For our final Getaway Masterclass competition, we collaborated with Peak Design to bring you a prize hamper valued at R2750.
The masterclass prize included four Peak Design products:
- The Capture Pro Camera Clip,
- the Capture P.O.V Action Mount,
- the Cuff and,
- the Slide.
Following their own passion for photography and curious about the products on offer, Gear Editor Melanie van Zyl, Digital Content Manager Chris Davies and Photographer Teagan Cunniffe decided to give them a try out in the field.
We reviewed the Capture Pro Camera Clip as well as the Leash (not included in the hamper). Here’s what we felt after using them.
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Capture Pro Camera Clip (left) and Leash (right). The Capture Pro Clip retails for R1120 and the Leash Camera Strap for R499.
Visit Photogadgets.co.za for a list of Peak Design stockists in South Africa.
Camera Capture Pro Clip
Teagan
Super handy. Or rather, hands-free (couldn’t resist!). I loved the Capture Pro Camera Clip. It easily carried my camera and fastened securely on most strap types. The quick release meant that when a photo opportunity presented itself, I could easily remove my camera and take an image before it was too late. The main advantage for me was the ability to use my hands while I was doing random things like riding a Segway. Even walking without being burdened by a swinging camera was a bonus. I have sorely missed this piece on assignments since and would recommend it to all photographers who need to multitask.
Melanie
They say dynamite comes in small packages and this nifty little clip is no exception. It’s so easy to use and the practicalities are endless. It’s great if you’ve got more than one camera or happen to have something else around your neck like binoculars because your gadgets won’t bash each other. At first I was sceptical about trusting it with my precious Nikon, but I was quickly soothed when everything fastened snugly. I was sad to have to hand it back to the others.
Chris
I happened to be setting off on the Otter Trail just as Teagan was finishing up a shoot in Storms River. She very kindly handed over the Capture Pro Camera Clip and pretty much saved my hike, and my neck. Probably the camera as well. I really can’t recommend this little clip highly enough. It fastened securely on my backpack shoulder strap and with the camera clipped in I could hardly feel the extra weight. I got a bit of rain on the trail, but a small dry bag fit snugly over the top and I could hike hands free, with no strap around my neck and no fear of swinging the camera into rocks as I climbed up or down the often slippery track. A really useful bit of kit and I insist we get one for the office.
Chris modelling the Capture Pro Camera Clip on the Otter Trail.
Leash Camera Strap
Teagan
At first glance, the Leash Camera Strap seemed doubtfully slim. I wondered how it would hold up to carrying a hefty 70-200mm lens and Canon MkIII. Turns out I needn’t have fretted; the Leash easily handled the weight and the adjustable strap length became quite convenient. For myself, the strap was a little too thin – it’s better suited to lighter camera gear, which it is specifically designed for. For weighty equipment, I would instead recommend the Slide Camera Strap. On the plus side, the detachable Anchor Links were heaven-sent; I ended up using them for a variety of attachment reasons, and they were handy for attaching other objects together.
Melanie
I definitely agree with Teagan on this one because my camera was also a little bulky for the leash. However, it’s still a useful gadget. It works exactly as it should and is equipped for sturdy travelling. I really liked that it changes the general notion that a camera needs to hang from your neck.
Chris
I excuse myself from this review. By the time the leash came out I was already trundling off down the Otter Trail, with my backpack and clip. Beside I had to leave Teags with something to carry the rest of her gear home with. Check out her Storms River guide with writer Paul Maughan-Brown in the February 2015 issue of Getaway magazine.
