The new Simmod PL and LPL AirTag Port and Lens Caps are a discreet and affordable way to add an extra level of security to your camera or PL/LPL lenses. The Lens Ports conceal an AirTag inside a hidden compartment and look like normal caps so that they don’t draw any attention.
Just to be crystal clear, only the Port caps can conceal an AirTag, the lens caps do not.
This isn’t the first time we have seen companies making accessories that allow you to attach an Airtag to your camera. Global Dynamics United & MUTINY have previously made HVT AirTag Body Caps that are available in PL, Canon RF, Sony E, and Conon EF mounts.
Other solutions have come in the form of cages that you mount to your camera or equipment. I have previously reviewed the SmallRig AirTag Cage on the site before.
The new Simmod PL and LPL Lens Caps feature a 63mm rear surface area on their base, allowing lenses to sit upright without fear of tipping. There are two versions; aluminum and plastic injection molded. The aluminum version weighs 10x more than a regular plastic PL cap. The increased mass and lower center of gravity add even greater stability to larger lenses when standing upright. This is super helpful during the repair and maintenance of a lens.
A rubber gasket inside the cap enhances fitment on any PL lens while at the same time helping to keep dust and debris out. The cap comes with two 0.05mm shims that go underneath the gasket for fine-tuning of the fitment if needed.
On the lens port covers, a threaded lid encloses the AirTag to hide it away, this screws in using two small holes that are tightened with a small spanner. Once inside a felt lining provides a snug fit and prevents the AirTag from rattling around. Each cap is constructed of ABS plastic for maximum AirTag signal transmission.
Each cap comes with a choice of attractive logos, or your own custom design done with UV direct-to-substrate printing.
The Simmod Lens PL / LPL AirTag Port Caps cost $25 USD each including full UV logo printing (AirTag not included).
Both plastic and aluminum Rear PL Caps are available via the Simmod Lens. The price is $30 USD for plastic and $45 USD for aluminum versions. To celebrate the caps launch, Simmod Lens is offering custom engraving in full color included for no extra cost for a limited time.
Thoughts
Putting an AirTag on your camera makes a lot of sense, but you don’t want to advertise it because the first thing a thief will do is remove it. By attaching the AirTag inside a port cap you add an affordable security blanket that allows you to know where your camera is at all times.
There are certainly no guarantees that you will get your camera or equipment back if they happen to get stolen, but for the cost of the rear lens cap or port cap, and an AirTag, it’s a small price to pay to at least have some added security. Yes, if the thief has an iPhone they will know that there is an AirTag present, but it will take some time for them to locate and remove it.
For rental houses they could also possibly use the solution and AirTags on equipment, however, there would certainly be privacy concerns with doing that. Rental houses would have to disclose that to customers if they were to attach any tracking device. In saying that, once you disclose the fact that there is a tracking device, if someone wants to steal the product they will just remove the AirTag and device because they know it is there. While these types of solutions certainly aren’t a replacement for camera insurance just knowing that you could locate your camera or lens quickly if need be makes it a worthwhile addition to your kit.
