CD77
Mu-43 Hall of Famer
I'm looking an reworking my strap situation and was wondering if anyone has used Smallrig's quick release clips? If you have what do you think of them?
Small Rig Quick Release Clips
- Thread starter CD77
- Start date
Thanks for the post. I guess I lead a sheltered life but I never heard of these guys. Lots of Arca-Swiss stuff to browse.
When you say "clips" I assume you mean the discs with loops that attach to your camera and the matching sockets. I have used this general type of thing for many years and am a fan. I use rifle sling quick-disconnects for mine. One thing that mystifies me is why all the vendors of this type of thing make the loops so short. The result is that all that junk is under your hand as you hold the camera. I make loops long enough that only the loop cord is under my hand, putting the connection hardware out of the way below the camera. If this system allows you to replace their short loop with a longer one I would say it is a winner. If not, there are a couple of other similar systems around (sorry I don't remember vendors) that would be worth a comparison look.
When you say "clips" I assume you mean the discs with loops that attach to your camera and the matching sockets. I have used this general type of thing for many years and am a fan. I use rifle sling quick-disconnects for mine. One thing that mystifies me is why all the vendors of this type of thing make the loops so short. The result is that all that junk is under your hand as you hold the camera. I make loops long enough that only the loop cord is under my hand, putting the connection hardware out of the way below the camera. If this system allows you to replace their short loop with a longer one I would say it is a winner. If not, there are a couple of other similar systems around (sorry I don't remember vendors) that would be worth a comparison look.
@CD77, are you talking about these? https://www.smallrig.com/smallrig-rapid-link-connectors-with-base-pac2421.html
Seems to me that @oldracer's concerns are valid. What they describe as the base looks pretty bulky. I use OpTech connectors which don't appear to be as bulky. OpTech sells an XL version which has a longer loop.
https://www.optechusa.com/uni-loop.html
You might also look at Peak Design's connectors.
Seems to me that @oldracer's concerns are valid. What they describe as the base looks pretty bulky. I use OpTech connectors which don't appear to be as bulky. OpTech sells an XL version which has a longer loop.
https://www.optechusa.com/uni-loop.html
You might also look at Peak Design's connectors.
Last edited:
Another good thing I didn't know! Those longer loops look like they will move the hardware to below the bottom of the camera. If I wasn't thoroughly invested in pushbutton rifle disconnects (https://www.brownells.com/shooting-...s-quick-detach-100-sling-swivel-prod8892.aspx) I'd probably try those & I definitely suggest that the OP do so.
CD77
Mu-43 Hall of Famer
Yes, those are the ones! The Base does look quite big but that part stays with the strap, only the button on the loop stays with the camera when they are disconnected. I'd say that the button is smaller than the Optech clips when the strap is disconnected, although I do like the idea of being able to connect the two clips together over/under the camera when the strap is disconnected like this.
Subscribe to see EXIF info for this image (if available)
The way I use my OpTech connectors is that I have one of the SLR wrist straps (https://www.optechusa.com/slr-wrist-strap.html) connected to the right strap lug and a Uni Loop on the left strap lug on all my cameras. I clip the left side loop to my Utility Sling (https://www.optechusa.com/utility-strap-sling.html). I don't like neck straps. I made up a safety strap that I clip to the second slider on the sling and which connects to the camera tripod socket. Yes, the loop and strap connector together might be a little bulky, but its versatility far outweighs that minor issue. The system is modular and highly customizable so I use parts to make stuff to suit my needs. They also have another line using the Mini QD connector made for mirrorless and smaller cameras, but I use the standard connector because there are more options for it. https://www.optechusa.com/system-connectors.html
I use their Lens Loops to carry heavier lenses, like the Oly 100-400 f5-6.3 IS, which supports the lens around the lens mount instead of the strap lug.
https://www.optechusa.com/lens-loops.html
Their stuff is also very reasonable and made in the USA, if that makes any difference. Never had any of their stuff fail on me. Available on Amazon.
Here's what my usual setup looks like. Sling goes cross-body. The stretch neoprene pad absorbs shock and spreads the load. Very comfortable even with big lenses. The wrist strap stays on almost permanently, but can be quickly detached.
a) Utility sling strap with substituted pad (pads are interchangeable) with safety strap attached to second slider and Lens Loop. b) with camera attached and safety strap attached. c) Sling disconnected. All parts quick release. d) Safety strap - I made a short extension with a leftover connector strap. The tripod screw D-ring came from Amazon. (The L-bracket is the STC FOGRIP)
Last edited:
Panolyman
Mu-43 All-Pro
I just wanted a wrist strap to use with my E-M5 body & 60mm Macro lens for use around the garden etc.
I found this, beautifully hand-made leather one, which is now on offer at an amazing price.
personalised-leather-camera-wrist-strap
Right-click to open link, I think.
I found this, beautifully hand-made leather one, which is now on offer at an amazing price.
personalised-leather-camera-wrist-strap
Right-click to open link, I think.
CD77
Mu-43 Hall of Famer
That is nice Brian... and very cheap at the moment.
CD77
Mu-43 Hall of Famer
That’s a nice set up, and the kind of thing I want to get to.
