Overview : The SpiderPro Single Camera System (SCS) is designed to carry 1 full size DSLR with lenses attached. The SpiderPro is a substantial all-metal construction designed for the sport, action, event and wedding pro-shooter that needs to have a quick-draw, comfortable no straps and no-nonsense camera carrying tool to get the job done with extreme comfort. Two-position metal lock ensures security and freedom of movement/quickdraw action when needed.
The SpiderPro base comes "bolted" to a sturdy but light-weight and ergonomic PP belt that will support any pro cam/lens/flash combo with ease and security.
Features :
- Attach any small to mid-size QR tripod plate to it and move from Tripod use to Spider use fast (no need to remove the QR plate)
- The SpiderPro plate allows for the user to shoot comfortably with a pro flash attached (camera is upside down, lens pointing back and flash hangs down) so your camera/flash is by your side ready in a moment's notice. This position also protects the flash as you move about (the flash is not pointing sideways hanging out of the body, but "under" the camera)
- Allows for Quick attachment of any third party neck/shoulder straps to be used--either as a strap or tether. Many use their R-strap as BOTH tether/strap when they want to
- The SpiderPro plate, when installed correctly will situate the camera body so that the camera will NOT slide/come off the holster easily when bumped from under even when the Spider lock is on the "open" position
- Allows for a D-ring attachment for wrist straps (as most will no longer use traditional straps)
Quality/Usability : I've been using a sling strap and I love it. However, in certain environments or situations, it can get in the way. I've saw the SpiderPro Holster and like what it does but the price kind of prevented me from diving in. I was lucky enough to purchased a used set for a reasonable price. The SpiderPro reminds me of the Peak Design's Capture Clip System and B-Grip EVO Camera Belt. Only difference is that the camera hangs down rather than out.
Included with the SpiderPro Single Camera System is the camera holster, plate, pin, hex wrench and belt pad. The SpiderPro is made of stainless steel and aluminum cast which makes it extremely durable.
Having to wear the SpiderPro Belt Pad for a long period of time, it has to be comfortable. It can't be heavy, which it's not and it can't pull your pants down with the camera holstered, which it doesn't also. Typical buckles require you to squeeze the buckle with two fingers and it releases. One of the unique features that is different from other belt straps is the three (3) button quick release. There is a third clip and all three must be pressed before the belt unclips. It now requires you to use two hands.
The velcro strap is very long and is pretty much a one-size fits all belt pad. The pad helps protect the camera and your pants from rubbing against each other. The pad itself is not exactly on your side but slightly closer to your right thigh. Unfortunately, with the belt pad on, you can't access your right front pocket unless you rotate the belt pad behind you and rotate it back when you're done. You also won't be able to really sit down with your camera holstered to your side.
The SpiderPro Holster has a two-position lock. In the lower position, the lock secures your camera each time it's placed in the holster. Lifting the lock up 15 degrees, allows you to remove your camera. When you place your camera back in the holster, its locked in place and you will need to lift the lock again to remove your camera. In the upper position, the lock disengages for quick and easy access to your camera.
Spider Holster had made a slight design change to their holsters. As you can see, the old holster is all one piece. The new design is two pieces and has a new stainless steel upgrade insert. More information on why it was changed can be found here.
Not only is the holster that makes the SpiderPro Holster unique but the plate and pin that attaches to your camera as well. The hex wrench helps fasten the screw to the bottom of your camera's tripod mount as well as the pin. There is also a spot on the plate that lets you store the hex wrench so you don't misplace it. There are five screw holes in total. Two of the holes at the end of the plate allows you to mount the pin on either side depending if the holster is on your right side or left side. The remaining holes allow you to mount a quick release plate from your tripod, d-ring for hand straps, connector for sling straps and whatever else you can think of.
What I like about the plate is that if you have a grip on your camera, holding it in the vertical (portrait) position, it won't get in the way or make it uncomfortable to hold.
The SpiderPro Holster works great with non-gripped (left) and gripped (right) cameras. You can even attach the plate to the tripod collar of a 70-200mm f2.8 lens. Once mounted onto the holster, your camera pretty much just hangs upside down. All that weight is transferred to your hips. If you need the camera, you can't just lift it up since it will be blocked by the holster. You'll have to lift up the switch (if it's locked), lift the camera (90°) towards you and slide the camera out of the holster. When you're done, just slide it back in.
Spider Holster has released some accessories that allows you to convert the holster so that it's compatible with ThinkThink Photo Pro Speed Belt and Steroid Speed Belt. This way, you don't have to be wearing two belts at the same time.
Conclusion : Overall, the SpiderPro Single Camera System Holster is my preferred setup. Its lightweight; the plate doesn't get in the way when shooting vertical and it works with gripped cameras; when the camera is holstered, all the weight is on your hips and not on your neck or shoulders. I definitely recommend (if you don't already own one) a hand strap such as the Herringbone Heritage, for when you need to relax your hands or sling strap to prevent your camera from accidentally being dropped.
Although the Spider pin is slightly bigger, it's the same as Carry Speed pin. Carry Speed is a company that makes camera accessories such as camera straps. We use their sling straps and I love the fact that I don't have to remove the pin. If I want to use a sling strap, I just attach it. If I want to use the Spider Holster, I'll just disconnect the camera from the strap and holster it.
Spider Holster also released the Black Widow Holster (read our review) which is geared toward light weight cameras that weigh under 4lbs. such as DSLRs, point-and-shoots and micro 4/3's.
