Wildlife Gear - Carrying with Slings, Straps and the QD System 

Great video! Never heard of the QD system until now so this was very helpful. The only thing I would point out is that having two points of connection does not necessarily offer redundancy. If either of the connectors fails or was not properly secured when both connectors are on the same strap, then your gear is going to hit the ground. The only way to get redundancy with two connectors is if each is on it's own strap slung around your shoulder. But your point of having two connectors for a wider strap distribution and preventing camera swing is well taken. I can see how just one can get a little too wild if you had to hike hands free. Thanks for the video and will definitely look into the QD system.

Some lenses like the Nikkor 180-600 have slots on the Nikon lens collar that could be used for the Peak Design system. Maybe begging for another failure point but they could be used for a lens foot with one QD slot. Thanks for the video.

I have both sizes of the Peak Design straps and QD rings. This system works great for my Nikon Z9 with the RRS Base Plate and Nikon Z 180-600mm lens with the Kirk collar/foot that replaced my original. Super comfortable to carry and immediately ready to bring into action. Thank you for another informative video!

QD is the way to go for all types of "shooting". pew pew or click click. ...Also with 1 or 2 points, if one breaks the gear is more than likely falling unless you have lightning reflexes.

I switched to MagPul QD system a couple of years ago and love it. Way easier than other systems in my opinion. I only use the one connector but I have added a OP/Tech strap to all my camera and lens plates and my strap and use that as a secondary safety connector. Takes an extra second to connect/disconnect but it's worth it in my eyes. If QD were to fail OP/Tech strap would prevent the gear from falling to ground. Fortunately I have never had it fail on me.

Leofoto has a great QD strap too, and QD accessories.

Always great to cover areas that most people don't think of until something happens

Great video. I use the Black Rapid and never heard of the QD system. I will definitely have to look into it. Thanks for sharing!

Nice overview of each. The black rapid is nice, I also like the peak design set up. Thanks for sharing

2 points of contact seems irrelevant for security. If one fails, everything is falling down regardless. I suppose to limit the swinging you mentioned, it may be helpful though.

The exact video I was looking for, thank you!

This really solves a problem for me, I was using a really right stuff bracket attached to my Black Rapid strap but unscrewing it when I needed to get a shot was a pain. Sometimes missed a shot, this will hopefully work much better

Thanks for the video. I’ve been using QD for about three years now and have used Magpul, adapted Black Rapid, native Black Rapid, and Peak Design but without QD. Thanks to your video that’s about to change since I can now use Peak Design either and without QD. Black Rapid also makes a safety leash that gives you a second point of connection. I’ve used that as well. Also will see if I can find a lens foot with two QD sockets. Have not seen that on any L- brackets or base plates but will look around. Also Small Rig now does base plates, L-brackets, and cages with QD.

Love the QD system. I use blackrapid and a single RRS QD and have replaced the feet on my long lenses to include QD connectors. I've got a smallrig l-bracket for my Z8 that has qd connector so I can use it on the body for smaller lenses. When I want the lightest strap, I've also got peak design connectors on the camera lugs / l-bracket and use the pd leash, or wrist strap. I do want a safety tether setup, though. Two points of contact and a tether is surely the way to go with heavy lenses...

I now have a few plates from ProMediaGear with the QD socket and using with a Leofoto SP-01 QD Strap. Really liking it!

Great video, I’ve been using QD connectors for years to carry my camera gear, makes it really easy to disconnect and mount the camera on a tripod. I use the Holdfast Gear Moneymaker when carrying two or more cameras and their Solo strap when carrying one camera I just connect their shackle to the QD connector, the Holdfast straps also have a safety tether to connect to the camera. BTW Leofoto make a couple of QD straps that are really well made in fact their SP-01 looks exactly like the Magpul strap but I like Leofoto one better and it costs less. I use the Leofoto straps to carry my tripods. The straps connect to the tripod with QD clamps Leofoto makes for the tripod legs. I’ve never had a QD port failure in all the years I’ve used them.

I use the Peak Design system for my 800pf lens, I use their mounting plate and attach it to the lens foot (not factory) on the up side or inside, so i have the plate on there with the quick attachments and if i want to mount it to my Gimbal i can and not have them buttons get in the way.. No matter what you do this lens attached to the Z9 is going to get taxing because of the weight, But its the best way i have found to mount it and have the best of both worlds as needed

I'm more of a landscape photographer but your channel popped up on my feed. I have to say your video was the most organized and well presented than most that I see. You don't shout or modulate your voice for the camera, your presentation (pic in pic and script) follow logically smoothly. Kudos. Regarding the straps, how about making them yourself. Outdoor supply companies (like dutchwaregear, strapworks) sell webbing of different sizes and buckles so for under $10 or $15, you can make the webing of your disired width, length, and buckle location.

