Review Of The Ulanzi Falcam F38 Backpack Strap Clip: Is V2 better than V1?

There are many different ways to carry your camera with you when you’re shooting.  If you’re like me, you may depend upon multiple methods which might vary based on several factors like what you’re shooting, how many cameras  and lenses you’ll be using, and how long you’ll be shooting.  When I’m shooting outside my home studio, I usually have some kind of a backpack with me – from a smaller sling style pack to a full on travel backpack when I need to bring a lot of gear.  I’ve found that quick release backpack strap clips are a fantastic accessory to use when I’m wearing a backpack.  So what exactly is a quick release backpack strap clip?  Well Ulanzi didn’t invent the concept – there are other manufacturers out there who make similar devices which are designed to allow you to quickly and easily clip your camera to your backpack camera strap. I actually never in looked in to using a backpack strap clip until I started using Ulanzi’s Falcam F38 quick release plate system on the tripods in my home studio.

But why would you want to use such a device?  Well let me explain how I like to use them. For me, it makes shooting with two camera bodies MUCH easier. I typically like to shoot with two camera bodies, each with a different lens. My primary camera (usually my Canon R5) will have the lens I anticipate shooting the majority of what I’ll be photographing that day. And with that camera and lens combination, I’ll use a Blackrapid camera strap, worn cross body with the the camera hanging on my right side.  Typically on my second camera body (currently the Canon R6) I’ll have a wider lens – usually my RF 15-35 F2.8. I’ll clip the R6 to the Ulanzi quick release backpack strap clip. When needed, I simply let the R5 hang to my side, unclip the R6, get the shot, and then re-clip. It’s fast, easy, and a better, more comfortable system than any other I’ve tried. And the flexibility of using the Falcam F38 quick release plates just takes the experience to another level of ease and flexibility. Obviously using the backpack strap clip is also a great idea when using a single camera body too. Particularly if you don’t want the hassle of using a camera strap all day long.

Now for those that don’t know, Ulanzi actually has two versions of their quick release backpack strap clips compatible with their Falcam F38 quick release system. The original version is easily identifiable by the three gear-like screw downs that secure the clip to the backpack strap.

The original “V1” of the Ulanzi Backpack Strap Clip. Note the three screws.

V2 actually came out later in 2024. I’ve heard complaints that the original clip is uncomfortable to tighten down due to the design of the three screws. I’ve also heard that the three screws make the clip bulkier and you can jam your fingers into the screw heads when trying to release your camera, and I’ve even heard that the screw heads can rub against your body when you walk. To be honest, I’ve not experienced any of these issues. The V2 backpack strap clip certainly has a smaller footprint, and is also a bit lighter thanks to the smaller size. I just got back from a trip to Miami (see my trip photos on www.thrumylensorg) and I have no complaints about the V2 model – it functioned flawlessly.

Here’s the Ulanzi BP09 backpack I took on my trip to Miami with the Ulanzi Backpackstrap Clip V2 clipped to the left-hand strap.

V2 of the Ulanzi Backpack Strap Clip. Smaller footprint and no screws.

But I do think that the original backpack strap clip is more robust than the V2 model. The only way the original backpack clip will fail is if multiple screws all back out, cause the clip to separate and your camera to fall on the ground. I just don’t see that happening. The V2 model uses a rather thin cable loop to fasten and secure the clip to the backpack strap you choose. Ulanzi states that it can support 66 lbs. and that it’s constructed of a high strength material used in the parachute and aviation industries. Still, if this bit of cord, or cable, or whatever it is breaks or fails, your camera and lens are going to hit the ground. I could see that happening with the V2 WELL before I’d see any sort of failure in the original V1. Here’s a screen capture from Ulanzi’s website showing that if the rope begins fray or wear, bright yellow and red inner cables will be visible, signaling the need to change the rope:

The problem is though that the rope is only visible on the back of the backpack strap. If you don’t specifically look for it, you could easily miss it.

Which backpack strap clip version is right for you? Well, that’s a personal choice. I like both versions very much and have no real complaints with either. What I will say is that, as of this writing, Ulanzi has not stopped selling the original V1 Quick Release Backpack Strap Clip. In fact, it can be had for a few bucks less than the V2 model ($60 for the V2 (with base plate) vs. $40.00 for the V1. And depending on the straps on the backpack you’re using it with, one version might work better than the other.

The original V1 version of the Ulanzi Backpackstrap Clip works better on camera sling than does the V2 model.

DO NOT sleep on the original V1. I have quite a few different camera bags and I purchased two examples of each version of the Falcam F38 Quick Release Backpack Strap Clips and I’m really glad I did.  Again, as far as I know, the original V1 is currently only available via the Ulanzi website. Are they just blowing out their remaining stock? Will they continue to manufacture the original version? I honestly don’t know, so you might want to grab one in case they don’t come back.