Peak Design Relaunches Leash Ultralight Camera Strap and Cuff Wrist Strap

Our good friends over at Peak Design has just relaunched the Leash, Cuff and Anchor Links. The Leash and Cuff not only come in black but it now comes in Ash as well. They also look a lot more stylish and higher quality (slightly more thicker and tighter weave). The predecessors functioned well but didn't fit well with Peak Designs current product line.

The Leash has new hardware, Hypalon quick-adjuster and slides much smoother.

The Cuff also has new hardware, a magnetic clasp and adjuster system. There's three modes:

1. Open Mode - the loop just stays open so you can easily slide your hand in and out quickly and easily.
2. Cinched Mode - if you pull on the wrist strap, it will cinch and tighten around your wrist for added security.
3. Bracelet Mode - there is a magnetic clasp that lets you wear the Cuff like a bracelet. There is a magnet inside the strap that you can slide and adjust accordingly.

New Anchor mounts are included with the Leash and Cuff. It screws directly to the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera but unlike the other Peak Design plates, you can not mount it onto a ball head. It's simply a discreet looking attachment point to attach the Anchor Links.

The new Anchor Links are just as strong as the predecessor but is half the thickness which can fit through the eyelets of smaller cameras. The "pucks" are also slightly more angled for easy connecting. But don't worry, these new Anchors are backwards compatible with all your current Peak Design straps.

The 2017 Leash, Cuff and Anchor Links are available for purchase starting August 15 from any of these retailers:

Leash ($34.95) - Peak Design | Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
Cuff ($19.95) - Peak Design | Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama
Anchor Link ($19.95) - Peak Design | Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama

In the meantime, you can check out our full review on the new Leash [review] and Cuff [review].

Don't forget, if you purchase directly from Peak Design using our link, you're eligible to get a FREE gift with purchase of $65 or more.

Continue reading for more information.

LEASH (2017 RELAUNCH)
MSRP $34.95

Ultralight, versatile, quick-connecting camera strap that fits in your pocket.

The most versatile and quick-connecting camera strap in the world, Leash packs thoughtful functionality and endless adaptability into a an ultra-portable package. Configurable as a sling strap, neck strap, safety tether, and more. Easily adjust length with dual aluminum and Hypalon quick-adjusters, designed to operated with just 1 finger. Connects and disconnects quickly using our unique Anchor Link system, and stows easily in your pocket or bag.

New/Improved

• New all-aluminum anodized hardware
• New low-profile dual aluminum/Hypalon quick-adjustment system
• Anchor connectors revamped - more secure, fast, and lower profile than ever
• New canted/angled Anchors for effortless 1-handed connection
• New thin Anchor cords fit through more camera strap loops/eyelets
• 25% slimmer Anchor housing hardware
• Anchors still hold 200+ lbs (90+kg)
• New low-profile Anchor Mount for varying your strap configuration
• New ultra-smooth twist-resistant nylon webbing with tighter, more durable weave
• Premium materials and refined aesthetics for touch/stress points
• Choose from new Black and Ash color-ways

Additional Features

• Ultralight, ultra-strong design fits in your pocket
• Highly stable camera carry via 2 configurable points of connection
• Quickly convert to 4+ strap configurations
• Works with all cameras, binoculars
• Huge range of length adjustment
• Webbing glides over clothing for quick camera access
• Connects to strap loops or camera tripod mount
• Easily stores in a pocket or camera bag

Options

• Available in Black or Ash

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CUFF (2017 RELAUNCH)
MSRP $19.95

Ultralight quick-connecting wrist strap for on-demand security.

Total peace of mind in a tiny, low-profile package. Cuff is the most elegant, unobtrusive way to protect your camera from accidental drops. Quickly and securely connects to any camera, binoculars, or other device using our unique Anchor Link system. Wrist loop magnetically locks in the open position (new!), or comfortably cinches down on your wrist for added security. New all-custom aluminum hardware. When not in use, Cuff stores as a bracelet for quick accessibility.