I should have explained in my original post... the reason I’m looking is that I’ve just bought a BIG lens and really should fix the strap on the tripod mount on the lens rather than relying on my current strap which is fixed on the strap lugs on the camera. I could get a strap that fixes to a D ring and have one in the camera but don’t want to be fixed to the tripod mount full time. I’m also tight on funds after splashing out on the lens that is causing me to look at changing my strap... which is not without a certain amount irony
. I’ve got about £40 to cover everything... and I am murder for researching things to death before pushing the button so that I don’t waste my funds.I want to get a shoulder system to work with D rings in camera and lens tripod mounts, but the be able to switch back to a traditional neck strap when I’m using smaller lenses without ‘restrapping’ to the strap lugs every time... hence why I’m looking at a quick release system for the neck strap as a minimum, and for all combos if possible. Eventually I want to add a wrist strap into the mix and would like that to work with whatever quick release system I eventually go with.
I agree that relying on the strap lugs for supporting a camera and a big lens feels a bit sketchy. I've heard of some cases where a strap lug has pulled out. Plus, I can't stand neck straps, so had to look for something else. I started with the OpTech sling when I had a Canon 7D, so I knew if it was strong enough for that, M43 gear would be a breeze. I also don't like tying up the tripod foot for a strap, having the camera hang upside down, or having the strap in the way if you moved the tripod foot to the top of the lens. When I know I'm going to be handholding the big lens, I take the tripod foot off. So, I don't want to rely on the tripod foot for a strap.That’s a nice set up, and the kind of thing I want to get to.
I should have explained in my original post... the reason I’m looking is that I’ve just bought a BIG lens and really should fix the strap on the tripod mount on the lens rather than relying on my current strap which is fixed on the strap lugs on the camera. I could get a strap that fixes to a D ring and have one in the camera but don’t want to be fixed to the tripod mount full time. I’m also tight on funds after splashing out on the lens that is causing me to look at changing my strap... which is not without a certain amount irony
I want to get a shoulder system to work with D rings in camera and lens tripod mounts, but the be able to switch back to a traditional neck strap when I’m using smaller lenses without ‘restrapping’ to the strap lugs every time... hence why I’m looking at a quick release system for the neck strap as a minimum, and for all combos if possible. Eventually I want to add a wrist strap into the mix and would like that to work with whatever quick release system I eventually go with.
Well, if you can get OpTech stuff at reasonable prices, it's well worth considering. All their stuff is modular and you can mix and match parts, making it more likely that you could cobble together something that would fit your needs. The Lens Loop is good for big lenses (used for my ZD 50-200 f2.8-3.5 SWD, 40-150 f2.8 Pro, and mZD 100-400 f5-6.3 IS), and frees up the tripod foot for tripod use. OpTech uses a quick release throughout their system that allows you to switch between various slings, neck straps, wrist strap, connectors, pads, etc. Very flexible.
Last edited:
I agree that what @oldracer said about the clips getting in the way.
I have used the OpTech clips for years (mostly on larger Canon equipment) and like them a lot, but I want to point out that the clips (such as those shown in this thread) are quite a bit larger than regular Peak Design clips (the red button-type clips that slide into a bracket, somewhat like that Smallrig setup). I switched to PD clips on my E-M10s and E-M5.3 for this reason. The slide part that the buttons slide into is about as large, but the red-button part which hangs from your camera is smaller and less intrusive than either a male or female OpTech connector. (OpTech makes a smaller type of connector, for point-and-shoot cameras, but they seem too delicate for even E-M10s, I'd say.) But yeah, it gets in the way of my hand.
One nice thing about those OpTech clips is that you can use them for other things. For example, I often carry my small Sirui travel tripod on top of my camera bag, kind of threaded thru the top handle, so I can kind of forget about it even being there. BUT, I have been afraid it might actually slip out and fall off without me realizing. So, I put a male OpTech connector on another strap on the camera bag and a female connector on the tripod (on the top "spider" where the legs attach), and I can clip it into place using this setup.
Another example - I have a lightweight backpack that has no sterum connector to keep the backpack secure in front of your chest, so the damn thing keeps threatening to fall off my body. So I put a pair of those OpTech connectors on each side shoulder strap; then connecting the OpTech connectors acts as a sternum strap. Works great.
Yes. I do a lot of that sort of thing, though not with the OpTech bits. I have had good luck with this supplier: https://www.plastic-buckle.com/ They have a wide range of plastic "hardware" and webbing of various widths. It is all very cheap. Colored webbing in cut lengths is also fairly available in the US with a quick search, but the plastic hardware is usually much more expensive than from the Chinese supplier. For example: https://www.strapworks.com/Webbing_Strapping_Narrow_Fabrics_s/20.htm and https://www.seattlefabrics.com/
Links on this page may be to our affiliates. Sales through affiliate links may benefit this site.Mu-43 is a fan site and not associated with Olympus, Panasonic, or other manufacturers mentioned on this site.Forum post reactions by Twemoji: https://github.com/twitter/twemojiCopyright © 2009-2019 Amin Forums, LLC
