Review: Peak Design Capture clip

One of the best purchases I’ve ever made is the Peak Design Capture clip. It’s an ingenious plate that clamps on to a rucksack strap, belt or another strap. On the plate is an arca quick release plate that can lock in place with a simple click and be released by the push of a button. I bought mine when soon after they were originally advertised Kickstarter over 7 years ago and it’s been on my rucksack strap ever since. I’ve had multiple rucksacks, yet it’s outlived them all. It is the single most useful gadget I have.

So why all the fuss? Well, firstly, it’s incredibly easy to use. The engineers behind it have done an outstanding job. The release button is exactly where my thumb wants to press and I can slide the camera back in, making an audible click, so I know it is safely locked. I can take it on and off without looking, giving me the vital opportunity not to lose sight of my target.

Why not just use the neck strap or a harness/sling? The advantage of the clip over some form of strap is that the clip doesn’t allow the camera to swing at all. The camera is always out and easily accessible but it is also locked in place. This means that whilst you’re moving there is much less chance of damaging your expensive equipment. I’ve been scrambling up near-vertical rock faces, stopped halfway, unclipped, taken some photos, reclipped and carried on. Don’t get me wrong, you still need to be aware of where your camera is, but it’s much more predictable. I’ve never had an accident with the plate, releasing it by accident, the camera falling out, or otherwise. It’s rated to take over 90kg so you won’t have any issues with any body / lens combination and it’s rust and saltwater resistant, meaning it will last for years under adverse conditions as mine has. I don’t take it off whatever the weather and whatever the situation, even if my camera is in a waterproof bag.

As a bonus, the quick release plate is a standard arca plate and will fit any arca quick release system. I use this to quickly lock it onto my Joby ballhead on top of a Manfrotto monopod. Additionally, you can get quick release plates for action cameras such as the GoPro and CR2 plate for Manfrotto tripods. I have a very nifty J mount that allows me to lock in my GoPro to my rucksack strap for easy POV shots. I’ve also used the clip to attach the GoPro to a lifejacket strap in a pinch with reasonable results.

The clip I have is the second iteration and they’re now selling the third. The new one is smaller and lighter with all the same features. I’ve not felt the need to have more than one, but I can imagine with multiple cameras or to lock lenses in an easily accessible place, two clips would be very useful.

I’ve also tried using the clip on a belt before as the plate works horizontally and vertically. Although it works well, if you have a heavy lens prepare for it to pull down on it quite significantly.

The most annoying thing when you’re in the right place at the right time is not being able to access your camera quickly. The Peak Design Capture Clip solves that problem. I’ve not been sponsored for this review; however, I can’t stress enough how much I love it. Get one now!