Review: Peak Design Capture Clip V3 for macro photography

12 Feb Review: Peak Design Capture Clip V3 for macro photography

Introduction

For my 2023 trip to South Africa i needed a new camera carrying system for my field trips.

My requirements were basically, that the solution should be compact and flexible, easy to handle, and offer quick access to the camera.

I own a carrier belt and strap already, but wanted to travel with as little weight as possible, so the choice fell on the extremely compact Peak Design Capture Clip V3.

Being only 8,4 cm long, it seemed to be the perfect travel companion.

But can it keep up to the expectations and requirements?

Let´s find out.

First Impression

I ordered the clip on amazon only a couple days before leaving for South Africa, so there was not much time to get used to the product.
There was, however, enough time to unpack it at home and I instantly realized that the build quality was great.

It felt a bit pricey for such a small piece of gear, but on the other hand it was supposed to carry expensive equipment and be an elemental ingredient to the soup!

If this small clip could hold my setup, i thought, it would be the most compact and versatile carrying solution so far.

Since it has to be attached to the shoulder strap of the backpack for example (or to a belt for another variation), as a result the camera, as well as the flash and diffuser, would ‘look’ down, which would provide me with perfect stability and accessibility at the same time.

Update: i realized that the plate could slide into the clip with all 4 sides actually, so the angle of the camera could be adjusted to every possible preference.

Specifications

Clip dimensions: 8,4cm x 4cm x 2cm

Plate dimensions: 3.8 cm x 3.8 cm x 0.7 cm

Weight: 85 grams (clip + plate)

Material: CNC-machined aluminum with black anodized finish and injection molded PVC anti-rubber pad

Max. carrying weight: 90kg

Compatibility: straps and belts up to 6,4 cm wide and 1,5 cm thick

Features and contents of package:

• Peak Design Capture Clip V3
• Quick release base
• Screws
• Allen (Hex) key

Colors available: silver and black

Build quality and handling

The quality of the material and its finish has impressed me already during unpacking.

Everything feels and moves smoothly, there are no sharp edges.

All the important parts are made from aluminium metal, no plastic involved – that´s good!

Feels and weighs good in the hand.

Pressing the release button is easy and the base plate slides out without a hassle.

The Peak Design Capture Clip V3 in the field

The first time i tried the Capture Clip V3 was during a night field trip with Norman Larsen, looking for the infamous bark spiders in Newlands Forest.

I did not have time to setup my gear, so i just got the clip out when we arrived at the parking lot and quickly attached it to my Lowepro backpack´s shoulder strap.

In retrospective i think it was sitting too high, so it was a bit challenging to access the security pin for the realase.

It was an hour into the field trip that i realized i had mounted the clip holder in the wrong direction, which made grabbing the camera more difficult than needed.

Astonishingly it was still working, so i accepted the challenge and did not change the position, although the camera had an increased risk of falling down when pressing the release button, as the opening was facing downwards.

Spoiler: that did NOT happen – bonus point for the V3 Clip.

Conclusion

My requirements for a carrier system were being compact, lightweight, durable and reliable/secure.

Did the Capture Clip score for these points?

It sure did – for me, this is currently the best solution if you are going for an open but unobstrusive and small carrying system for your camera setup.

As i am using a small and lightweight micro-four-thirds setup, i did not face any problems regarding the weight the clip can carry anyways.

For my particular scenario it was the perfect solution.

At first i was a bit confused with what i thought was a weakness to the concept: if i am not using a backpack to attach the clip to, the only alternative would be to attach it to my belt.

This also works, but it gets a bit fiddly to get the camera off the belt, compared to the backpack variant.

My biggest gripe there, was that I thought therefor you would have to mount the base plate rotated by 90 degrees (in comparison to the backpack strap variant) if you want to keep your camera facing towards the ground while carrying it on the clip (which would be rotated by 90 degrees as well compared to being attaxched to the backpack).

This however was not the case as the mount slides into the clip easily from every single one of the 4 possible sides, as mentioned earlier.

There definitely went a lot of thought and actual live-testing into the development of this product.

Would i recommend the Capture Clip V3?

If your requirements match mine (mentioned earlier), then, yes, absolutely!

Update:

Meanwhile i also bought the Peak Design Slide Lite.

The strap integrates seamlessly with the brand´s quick connection anchor loop system.

I can use it both as a standard neck strap and as a side slide strap.

It is possible to attach an anchor loop to the Capture Clip plate and use it with the strap.

This was an important factor to me, as i am always looking for seamless integration and uninterrupted workflows.

I might switch the strap for the broader version in the future.

Update 2:

After getting the Ocean Adventure Rollei backpack, I had problems attaching the clip to the shoulderstrap.

The strap was more padded than the one of my Lowepro backback.

I could attach it, but it was very tight.

Switching the lock-screws for the longer ones would solve the problem.

Buying the Peak Design Capture Clip V3

You can buy the Peak Design Capture Clip V3 at Foto Koch here, for 79,99 Euro.

By buying this product via this link, I will get a small commission which helps me to keep this website running.

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