Clip-On/Clip-Off Camera Holder

Cameras can be a pain to haul on a hike. San Fransicso-based Peak Design has a new product made to alleviate some of the hassle. The product, called the Capture, is a “camera clip” device that attaches to a belt or backpack strap to free up your hands while on the move.

I’ve been testing the $80 clip for a few weeks and am most impressed with the security of its design. If you are familiar with the quick-release mounting systems that some tripods use, the Capture is a similar concept. But the Capture has a quick-release feature for quick on and off while its base is strapped on a belt.

Its sturdy metal construction is great. Getting the camera in and out of the Capture is smooth and easy. A small nut provides additional security by locking the release plate in place when you want.

While it fits a wide range of belt and strap sizes, it unfortunately did not fit the thickly-padded straps on my go-to backpack, the F-Stop Tilopa model. Additionally, for really active shoots where I may run or bike, the Capture has limitations — it can work for these activities provided that you have an extra strap that will hold the lens in place to keep the camera from flailing around. Otherwise, with most SLR cameras there is too much bounce if you’re moving fast.

Overall, the Capture is a nice design and a well-built product. For casual hiking or times when you want to keep your hands free, it’s a great alternative to a neck strap. Serious shooters carrying multiple cameras will appreciate the ease and reliability of having that second body hanging on their belt.

The price tag is high for such a small item ($80), but to the right person its convenience will be worth the investment.

As an aside, it appears many, many people dig this design. The company ran a Kickstarter campaign for the Capture earlier this year and raised $364,699! This was after a stated goal of just $10,000 for capital. Apparently there are a lot of shooters out there hungry for the clip-on, grab-and-go solution that the Capture can offer.

—T.C. Worley is a contributing editor.