In this article, I am reviewing the new Peak Design products resulting from their collaboration with Carryology.
Please note: Peak Design provided equipment for review, but did not sponsor this post. Our reviews are always independent and honest, with no input from manufacturers. Links to products are affiliate links and will help support additional un-biased reviews.
Peak Design’s catalog of product is getting more and more mature, and completely new territory to explore is getting rarer. This is why, in recent years, the company has frequently release incremental updates to some of its products. These new products fall squarely in this category: new versions of the Capture Clip, the Mobile Tripod, and the whole lineup of camera straps. These “Carryology” versions will exist alongside the existing products in Peak Design’s catalog.
Let’s dive in to see if the changes are simply cosmetic, or impact actual performances.
Capture Clip
The Capture Clip is one of my favorite photo accessories. I have a clip on my sling bag, another on my everyday backpack shoulder strap, still another one on my hiking backpack. The ability to securely hold my camera, feeing my hands, while still having the camera easily accessible, has simplified my life tremendously.
The Carryology version is physically identical to the existing version 3. Smaller and more rounded than the version 2, version 3 is faster and easier to install and uses a slimmer tripod plate. The only difference between the regular and Carryology version is the color: the regular is either silver or black (with matching plate color), whereas the new one is an in-your-face orange with a patterned print (that print is a signature of Carryology). The supplied tripod plate is black.
This orange color is the opposite of discrete; it truly is a statement. It looks good (it’s my favorite color, and I already own both the black and silver options), but might be a hindrance when trying to be inconspicuous (like in an area where theft is a higher risk, for instance).
Mobile Tripod
The Mobile Tripod is another Peak Design product I like and use often. It’s light and thin, easy to carry around, and convenient. I have used it mostly for the impromptu video call when away from home or my main computer. My teenager also likes it and frequently uses his. The tripod features a magnetic attachment point for the brand’s phone cases or any case (or phone) compatible with Qi2 or Apple’s Magsafe. It folds flat and can remain attached to the phone when not in use. It even includes a small tool to adjust the tension on the “ballhead” (I have needed to do that only once over two years).
As with the Capture Clip, the Mobile Tripod is a cosmetic upgrade, and a more subtle one. Instead of a matte black, the finish on this version is glossy, and also bears the same pattern as the Capture Clip. That pattern even extends to the folding legs. The ball is painted orange, a nice accent, more subdued than the fully orange Capture Clip.
This new version brings no new features, only an enhanced look. As such, I don’t see the need for anyone to upgrade, but this new version does have a nice look, and I would consider it if I needed to purchase a first Mobile Tripod. The Carryology version costs an extra $10 USD.
Camera Straps
For their camera straps, Peak Design did more than just cosmetic changes with their Carryology collaboration. In fact, the straps were the reason for this collaboration to begin with. The designers took this opportunity to replace the straps’ seatbelt fabric with a material resistant to cuts, slash and tear.
Peak Design updated their four straps: the Cuff, the Leash, the Slide Light and the Slide. The fabric was updated with the same kind of fiber used on the Anchor Links, called Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. It reportedly is the strongest fiber in existence. The straps use a blend of this fiber and nylon.
The straps now offer significantly improved resistance to physical damage, like when a thief uses a blade to slash the strap and run away with the camera. Peak Design released video demonstrations with a machete, a spectacular but unscientific testing method I will not be reproducing.
The new straps are a dark charcoal, with the same orange accents found on the Mobile Tripod and Capture Clip. On the straps, these accents are limited to the buckles and other metal parts. Each strap also sports a subtle debossing with the Carryology logo. All in all, the branding and general look is subdued and will fit right in a more professional environment. The edges of the straps show a darker finish with a slightly different texture. These straps come with fully black Anchor Clips, instead of the red-rimmed original version.
The change is subtle but noticeable when comparing the new straps with their predecessors. This is especially true with the unpadded Slide Light and Leash. The newer fabric is stiffer than the original. The texture is also somewhat different. This will not actually impact using the straps; the new fabric is still flexible and comfortable.
Let’s look at each strap individually.
Slide Strap
The Slide Strap is the flagship product here. It is wide, padded around the neck, made to bear a heavy camera or lens for a long period of time. It can be worn towards the front or as a sling. Its length can be adjusted in seconds thanks to the specially designed buckles. Of course, it has attachment points for Anchor Links on both ends.
While earlier iterations came with a full-fledged tripod plate, the new version ships with a tiny “Anchor Mount”. This small plate screw into the tripod mount underneath the camera and can accept Anchor Links on either side but cannot attach to a tripod. It’s nothing more than a mounting point. It is slim and unobtrusive but will still impact the balance of the camera when laid down on any surface. I much prefer having a true tripod plate under my camera, and keep mine attached at all times.
The Carryology Slide Strap does not really suffer from the added stiffness of the new fabric. Its width and padding already add some rigidity.
Slide Light Strap
The Slide Light is mostly similar to the regular Slide, except that it’s not as wide and lacks any padding. These differences aside, it offers exactly the same features: quick length adjustment, 4 Anchor Links, one Anchor Mount, possibility to wear either as a sling or around the neck.
As such, it’s a good fit for lighter camera setups, such as a mirrorless with a small lens.
The stiffer material is more obvious with the Slide Light. The Strap is still very comfortable and a pleasure to wear (it’s my favorite model). Only when comparing the older and newer fabrics is the difference truly noticeable.
Leash Strap
The Leash is the slimmest strap option from Peak Design. At first glance, it looks like the strap provided with many cameras: thin, unpadded, somewhat basic.
Of course, this being Peak Design, the Leash is more than it seems. Just like the other straps, it comes with 4 Anchor Links and 1 Anchor Mount. Shortening the strap is fast, once you get the knack of it. Lengthening it is not as convenient as the buckles on the Slide and Slide Light.
The Leash fits nicely alongside a compact camera, small case or pouch (such as the Field Pouch). The narrow width and lack of padding means heavier loads are likely to dig in the neck and quickly become uncomfortable.
Cuff
Last is the Cuff, a different product altogether. Instead of being a neck strap, the Cuff wraps around the wrist and attaches to the camera by a single Anchor. The Cuff acts as a safety, tightening around the wrist if the camera is ever dropped and getting out of the way otherwise. When detached from the camera, the Cuff wraps around the wrist and remains in place thanks to a hidden magnet.
Just like the other straps in this product line, the Cuff bears orange accents and the branding on a debossed strip.
Here, the added stiffness of the fabric is actually beneficial. It allows the Cuff to retain it shape better, making it easier to slide the wrist in the loop.
Summary
The Peak Design and Carryology collaboration certainly isn’t a revolution for Peak Design products. Apart from the straps, changes are purely cosmetic. The straps do offer added safety against slashing or tears; this is a welcome improvement for travelers or photographers in less safe neighborhoods. The color signature looks good on the straps: distinct but discrete.
The changes to the Mobile tripod only concern the finish and colors. They are not obvious unless put side-by-side with the regular version. The Carryology tripod does, in my opinion, look better.
The Capture Clip is a bright, in-your-face orange. This probably won’t be to everyone’s liking and is far from discrete, but the color is well selected and matches the design well. The engraved pattern is only present on the back and won’t be visible most of the time.
It’s easy to justify the small price increase for the straps, thanks to their added security. It’s less obvious for the other accessories. Beauty, as always, is in the eye of the beholder.
Currently, the Peak Design x Carryology collaborative products are only available at the Peak Design website.
