Peak Design Capture Clip Review

Hey, look! Something neat! Let’s take a picture of it so we can show it off to faux friends and strangers on the internet. Do you have your camera handy? No? Where is it? In your backpack? Inside some awkwardly slung case dangling from one of your appendages? Too late! Neat thing is gone (or you have simply decided that your laziness exceeds this particular thing’s coolness).

Fortunately I have discovered a company by the name of Peak Design, and they have engineered the perfect solution to my camera woes. Enter the Peak Design Capture Clip. The Capture Clip came to me as a solution for the aforementioned problem: how can I easily and reliably carry my camera in an accessible yet secure manner?

Prior to using the Capture Clip I would either carry my camera in my backpack (which meant having to take my pack off every time I wanted to take a photo) or simply carry it in my hand (which meant constantly having to set it down to free my hands up and living in constant fear that I would drop or bang it on something). I’ve never been a fan of neck straps and the thought of carrying another bag dedicated to my camera goes against everything I’ve learned about keeping things minimal.

The Capture Clip attaches to a strap (on a backpack, article of clothing, or whatever you decide to have a strap on (heh, strap on)) via two screws and a spring and I have never had a problem with it coming loose or sliding around on the strap (however, it can be tricky to attach in the first place.

THINGS TO BE NOTED:

• I have used the Capture Clip exclusively with backpacks whilst backpacking and vagabonding around the world. This review does not reflect the position of a professional photographer attaching this to their belt or suspenders and then running around and shooting an event.
• This review primarily reflects the use of the Capture Clip with a DSLR camera.

The Specs

• Capture Weight: 3.5 oz / 100 g
• Standard Plate Weight: 0.78 oz / 22 g
• Clip Dimensions: 4.1 in (10.4 cm) x 2.05 in (5.2 cm) x 1.1 in (2.8 cm)
• Holds any camera: Full-frame DSLR, Crop-sensor DSLR, compact mirrorless or point-and-shoot. Mount GoPro cameras with the POV Kit (sold separately).
• Strong enough for any physical activity: Quick-release lock withstands over 200 lbs. of force.
• Works with tripods: The standard quick release plate works with most ARCA-type tripod heads.
• Attaches to any strap or belt: Works with straps up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) thick.
• Change lenses with ease: Your camera locks into Capture in 4 directions, allowing fast lens changing.
• Button safety lock: Twist the quick-release button to prevent theft and accidental drops.
• Plate lock: Rigidly secures the quick-release plate in the clip for stabilization while taking POV video.
• Ultralight, ultra-durable: Weatherproof powdercoated aluminum construction with glass-filled nylon backplate.
• Lifetime guarantee from Peak Design
• MSRP: $60

The Good

THE EASE OF USE | I can’t get over how this seemingly simple thing has made such an impact on the ease of camera-carrying-arounding. After mounting the baseplate on your camera and the Capture to your strap of choice, attaching and detaching your camera is incredibly easy. The satisfactory slide and *click* of the camera lock into place and the quick push-button release prove a lot more satisfying than you would suspect. To be honest I really just use this now for the steeze of casually mounting a camera upon my breast.

THE DURABILITY | This thing is solid. I strap it onto my pack and forget about it (when my camera isn’t attached). I’ve dragged thing across entire countries, thrown it down mountains, and even checked it onto planes without ever having to worry about how it’s going to hold up to the abuse. The Capture Clip becomes a part of whatever you attach it to, and as an added bonus, I have yet to see any wear on my equipment as a result of the Clip.

THE VERSATILITY | Although I use the Capture Clip in a fashion limited to parading my camera around on my breast, there are dozens of far more creative fashions to put it to work (especially now that I have the GoPro attachment). The Clip comes off and goes on easily, meaning that you can easily move the Clip when you decide that you have chosen a less-than-optimal spot to secure your camera on your first try (it’s alright, we all make mistakes).

THE WARRANTY | As usual, I love companies standing behind their products. Peak Designs states that “every single one of [their] products come with a no-hassle, no-rhetoric lifetime warranty.” The warranty goes on to state, “If any part of your product becomes non-functioning, we will repair or replace it at no cost. Note the “non-functioning” part – this means that the warranty does not cover cosmetic wear that does not affect the safety or function of your product. In our opinion, a little scratch or nick here and there is nothing more than bragging rights that you’ve been having some fun with your gear.” I have yet to put them to the test, but I am confident they will stand behind their gear.

The Okay

THE PROTECTION | Although the Capture Clip itself may be “weatherproof powdercoated aluminum”, this doesn’t really do much for your camera. To be honest, there isn’t anything really wrong with the product itself here – this is really more a commentary on my own failure to take proper precautions whilst using the Capture Clip. When removing my pack I need not only be aware of where my camera is while my pack swings around my body, but I must also be careful to ensure my pack isn’t going to fall and crush my lens once placed on the ground.

THE COMFORT | I really take no issue with the comfort of the Capture Clip, but I expect there are some whiners out there who may complain that it is pressing into them under the weight of their camera and pack. Thankfully you can always just adjust (or stop whining).

THE PRECISION | I can’t say for certain, but usually, the first few ins and outs using the capture require a bit more patience since the clip can at times be finicky with the angles needed to secure and remove your camera. That being said, once you get a feel for the movement, attaching and removing your camera becomes incredibly easy (and oddly satisfying).

The Bad

NOTHING | Honestly, I thought on this for a while, and I failed to even come up with a trivial nitpicky issue with the Capture Clip – this thing is awesome. Naysaying reviewers out there complain mostly about cameras hanging too far off straps and belts, lenses banging against body parts, or camera cosmetic wear due to inaccurate securing and removal from the clip, but really? Can’t fault the Capture Clip for any of that. This thing is awesome.

BUT MAYBE | The only thing I have noticed about the Capture Clip is that some of my bolts have started to rust (as well as the spaces where the bolts screw into the Capture Clip). I suppose this is really just a lack of maintenance on my part, but on extended trips, it becomes difficult to worry about the amount of moisture collecting on a piece of unessential gear. Still, everything works fine, and I am confident that Peak Design will help me out should this problem prove fatal.

Conclusion

I can’t believe I went so long without the Capture Clip – it’s incredible (I would rather travel less a finger (two fingers?) than without this thing).

If you like freezing moments in time with expensive photograph machines, but you also enjoy being hands-free (because touching things), then do yourself a favor and check out Peak Design’s Capture Clip (or the Capture Clip Pro). Want a Capture Clip of your own? Check it out.

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