Recently I was passed an entire set of camera support from the b-grip line, from Italy, to do a review. It is a brand I've never heard of, but from the moment I saw it, I was pretty impressed with the system. But with every products, there were pros and cons as well as things I personally liked and things that I felt could have been made differently. The entire system has a tool-less approach with the only "tool" you'll ever require is a coin for tightning. I required a ruler to remove silicon stoppers because I do not have long enough fingernails.
The entire product lineup
The entire product lineup is mostly compatible with each other and the lineup includes:
Over the next few posts, I'll go through in detail the products.
UNO
The UNO is a small and compact attaching system built specifically for mirrorless, bridge or compact size cameras. Bridge cameras referring to cameras like the P900 from Nikon and compact size cameras such as any compact camera that costs $299 or even higher end and pricier cameras such as the Panasonic LX100.
Out of the box, the main part of the body is made of Durethen which is one of the best high tech polymers. The metal bits that hold the UNO to the bag or belt straps are made of steel.
Looking at this product, the immediate competitor to this is the Capture Clip and CapturePRO clip from Peak Design. And I think the UNO is a pretty good alternative. While the Peak Design seems very easy to slip in, the UNO requires a 2 handed operation in putting on and releasing the camera by first moving a release lever and sliding the plate in. While it seems that the Capture and Capture PRO would have the advantage, I personally like that extra step into ensuring that it's securely in. There's a safety lock lever that ensures it'll never fall off.
While the UNO may seem slower to operate, I believe with practice, it'll be fast and easy to remove. And for it's intended purpose, I do not believe it's purpose is for speed, more of convenience. The UNO is designed with an elongated base that rests evenly on the shoulder strap, therefore keeping it steady. I do not own a Capture or CapturePRO, but I believe it's not as stable.
The UNO is rated for guaranteed safe carrying of up to 5KG, which even with the biggest mirrorless lens I have, it doesn't cross the maximum weight.
Although I didn't try with a sling bag, I've seen pictures of it being used on the strap of sling bags which I find is a better placement than attaching it to my bag which is the photos I saw of the Capture and CapturePRO though not pictured, I believe it's capable of holding onto the strap too. One of the things that I really like about the UNO is that the plate is Arca Swiss compatible.
While I believe it's capable of supporting cameras using a vertical grip, I prefer not to as I feel it puts strain on the tripod socket, but I have no proof of this, I just like to play safe. I used an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II for the photos and I felt that it was a perfect match.
The entire product lineup
The entire product lineup is mostly compatible with each other and the lineup includes:
- UNO - a compact attaching system for mirrorless, bridge and compact sized camera
- BH - essentially a larger version of the UNO for carrying DSLRs on your waist, includes a belt
- b-glider - A cross body type of sling strap
- HS+ - A universal handstrap that is compatible with most cameras, there is a HS version for those who have a B-Grip belt holder, you can use the same plate
- TA - their own quick release plate that can be attached to any tripod or monopod
- TK - an additional accessory that allows the BH to be attached to the strap of your bag.
- QRP - their own quick release plate
Over the next few posts, I'll go through in detail the products.
UNO
The UNO is a small and compact attaching system built specifically for mirrorless, bridge or compact size cameras. Bridge cameras referring to cameras like the P900 from Nikon and compact size cameras such as any compact camera that costs $299 or even higher end and pricier cameras such as the Panasonic LX100.
Out of the box, the main part of the body is made of Durethen which is one of the best high tech polymers. The metal bits that hold the UNO to the bag or belt straps are made of steel.
Looking at this product, the immediate competitor to this is the Capture Clip and CapturePRO clip from Peak Design. And I think the UNO is a pretty good alternative. While the Peak Design seems very easy to slip in, the UNO requires a 2 handed operation in putting on and releasing the camera by first moving a release lever and sliding the plate in. While it seems that the Capture and Capture PRO would have the advantage, I personally like that extra step into ensuring that it's securely in. There's a safety lock lever that ensures it'll never fall off.
While the UNO may seem slower to operate, I believe with practice, it'll be fast and easy to remove. And for it's intended purpose, I do not believe it's purpose is for speed, more of convenience. The UNO is designed with an elongated base that rests evenly on the shoulder strap, therefore keeping it steady. I do not own a Capture or CapturePRO, but I believe it's not as stable.
The UNO is rated for guaranteed safe carrying of up to 5KG, which even with the biggest mirrorless lens I have, it doesn't cross the maximum weight.
Although I didn't try with a sling bag, I've seen pictures of it being used on the strap of sling bags which I find is a better placement than attaching it to my bag which is the photos I saw of the Capture and CapturePRO though not pictured, I believe it's capable of holding onto the strap too. One of the things that I really like about the UNO is that the plate is Arca Swiss compatible.
While I believe it's capable of supporting cameras using a vertical grip, I prefer not to as I feel it puts strain on the tripod socket, but I have no proof of this, I just like to play safe. I used an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II for the photos and I felt that it was a perfect match.