Review: SpiderPro DSLR Holster

I’ve tried many camera straps over the years but never found an ideal solution. Oftentimes I didn’t use my strap or I’d wear it slung over my head and shoulder, leaving the camera to swing loose at my hip. I wish I’d tried the SpiderPro Holster years ago.

For this review I tested the SpiderPro Holster Single DSLR Camera System v2, which includes the mounting plate as well as several accessories. The SpiderPro Holster was designed with both security and usability in mind. Out of the box it fits waist sizes 28 to 50 inches, and extensions are available. The belt is adjustable and stays put, employing heavy-duty hook and loop fastening material along the inner strap to keep the holster in place. A three-point release on the belt buckle adds another element of security.

The holster mechanism is designed so that your camera hangs upside down with the lens facing behind you. It may seem counterintuitive, but this is a safe, ergonomic position. When you bend down, the camera stays at your side, and you don’t have to worry about it banging into the ground. I walked up and down stairs, through narrow hallways, kneeled, and squatted to the ground—no problems whatsoever. To remove the camera, angle it up and away from your body—an intuitive quick-draw movement that allows easy yet secure access to your gear. The holster features a fantastic self-locking design. When engaged, it lets you holster the camera and secures it there. Release it with the flick of a switch.

To use the holster, you need to mount the included plate onto your camera. The camera plate is carefully designed and includes bumpers to eliminate rotation, threaded holes for tripod plates, rubber pads, and an Allen wrench with its own storage slot. If you opt for a dual camera system, you’ll receive two plates, as they can be configured for either left or right side usage. If you use longer lenses invest in the Lens Collar Plate, which holds the camera and lens in a balanced position and puts less stress on the camera’s lens mount.

Overall, I enjoyed evaluating the SpiderPro Holster because it felt natural to use. After my initial tests, I was confident the holster would keep my camera securely attached to my body unless I removed it intentionally. This basic setup worked flawlessly during multiple field tests.

If you like to accessorize, Spider Holster has numerous options that will make your holster even more of a workhorse. There are clips and adapters to hold lens pouches, tripod carriers, rain covers, and tabs that you can attach to speedlights, all of which attach to the holster belt with a base clip. My top three favorites are the hand strap, the water bottle holder, and the utility pouch, which is perfect for a smartphone. Though these extras may seem mundane, I found them essential when working with clients. If you add nothing else, I’d recommend at least looking into the hand strap, which helps you hold your camera more securely when it’s not safely stowed in the holster.

Spider has done an excellent job of creating a camera holster that’s secure, comfortable, and easy to accessorize. The solid construction and materials are made to last and stand up to long-term use. Will it work for you? That depends on two things. Do you feel comfortable with the side carry of having your camera on your hip? And do you feel confident you can keep your camera secure with no neck strap tethering it to your body (which is why I recommend adding the hand strap).

The SpiderPro Camera System is easily expandable depending on your equipment needs. Both single-system ($150) and dual-camera systems ($265) are available, and accessories can be purchased in kits ($55-$75) or individually: utility pouch ($30), water bottle holder ($20), hand strap ($70).

Betsy Finn, is a portrait artist. Her studio, Betsy’s Photography, is located in Dexter, Michigan.