Redesign Keeps Camera Closer to Your Body, Improving Comfort
Review by Erik Vlietinck
The SpiderPro v2 is the second generation of this camera holster for DSLRs. It has a bigger and better mounting plate, closer-to-your-body camera position, and a movable belt part for installing a second holster.
The SpiderPro Single Camera System v2 is an important overhaul of the first camera strap that allows you to carry your camera on your hip instead of hanging from your neck. The holster comes in models for both smaller cameras and DSLRs. The SpiderPro is the DSLR model and you can have that, in turn, fitted out for a single camera or two cameras.
Even if you buy a Single Camera SpiderPro, you can upgrade later to a Dual Camera System simply by adding a second holster—no tools required. The SpiderPro v2 has a broad belt that fits waist sizes from 27 to 50″ and an improved Pro2 Plate that attaches to any professional DSLR. The two 1/4″ mounting threads allow you to securely attach a QR (quick release) plate, but that makes portrait shooting a little bit less comfortable due to the added height.
The first generation plate was quite small but the new one is bigger and features a more secure pin and anti-slip rubber grips that keep the plate firmly seated. On my old Sony A700, I had to position the plate as far forward as I could in order not to obstruct the battery compartment. You’ll likely not have to do this with newer DSLR models.
The new belt clip has been redesigned for maximum comfort with the Pro2 Belt, resulting in a holster that remains tightly on your hip, even with a heavy body and lens combination.
Even the first generation was far less painful and uncomfortable than any neck strap. The new generation only improves upon that. ■
I have been using the Spider Holsters from their inception. Interestingly enough, I bought it to keep the weight of the camera off my shoulder and shifting it to my hip when using a neck strap. The strap was also used for protection so as not to let the camera hit the ground. I could have two cameras around my neck and both in a spider holster. A third camera could be on a monopod. I find it much easier and safer to keep the cameras on neck straps than on wrist straps. In a pinch, I can let the camera hang on the strap and grab another lens to get a shot that doesn’t allow me the time to set the camera back into the Spider holster. Let the camera hang by the strap, grab another camera from a Spider holster, shoot the quick shot and then reset my cameras into the Spiders. Much easier than trying to do this with hand straps. I can even have two cameras available to shoot without worrying about dropping one while the wrist straps don’t allow me that safety. Granted, it only happens occasionally, but those are the shots that can be that album cover or movie poster. I hope that this is explanation can be understood, but it makes sense when that third lens is exactly what was needed at that exact time.
All in all, the Spider Holster is a great tool. I use it constantly. Never without it.
I like the idea of having a “fail safe” way for your camera if it should not make it into the holster or you need to change to a neck holder. If you could photograph yourself (selfie!) with the ways that you use your holster and neck strap too it would help me to understand it better.
Thanks
Dolores