Sorry for my mediocre english. Some of the BlackRapid-Straps (old RS-4) can be opened completely. So you can add a second connector (two QDs, two carabiners or two stainless-steel-D-Rings as sliders for carabiners). If you have the old Sports (red R), you can break the plastic part (C) at the end, which attaches the end of the strap to the main strap. Then you can open it like the RS-4. Or you can use bigger aluminum-carabiners which are not rounded but straight at one end (so that they can slide along the strap). So you don´t have to open the strap.

Thanks for all of your useful videos and this is perfect timing as I just converted my BR straps (switched Sunwayfoto clamps to RRS/Kirk QD plugs) to save weight/Int’l packing space. For me , the QDs are hard to remove, especially when wearing gloves, so I use a coin size Craftsman screwdriver tool. On my Canon 500mm II, I swapped from 4th Generation Designs to the super comfy ProMedia Gear QD foot (a splurge instead of just adding a QD plate to keep things streamlined). I use OpTech connectors (lenses:cameras) and just added Foto&Tech safety tethers to the BR straps). It was like a big puzzle.

A thorough review, Scott, well done. I've been using QD system with the Peak Design strap for about six months. I'm not going back. A large benefit for me is I can now quickly release my lens plate from the strap so I can, hopefully, quickly mount the lens on my tripod before a bird takes off.

I use the Kirk one on my Rose Anvil strap and it's amazing. Kirk foot on my Sony 200-600

Your videos are always so well done and informative - great demo of these systems. Just got the Z8 with 180-600 lens. Looking for a strap that will work for me. I replaced the lens foot it came with to the Kirk Lens Collar for Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (this is the only 3rd party lens collar w/arca foot they make for the Z8 that I know of). The downside of this is that it does not have 2 slots around the collar (like the original collar it came with did) and I was thinking of going back to the original collar and finding a system to work where I could use a strap to "thread" through those existing openings with. Sorry if I'm not explaining that very well, but if you look at this lens you will see what I am talking about! Thanks again for all your information explaining everything! :-).

Thank you for the information, Scott!!.

Great video..Thanks for shearing

Good stuff! I've grown attached (pun intended) to the Spider Holster system, so the weight is on my hips. My heaviest is the D4S with the 500PF. Cheers!

Very helpful video! Thank you!!

Thanks for this video, very helpful. I had a BlackRapid sling, and that was ideal until I bought my R3 and 100-500mm with 1.4x. Suddenly that swinging with the single anchor point was a big issue. I already had a Peak Design Cuff and liked it, so with your advice I’ve gone further into the PD product line ☺️ Cheers 🍻

Any sling for rifles would work with the qd system, they make padded ones and also ones that can tighten and loosen quickly. Also having two points of connection spread out will make it work better if you tighen it up which is better for carrying imo. You can also add a 2 to 1 point tri-glide so any sling can go from two point to one point as-well as I find one point better for shooting!

Great video Scott! I've got a Fuji XT4 and XF 50-140mm which is a heavy lens given the focal range. Was looking for a way to mount to the lens collar and I think the PD two point method would work good. PS regarding the Blackrapid single point of failure, there are some copycat versions on Amazon which have a security strap to attach to the camera/cage, which give you some assurance if the main strap fails.

with the black rapid strap. turn it around so it rests against your hip in the front of you instead of hanging behind you. that works for me anyway

I use the Blackrapid strap with an arca clamp attached to the carabiner which I use to clamp onto my camera's L plate or lens feet. I use RRS plates and feet which are arca swiss compatible for that clamp for strap carry and tripod mounting. And they also come with a QD connector. Magpul also makes a standalone QD swivel sling adapter which I have looped through the strap of a sling (PD V1 10L), which I occasionally use to carry the camera. Having QD and arca swiss compatible plate and feet lets me use additional clamps or the QD as additional safety tethering points.

I use Peakdesign only. For all my lenses and body R6. Great video!

Excellent video, since I switched to the Z9 I hardly use flash, so I don't use the tripod either and I couldn't find a solution to carry my camera during bird walks. Thanks for the tips.

I want to try so making a wide leather strap similar to the holdfast Money Maker solo, and with the second attachment point accessory

I use the Peak Design Slide but just with it's connectors - one on the tripod foot and one on the side of the camera.

A combination of the Black Rapid 'complete loop' and the Peak Design system would be good. Despite having a two-point connection for stability, if only one of your four points of connection on the PD fails, your gear is on the floor. They need some means of connecting the two end buckles on each end of the Slide together (maybe a QD socket on each one?), so you still have a two-point connection to your gear, but if one of either the cords or QDs fails, the strap won't slip off.

I use the peak design and QD system in a different configuration with my long lenses. I have the peak design buttons on the lens but I also have a single qd on the lens foot. Then, the qd is connected to the peak design strap buckles with a nylon strap on both sides, creating a dual safety harness system. One of the reasons I did this is that I do not like the fact that the lens/camera hanging across my body. My system makes the lens hang parallel to my body while I hike. You actually sometimes cannot see that I'm carrying my gear since I can tuck it behind my arms while hiking, preventing excessive movement and swinging. I pm'd you some pics on fB of the set-up.

I also have just had a QD failure. Mine was a black Rapid Sport X QD (which is now discontinued!!!) and a Kirk LP-70 on the Nikon 600 Z PF and a Z8 They fell on a hard track and not sure there is damage except the lens hood needed replacing. I tried the system again this time with a safety strap (black rapid) and the system failed again. Not sure why there was a failure. I had been using it fine for 2 years before this.

Thanks!

Hi Scot thanks for the video, it’s always interesting to see how fellow wildlife shooters carry big lenses I presume you have already tried just using the peak design thicker strap and connecting the peak design toggles direct to the lens eyelets rather than the lens foot and have the foot facing upwards on the Lens then it frees up the foot if you want to quickly mount it on a tripod or grab with the hand without removing the strap?That’s the way I carry my Fuji XH2s+ 200mm F2 with the camera and Lens facing downwards towards the ground on my hip area, although it is a lighter set up than your Nikon Z9 + 600mm of course so it might not sit on your hip so well with the longer lens facing downwards🤔

Dear Scott - Wonderful informative video as usual . I have learnt so much from your videos - Kudos . At the end you had mentioned of a leofoto area clamp with a QD connect - can you give a link for that also - could not really find it in B&H - Thanks - Venkat from Dubai

I just converted (hacked) my 3 year old PD slide light to QD system. I accidentally found that Smallrig baseplates have QD socket! Additionally, I added a safety tether with a PD clip & anchor. I wondered why you didn’t…

This was SO useful, it answered many of my questions. Thank-you for making this!! The only thing that was confusing was how you modified the black rapid to be QD compatible. You said you just "took off my old clip...". I'm not sure which clip you were referring to, and what you took it off from, and what that has to do with the Black Rapid strap. Maybe I need to go back to the beginning and understand about your "old clip"...

Great video Scott! I’ve used Magpul QD straps for years without issue. I’ve now incorporated small climbing rope wrist straps with Magpul QD connections when hand holding for extra security. I recently stumbled upon Peak Design Capture (backpack strap mount) and am trying to figure out how to use that mount with a Magpul (or similar) QD mount. I’ve gone as far as designing a .STL file and 3D printing it. Works great but don’t trust the plastic material. Would love to have it made out of metal. Not sure if you’ve stumbled upon a similar design? Was using RRS QD base plate for my Canon R6.

I am sorry to say but if one of the QD connectors fails in either of your two-connection systems your heavy 400mm lens will be on the ground--that strap will whip around as it falls much faster than you can catch it. So to me there is no security at all from these two connector systems you describe where the connections are at the ends of a strap--essentially no safer than a single point. What I do to carry my 800mm is to add a safety leash to my BlackRapid strap which is connected to the second QD port on my lens foot. That way if either QD fails the lens is going nowhere.

Very interesting video. I like your style regarding gear reviews, especially that you point out the pros and cons unbiased. I never strapped a PD anchor onto my big lens (or any strap to be honest), so my question might be silly. Why don't you just attach the anchors onto the strap mount of the lens? Though the QD system seems quite easy to use, as you rightfully pointed out the weakest point would determine the durability of a chain of systems, so a single PD nylon anchor will be still at least as failsafe as a QD attached onto a PD anchor. (The heaviest setup I use in wildlife is a EF 600/4 IS II lens adapted to my R5)

hi, my Nikon 500mm f/4 ed has connections on the lens barrel; can I hood a strap to them? I'm new to the larger telephoto gig. Thanks for all of your videos; I've learned a lot. Thanks

Hi Scott, interesting to see the QD connectors. I was also skeptical, but they do look more robust than I thought. My own solution is a home sewn harness using 2 inch military webbing. Using the same format as the "moneymaker" harness, its crossed between my shoulder blades and provides a loop each side, so I can carry 2 cameras and shoot with either, sling style. I use a stainless steel D ring on each side for the slide and stainless caribinas like the one you showed, to hang the cameras. I use a black rapid screw for camera bodies and half inch nylon webbing tied through the lens strap mounts on my super telephotos. Spreads the weight better than a single strap and no way that the webbing or steel parts will fail. Loving your videos. I'm working my way through your catalogue. Clive

Fyi the blackrapid strap with QD shows as discontinued. I have the BR strap and have the same issues with it bouncing and like you my hand is on it. Will try the peakdesign strap to see if i like it.

I'm already using QD but was still a very good video to watch. I purchased a blackrapid strap that came as QD. I love the setup, the swinging isn't a big problem to me as I always lightly hold onto my lens, partly because I don't 100% trust the 1 connection. If i'm on soft ground I will let go of my camera and i've never had the QD fail. Once I had my thumb resting on the bar of the QD and when my lens swinged it pushed my thumb into the button and disconnected the camera, I was quick enough to catch the camera since I felt my thumb press the button!

Really enjoy your videos. Came back to this one since the QD connector on my Luma Lab strap just failed. The little detent balls in the pint no longer engage in the socket. Fortunately, this failed as I was trying to attach the strap, not while I was carrying the camera. I much prefer a sling strap with this connection but now I'm a little nervous. Have you heard of any other failures like this? Ken

Great video Scott. Did I miss it? Did you mention who makes the lens foot with 2 QD sockets?

I love the QD-system! I also used to have Black Rapid for all my cameras and lenses with foot ... Then I moved to Peak Design's system ... but found that I didn't liked it for the heavy lenses. By a coincidence I found the QD-system when I looked for a new tripod foot for a new lens. I did not know about the military background until I made a story (article for a Swedish magazine) about the combat photographers for the Swedish armed forces. One of the photographers (those photographers are real soldiers+photographers) looked at my camera straps and was really impressed. And told me he had never seen it on a camera before, but a lot of times on heavy guns. :) Edit: (The strap I bought was the MagPul from Kirks ...) Edit 2: (The Peak Design is my daily go, when not carrying heavy lenses ...)

Great Video, and a lot of great comments in here! I like RRS baseplates, but I wonder why some , ( like my D500 ) have the QD socket in the plate, but others dont ? Peak Design straps are really good, and thanks for the idea of adapting them Scott. I will have to try that! I use the PD Capture clip and Pro pad system for smaller rigs, and it works the treat for walking around, with the the camera on my side. These videos are real winners!!!! BIG Thumbs up! Very informative! Stay safe and Happy Shooting!

Hi Scioto luse that type of system from promedia gear. Love can your system with it? Love all of your this . Mike Fisher FT Myres Fl

I've used them all now I use optek i like the added security ...I dont know why peak doesn't have a safety tether on their stuff one connection is no different than two

Try the Promediagear civilian QD version. Same quality, same solidity but less military look.

Great video , thank you for sharing!!! What do you think is the best foot replacement for the nikor 400 2.8 tc? For good balance on gimbal , and convenience of carrying Thanks

Great video. Thanks. Looking for something like this because I get tired off taking off the strap when I want to mount it on a mono/tripod. I have a question, can you by accident release de QD connection, by for example pressing on it with something, when it gets stuck between something? If so how would you make an extra safety connection to prevent that?

For the Magpul, you can put the buckles on the back side so they are not rubbing on your shoulder. For the BR, you can add a safety strap to connect to a second point of contact, usually the tripod socket on the camera or I use the Peak Design Anchor Links to attach a safety strap to the PD anchors.

I started with 2 BlackRapid and and now I have all Peak Design. I feel like PD is light years better.

Scott, is there a system that will help you prop a 300-400mm f2.8 lens against your chest for stability when handholding?

I prefer the 2 points attachment… one on the body and one on the lens (peak design)… so the lens is always pointed down and close to the body…

The link to the Black Rapid with QD connector says no longer available (B&H). If you have another link, I'll try that one, or maybe a link to the WIDER Peak Design strap. Thanks. UPDATE, I’ve decided to go with the wider Peak Design method.