New/Improved

• New all aluminum anodized hardware
• New 1-handed adjusting design
• Adjuster locks in open wrist loop position
• Magnetic wrist lock for storing as bracelet
• Anchor connectors revamped - more secure, fast, and lower profile than ever
• New canted/angled Anchors for effortless 1-handed connection
• New thin Anchor cords fit through more camera strap loops/eyelets
• 25% slimmer Anchor housing hardware
• Anchors still hold 200+ lbs (90+kg)
• New ultra-smooth nylon webbing with tighter weave
• Premium materials and refined aesthetics
• Choose from new Black and Ash color-ways

Additional Features

• Ultra-minimalist, ultra-strong camera drop protection
• Works with all cameras, binoculars
• Fits almost all hand and wrist sizes
• Comfortably cinches on wrist for added security

Options

• Available in Black or Ash

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ANCHOR LINKS (2017 RELAUNCH) 
MSRP $19.95

Upgrade your favorite camera strap with low-profile quick connectors.

Got a camera neck strap that you absolutely love? Anchor Links will make it even better. Anchor Links are quick-connectors that can be placed on the ends of any standard camera neck strap, giving it super-fast, ultra secure quick-connection capability. Place the low-profile Anchors on the strap loops of your camera, binoculars, or other devices. Features all newly upgraded hardware for better performance in a smaller package.

New/Improved

• New canted/angled Anchors for effortless 1-handed connection
• New thin Anchor cords fit through more camera strap loops/eyelets
• 25% slimmer Anchor housing hardware
• Each Anchor holds 200+ lbs (90+kg)

Additional Features

• Fits any standard camera strap with strap ends up to 1cm (0.4in) wide
• Makes strap connection secure and fast
• Low-profile Anchors attach to any loop on your camera, binoculars, or other device
• Makes your strap compatible with all Peak Design straps
• Completely backwards compatible with all Peak Design straps and Anchors

Deal: Joby Men's UltraFit Camera Sling Strap

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Joby Men's UltraFit Camera Sling Strap in Charcoal for $14.99 with free shipping. It's adjustable from M to XL, has a pivot ring, is fiber-glass reinforced, and lockable. Deal ends today.

Deal: Slik Lite Tripod with LED Flashlight

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Slik Lite Tripod with LED Center Column Flashlight for $199.95 with free shipping. It features a 6.6-lb. load capacity, maximum height of 70", and includes a case. Deal ends today.

Photobucket Image Hosting Alternatives

A few weeks ago, we posted that Photobucket is no longer allowing users to do 3rd party hosting and hotlinking unless the users purchased an outrageous $399.99/year package or $39.99/month — essentially holding everyones images as "ransom". This has caused an uproar on the internet because images will not be shown on forums and sites unless people paid the "ransom".

Photographers and just users in general have been looking for alternatives to Photobucket. Below, we'll list out a few options and routes you can go with.

1. SmugMug (PAID) - We have an advertising relationship with SmugMug
   SmugMug is polished, clean, professional and has a modern looking interface. It is filled with photo uploading/sharing features and even supports video hosting. Tons of customization as well as organization options are equally present but they don’t come free.
   
   SmugMug requires you to purchase one of their monthly or yearly plans to be able to use their services.
   
   • Basic: $47.88/year ($3.99/month) or $5.99/month
   • Power: $71.88/month ($5.99/month) or $8.99/month
   • Portfolio: $150/month ($12.50/month) or $20/month
   • Business: $300/month ($25/month) or $35/month
2. Flickr (FREE/PAID)
   To upload an image or a video, you must have an account. It offers three types of account: Free, Flickrpro and Flickrpro+. If you have a free-type account, you are able to get 1TB cloud storage for free, but each photo you upload is limited to 200 MB and each video up to 1GB and no longer than 3 minutes. The Flickrpro and Flickrpro+ account frees you from any ads. With Flickrpro+, instead of paying monthly you save some money by paying for the year upfront.
   
