This has been said before but I wanted to share my experience with a Black Rapid copy failing.
Last year I didn't heed warnings and bought this Focus strap from ebay Focus F-1 Quick Rapid Shoulder Sling Belt Neck Strap For Camera SLR DSLR Black | eBay. The quality actually seemed very good but I didn't use it much with my Nikon and ended up putting a FLIR thermal imaging scope that my work provided. This weighs nowhere near as much as my Nikon gear so I had no concerns despite it still being worth upwards of £1000.
Unfortunately the metal on the carabiner snapped off whilst I was showing my boss how useful the strap was, fortunately the scope was in my hand and it didn't drop to the floor.
Here are a few shots to show the strap and where it broke. I think it is just a case of cheap metal. I had given the strap relatively little use and nothing you'd call abuse, yet it broke without warning. I wouldn't recommend anyone buys this strap or other BR copies, they're not worth the risk.
Last year I didn't heed warnings and bought this Focus strap from ebay Focus F-1 Quick Rapid Shoulder Sling Belt Neck Strap For Camera SLR DSLR Black | eBay. The quality actually seemed very good but I didn't use it much with my Nikon and ended up putting a FLIR thermal imaging scope that my work provided. This weighs nowhere near as much as my Nikon gear so I had no concerns despite it still being worth upwards of £1000.
Unfortunately the metal on the carabiner snapped off whilst I was showing my boss how useful the strap was, fortunately the scope was in my hand and it didn't drop to the floor.
Here are a few shots to show the strap and where it broke. I think it is just a case of cheap metal. I had given the strap relatively little use and nothing you'd call abuse, yet it broke without warning. I wouldn't recommend anyone buys this strap or other BR copies, they're not worth the risk.