Over the last 4 years I have been lucky to work with the Toronto based NGO, Free The Children. I have traveled to Ecuador, Mexico and most recently, India. I travel with a large group of kids varying in ages from 13-24.
In this scenario you have to be quick. With 23 volunteers, 4 facilitators, and countless community children, everything happens fast whether they were building, playing games or involved in community activities. I always carry two cameras with me, 2 Canon 5d Mark II, and a variety of lenses. During past projects, trying to manage 2 cameras with basic straps proved very cumbersome. No matter how you had them, they always felt awkward. When you are constantly re adjusting, your mind is never completely with the task at hand. You never have 100% concentration on your subjects.
With the Black Rapid Double Strap everything changes. Such a simple design, it’s a wonder why this hasn’t been out for years. I have to admit that the idea of my cameras hanging by a single clasp did worry me. With all the moving around I was doing I was concerned that the FastenRs would come loose and I would drop my camera. This was not the case, my cameras stayed secure no matter what I was doing.
Having my cameras secure and on my side was a godsend. I was able to move about freely, play with the kids, attempt to break language barriers with embarrassing hand gestures, and whenever a shot presented itself, my cameras were only a second away. With your cameras hanging to your side, upside down, I could continue engaging my subject, reach for my camera, bring it up for the shot, not once looking away. It may seem like a small thing, but when you are shooting people in foreign countries that may not be used to cameras, and there is a language barrier, eliminating distractions is key. Keeping your camera away until you are ready also keeps your subject relaxed and the shot comes through naturally.
Another perk to the Double Strap is that on a couple of occasions we went for long hikes and I was able to wear my pack (GuraGear Kiboko Pack), fasten the hip straps, and still use the Double Strap.
There was a slight issue with weight transfer when I had a 70-200mm lens on one body and a lighter lens on the other. But it was not a huge concern. I think that just comes with the territory. And when I think back on how it felt using the regular straps, it’s not an issue at all.
All in all, this product is great. The Double Strap is now a key component of my kit. When comes to being in the field, on assignment, my life just got whole lot easier. Thank you Black Rapid.
http://www.blackrapid.com/video/rs-dr-1-double-strap/
http://www.blackrapid.com/video/rs-dr-1-double-strap/
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