap.)
- Thread starter Fly Fishing Rick
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PaulBCT
Active member
Magpul vs. BlackrapidNever had a Magpul QD failure in either the intended use or on a camera/lens
Quite easy to swap out a Magpul MS4 onto a BlackRapid strap:
View attachment 52928
EDIT: Meant to add that I've been using this rig with the D5 plus 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4 with no issues whatsoever.
GC
Why would you want to make such a “hybrid”? It adds the bulk of the short webbing segment with ms4 tag plus the connector to the BlackRapid strap.
The Magpul offers 2 point fixation to a rifle, but that would not work with camera and lens, would it? Seems like more weight and bulk for no benefit.
On the other hand, BlackRapid costs $17 more than Magpul ($77 vs $60).
PaulBCT
Active member
PS BlackRapid makes QD attachment model.
PaulBCT
Active member
PaulBCT
Active member
When you want to use tripod with original BlackRapid screw attachment, you must unscrew it from lens foot, right? QD seems More Rapid.
Hi Rich, can you show how it is done with a photo? Thank youi attached a black rapid to the lens foot with either QD attachment (lens foot needs to have an hole specifically designed for the QD attachement) or via small arca swiss clamp.
Here is a QD attachment from RRS. You want to support the lens so the weight on the flange is from the lighter camera, not heavier lens
QD Strap Swivel
OverviewWe have searched high and low to find the best camera strap system that mates seamlessly with our quick-release plates. After experimenting with many different solutions, we have found one we like. The Quick Detach (QD) mounting system was perfect for our plates for several reasons...www.reallyrightstuff.com
I like the way you do it! what to you use to attach the strap to the lens tripod foot? I do really appreciated it you could show your way with a photo. Now I realize how bad is my way to carry my Z9 and my Z 600 mm tc on my shoulder. I have a Peak Design strap and I use to attach it to the lens and body camera at the same time. I always felt that it is bad way to do it and I did not know what else way to use. Thank you very much.
I would like to know what Steve think about that? I wish he can make a video related to this issue...…At the same time it is too much to ask him to give more when he gave us a lot and keeps doing it
I have also been doing it this way with my Z9 and 500PF lens. I remember when I got the 500PF, Nikon cautioning about carrying the lens/camera setup by the camera only, said it put stress on the lens/camera mount. But, if I attach my strap only to the foot rather than the strap mount on the camera and the foot, the camera carries somewhat vertically with the Z9 on the bottom. Does not the weight of the Z9 put stress on the mount? I'm confused.
I am a run and gun bird photographer and am on foot most of the time in all sorts of terrain and habitat here in Idaho. I do not use my long lenses on a tripod or monopod.
I have kept it simple with Black Rapids (BR) straps for years for all but my 600 f/4E which has now been replaced by Z800pf..
I use replacement Hejnar tripod feet that have the screw hole for the Black Rapids strap machined into them and are arca swiss compatible if I ever do want to use it on a tripod or monopod.
I used BR strap set up for years on my Tamron 150-600 G2 and D500 and D850 along with many other body and lens combos.
They work and I have never had a failure. I also inspect the attachment clips on a regular basis and have only had to replace one that was showing some sign of wear after a lot of use in Africa and Alaska besides Idaho.
I have kept it simple with Black Rapids (BR) straps for years for all but my 600 f/4E which has now been replaced by Z800pf..
I use replacement Hejnar tripod feet that have the screw hole for the Black Rapids strap machined into them and are arca swiss compatible if I ever do want to use it on a tripod or monopod.
I used BR strap set up for years on my Tamron 150-600 G2 and D500 and D850 along with many other body and lens combos.
They work and I have never had a failure. I also inspect the attachment clips on a regular basis and have only had to replace one that was showing some sign of wear after a lot of use in Africa and Alaska besides Idaho.
Like you, I am confused! I hope Steve will show us his way !
The problem with the Z9 and 500pf is not only the weight difference, the Z9 is so much heavier than the lens, but with the FTZ converter, the foot ends up a distance away from the camera, I think throwing the support and balance off. I saw a setup using a Hejnar foot specifically for a 500pf and Z9 along with a Magpul Strap. It holds the camera and lens more horizontal attached to the foot with a quick release button. I have no idea what's best.
Hi if you are asking about Steve Perry then best to put in @Steve so he will see your inquiry. From what I found with the Nikon comment it was not related to a specific camera body and lens set up with the 500PF. An old rule of thumb was if the lens had a tripod foot then a strap should be attached to the foot.
Black Rapids straps are designed to hang and balance horizontal when attached to the tripod foot and then it is fast and easy to lift up by the foot and place in your left hand as your right supports the camera in shooting position.
The 500pf is a bit of a quandry depending on what camera body it is mounted on. With a D6 or a D850 with grip and a big D6 battery in the grip or a Z9 the camera body is heavier than the lens. In those cases I mounted the strap to bottom of the camera or grip. Now the heaviest component was supported. If my wife put it on her Z50 then she attached her Black Rapids strap to the lens foot on the 500pf.
As noted earlier it is a moment of inertia thing and the heaviest component of a lens and body combo is what will put the most stress on the lens mount.
Even with the BR strap on I still baby cradle carry camera and long lenses the majority of the time which supports both the body and lens and is even faster to shoot.
Ken, does the Black Rapid strap screw on to the foot, or does it have a quick-release push-button attachment? I use both a monopod and occasionally a tripod and need to have the strap either easily release from the foot or be able to attach to the arca plate with the strap still on.
