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What's the Big Deal?
So what exactly is so great about the RS-4 that made us want to resurrect it? Well, 2018 marked our 10th Anniversary and the RS-4 is literally "the strap that started it all"; it was the first strap BLACKRAPID released on the market back in 2008. We "Turned the Camera World Upside Down" and people loved it.
The original RS-4 was our most popular strap, and here's why...
- Easy front adjustment: Need it longer? Need it shorter? Just grab the front adjustment strap and pull! Done.
- Slim, straight, low-profile pad: You don't need a lot of fluff to make the shoulder pad comfortable for all-day shoots, if you do it right. (We do it right.)
- Small zippered pocket: You know all that stuff that gets lost in the bottom of your camera bag, or stuffed into a random pocket therein? Our integrated zippered pocket is perfect for those memory cards, business cards, or other small items.
- Right- or Left-handed Wear: Lefties and switch-hitters rejoice! The RS-4 can be slung from the left or right shoulder, with no special adjustments necessary.
How It Compares with Our Other Straps
We know what you're thinking: How is the Classic Retro RS-4 different from the rest of the BLACKRAPID line?
- The cost of the Classic Retro RS-4 puts it right between the utilitarian CROSS SHOT BREATHE and the more refined CURVE BREATHE.
- The Classic Retro RS-4 is perfect if you're looking for something more robust than the lightweight STREET BREATHE, but don't have the budget for the higher-end CURVE BREATHE or SPORT BREATHE.
- The Classic Retro RS-4 is one of only a few options for left-handed photographers, the others being the SPORT LEFT BREATHE (at a higher cost point) and the ambidextrous CROSS SHOT BREATHE (whose rubber shoulder pad can grip and pull long hair).
- The Classic Retro RS-4 is one of only two straps with easy front adjustment and zippered pocket.
- The Classic Retro RS-4 is NOT compatible with the BREATHE line's BRAD underarm stabilizer and BERT strap extender; other options are being explored.
Product Specs
- Strap length with pad: 167 cm
- Pad consists of: Nylon honeycomb, PU foam, and poly air mesh
- Pad Length: 34 cm
- Pad Width: 7.3 cm
- Front zipper pocket
- Front quick adjustment
- Webbing: 100% Nylon
- Webbing Width: 2.5 cm
- Front and back spring-loaded cam locks
- Includes ConnectR (CR-3)
- LockStaR
- FastenR (FR-5)
- Camera Safety Tether
- Product Weight: 5.9 oz
Mike Glinzak
2025-09-01 15:06:52
I've been using the Sony A6300 camera with the 16-50mm kit lens and OEM neck strap for several years. But arthritis in my neck is severely aggravated by the weight of the camera resting on the back of my neck. I also just replaced my OEM kit lens with a Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 lens which almost doubles the weight of the camera/lens combo. The shoulder sling is much more forgiving to my neck and the ability to grab the camera and almost instantly slide it into shooting position is really great. It is especially helpful when you need both hands free and need to lean over. The camera no longer dangles from your neck, swinging into anything in front of you, like a rock if you're rock scrambling.Some people have said the included safety tether is too short and it might be IF you have the tether attached to the tripod socket of a long telephoto lens instead of the camera's socket. However, I've found it to be perfectly sized to fit my Sony A6300 and Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 lens. It's not as heavy duty as some others you pay extra for, but it gets the job done well and is included with the strap. I suggest you try the included strap before you decide to upgrade to something heavier or longer.
SteveTQP
2025-07-19 15:27:18
The BLACKRAPID RS-4 Retro Classic, Original Camera Sling for my Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 Telephoto Zoom works flawlessly! I use it mounted to the foot of this lens, and for extra security, I have the included short tether strap tied at one end to the lens collar strap eyelet, and the other end I have attached to a carabiner and to the knob ring. This way, even if the knob gets unscrewed from the lens foot (highly unlikely), the lens will still be attached to the RS-4 strap via the tether! The shoulder pad is also quite comfortable, and the way that this strap permits easy "swinging" of the camera rig up to the eye, is simply awesome! And when not actively shooting, I can swing the rig down to my hip and merely "guide" it holding the lens foot with my right hand when hiking, thus minimal strain on my right hand/arm when walking with it. Very comfortable, functional, and of course, highly recommended!
El Mario
2025-06-21 21:11:08
New favorite strap . Comfortable, practical bags for batteries and/or SD memories…. And looks super cool.
A.M.
