Black Rapid RS-5 camera strap review

Guide price: £70; Street: £65
www.johnsons-photopia.co.uk, Phone: 01782 753300

Black Rapid's range of R-straps have become something of a revelation over in America, quickly becoming a must-have product for many enthusiasts and professional photographers, particularly those in the field of sports and the press who want fast access to their kit.
Quite simply, this clever accessory is a replacement for your standard neck strap. Or it can be used alongside another camera in situations when you need to keep a second DSLR close by. It's design and versatility hass proven to be a key selling point. While your standard strap rests your camera rather awkwardly on your chest or stomach, the R-Strap holds it down to one side, by your hip.

This allows photographers to wander around, without having the DSLR bounce off them as they walk, yet have the camera close to hand so it can be reached quickly. What’s also unusual about the R-Strap is it doesn’t connect via those little rings on the side of your camera as with most straps. Instead, a little screwplate fixes into the camera’s tripod socket and, although this is secure, it does means you need to unscrew it to fit your camera to a tripod. The RS-5 has a phone pouch and storage area for memory cards on the shoulder strap, which are accessible by pulling 
away the magnetic cover.
I found the R-Strap 
easy to use and adjusting 
it to fit my personal build was simple as there is just one buckle to adjust. As a photographer who often works with two cameras 
at once, I'd definitely consider buying one.


Verdict:
A camera strap that costs around £70 isn't going to gain widespread appeal but will suit those who regularly use two cameras or need fast access to kit.
Like: I found the system very complementary to the way 
I work with my DSLR.
Dislike: Expensive. Plus storage pockets too small to hold an iPhone.
Rating: 4/5