Peak Design Leash Camera Strap: A Comprehensive Review
The Peak Design Leash is a popular camera strap known for its minimalist design, versatility, and quick-connect anchor system. It aims to provide a lightweight and highly adaptable carrying solution for photographers. Here’s a more complete review incorporating information from the official product page and various independent reviews:
Overall Sentiment:
The Leash generally receives very positive feedback for its innovative design, ease of use, and high-quality materials. It’s often praised as a significant upgrade over stock camera straps, particularly for mirrorless and smaller DSLR setups. The Peak Design Anchor Link system is a standout feature, allowing for quick attachment, detachment, and interchangeability with other Peak Design products.
Pros:
- Exceptional Versatility: Can be easily configured as a neck strap, shoulder strap, cross-body sling strap, or even a safety tether. It’s not limited to cameras and can be used for binoculars, rangefinders, tripods, and other gear.
- Lightweight and Compact: Its slim profile and lightweight materials (seatbelt-style nylon webbing) make it comfortable for extended use and easy to pack away, even into a pocket.
- Quick-Connect Anchor Link System: This patented system is widely lauded for its speed and security. The Dyneema-corded Anchors are incredibly strong (rated to hold up to 200 lbs / 90 kg) and allow for effortless switching between cameras or other Peak Design straps (like the Cuff wrist strap).
- Rapid and Easy Adjustment: Features low-profile aluminum/Hypalon quick-adjusters that allow for smooth and swift length changes (from approximately 32.6 inches / 83 cm to 57 inches / 145 cm) with one finger, even while wearing the strap.
- High-Quality Construction and Durability: Made with premium, durable materials, including seatbelt-style webbing, aluminum hardware, and leather accents (on some versions/adjusters). Users report long-term durability even with regular use.
- Minimalist and Unobtrusive Design: The slim design is less bulky than many other straps, staying out of the way when shooting. It lacks large logos or “advertrash,” appealing to users who prefer a more discreet look.
- Good for Lighter Setups: Ideal for mirrorless cameras, smaller DSLRs, and point-and-shoot cameras.
- Company Reputation and Support: Peak Design is known for standing by its products, sometimes offering free replacements for components if issues arise (like an earlier generation of anchor links). They are also a carbon-neutral business.
Cons:
- Comfort with Heavier Gear: Due to its slim profile and lack of padding, it can become uncomfortable and dig into the neck or shoulder when used with very heavy camera and lens combinations for prolonged periods. For heavier setups, Peak Design’s Slide or Slide Lite straps are often recommended.
- No Dedicated Grip/Padding: Unlike some other straps (including Peak Design’s own Slide series), the Leash typically does not have a grippy side to prevent it from sliding on the shoulder. This can be a minor annoyance for some users.
- Potential for Metal Hardware to Scratch Gear: Some reviewers express concern that the metal adjustment buckles or other hardware could potentially scratch camera bodies or lenses if not handled carefully, especially when packing gear in a bag.
- Anchor Loops Can Be Fiddly: While the Anchor Links themselves are easy to use, initially attaching the small anchor cords to some camera eyelets (especially smaller or uniquely shaped ones) can be a bit fiddly and may require a tool like a push pin.
- Length Adjustment Mechanism:
- One user found the length adjustment difficult to operate in cold weather while wearing gloves.
- Some reviewers noted that the adjusters don’t have a lock, making it possible to accidentally change the strap length.
- Tightening the strap via the adjusters can sometimes be less smooth than loosening it, requiring bracing the strap.
- Price: While many find the quality justifies the cost, Peak Design products are generally positioned at a premium price point compared to basic camera straps.
- “Hooping” When Shortened: When the strap is significantly shortened, the excess webbing can sometimes create a loop near the anchor mount.
Key Features Mentioned by Reviewers:
- Anchor Wear Indication: Newer Anchor Links have colored inner threads (e.g., yellow or red) that become visible if the outer black cord is significantly worn, indicating it’s time for replacement.
- Versatile Attachment Points: Can be attached to standard camera strap lugs or to a tripod socket using an included Arca-Swiss compatible tripod plate/anchor mount (though some kits may vary).
- System Compatibility: Works seamlessly within the broader Peak Design ecosystem of clips, straps, and bags.
Conclusion:
The Peak Design Leash is an excellent camera strap for photographers seeking a lightweight, versatile, and quick-to-adjust solution, particularly for mirrorless or smaller camera systems. Its innovative Anchor Link system is a major selling point, offering convenience and security. While it may not be the most comfortable option for very heavy setups due to its lack of padding, its strengths in design, functionality, and build quality make it a highly recommended product for its intended use cases.
Sources include the Peak Design product page, Reddit discussions (r/AskPhotography), Amateur Photographer, Best Buy customer reviews, Trent Ogilvie, Fstoppers, and DPReview.
