ReadyCap Camera Lens Cap Holder review

After many years as an über-amateur photographer, this past spring I finally took the plunge into the SLR world, upgrading my trusty point-and-shoot to a Nikon D5100.  I quite like this camera, and I haven’t even scratched the surface of its features, much less really learned anything about stuff like composition and lighting all that.  But as much as like it, one thing has annoyed me about it.  The dang lens caps.  You keep them on to protect those expensive lenses, then you pop them off, stow them in your pocket and then have to dig them back out, or set them down somewhere and forget about them.  I thought about one of those lens lanyard things, but they just looked annoying, so when I had the chance to try out the ReadyCap, I was quite excited.  Onward!

 NOTE: Click on any image to enlarge.

Background

ReadyCap is a patented system for storing your pinch-type lens cap or screw-type lens filter within easy reach while you are shooting pictures.  It can be attached to your camera strap, purse strap, messenger bag strap, belt, and so forth quickly and easily, and securely moved from one place to another via an attachment bar and two screws.

Contents

The items from ReadyCap arrived in quite simple packaging: wrapped in paper and placed inside an envelope.  Simple yet effective. I had specifically requested components for my 52mm and 58mm lens caps and filters, so the items I received were the following:

• ReadyCap System for 58mm lens cap/filter (including base, strap attachment bar and two screws)
• 52mm Adapter ring

Features

A bottom view of the molded ABS plastic base is below.  Note the array of small nubs across the center of the base and also the brass threaded inserts.  More on those later.

The top of the base is a simple ring with a ribbed undercut that allows the pinch-type lens cap to be captured securely.

Below is the adapter ring for a 52mm lens cap/filter.  The adapter ring is made aluminum with a flat black finish.  Because it is aluminum, the metal threads provide additional support.  Visible below are the small ribs in the inner diameter of the adapter that grip pinch-type lenses.

Installation

Installing the ReadyCap is quite simple.  In fact, when I first installed it on my camera strap, I literally mumbled aloud, “That’s it?”  Begin by removing the two small plastic screws that hold the attachment bar to the rear of the base.  Then place your strap under the attachment bar and replace the two screws.  Done.  Here I would mention the only potential complain that I have about the ReadyCap system.  While the small plastic screws thread into brass female thread inserts, the threads on the plastic screws are…well, plastic.  This is a bit of a weak link, and I could see the relatively soft plastic threads on the plastic screws stripping out with just a few overzealous turns.

The only nuance involves whether you have a “thin” versus a “thick” strap.  The attachment bar has been designed so that the gap between it and the base allows less relief on one side for thinner straps, more relief on the other side for thicker ones, and it is clearly labeled as such, as seen in the pics.  The small nubs on the base aid in giving some additional grip.

Next, just pop your lens cap into the front of ReadyCap and you are good to go.  Below is the ReadyCap with my 58mm lens cap secured to it.

And below, a shot of the ReadyCap installed on my camera strap.

Below are a few photos depicting the ReadyCap with 52mm adapter ring and lens cap.

And a couple of pics of the lens cap attached to the adapter ring.

And finally, a few photos of my 52mm lens filter threaded into the 52mm adapter ring.

Function

I’ve been using ReadyCap for the past several months, including a two-week trip to several of our great national parks along the west coast, and I like it a lot.  It’s quite easy to install and to use.  Just pop off my lens cap and pop it onto ReadyCap.  It really is just that simple.  I don’t worry about it because it is secured with the lens cap’s pinch feature, so it is locked in.  And no lens cap dangling from the end of your camera’s lens like you have a with lens lanyard.

Conclusion

Affordable, easy to install and use, ReadyCap is a great example of design, engineering, quality, performance and price all coming together in a product.

Updates 04/09/15

ReadyCap is awesome. I still use this product regularly and it hasn’t left my camera strap since I first attached it.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by ReadyCap. Please visit their site for more info.