Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
The truth about camera straps is that they can get in the way of taking great pictures. Not only do stock camera straps that ship with cameras call attention to themselves and scream Paparazzi, they are a pain to install and remove, specially on the field or in time critical conditions. Peak Design has laboured over creating the best camera strap in the market to solve all these problems and it is called the Capture Leash camera clip system.
The folks at Peak Design, who also made the superb Capture Camera Clip System, focused on the problems inherent to most camera straps, namely:
- Traditional camera straps are a pain to remove and even harder to attach.
- Existing quick-connect systems are bulky, often leaving connectors hanging off your camera body.
- Whether you're using a sling strap or neck strap, it can only attach to your camera in one way. Cameras change size and shape with different lenses grips and uses, and your strap should be able to connect wherever it makes most sense
- Straps are often bulky and expensive
- When using Capture, you might feel the need to have your camera tethered to your body
The crux of Peak Design's strap is a simple yet effective and quick to deploy locking system. The circular clips are a concoction of various high grade materials made into an ultra-sturdy resin.
The strap system is easy to install and remove but is extremely secure and can manage up to 200lbs. They don't make cameras that are that heavy any more, but you get the idea.
I still shoot film on my beloved Pentax 645 medium format camera and I recently purchased a second body that didn't come with a strap.
I installed the Peak Design Capture Leash on it and was so impressed that i decided to buy a few more for my other cameras.
Installation was a breeze and the simple design fit the the look of the Pentax 645 very nicely.
It wasn't as thick as the stock strap for this camera but has just as a good a length and range and it can easily support this camera's heavy weight.
The Pentax 645 isn't a small camera, it is larger and heavier than most DSLRs and works best on a tripod but can also be handheld.
Since I use it in various types of photography, having an easy to remove and replace strap that's easily adjustable makes complete sense.
The Peak Design Capture Leash is such a simple solution but so much excellent design and engineering has gone in to make this such a smart product.
At $34.99, it is a no brainer for photographers who are looking for a better, more versatile camera strap solution. It also makes the perfect gift for any level of shooters since it is just so much better than any stock camera strap out there.
Rating: 5 out of 5