Peak Design Micro Clutch Review

The Peak Design Micro Clutch is a minimalist hand strap specifically designed to cater to the needs of mirrorless photographers. The Micro Clutch is the smaller sibling of the Peak Design Clutch, which I looked at earlier in the year and is designed for larger DSLRs.

The Micro Clutch is intended to combat the issue of the limited hand space available on mirrorless bodies. It gives you a little reassurance with a strap that securely holds your fingers against the body.

That reassurance minimises the risk of accidental drops, especially when shooting in challenging conditions or on the move. The lightweight, minimalistic construction makes it a perfect accessory for photographers who want to travel light.

The Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap is designed to focus on practicality and ease of use. Constructed with high-quality materials, it balances durability and lightweight design.

Attaching the Micro Clutch to the camera is a straightforward process. The strap is secured to the camera using an L-Plate base plate that attaches to the camera’s bottom and loops through a strap lug. Peak Design makes two versions of the Micro Clutch: the L-Plate, which I’m using with the Sony A7 III, and the I-Plate, which can be used with mirrorless bodies without a grip.

While the initial attachment may require effort, the Micro Clutch provides a secure connection between the camera and the strap once properly installed.

The stitchless hypalon hand pad offers a soft and ergonomic grip, while the rotating pivot points allow a customised fit. The aluminium base plate adds strength and stability to the camera setup without adding excessive weight.

It’s worth noting that the Micro Clutch lacks direct access to the camera’s battery port. To change batteries, you’ll need to loosen the base plate with the hidden adjustment tool, rotate it to the side, and then you can gain access.

While the overall construction feels sturdy and durable, some aspects could be improved. Attaching the hand strap to the camera can be fiddly, especially when securing the L-plate. It requires careful alignment and tightening to ensure a secure fit. The hidden tool is a clever innovation, although it is in it’s own right also a little fiddly.

One limitation of the Micro Clutch is the lack of direct access to the battery port. To change the battery, you need to loosen and rotate the base plate, which can be time-consuming. It would have been more convenient to have a design that allowed easy access to the battery compartment without additional steps.

Another aspect that could be improved is the compatibility with Arca Swiss tripods. While the Micro Clutch offers an Arca Swiss plate that attaches to the bottom of the I or L-Plate, this adds to the complexity and fiddliness required before tripod mounting. Having direct compatibility with Arca Swiss systems would have been more convenient.

The Micro Clutch performs decently in terms of comfort, but there is room for improvement. When used with the Sony A7 III, it doesn’t provide the most comfortable grip if you follow the recommended two-finger setup, at least on the A7 III. However, wearing it slightly looser and adjusting it does provide a considerably better fit.

In use and once tuned to your liking, the Micro Clutch does come into its own. Despite the small issues, the benefit of that secure strap around your fingers gives a sense of reassurance. The design also offers comfort and ease of use; essentially, it provides everything on the usability side, at least once fixed in place.

The Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap caters to mirrorless photographers who want a secure and comfortable camera grip and has plenty of potential.

Its adjustable strap and rotating pivot points allow for a customised fit, ensuring optimal comfort during shooting sessions. The strap’s stitchless hypalon hand pad enhances comfort and provides a soft, ergonomic grip.

One of the biggest issues with the Micro Clutch is that access to the battery; you need to loosen the bolt and rotate the plate, which is a bit of a faff. Otherwise, for comfort in use, it hits the mark.

If you’re a photographer who frequently shoots in dynamic environments and requires a secure grip on your mirrorless camera, you’ll definitely benefit from the Micro Clutch’s added sense of security. Most other mirrorless camera users will also benefit, but there is that faff of having to rotate the plate every time you need to change battery.

Overall, the Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap is a worthwhile investment for mirrorless photographers who value comfort, security, and convenience. Click here to discover more at the Kick Starter for the Peak Design Micro Clutch