Patty,
To give you a sense of how a Z9 and 500pf hang on a Magpul sling and QD, here are two photos. Personally, given the weight of either the lens or the body, I'm not at all concerned about carrying the combination either way. Actually, carrying by the body is preferred in tight areas because the lens is pointing down and less likely to bang into things or people compared to the more horizontal mode when carrying by the lens...and it's more comfortable to stabilize with your and on the grip. Given that the weight of the lens is pulling more in a more direct downward force on the mount, instead of acting as a lever on the mount when horizontal. I never had any issues carrying my D850 or D500 (often with a grip) in either situation and I suspect that the Z9 is built more ruggedly than either of those.
Since the QD receptacles are part of the foot or the ARCA mount for the body, if you want to use on a tripod/gimbal or monopod, you just detach the QD and mount on your ARCA mount device or bolt on. If you're not going to be shooting for a while, you can swing the sling around to carry the setup to your rear.
To give you a sense of how a Z9 and 500pf hang on a Magpul sling and QD, here are two photos. Personally, given the weight of either the lens or the body, I'm not at all concerned about carrying the combination either way. Actually, carrying by the body is preferred in tight areas because the lens is pointing down and less likely to bang into things or people compared to the more horizontal mode when carrying by the lens...and it's more comfortable to stabilize with your and on the grip. Given that the weight of the lens is pulling more in a more direct downward force on the mount, instead of acting as a lever on the mount when horizontal. I never had any issues carrying my D850 or D500 (often with a grip) in either situation and I suspect that the Z9 is built more ruggedly than either of those.
Since the QD receptacles are part of the foot or the ARCA mount for the body, if you want to use on a tripod/gimbal or monopod, you just detach the QD and mount on your ARCA mount device or bolt on. If you're not going to be shooting for a while, you can swing the sling around to carry the setup to your rear.
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I screw mine in and screw it out when I put the camera away. Hejnar sell replacement foot and plate options that have both screw in holes and QD sockets. Black Rapids has screw in or QD models. https://www.blackrapid.com/blackrapid-sport-x-qd-camera-sling-multi-terrain-camo/
Thanks! Is that the Hejnar foot designed for the Z9 500pf combo? This looks like the other photo I saw. Because of the FTZ, the 500pf foot is further from the camera requiring the connector to be further back on the foot closer to the camera. I do like this setup, and even connecting directly to the camera it doesn't put stress on the lens/camera connection? Would you use this setup for other than a 500pf, say a Z800pf lens? I just need to feel sure I have good support for camera and lens, as well as having ease of use.
My Black rapid copies have a srew lock carrabina and IIRC the BL ones do too.
Thanks Ken, I've seen that Black Rapids strap but I'm not sure I like the underarm strap. I think it could be uncomfortable with a bulky, heavy coat (I'm in the freezing north in the winter.)
The underarm strap is detachable and I never use it. Keeping your slide stops adjusted on the strap is the most important if you add layers or switch camera and lens set ups. Fast and easy to do with it in use. I use this all the time on my Z9 and Z800 combo.
The foot on the 500pf is the OEM Nikon foot with a ProMediaGear ARCA plate that you can order with a QD socket. The ARCA plate on the Z9 is a Kirk unit with QD socket as well. I have a longer plate that I install on the 500pf to allow enough adjustment to balance it if on a a gimbal and it also has a QD socket in it, though I rarely put that plate on this lens. My heaviest lens is a 300 f2.8 VR II and I carry it the same way...same with 70-200 E FL and Z 100-400. I suspect that the Z800pf would not be a problem with this setup, but I cancelled my order that I placed when the 600 TC was announced, so have no experience with one.
Ken, I like the sling feature. Rather that the strap sliding on you, the camera slides on the strap and the strap stays stationary. Thinking about the Z800 in the future.
I forgot to mention I started using the Hejnar replacement feet when @Steve recommended them when he had a stock Nikon foot release and drop the lens and camera to the ground when he was carrying it by the foot.
I have communicated with Chris Hejnar several times and even have tested a prototype for the Z800pf for him since I got one 5-1-22. He is very helpful on the phone or e mail and has a wide range of feet and plates that he machines from low profile feet for a Z100-400 to the longer feet you mentioned to help balance the 500 pf with the ftz adapter. His feet are longer in general and make my hand holding style more efficient and comfortable. I shoot with the foot resting in the palm of my hand (not gripped) target rifle style. That also helps keep my fingers from moving the control ring or manual focus ring when I do not want it to.
Patty,
Just to be clear, this Magpul sling slides on you, not the camera sliding on the strap. I've found that I much prefer the sling sliding rather than the camera moving on a sling. If you look at the photos, the sling material is thick and stiff compared to most camera strap systems. This makes it stiff enough to easily slide rotate over your body when you life the camera to shoot or rotate back down after shooting...it doesn't fold or bunch up. I can wear the sling under a jacket or rain gear and I have no issue with it sliding as need be, just have to open the zipper on your jacket. That's just my personal preference.
Just to be clear, this Magpul sling slides on you, not the camera sliding on the strap. I've found that I much prefer the sling sliding rather than the camera moving on a sling. If you look at the photos, the sling material is thick and stiff compared to most camera strap systems. This makes it stiff enough to easily slide rotate over your body when you life the camera to shoot or rotate back down after shooting...it doesn't fold or bunch up. I can wear the sling under a jacket or rain gear and I have no issue with it sliding as need be, just have to open the zipper on your jacket. That's just my personal preference.
Yes, I know the Magpul slides on you. I had an Op/Tech for years and the camera slid on the strap and I loved it. If they offered a quick release attachment, I'd just keep it. I guess we all have our preferences of what we like best.
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