In the world of photography, having quick and easy access to your camera is essential for capturing those spontaneous moments and creating stunning images. Peak Design, a renowned company known for its innovative camera accessories, offers a solution to this with their Capture Clip. In this review, we will explore the features, functionality, and overall performance of the Peak Design Capture Clip, and discover why it has become a go-to accessory for photographers around the world.
The Peak Design Capture Clip is designed to securely attach your camera to any belt, strap, or bag, providing instant access while keeping it safe and secure. Whether you’re a professional photographer on assignment or a hobbyist exploring the great outdoors, this versatile and durable clip promises to revolutionize the way you carry and access your camera. In this article, we’ll show you why the Peak Design Capture Clip is one the best in class when it comes to camera straps and holsters.
Standard and PRO Version
There are now two versions available for the new Capture Camera Clip. The Standard model comes with an ultralight glass-reinforced nylon back while the PRO model has an all-aluminum backing that also has an integrated 1/4 inch tripod thread in case you want to use the Clip as a tripod mount.
The version that we have for this review is the PRO version.
The CapturePRO Clip also has a ¼” tripod mounting hole integrated to its back plate. This means you can put it atop your tripod or monopod and have a fully functioning quick-release clamp for your camera.
Sleeker and More Ergonomic Design
Peak Design really did their homework and listened to their customers when it came to redesigning the second version of the Capture Camera Clip. Refinement and improvement describes just about everything with version 2. Starting from the design, the shape is sleeker, has a lower profile, and is without any of the rough edges that can be found with version 1. Everything feels good in the hand and it just makes version 1 look and feel clunky by comparison.
The lower profile and smoother, curved edges also means that new Capture Camera Clip is less likely to snag on your clothing or camera strap.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that version 1 is made poorly. Both Capture Camera Clips are made of solid aluminum and have excellent build quality. And with the ability to hold up to 200lbs, they can confidently hold a full-frame DSLR like a Canon 5D Mark III with a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II zoom lens attached.
Using the Peak Design Capture Clip
The first thing is to attach one of the available plates unto your camera. The ARCAPlate works on any ARCA-compatible tripod heads while the DUALPlate will is designed to work with both a Manfrotto tripod as well as an ARCA tripod head. Finally the MICROplate is a miniature plate that is designed for smaller cameras such as the Nikon 1 or the Olympus E-PM2.
The one we received is the standard ARCAPlate and it is the same one that comes with the retail model of the original Capture Clip. Since the latching mechanism has not really change between version 1 and 2, the plates are interchangeable.
To attach the plate unto your camera, you simply twist the D-Ring until the plate is nice and secure. We appreciate these type of attachment because you can tighten and loosen the plates without needing any tool. The raised red grooves actually do a good job in preventing the plate from twisting around and coming loose from your camera as well.
Attaching the Capture Camera Clip to a belt or a bag strap is fairly straightfoward as well. First, you loosen both clamping screw bolts until the top half of the Clip can swivel open.
The clamping screw bolts that tightens the Capture Camera Clip unto a belt or a strap are now round and are even easier to use even if you have gloves on. Additionally, because they are now round, they will not catch on your clothing like the first version’s cross-shaped clamps tend to do.
You then slip the back side behind the belt or strap and re-tighten the clamping bolts. If you are wearing the Clip on the belt on your right side, it is better to have the red button facing down because this actually allows you to take your camera off the Clip with just one hand.
Once the CapturePRO is attached, all you have to do is slide your camera with the plate into the slot and your camera is automatically locked in until you press down on the red release button. It can take some practice at first, but once you get the hang of it, you can attach and remove your camera pretty quickly from the Clip.
Comfort in Use
If you have a mirrorless camera such as the Olympus OM-D or the the Fuji X-E1, you can probably have it holstered on the Capture Camera Clip all day long and not be burdened.
Using a full-frame and APS-C DSLR with a normal prime or telephoto zoom lens on the CapturePRO is also pretty comfortable for several hours use, especially when you have it strapped to a backpack’s shoulder strap. Once you get to larger lenses like the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens or add a battery grip or a speedlight, however, you do start to feel the weight, especially when the CapturePRO is worn on the belt.
This was one of the problems with the original Capture Camera Clip and instead of making the Clip bulkier, Peak Design introduced an accessory called the PROPad that can provide extra support and comfort. We didn’t have the PROPad for this review, but we highly recommend it if you are looking to carry larger lenses all day long.
Improvement in Security
One improvement that Peak Design implemented is an extra security feature is the safety lock that is built into the red quick-release button. You simply twist the button if you do not want the button to be pushed in by accident.
This is nice because when you’re walking around, you don’t have to worry about depressing the button by accident.
The original twist lock on the opposite side of the red quick-release button has also been upgraded and clamps a portion of the Clip into the plate for extra security. This is also useful when you have the CapturePRO version attached to a tripod.
Peak Design Capture Clip Conclusion
We give the Capture Camera Clip version 2 a strong 5-out-of-5 stars because it really is what the Dark Knight is to the original Batman Begins, a much better product that surpassed the expectation set by the first version.
Not only is the new version just as solid as the original, it is now sleeker, easier to use, lighter, and more secure. It can easily attach to most belts and bag straps and takes up little space when you need to store it. CapturePRO also features an all-aluminum backing with a tripod mount for extra versatility. If you are looking for a great way to secure your camera, you really can’t go wrong with the Capture Camera Clip version 2.
Even if you owned the original clip, all of the improvements that Peak Design made into version 2, as well as the additions of the PROpad and the other accessories, makes it a worthwhile investment for your camera gear.
Purchase the Peak Design Capture Clip here.
Peak Design Capture Clip Video Review
See our review of the V1 Peak Design Capture Clip below.
