Spider holster versus Cotton Carry Lite

[bobkeenan]

I have a Canon 5DmkII.  Most of the time I have a 24-70mm on it but I also use my 70-200mm f2.8.  I like to walk around and take shots.   Sometimes I will carry 1-2 other lenses in a shoulder bag.  Other times I will carry a tripod as well (not that often).

I discovered Black rapid straps about 1 1/2 years ago.   And I love them.   Wrote a blog post about it here.

http://www.bobkeenanphoto.com/black-rapid-strap-love/

BUT......

I do not like the freedom of movement that it has....which is also a plus when you are taking photos.   If I lean over the trunk of my car....clunk... goes the camera on the car.   If I want to climb some boulders to get out on a jetty...crash.... goes the camera on the rocks.   Other that that I love it.....but it does restrict some things.

I know that the Cotton Carrier system that is mounted on the chest is a good solution.   But I don't think that I can take the attention that wearing that system would create.

I also know that there are bags that can go on belts or small backpacks but that defeats the really easy accessibility that I want.

I am leaning towards getting the spider holster and then putting it on a think tank belt as the leg guard on the spider holster looks restrictive in a crouched or sitting position.

But I would love to hear your thoughts on the Spider and Cotton systems?
--
Bob Keenan
http://www.bobkeenanphoto.com/

[martinreed22]

Hi Bob,

Can't speak to Cotton Carrier, but I do use both a BlackRapid and a Spider holster. I tend to use the BR if I need to put the camera down frequently, such as getting in and out of a car. I find the cross body strap works great compared with my old Optech strap, both in keeping the camera from slipping off a shoulder and for quick use - and no strap to get in the way at eye level!

However, if I am walking about for a while I'll switch to the Spider holster. Kind of scary at first not having any strap, but in truth I've yet to have a body slip out of my fingers whatever the strap. Actually not quite so fast in a "quick draw" situation but - and this is the biggy for me - no weight on shoulder/neck, all on the waist. It also gives me an excuse to put a couple of accessory/lens pouches on the belt and not carry a backpack at all. I use Kata pouches.

I haven't found any particular problem with the Spider belt or leg guard, but then I'm no mountain goat either.

Whilst it might be considered extravagent to have both systems, compared with the cost of the camera gear itself I'm very happy to have both to hand.

Regards, Martin

[David S]

I am currently using both the BR and Spider. Have not tried the Cotton Cary LIte. I like both and find the Spider especially useful when lots of walking (hiking) is involved and the BR when there is less walking and more shooting.

Dave

[Chairman Bill]

Bob - useful & interesting blog. One thing though - 'gypsy attack'? I've got a family of gypsies living just up the road from me. A friend (who also lives just up the road) is grandmother to two gypsy children. I've taken plenty of photos of them, including at events with lots of gypsies in attendance. I've never been attacked, nor has my camera strap. Are US gypsies different to UK gypsies? I wonder how the comment would have looked had the word 'gypsy' been substituted by 'Jewish' or 'Black' ... as it stands, it looks like a casually racist comment

[brianrybolt]

Hello,
You might want to check out the following (just published today): http://www.imaging-resource.com/IRNEWS/  Then go to TOPICS > Feature: Holster Shootout at the OK Corral

Brian