Spider Pro Holster System: an In-Depth Review
I’d seen images of people using the Spider Pro holster and I couldn’t help but wonder how they were willing to do that. When the opportunity came up to try one I jumped at it. So should you!
I have always of course had a variety of camera straps on my cameras. Neck straps; and just hand straps and they were great.
I think I have finally found my favorite. Enter the Spider Pro Holster. A system that securely holds your camera along with it’s lens so you don’t have to.
What’s in the Box?
- Holster
- Pin
- Belt/pad combination
- Accessory plate
How it Works!
Made of stainless steel and hardened cast aluminum, the holster provides a durable, safe, and secure place to mount your camera at your hip. A two-position lock gives added peace-of-mind.
In its locking position, the camera is locked in place each time the pin slides into the holster. A 15° turn of the lock releases the pin, allowing you to smoothly and easily remove your camera from the holster.
In its second position, the locking mechanism is disengaged, allowing for quicker, one-handed removal of the camera from the holster. I don’t think that having the lock off is a smart idea, but maybe if you shoot sports or weddings you might take the risk.
The pin attaches either directly to the bottom of the camera, or to the included accessory plate. Once attached to the camera, the pin slides into the holster at a 90° angle and locks in place. The camera then swivels into its proper position–upside down, with the lens pointing behind you.
That’s how it’s supposed to work. Of course I got it wrong the first time. Also make sure that if you have an battery extension with shutter release at the bottom you get the positioning right or you will find that you’re taking photos of nothing.
Once you’ve gotten the pin in place the swivel joint keeps the camera body locked in place and it’s not going anywhere.
The two-inch, reinforced belt is size-adjustable and has a three-way locking buckle to ensure yet another added level of security. The integrated pad helps support the heavier loads of professional size cameras and longer lenses. In the single camera configuration, the holster is actually bolted to the belt.
You can get an adapter to allow you to have two cameras if you want to look really super cool.
Trust me when I tell you that it’s not going anywhere once you set it into the locking mechanism.
When it comes to comfort; the Spider Pro Holster checks off all the boxes there. It is the most secure system I’ve found. Plus; unlike traditional neck straps it takes the strain off of your neck and back.
As a glamour/portrait shooter I often find myself using my 70-200 2.8 lens. The lens is long and heavy. The Spider Pro Holster handles it like a pro. Spider Holster also has a plate that goes onto the bottom of your 70-200mm lens to secure the lens to the belt. That is an outstanding feature!
It will take some getting used to though. That is if you’re not used to having something hanging off of your hip. You will need to become conscious of protecting your camera from bumping into things that might get in the way.
For goodness sake; make sure to remember not to get into a pool with your camera hanging from your side.
All in all the Spider Pro Holster hits all the check marks in the win column.
I would suggest you pick up one of these Spider Pro Holsters before your next shoot for a mere $135 if you click that link.