If you only have one connector spot on the lens foot plate and so you need to connect the other end of the strap to the camera body, does that cause damage in any way to the body? I have been told never to connect a strap to the camera body, but rather, only to the lens foot. (Sorry in advance if my terminology is inaccurate but I hope you can tell what I mean, lol.)

Scott, where did you get the Hejnar foot replacement?

Why make it so complicated? Just use the PeakDesign fixed to the two lens mounting points. Then the lens is pointing down and doesn't rock around.

tuyệt vời

I have a canon 600mm f4 mkii, and really right stuff No longer sell the foot, But finely I have come across a second hand one. And going to put this system into how I carry the lense and camera. At present I have a big clamp which is awkward when holding the lens food

I used this system from 2020 till 2022, and then well, turns out that matter if it's made for military, it wears out, if the gun drops it's not a problem, if a lens does... I was walking around Iceland on bird cliffs and my BR QD let go, lens dropped onto the rocks, luckily it was okey but I had to replace the ef-rf adapter and the lens mount in my R5. Turns our BR makes their tiny balls that hold the lens out of aluminium, which wears out (Tested it on 5 different sockets, it was the pins fault). I was obviously pissed, but decided to go the magpull and Kirk way. I'm disappoint to say that neither held up more than 6 months. Those tiny balls that are supposed to hold the pin in the socket always wear out. So in general, absolutely do no recommend it. Your review was great and made the same exact points why I went for them, but I learned the hard way that it's only good on paper. The double QD might be a solution, but I'm not sure if I will give it a shot, it cost me too much already. Keep up good work Scott!

What plate is that with the 2 qd ports? I just bought the single, but would rather have that 2 port.

First, thank you so much for sharing. This has been a tremendous help as well as a time and money saver. Question: your pro media plate has two points to plug I your qd. The PX6QD looks like it only has one. Is that the wrong part or did you do some magic? Thanks Scott!

Too bad you can’t put a safety tether on the peak.

I have the wider peak strap and it is comfortable, but I think it might be better still if you added a should pad like the black rapid, this could be a pretty straightforwards DIY job. The only issue with the peak is that on my A9 / 200-600, when i carry it, the buckles have rubbed against the corners of the camera peeling away the paintwork...

whats the eye piece your using on your Z? which covers that little bit to the right where the sun pops across?

Where do I get the hejnar foot like yours i looked at their sight but I don't see one like yours I havd the 600 5.6-6.3 sony

he never commented how we were walking and I looked at his black rapid and told him to tighten it down, and he dropped his old 4002.8 first thing in the morning hahahah

Thanks Scott for this very constructive video. Personaly I use PeakDesign quick-connectors directly connected on the two attachements located on the lens tripod ring. Shooting Canon, I've installed PeakDesign Anchors on the Canon's straps which are very well padded. Then when I want to install the lens on a monopod or tripod, the foot is clear of any obstacle and the lens is still secured when fixing it to the pod. Have you already tested such a setup? and how does it feel compared to the ones you presented?

I’m still looking for a replacement foot for a Sony 600 f4 lens with 2 QD Ports ?

What brand was the lens plate with two QD sockets?

Any other suggestions on the QD plate? the one you linked to is out of stock. 🙃

What is the acres swiss clamp you mention the the beginning? Love your stuff!

Who makes the lens foot for that 400mm? Thanks.

where did that plate with two QD sockets come from?

The kirk security strap is better than all of them..

i had a bad experience using the QD, maybe mine was defective, i used the LumaLabs loop QD with the 400mm Z kirk foot and z9 and it fell. Thank god i was on the beach on the sand and it didnt broke. at first i thinked it was my fault but tried again and it get loose again so it wasnt my fault. i have some pictures, i reached them and sent me a new QD Loop and it seems to work fine but im all scared now

Scott, I am carrying my big glasses (tried with both Sony 600mm F4 and 200-600mm lenses) using Peak Design Slide Lite strap. I have connected the Peak Design anchor connectors to the lens's strap holes and attach the strap whenever I have to hike (without monopod or tripod). I am not using any QD system like you have mentioned in this video. It seems to be working very well for me. Do you see any problems with my setup and should I consider using QD systems? Thanks in advance

the gun is way cheaper than camera and lens.

so you are saying that 2 point is better? but when peak design's 1 point fail, your camera still drop right? how safe can it be?

its like having a rifle to shoot the wildlife XD

Good information, but you sound like a teleinfo salesman.