2025-06-12 11:16:50
I was using the Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap. It's a great strap but there's SO much strap on each end it gets in the way when I use my camera and I'm just waiting for the connector to give out since they do wear out. I don't want to take a chance that my camera and lens will hit the ground when I least expect it.I have been passing over using the Black Rapid straps for so long and when the bulk of the Peak Design strap got to be too much I finally bought one. I didn't want the strap with the under arm strap because I don't like to feel confined and I can't see how this would work with bulky clothes on so I bought the "original" RS-4. It's also a VERY minimalistic strap.I've been told by many photographers that the tether included with the strap is pretty much useless. I ordered this "Foto&Tech Safety Camera Strap Tether Leash Fits Any Sling Up to 1.5 Inch Wide with Durable Stainless Steel Carabiner and High Strength Cord " and I'm very happy with it.The strap itself is very very light. It almost feels like it's too light to hold any weight. No so...The strap is wide enough that it will fit on any shoulder. Without the under arm strap though it does shift around a bit. My solution: I put several lines of a hot glue gun. (see picture) Problem Solved! Now it doesn't move around.You do need to pay attention to the instructions when installing the strap. When you screw on the connector you screw it on hand tight and when you add the locking carabiner you hold onto it and make another small twist which helps the rubber washer expand and stay tight.The strap has a very convenient zippered pouch on it so you can store a lens cloth or sd cards. It also fit either a LEFT or RIGHT shoulder. A few of the black rapid are left or right specific.The strap has spring loaded bumpers that you can put on each end of the carabiner so the camera doesn't move around when you walk. It's totally adjustable so you can wear it above your hip or at your hip. Depends what is the most comfortable for you.It's probably one of the most comfortable straps you can buy in my opinion. The only negative I can find with the strap is the carabiner knocks into the camera when you're handling it and some people have had the coating on the camera come off where it touches the camera. I just make sure when I store it to put something under the carabiner so it doesn't knock around.Adding the additional tether I feel this strap is very secure and very comfortable. Do Not buy the knock off brand unless you're 100% sure it's safe. There are many mixed reviews on the knock off on Amazon. I'm looking forward to many many photo shoots with it.
D
2025-06-02 14:23:51
This is a very well made camera strap. It adjusts easily and it is much nicer than any camera strap or carrying system that I have had before, My only complaint is that the safety tether that comes with it is not long enough to extend from my camera to the base of my camera lens or BlackRapid camera strap (where it needs to attach for safety). I will be ordering a longer tether. Otherwise, I recommend this camera strap. The little zipper pocket on the camera strap will be hand for carrying extra SD cards or a lens cloth.
Ed Williams
2025-05-12 15:52:07
Blackrapids is the essence of quality in camera gear. I bought one years ago for my first Nikon DSLR when they were not as expensive as they are now but the price on this unit seemed acceptable. I have used it on a few outings and have found it to be very quality photography gear, it adjust easily and the bottom attachment mount does not come loose. I made sure to buy a safety lanyard just in case but it has held steady every time I’ve used it but I still would not use it without a safety lanyard because you’re depending on 1 screw to hold thousands of dollars worth of gear. I’m not into risking things like that, but this sling is fantastic.
Peter King
2025-03-26 12:32:50
This was the third one from three different companies, first lasted 3 weeks and the second lasted 6 days before the fixtures broke, came apart and well, just 100% fail until this one.....PERFECT
Cesar Dominguez
2025-02-21 13:25:00
Es lo que yo esperaba, muy cómodo para cargar mi camara...
MAP
2025-01-19 16:51:54
Expensive, but supremely comfortable, perfect for carrying a moderatly heavy camera and long lens.
Sergio GMP
2025-01-17 17:44:49
Ho sempre avuto normali tracolle, la mia priorità era la lunghezza poichè porto la macchina fotografica sul fianco e non appesa al collo e ho sempre l'ingombro dello zaino e in inverno del vestiario pesante. Ho appena cambiato macchina fotografica e, leggendo le recensioni su un famoso forum di fotografia, ho deciso di spendere una cifra importante anche per la tracolla. Questa mattina è arrivata e devo dire che ne sono entusiasta, ho fatto un giro di circa un'ora e, a un certo punto, non ricordavo nemmeno di avere la macchina a tracolla, il peso era completamente sparito, quasi un miracolo. Da aggiungere un'altra cosa, per fare le foto quando faccio escursioni in genere non sfilo la tracolla ma è comunque una cosa scomoda, invece con l'aggancio sotto la macchina è come se la tracolla non ci fosse proprio. Promossa a pieni voti!
David Drysdale
2025-01-12 12:14:01
Have used one of these straps for years and would not do without it. i have never had neck pain while using one as i did with the strap supplied with the camera. Eat of use and extremely convenient.
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