You can’t expect all of your gear to last forever.
You buy a new camera every few years, and I’ll bet you have more than 2 camera bags.

Can we talk about one bit of gear that gets used daily? It’s your camera strap.
It’s time to check it out, and make sure it’s up to snuff.

Let’s go back a step: My favorite camera straps are Black Rapid, and when I first saw them a few years ago, I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to sling my camera to the side or back.
Man, was I wrong. these straps have save my back, and in a long day on a shoot, like an event or music, these straps have been lifesavers.
Truly my go-to bit of gear. And I’ve tried a ton of em!
They’ve been around for more than a few years now, and continue to improve them.
One of the key contact points, the carabiner, has gone though some changes.

And now, a reality check:

A few friends, and noted photographers who have been heavy users from the start, have had some mishaps using the 1st gen straps.
If you call having your camera and lens fall to the ground from at least waist high, a mishap. An expensive fall.

Why did this happen? Heavy users, with first gen Black Rapid, have seen the metal knob that secures the carabiner to the strap get worn down.(see above on the left)
And when it gets worn down, the carabiner can slip out. And so can your camera.
They have made huge improvements on the new straps and you can see the stronger, more robust machining and design on the latest straps.
You can see the brass locking fitting, the quieter connector, and just a higher quality design.
Still feeling anxious?
You can add-on a Tether Kit and put your mind at ease. Connects your camera to the strap with an extra strap, in addition to the carabiner.

The point is, nothing lasts forever. Straps included.

The good folks at Black rapid have started a <a href=”http://www.blackrapid.com/tradein-program” target=”_blank”>trade-in program, so you can get upgraded at a discount.

You don’t want to be the person who has a camera hit the sidewalk. Check you gear and then get a new strap.
My straps of choice is the Breathe. The double strap is great, and if I’m rolling with 2 DSLR’s , it’s the way to go. For my mirrorless work, the Breathe is the hit.

Stick with these folks, your back will thank you.

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