   • Flickrpro: $5.99/month
   • Flickrpro+: $49.99/year
3. ImageShack (FREE)
   ImageShack is a platform dedicated for image hosting and sharing. There is a 30 day free trial and after that, you have to pay $2/month to continue using it. You can use it to upload your photos fast and effectively, send it to social networking sites, create direct links to embed images and send pictures via email. But just like Photobucket, it is filled with advertisements and the number of images you can upload per day is limited.
4. Imgur (FREE)
   Whether you’ve logged in or not, you can always upload pictures as you like. It offers four ways to upload pictures: browse you computer, enter image URLs, drag and drop and paste from your clipboard. Once a picture is uploaded, you will get multiple links to it, which enable you to insert the picture to any forums and blogs.
5. TinyPic (FREE)
   TinyPic is owned by Photobucket, but you will find it much better to use. You don’t need to have an account to access its uploading function. It provides three file type options for you: Image, Video and Url. But you are only allowed to upload one image or video at a time or in a batch of up to five (5). Image shall not be larger than 1600 pixels, and video not be longer than 15 minutes. Once uploaded, the link to the image will have its own unique link. So the filename is not preserved.
6. UltraIMG (FREE)
   UltraIMG is a free image hosting platform. UltraIMG supports almost all image formats that are currently operation in the photography industry including JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG and much more. However, UltraIMG only supports of the uploading image of up to 2 MB only.
7. Web hosting (PAID)
   If you are knowledgeable or prefer more freedom and customizability, web hosting (ie. GoDaddy, 1&1, etc.) is an option. Price depends on the package that you choose. You will also need to purchase a domain (ie. .com, .photography). Both web hosting and domain names are purchased per year. So purchasing both, it will more than likely cost more than all the other options listed but you have the ability to create your own website, sub-domains, your email address and not have to worry about transferring images if the free site stops 3rd party hosting or jacks up the price.

If there are any sites or services that you think can help other photographers, feel free to contact us or leave a comment.

Deal: Benro Hybrid Carbon Fiber Tripod w/S2H Head

As one of its daily deals, B&H Photo Video offers the Benro Hybrid Carbon Fiber Tripod with S2H Pan/Tilt Head for $159.95 with free shipping. It features a 5.5 lb load capacity, maximum height of 59.1", integrated leveling base, split centre column, and reverse folding legs. Deal ends today.

Press Release: TSA Requires You to Take Out Electronics from Your Carry-On Now

If you're traveling through United States airports, it will become more laborious because you will now have to remove any electronics that are larger than a smartphone from your carry-on bag. Previously, if you were carrying a laptop, you would need to put it on a bin and put it through the X-ray machines. You will now have to physically take out cameras, tablets and other larger electronics our of your bag and put it in a bin which will go through the same screening process.

It's bad enough you have to put your shoes and any items in your pockets into a bin, along with your laptop. Now, these electronics will need to be put into bins as well instead of just passing through the machine inside your carry-on bag.

But for those of you who are part of the TSA's Pre✓® (PreCheck) program, you won’t have to remove your electronics & cameras from carry-on.

Currently, only U.S. airports are already implementing these new screening procedures but more will be doing it soon.

Continue reading for full press release.

New U.S. airport screening procedures for carry-on bags to better focus on threats

WASHINGTON – To ensure the security of airline passengers and the nation’s airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is implementing new, stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. Following extensive testing and successful pilots at 10 airports, TSA plans to expand these measures to all U.S. airports during the weeks and months ahead.

Due to an increased threat to aviation security, DHS Secretary John Kelly announced in late June new security requirements for nearly 280 airports in more than 100 countries. In an effort to raise the baseline for aviation security worldwide, TSA continues to work closely with airports and airlines to enhance security measures and stay ahead of the evolving threat.

“Whether you’re flying to, from, or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.

As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travelers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image.

It is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks, however, through extensive testing, TSA identified ways to improve screening procedures with quicker and more targeted measures to clear the bags. The new screening procedures in standard lanes are already in place at the following 10 U.S. airports with plans to expand to all airports during the weeks and months ahead:

• Boise Airport (BOI)
• Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
• Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
• McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.

“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe. By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats,” said Gowadia.

The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes. TSA also marked another milestone earlier this month with TSA Pre✓® now available at 200 airports nationwide. Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts. The program allows TSA to focus resources on passengers who may pose a high risk to security while providing expedited screening to those travelers who have been identified as low-risk, trusted travelers.