Overview : Changing lenses is one of the most common workflows in photography. It’s also one of the most frustrating. Enter CaptureLENS®. Based on our flagship Capture Camera Clip, CaptureLENS lets you change lenses rapidly, with just one hand, and holds your unused lens rigidly and securely. Wear CaptureLENS on any backpack strap, belt or bag, keeping your spare lens quickly accessible and freeing up the inside of your bag for other gear. Choose from Canon EF, Nikon F or Sony E/FE mounts.
Features :
- It works with Canon (EF mount), Nikon (F mount) and Sony (E and FE mount) lenses.
- CaptureLENS includes a standard Capture clip (nylon backplate) plus a Lens Kit adapter plate. It does not include a plate for camera bodies.
- Lens Kit includes just the adapter plate. It's for people who already own (or plan to own) a Capture clip. Lens Kit is compatible with all versions of Capture.
Quality/Usability : If you haven't heard about Peak Design by now, you've probably been sleeping under a rock. Peak Design started off on Kickstarter and has made a huge name for themselves in the camera accessories industry. One of their latest products is the CaptureLENS/Lens Kit adapter. It is a double-sided rotating mount for quickly storing and switching out your lenses while on the move.
The CaptureLENS includes the Lens Kit, Capture Clip, a quick setup guide, PD sticker, two anchor links, two bayonet caps, microfiber pouch and inspection tag. If you already own a Capture Clip, you can purchase the Lens Kit adapter only. Do remember that if you use the Capture Clip for your camera already, if buying the adapter only, it will now occupy the clip and no where for your camera or vice versa.
Best bet is to purchase the CaptureLENS, this way you have a dedicated Capture Clip specifically for the lens adapter.
The Capture Clip that is included is the standard version. No camera plate is included but you can purchase it separately if you wanted to. You can read our review on the CapturePRO Clip which is pretty much the same. Capture is made of aluminum and nylon where as the PRO version is all aluminum and has a 1/4-20 thread on the back plate.
The two bayonet caps is used to cover the lens adapter if it is not being used to prevent any elements from entering. If you don't use it, it is fine too. Its personal preference.
The Lens Kit is a double-sided mount that can hold two lenses from either Canon’s EF Mount, Nikon’s F Mount, or Sony’s E and FE Mounts. The mount is the same setup found on your camera body.
A red button releases the lens but in order to release the lens, you will need to press the button in and twist the lens off. It will be hard to have the lens accidentally come off as it requires pressing of the button and twisting action of the lens. You can remove attach a lens and remove it easily with one hand. But to be safe, always use both hands when possible.
Depending on which version you purchase there will be an icon that helps let you know where to line up the lens. Since I have a Canon version, there is a white square and red dot. With Nikon and Sony mounts, there is a red triangle.
It is easiest to use both mounts so that when you remove one lens from the camera, it can be attached to the Lens Kit and then you can process to unhook the second lens from the adapter and onto your camera body.
The Lens Kit can be inserted into the Capture Clip in any direction. The Lens Kit is also able to rotate and lock in four different positions, in increments of 90°. The Lens Kit can not rotate easily unless it has been engaged. To rotate the lens, simply pull the entire Lens Kit slightly away from your body and turn it in any direction to the desired position.
The CaptureLENS can be worn on your belt, attached to a backpack or shoulder bag like the Everyday Messenger Bag. If you're using two lenses with one of them being on the camera body, it's best if the lens not being used is at the bottom. This way, when you need to swap lenses, you would take the lens that is on the camera and place it into the empty slot of the Lens Kit. Once that is locked into place, pull out and rotate so that the bottom lens is now on top and easy for you to remove.
You can also have the lenses facing sideways but the only issue with this is that it now takes up more width wise and has a higher risk of being bumped into.
If you don't want to use the adapter with a Capture Clip whether it be to your belt or the strap of a bag, it's OK. The plate mount allows you to attach Peak Design's anchor link quick connectors so that you can easily attach it to a Leash or Slide sling strap. In the picture above, I used the SlideLITE sling strap.
Conclusion : Overall, the Peak Design CaptureLENS Lens Clip Kit Changing System is an amazingly quick and simple way to swap out lenses while on the move. It works perfectly with Peak Design products whether it's with the Capture Clip or sling straps. No more having to dig through your camera bag or carrying additional luggage with you.
I've used the CaptureLENS with a Canon EF 24-70 f2.8L II and Canon EF 11-24mm f4L. It held both lenses fine and it was a little scary especially with the 11-24mm lens that retails for $3,000. But once it was locked in place, it didn't budge. It took a little bit to get use to it but once I got the hange of it, swapping lenses was very easy.
For all you Micro 4/3 camera owners, you're currently left out as it is not supported by the CaptureLENS.
Manufacturer: Peak Design
Site: Buy from Peak Design (Lens Kit) / Buy from Peak Design (CaptureLENS) / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo (Lens Kit) / Buy from B&H Photo (CaptureLENS) / Buy from Adorama (Lens Kit) / Buy from Adorama (CaptureLENS)
Site: Buy from Peak Design (Lens Kit) / Buy from Peak Design (CaptureLENS) / Buy from Amazon / Buy from B&H Photo (Lens Kit) / Buy from B&H Photo (CaptureLENS) / Buy from Adorama (Lens Kit) / Buy from Adorama (CaptureLENS)
