w
› Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD › Four PermaJet Heritage inkjet papers
› Kenro Smart Lite RGB Video Light & 19in RGB Ring Light › Benro Tortoise 24CLV carbon tripod
PRICE: £89.99 VANGUARDWORLD.CO.UK Vanguard VEO Optic Guard kit
Aimed at bird watchers and camera users, Vanguard’s new family of carrying solutions brings comfort and speed to your passion
THE VEO OPTIC Guard collection comprises two straps, for wrist and neck, and two harnesses. The idea is that you choose the strap or harness to suit your activity, and Vanguard’s innovative, quick-release cinch clip mechanism means it’s simple to switch from one solution to the other. Cinch locks clip in and secure to the eyelet of your camera/binoculars; these are simple to use, once you get the knack. See the panel below. For short walks or some street photography, the WS wrist strap comes in brown real leather or black PU leather, and means kit is secure in your hand as you walk around. It’s broad and comfortable to wear. For longer walks and general photography with mirrorless and DSLR cameras, the neoprene NS neck strap is just the ticket – with the option of black, brown or green finishes. There is one of each strap in the tested outfit. Two harnesses up the comfort game further. The H harness is a no-frills option, while the H DLX harness is more advanced, and featured in the outfit here. Both mean strain is spread across the shoulders. In the case of the DLX, there’s also a cross-sternum strap for better security and comfort. Ten cinch clips come in the outfit, so you can quickly attach to The VEO Optic Guard solution works very well, thanks to a mechanism that enables fast switching between devices. QUICK-RELEASE CLIP SYSTEM
SPECS › Price VEO Optic Guard kit, black or brown £89.99 › Individual prices VEO Optic Guard H DLX harness, black, brown or green £39.99 VEO Optic Guard H harness, black or brown £34.99 VEO Optic Guard NS neck strap, black, brown or green £29.99 VEO Optic Guard WS wrist strap, black or brown £24.99 › In the box The VEO Optic Guard kit comprises 1x VEO Optic Guard H DLX harness, 1x VEO Optic Guard neoprene NS neck strap, 1x VEO Optic Guard WS wrist strap, ten cinch clips › Contact vanguardworld.co.uk your straps and harness to multiple devices with minimal fuss. I tried the Optic Guard with Opticron 10x50 binos and a selection of cameras, including APS-C and full- frame mirrorless models. In terms of clothing, I went from just a T-shirt to full-on winter jacket, checking out how quickly the straps and harness can be adjusted to suit. There’s not too much to report on the wrist and neck straps – each performed well. I liked the neck strap
CARRY ON The VEO Optic Guard system is practical, usable and covers three methods
the harness. The short strap going shorter would also be useful. Cinch clips worked smoothly and locked securely; switching a device from strap or harness was no bother. The only thing to consider would be using them with freezing-cold fingers, but no problem in the summer. WC
you might prefer taking extra time to put the harness on first, then attach the kit. Either way works. The camera straps did not go short enough to suit me, as I prefer the camera/binoculars higher up and off my stomach. I couldn’t get that position, even by adjusting
for its central stretchy neoprene, a rubber-backed section that aids carrying comfort by cushioning the kit as you walk around, and is grippy enough to stay on your shoulder. The DLX harness is pleasant to use, too. Slip it on or off over your head with the device attached, but
1
2
Verdict Vanguard has done it again. The photo and optical accessory brand has already brought innovation and practical design to bags and tripods, and now it’s the turn of carrying solutions. I thought the Optic Guard outfit worked great and performed as expected. While the whole kit is a significant outlay, three straps are included – and each is available to buy separately. PROS H DLX harness is good in use, cinch system quick and secure once you get used to it, wrist strap broad and decent, neck strap comfortable and practical CONS The option of shorter camera and cross straps would be nice
Cinch clip (left) is fixed to the device, with a lock on the strap
With a firm, slightly sidewards push, the cinch clip locks into place
3
4
5
To release, press the ‘push’ button and move the cinch clip sideways
Release is helped by using the two firm nylon strands of the cinch clip
Make sure the cinch clip is fully engaged before use
Issue 101 | Photography News 57
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook