Long Lens Shoulder Strap

I'm looking for a recommendation for a cross-body type shoulder strap to carry a Nikon 600E with body.  I've been using a BlackRapid strap for the last year and it looks like it will soon fail.  The swivel is worn out to the point it looks like it will pull through the hole very soon and the caribiner has worn thru about 25%.  It appears that this strap isn't capable of the 12 lbs the rig weighs.  It's hobby use, just weekends, so the amount of wear has surprised me, even more so considering the weekend weather has been dismal over the last 12 months.
I've searched around but can't find a suitable alternative.  If anyone has any ideas, I'm listening.

I'm from the old school of photography, if you can't carry it then you should not own it, really a strap for a 500,600 or 800mm,around your neck or shoulder would not work at all and just to add to this that you can only use one lens at a time when out in the field or forest at work, this is just my feed back on this topic, the rest is up to the individual person, as you may notice by my opinion that I'm not a big fan of gadget stuff like that but more of a lens on tripod over the shoulder person, 2 cents worth opinion.

peter makuch

I was in this situation when I wanted something for my Sigma 300-800.
At the time I really didn't want to carry my lens in Lowepro 600 lens case.
What I found was this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ET ... UTF8&psc=1

Looks like not available right now. It wasn't perfect solution (because I'd have to remove it when I was on tripod) but it worked for walks.

I don't have a problem with the strap itself, it's the connection to the lens that is the issue.  I have the BR eyepiece threaded into a QR clamp that I attach to the lens foot, it sits far enough back so the rig can go onto the gimbal head without removing it.  I prefer to carry the lens/camera as opposed to carrying it attached to the tripod.  Lots of weight that just seems unstable. I might just have to design a replacement for the BR carabiner assembly but time is precious and I'd prefer to purchase what I need.

BR has a trade-in program, if you wanted to go that route:

http://www.blackrapid.com/tradein-program

You might want to explain your minimal usage and, even though it may be out of warranty, they may be willing to replace parts to keep their image clean. Those parts should not fail within a year under the usage you describe.

http://www.blackrapid.com/policies-and-warranties

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:BR has a trade-in program, if you wanted to go that route:

http://www.blackrapid.com/tradein-program

You might want to explain your minimal usage and, even though it may be out of warranty, they may be willing to replace parts to keep their image clean. Those parts should not fail within a year under the usage you describe.

http://www.blackrapid.com/policies-and-warranties

Joe

I have seen their website and have considered a trade in.  I was looking for alternatives as I suspect I know the answer I would get, what I am carrying exceeds their design criteria.  I'm also wary that replacement parts would have a similar life expectancy under similar conditions.  Thanks for your reply!

Baywing wrote:

SantaFeJoe wrote:BR has a trade-in program, if you wanted to go that route:

http://www.blackrapid.com/tradein-program

You might want to explain your minimal usage and, even though it may be out of warranty, they may be willing to replace parts to keep their image clean. Those parts should not fail within a year under the usage you describe.

http://www.blackrapid.com/policies-and-warranties

Joe

I have seen their website and have considered a trade in.  I was looking for alternatives as I suspect I know the answer I would get, what I am carrying exceeds their design criteria.  I'm also wary that replacement parts would have a similar life expectancy under similar conditions.  Thanks for your reply!

Kirk Enterprises makes such a strap. I have never used one of theirs as I use a Black Rapid strap for my 500mm f4. 
The shoulder pad might be a little skimpy. Check to see if it can be replaced if needed. Note that their strap does not use a swivel. 

https://www.kirkphoto.com/kirk-security-strap.html

Joe 

do as all couples do after they get married they have a kid then kids, to solve the problem they get a baby carriage to push all your ( baby ) equipment were you what to go but not the four wheeler but the three wheeler, easier to move around and lighter as-well, that is one solution for to much equipment, I quest everything works if you put it together the wright way, good luck to you.

peter makuch

Take a look at Really Right Stuff

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Strap-Clamp-Package

Bob

Looks like I have some alternatives, thanks to all for responding!

Peter has a great idea. I bought a well used Baby Jogger with a torn seat for $5.00. The torn seat is not an issue as my camera bag fits tightly in the frame around the seat. And the 16 inch wheels make it great for use in the field. Look for them used at thrift shops, etc. It looks something like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=oJPI1qc-H1I

I also use a baby buggy. Mine has smaller bike wheels (3 of them) and folds to fit in my car's trunk. It hauls my 600mmF:4 G VR, camera, flash, and tripod in a cargo holder under the seat. Its flat where I live so its used all the time. I got mine at a used baby equip, store.

Thanks for the out of the box ideas. Most of my shooting locations are too rugged for wheeled vehicles, so I need to carry the lens in.

With a little simple surgery I replaced the clunky, noisy hardware on my Black Rapid strap with a QD Strap Swivel and an RRS B2-FABN-MICRO clamp. It's a vast improvement.

Alan Melle wrote:With a little simple surgery I replaced the clunky, noisy hardware on my Black Rapid strap with a QD Strap Swivel and an RRS B2-FABN-MICRO clamp. It's a vast improvement.

I was looking at that combo but have concerns with the quick release.  Seems like it could let go accidentally if the strap pushed on the QR.  As I have a clamp permanently attached to the strap, I don't need the ability to quick release.

I don't think there is any chance of an accidental release of the QD Swivel. The swivel I used has a recessed release button and it takes a real conscious effort to release the swivel. Here is a link to the QD Strap Swivel that I used:

https://www.amazon.com/STI-Swivel-Detac ... pons&psc=1

Thanks.