* Note: we released a version of this report with a prototype model the black widow Holster. Spider has since then some adjustments to the design and ready sent us a revised, fully functional and production unit. Our review has been edited according to this design extensions.

Lugging a heavy DSLR or prosumer camera can task cumbersome, especially if you also have to deal with other activities. Are outside camera straps are several options to help with this problem. That is until the spider camera Holster system. In this report we take a look at the new black widow Holster, aimed at the average Joe instead of the professional photographer.

The spider Holster system is pretty awesome, as it is designed and implemented. Threaded hole in the ground to work should almost every digital camera with a tripod with a standard size. Depending on the camera, it could plastic or metal, but almost every camera has one. The spider system uses a system disk or pin, that screws directly into the holder, the users complete universal compatibility regardless of the camera manufacturer. After the plate or PIN is attached, simply insert into the receiving plate and be on your way.

So far, spider has served only the professional photographer, with a very robust and durable all-metal mount camera system. The system that we review today are the light and less durable consumer version called black widow Holster. Sold for $55 versus $105, the newer Setup used a plastic receiver side and is aimed at users, the own smaller light SLR cameras or prosumer-and-shoot cameras. The black widow is different is that the pin can be unscrewed from a receiving plate and screwed directly into the tripod mount. While perhaps not the best idea on larger cameras, this method will work well on lighter digital cameras that are mounted on the front could have professional lenses not behemoth.

We tested the spider black widow Holster in the Office and in the city with a Pentax K20 and 16-45 mm lens. Not the heaviest camera setup, but not the lightest either. Also, we tried both mounting options, with varying degrees of success. The stock method uses the system disk, in the screwed with a quick-release tripod mount. The secondary method, usually targeted, smaller for point-and-shoot models is the ball directly into the tripod of the camera screws.

The mounting plate is stamped stainless steel with two plastic nubs that prevent body to turn the camera on the disk. To install it on the camera, you have the ball head to front (in the direction of the lens) and slide the plate down until the two plastic buttons with the camera in contact come. They prevent that turn the plate against the North would have the negative side of loosening of the plate. While Pro developed not just as the spider, the spider black widow work for almost half of the price gets. The only, what, that we felt could be improved with this installation option is a containing screw for users, no quick-release tripod mount bracket want to use.

The second mounting system is the PIN in the bottom of the camera screws. Bright point and shoot camera this method works well, because the camera volume and weight as is small. This method use to keep a DSLR camera, you would risk, loosening the screw hole without the power to the bottom of the camera body to spread, and above him the camera in a difficult situation would have on you is your page. It would rest on a small prosumer model such as the Canon G12 flat on your leg and no worse for wear.

Overall the Black Widow Spider Holster system works well and is compatible with a variety of cameras. The mounting plate Setup was very easy to understand, although it does require that you rely on a tripod quick change record that it protect the camera. If you are in the market for this type of Holster, the black widow is great for entry to mid-level DSLRs and smaller prosumer-and shoot cameras.

Pros:

Universal CompatibilityReasonably PricedStrap free carry system

Disadvantages:

Relies on tripod quick change disk