Manfrotto 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

I use the 4501N Quick Access Tripod Strap as part of my overall equipment carrying capability so I am completely mobile with my camera, all my lenses and associated stuff. My trecks are usually about 6 to 8 hours over relatively flat land in urban environments.

The 401 was difficult to figure out from the mini-pictures provided by Manfrotto, but once I did, it worked great.

Nice thing about it is that you can use it as a sling across the back or easily on either shoulder. All the while carrying your full equipment list across your chest with the LowePro carrying harness. This also means that I would be able to use the 401N even if I had a back pack.

You do have to be respectful of the fact that you are carrying your tripod head at the bottom as defined by the 401N. Even though I get down on the ground quite often to get the shot I think I want, I didn't have any trouble doing so with the 401N or easily taking it off for work on the ground.

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

It is very easy to carry tripods when you are at field.
However, this might be little bit too weak for some heavy tripods like 536K

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

Took this tripod on a bird photo outing. It worked well for carrying the (heavy) tripod on short hikes, and I was able to set up the scope quickly when I needed to.

Now if someone would just invent a gizmo to allow me to carry my digiscoping setup & backpack without neck strain...

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

I needed something to carry my 055CXPRO3 tripod and its attached head (I have the 322RC2 pivot head also from Manfrotto and the pivot head does add some heft and weight to the unit ...). I wasn't sure this gizmo would really work. It rocks!

When you get it, take your time in fastening it correctly to your tripod.

In summary, there are two connectors to set up.
3 velcro fasteners hold the strap unit to one tripod leg pretty securely and these are not messed with until you "uninstall" the strap (something I don't foresee doing ever really). The strap just hangs off to the side of that single leg.

Secondly, 2 plastic clip fasteners squeeze the other 2 legs and the velcro attached leg together for transport and carrying. These plastic fasteners are quite easily snapped tight for carrying or released for the tripod setup.

After way too much time and study of those annoying little black and white Bogen diagrams (am I the only one that finds these absurdly unhelpful?), I believe I learned that the 3 velcro fasteners have to be withdrawn and reinserted the opposite direction to properly fasten the strap to your tripod. Once I did this, I was super impressed with the strap's functionality. The result is the strap instantly disengages from its compression of all three legs with a flip of two plastic fasteners.

This is a super well constructed padded strap with very substantial padding. It allows me to carry the tripod and the pivot head pretty much oriented directly behind me. (I position the pivot head a bit inward when I carry the unit.)

It's quite unusual and maybe not everyone would want it on their tripod inside or in studio, but I find it even interesting looking, even striking. I added some retractable spiked feet as well and the combination unit is fabulous!

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

I almost always carry 2 cameras, sometimes both 35mm and medium-format bodies. I attach my medium-format to the tripod which is very convenient. I do have to remind myself that I have a camera hanging on my backside to avoid any accidents.

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

Hiked for eight hours up/down 1300 ft vertical elevation gain route. Strap kept the tripod hands free and comfortably on my shoulder, something I doubt a regular strap would be able to do. Easy to take off to do a shot. I left the legs half extended to speed up my setup.

Only improvement is the cross-back design, while practical, limits one's ability to carry anything else on your back, like full size photo pack. I have a "fanny" photo pack (held up with suspenders) and while it interfered somewhat, it was a minor annoyance and relatively workable.

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

Very easy to install and use on the tripod. I used it for several hours/days of hiking and the tripod was very comfortable to carry.

Comments about 401N Quick Access Tripod Strap - for all Manfrotto Tripods:

I have used the carry a couple of times. It does what it is designed to do. Carry the tripod hands free. It takes a few times use to get the strap adjusted for comfortable wear, but it does the job.