Cameras are one of the most delicate pieces of equipment you can have. The main components consist of glass, lenses and other intricate and delicate parts. Many professional photographers can attest that they take care of their cameras more than most of their other equipment. It is almost a rule that if you are not using your camera, you should store it in its bag to reduce the chances of accidents. But even if you store your camera properly, many photographers’ biggest concern is how to protect the camera while in use.
As a result, many photography enthusiasts and professionals opt for a strap to add an additional layer of protection while using the camera. There are many camera straps; however, Peak Design straps stand out because of the product’s practical design and lightweight nature.
What Is Peak Design
Peak Design is a company that produces camera accessories. While camera accessories are a niche market, they have garnered a cult following due to the quality of their products. A quick look at their Kickstarter profile shows how their audience appreciates the company’s efforts to make products that actually mitigate their problems.
Why Do Peak Design Straps Stand Out?
Even though Peak Design is known for its wide range of camera accessories, its camera strap catapulted them to the limelight. When they first launched their flagship camera strip called The Slide back in 2012, many considered the product a game changer. They have ridden this wave and created alternatives to the Slide with the same features that led to their elevation in the market. Some of the stand-out features of peak Design camera straps include:
Ultra-light, full length and tiny: One of the recurring issues of many camera straps is that they are bulky. In most cases, they cannot fit in the camera bag, leading to many people forfeiting carrying the strap. However, Peak Design straps are ultra-light and can fit easily in the camera bag. Even though they are ultra-light and tiny, they are still the standard length which allows you to easily and comfortably maneuver your camera as you carry it.
Comfortable, strong webbed straps: The reality is your camera strap is subjected to quick wear and tear due to how they are constantly used and adjusted. The principle design behind webbed straps requires no fiber breakage to ensure that the entire strap does not break. Any horizontal tear can quickly result in a drastic cut across the whole strap leading to you dropping your camera. Even though Peak Design uses webbed straps, as you would find in a car’s seat belt, the material is strong and flexible, which reduces the chances of tears. As a result, the strap also comfortably rests on your shoulder or neck.
Anchor link system: perhaps Peak Design’s most ingenious feature in their camera strap is the anchor link system. These attachments dual connect the strap to the camera, adding stability. Each anchor link can hold up to 200 lbs, which can accommodate most photography equipment. The anchor links can quickly attach and detach the strap from the camera, leading to a seamless transition. It also ensures that the strap can easily adjust to your desired length.
Functionality: Peak Design prides itself on making functional and practical products. With their camera strap, you can easily use it off your shoulder like a sling or on your neck, whatever is most comfortable for you. The webbing and design of the strap allow it to glide smoothly on your clothes to reduce the chances of accidents while firmly gripping your neck to position your camera better.
Peak Design Straps You Should Consider
From the features above, it is clear that Peak Design has focused on the pain points that many photographers experienced and designed products to alleviate the problems. But what are some of their stand-out products?
Slide: as we mentioned earlier, the Slide was the product that launched peak Design into the limelight. It is one of their most popular products to this day! It has internal padding that adds comfort and smooth sides that glide on clothes to manipulate your camera position easily. You can easily adjust the length, which makes the Slide perfect to be used as both a sling or on your neck. It comes fitted with two anchor links that allow you to connect and disconnect your camera to the camera strap quickly.
Slide Lite: The Slide Lite is a lighter version of the slide, making it ideal for smaller cameras and mirrorless cameras. It still has the same features the original Slide has, such as an anchor link that can hold about 200lbs. Thus it can also be used to carry larger cameras.
Clutch: The Clutch has quickly risen to be one of the company’s most popular products because of its practicality. The clutch is a hand strap that allows you to grip your camera securely. It comes with an aluminum adjuster inspired by climbing gear to allow you to adjust the Clutch on your hand easily. The microfiber padding adds comfort and grip, ensuring that you can comfortably use the camera for a long time and without incidences.
Peak Design has many more products geared to enhance photographers’ experience. Other camera strap products include the Leash, which can hold small cameras from your wrist, ensuring that even if you drop your camera, it does not fall to the ground. The Leash is also beautifully designed and can be used as a bracelet reducing the need to pack it with your other equipment. By wearing it as a bracelet, it is also harder to forget it. It is clear that the company puts a lot of effort into the design of its products. So are Peak Design straps worth it? I think you have the answer now.