Tried a couple of different hand straps, and none compare to this.
Extremely secure, and ridiculously comfortable. Can reach all the dials and buttons without any hassle.
My rating is more than five stars since it works well for me and makes me feel comfortable whenever I use it.
This kit comes with everything you need to use the SpiderMonkey for accessories etc and makes a great complement to anyone using the Spider X or SpiderPro system.
I am a birdwatcher and carry both a handheld binocular and a spotting scope on a tripod. In recent years, I have also started bringing a camera. I use a Canon R5 with a Canon RF 100-500 lens, along with a few smaller lenses. For these, I have used Peak Design's system for camera straps and wrist straps.
Having both a camera strap and a binocular strap around my neck gets tangled and uncomfortable. Therefore, I wanted to try the Spider Camera Holster. A few weeks ago, I purchased the Spider Pro Single Mirror Camera System, the Spider Pro Hand Strap, and the Spider Pro Lens Collar Plate.
Since I have a silicone cover on my camera, the screw for the camera plate was too short. I bought a longer screw on Amazon. Now that I have tested the system for a few weeks, I can say that it works quite well.
During winter in Sweden, it gets cold, and I usually wear a parka. If you wear a longer jacket, it interferes with the waist belt. Wearing the waist belt over the jacket is not comfortable. However, during the summer, the waist belt will be much easier to wear. The camera feels heavy on the hip, but that might just be a matter of getting used to it.
I have to adjust the waist belt every time I wear different clothes, which takes a bit of time because of the strong Velcro straps. However, this ensures that it fits securely and feels safe. Once the waist belt is in place, it is easy to attach and detach the camera.
All parts of the system feel robust and sturdy. I probably won’t use the Spider system for shorter photography sessions. When I go out without binoculars, I will likely use Peak Design’s camera strap instead.
That said, the Spider Pro Hand Strap is more comfortable than Peak Design’s wrist strap, but not as easy to take on and off.
Note that I haven’t used the Spider system for very long, and these are just my initial experiences.
I bought this strap for a Sony RX10M4 DSLR-style point-and-shoot. The camera isn't light, bounces around with my usual cross-body strap carry method, and is front-heavy when zoomed in. I usually carry the camera in a shoulder bag or holster, not by itself. I figured a hand strap would give me extra stability when shooting and reduce hand fatigue, and let me ditch the body strap since I have the bag anyway.
The strap itself seems well-built, with solid materials and quality construction. It fits the shape of my hand, the lining is padded well, and it's comfortable to fasten the redundant wrist strap, relax my fingers, and let the camera partly hang from the back of my hand between shots. Also: it has nothing to do with function, but the Kodiak leather color has a cool, rustic look.
I'm still adjusting the strap for best fit, and it still feels awkward to slide my hand rearward in the strap to use the camera's back panel controls and then forward again to shoot. This is not bad, just different from the carry method I'm used to, so I expect it will eventually become second nature. So far, I really like the strap, and I can certainly recommend it for anyone who already uses a hand strap and wants a quality replacement.
I was skeptical when I first received this product. I was concerned about the sticking power of the adhesive. Having hung an AD200 pro off of it for a couple of years now, I can stay that it’s held up great. No sign of slipping, super strong connection. This qr system is great.
As a plus size photographer who has had back surgery, I was so excited to invest and try this holster! I triple checked the measurements and whilst it "technically fits" the Velcro in the waist band is pulled all the way to the end and therefore it's sticking to my hair, a chair if i sit, etc and is just frustrating. Still giving 4 stars because it really is a great product, but hoping to get to a size where it's fully helpful and not a pain in the butt!
I have these straps on all my cameras. The outward pressure of my hand acts to keep the camera firmly in hand (both in and out of use). A great bit of security when holding the camera at your side as it confirms a good grip with one’s fingertips on the camera body. I highly recommend this product!
Comfortable and secure. Also fantastic customer service and support. Thank you!
The SpiderPro Dual Camera System v2 - Hybrid (DSLR + Mirrorless) was an absolute game changer for a multi-day conference I was shooting. All hours of the day and night, but being able to carry my system on my hips meant NO shoulder pain, achy back. My hand holster meant no soreness in my hands, and one very happy photographer
My hand strap from 10 years ago didn’t dig into my hand like this new design does. Maybe it’s because my Nikon has eyelets that aren’t as compatible.
Get one. You'll love it. Thank me later.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I like the pouch and would mention it is a little to short for the Sigma 150-600mm lens on a Nikon body. This is due to the adapter needed to allow the body to match up with the lens. Overall the quality is excellent and well made.
Terrible desing. It's impossible to attach the strap in to camera. The leash can't turn enough to reach the sockets
This is a comfortable holster for my Nikon D750 and sits against my hip. The camera when locked cannot be removed and allows easy removal when not locked.
Full time pro I use the spider belt a lot. It was finally starting to look a bit shabby it Still worked. I hope to get another 7-8 years out of this one. I love getting the weight to my hip. It saves the neck and back if it’s a 10 hour shoot in a wedding day. Or one hour family session. I don’t go to a photo session without it.
The tether provides security for the camera and is light enough so that it is not burdensome like a regular camera strap around the neck. No problem with using both the tether and my Spider hand strap.
I’m petite and it’s a bit bulky on me. I might end up returning it. Love the lock feature but I don’t think it’s a good fit for me