Spider SpiderPro Single Camera System V2 camera holster review

What is it?

The SpiderPro Single Camera System V2 is an ergonomically designed belt with integrated camera holster that allows photographers to carry their DSLR camera with any length of lens attached, comfortably and safely.

What’s in the box

In the package, the system I received included the SpiderPro belt with integrated Holster and the Pro2 Plate.

Design and features

The SpiderPro Belt is made of a very comfortable material that makes it easy to wear it for long periods of time. The length of the belt is adjustable via the included Velcro that is attached to one part of the inside of the belt. It is a 2-inch-wide belt with a 3-inch padded area around the back that provides extra comfort around the waist. The built-in holster with the locking mechanism is attached to an 8” x 6.5” padded area for your camera to rest on. It is attached via two hex screws from the inside of the padded area.

Built in to the holster there is a spring-loaded mechanism that locks the Pro2 Plate in and prevents it from coming loose accidentally. This spring-loaded locking mechanism must be engaged by pulling it up for the camera to be removed from the holster.

The belt buckle is a strong ABS type plastic clip that has a great and secure locking system to ensure that it never comes loose on its own. The belt buckle is approximately 2.5” wide.

It is important to note that another padded attachment with a holster can be added to the opposite side of the belt to upgrade it to a dual camera system.

The Pro2 Plate attaches to your DSLR and locks into the holster. On one side it has a 1/4 – 20” screw to attach it to your DSLR, and anti-slip rubber grips on either side of the screw to keep the plate in place.

On the other side of the Pro2 Plate, there are two 1/4 – 20” screw holes to allow the DSLR to be mounted to a tripod or other equipment without having to remove the plate. The rounded bolt that locks into the holster can be mounted on the left or right of the plate. There is also a hex driver neatly tucked away on the side of the Pro2 Plate that can be used to attach the plate to the camera.

What I like

I simply love the SpiderPro belt and Holster. The comfort that allows me to wear it for long times, and the reliable security the locking mechanism provides, gives me a sense of safety and security with my rig when I move around during a photo shoot.
I own several photography gear belts and many of their manufacturers claim to be the best at comfort and security, but so far, none of them come close to the SpiderPro. The fact that it handles both short and long lenses with ease is a major plus.

What needs to be improved

The only improvement I would recommend for this belt and holster system is possibly for the redesign of the Velcro system that is built in to adjust the length of the belt. While it is very secure, I found it somewhat tedious to work with when I was adjusting the length of the belt, because it kept sticking together and I constantly had to pry it open again. It is important to note that this is not a flaw but rather just something I would like to see redesigned so that it is easier to work with.

Final Thoughts

I have searched for a long time to find a belt that works for me without it feeling uncomfortable and odd, especially on days when I must wear it for a long time. While the Spider Pro is not perfect, it is certainly one of the best I have tried and especially so at its price point. While anyone using the Spider Pro with a DSLR and a long lens still needs to be careful not to hit the lens against any external object, they will be hard-pressed to find fault with its design or the value that it offers.

Price: $150.00
Where to buy:Spider and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Spider Holster.

The post Spider SpiderPro Single Camera System V2 camera holster review appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Camera gear, holster, Photography

Spider SpiderPro Single Camera System V2 camera holster review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Waterfield Design Ranger iPhone X Case review

Hailing from San Francisco, Waterfield is known for their unique approach to bag & accessory design. Their products are *just* a bit different from what you’d expect. Take the Ranger iPhone X Case, for instance. It’s a beautiful full-grain leather case… but there is a lot more going on under that rugged exterior. Let’s go check it out!

What is it?

The Waterfield Ranger iPhone X Case is a full-grain leather holster-style case for your iPhone. It’s specifically designed to the iPhone X specifications but will work for an iPhone 6, 7, or 8. An iPhone 7 Plus/8 Plus size is also available. I’m using an iPhone 6s for all the pictures you’ll find in this review.

Design and features

The first thing you’ll notice about the Ranger is the use of a magnetic Fidlock snap closure on the cover flap. The “male” end on the flap automatically snaps into the “female” receptacle on the case when it drops in place and is opened by pulling down on the tab. I love Fidlock hardware. It’s great for one-handed release, but keeps the cover tightly secured when not in use.

Once you’ve opened the flap, you’ll find an ultrasuede-lined pocket for your phone. Contoured edges and open sides make it easy to slide your phone in-and-out with one hand, even if you have meaty fingers. There’s also a second pocket on the front face for small items like cash or your earbuds, but you won’t want to keep any cards in there with magnetic strips (the magnets on the case will scramble them).

On the rear of the case, you’ll find the attachment clip: a beefy 4” long leather strap that snaps to the rear of the phone case via a pair of quarter-sized magnets (one mounted on the strap, and one mounted on the case). These magnets are seriously strong, powerful enough to clip the case over your pants top, your jeans pocket, or even an open exterior pocket on your bag. I’ve been attaching the case to the exterior pocket of my Saddleback Mountainback gear bag, and it’s still super-secure despite all that heavy waxed canvas. It’s great for providing you options if you forgot your belt!

Rounding out the design, there’s a slot cut out on the bottom of the cradle to allow access to your iPhone X cable port. This slot is also wide enough that it doesn’t interfere with the phone’s speakers.

The Ranger uses a full-grain distressed leather that’s just beautiful. It’s soft and supple out of the box with luxurious hand feel, and there appears to be no dye bleed after several weeks of use. It smells fantastic out of the box and, as you can see from the photos, is picking up some nice character after several weeks of use. Waterfield also offers the case in either chocolate leather (shown here) or black if that’s your preference. Personally, I think the chocolate leather shows a bit more character.

I’ve been waiting to get my hands on a Waterfield product for a review, and I’m impressed. The materials and components are all top notch. Everything is made in San Francisco in small batches, and you can see the quality craftsmanship that goes into the finished product.

Positives

Simple one-handed access to your phone.
Great soft, supple leather quality.
Fidlock magnetic closure automatically snaps shut.
Extra strong magnet clip ensures that it will stay put — even through thick fabrics.

Negatives

Magnets will scramble magnetic strip cards — keep them in your wallet.

Final thoughts

Holster-style phone cases have fallen out of popularity with phones getting leaner & tougher, so your relative happiness with this case will depend on your personal preference. It’s easy to operate with one hand, and the versatile clip design allows for multiple attachment points. Like all Waterfield designs, the materials and hardware are fantastic. If you like a holster style phone case, the Waterfield Ranger is just about as good as it gets.

Price: $89.00
Where to buy: Waterfield Design
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Waterfield Design.