Safety when using the Nikon 70 / 200 F2.8

bikeit

Senior Member
I use the Blackrapid Sport camera strap, but when im using the Nikon 70 / 200mm F2.8 lens i screw the fastener on the strap into the lens tripod foot, but have read some horror stories that the screw or foot can break causing the camera and lens crash to the ground, so what do you guys do for added security?
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I use the Blackrapid Sport camera strap, but when im using the Nikon 70 / 200mm F2.8 lens i screw the fastener on the strap into the lens tripod foot, but have read some horror stories that the screw or foot can break causing the camera and lens crash to the ground, so what do you guys do for added security?

I haven't heard those horror stories before. What you're doing is exactly how I secure either my Tamron 70-200/f2.8 or the Nikon 200-500/f5.6 ... both big lenses.

I've heard of problems with cheap knock off versions of the Black Rapid straps, but haven't heard any problems with the Nikon tripod feet breaking from the weight of the lens and camera.
 

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
If you search the BR site i think they do an extra tether strap but i have no idea if it impedes use or not.

[video=youtube;Q1vcuCxzJhw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLxMez5VKkAAE-N3XilcjsD4xUCsCsDUAB&v=Q1vcuCxzJhw[/video]
 

carguy

Senior Member
I use the Blackrapid Sport camera strap, but when im using the Nikon 70 / 200mm F2.8 lens i screw the fastener on the strap into the lens tripod foot, but have read some horror stories that the screw or foot can break causing the camera and lens crash to the ground, so what do you guys do for added security?

I secure mine the same way. Please post links to these horror stories, more often than not it is likely user error which caused an issue.

Black Rapid does have the tether kit for those seeking a bit of peace of mind :)

BlackRapid | Tether Kit Breathe
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I secure mine the same way. Please post links to these horror stories, more often than not it is likely user error which caused an issue.

Black Rapid does have the tether kit for those seeking a bit of peace of mind :)

BlackRapid | Tether Kit Breathe

I use the tether kit during events, but it's more of a safety against the tripod mount plate coming off the camera (and consequently the camera falling) versus protecting against the mount on the strap failing. Still, I check the gear each time before an event, and have not seen any signs of fatigue or failing on the BR strap or fasteners. It's just an extra safety device, but definitely one that only protects against some failures ... not all.
 

john*thomas

Senior Member
I've used nothing........(fingers crossed) and I don't treat mine easy. I've been pretty impressed overall as I've banged it around more than I should have.
 

TKC_D500

Senior Member
Ditto what everyone else has said. I use mine connected to the tripod foot on my 200-500 all the time and don't really worry about it other than my habit of swinging it into things when walking around!
 

TKC_D500

Senior Member
After watching the video I had a thought about using the tether with big lenses. The tether connects to the camera, so should the strap connection to t lens foot fail and the tether catch the camera after a short drop, I can see the lens snapping off at the mount pretty easily. Especially with something like a 150-600 or 200-500!
 
Top