Black Widow Spider Holster: Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip. Sounds uncomfortable. Manufacturers have said that the tripod socket is not designed for holding the weight of a camera.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

jerryc41 wrote:

Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip. Sounds uncomfortable. Manufacturers have said that the tripod socket is not designed for holding the weight of a camera.

Dear Jerry,

No, I've not tried that particular holster, but I have tried a number of belt-mount camera holders (bear in mind that I write for the photo press), and in my experience, you're right, they're uncomfortable, and they expose the camera to more bangs and knocks than a neck-strap. They're just about OK if you're on your feet in the open, but as soon as you sit down or go through a door, or get into a car, they're in the way. Some are insecure, too: the camera can come off the belt too easily. This is only personal experience, and not with the Black Widow, but I'd not buy such a thing unless I could try it first.

As a matter of interest, which manufacturers have said that a tripod socket is not designed to hold the weight of a camera?

Cheers,

R.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Roger Hicks wrote:

quote=jerryc41 Has anyone tried the Black Widow S... (show quote)

Thanks for info. I wish I could find that article. I think it was on this forum in a discussion about carrying a camera by that socket. Yes, I believe it had to do with a certain camera strap system. Maybe you can do a Search here and find it.

One of the posters presented info from both Canon and Nikon saying that the tripod socket is for mounting the camera on top of a tripod, not for carrying it upside down by that socket.

On the other hand, I just watched a video on Youtube of a guy who pulled a loaded pickup truck using the camera strap attached to the tripod socket.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

jerryc41 wrote:

Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip. Sounds uncomfortable. Manufacturers have said that the tripod socket is not designed for holding the weight of a camera.

I agree that it is a lot of load on the hip with two cameras. I use the Cotton Carrier system. Two cameras, all day moving at different events, wouldn't trade it. I've found it very safe and secure. Investigate that one too.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

check the Carry Speed CS Pro .... google Carry Speed or serch Utube... the sling and plate will hold at least 35 lbs .... it is solid and comfortable ....also it is the only sling holder that will allow you to mout a tripod quick release plate to it

randymoe

I bought one, but have not used it. I wear a very heavy and thick gun belt. The BWS belt fitting will not accept this very stiff belt. It would be no problem with a lesser belt. I also worry about the strength of a tripod socket. I hope someone who repairs or dissects cameras could advise us on how the tripod socket is attached to the camera frame. I do see the Cotton Carrier uses a similar single point attachment and it appears to be secure, but tripod socket failure it could be expensive.

jerryc41 wrote:

Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip. Sounds uncomfortable. Manufacturers have said that the tripod socket is not designed for holding the weight of a camera.

oldogfoto Loc: USA

cool name tho

eglide02 Loc: Titletown USA

I've got the cotton carrier system also and it isworth every penny, well made and works well w/2 cameras

traveler90712 wrote:

quote=jerryc41 Has anyone tried the Black Widow S... (show quote)

NikonKnight Loc: Owings Mills, MD

jerryc41 wrote:

Has anyone tried the Black Widow Spider Holster? On the one hand, it seems like a good idea, but I don't know about hanging a large heavy camera off my hip. Sounds uncomfortable. Manufacturers have said that the tripod socket is not designed for holding the weight of a camera.

I haven't had any problems with it. I prefer it to the Black Rapid strap system which I also have. I'm shooting a Nikon D5100 with a NIKKOR 70-300 AF-S-VR-Zoom F4.5-5.6G-IF-ED so there's some weight to the load but I find it very secure and comfortable, moreso than with the Black Rapid. the primary reason I use this system is that it allows me to keep the tripod mount on the camera to allow for quick transfer from hand held to tripod shooting. The Black Rapid mounting sysytem is more cumbersome to go from hand held to tripod and vice versa.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

randymoe wrote:

I bought one, but have not used it. I wear a very ... (show quote)

Here's a link to a video of a guy pulling his truck with a rope tied to the tripod socket.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK7G5Gy5B4

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are a couple of replies from manufacturers (names deleted) about the security of the tripod socket. Read down the page a bit.

http://bosstrap.blogspot.com/

randymoe

Good advice.

jerryc41 wrote:

Here are a couple of replies from manufacturers (names deleted) about the security of the tripod socket. Read down the page a bit.

http://bosstrap.blogspot.com/

randymoe

Didn't Jack Lalane do this with his teeth?

jerryc41 wrote:

Here are a couple of replies from manufacturers (names deleted) about the security of the tripod socket. Read down the page a bit.

http://bosstrap.blogspot.com/

randymoe

I am going to buy a slightly lighter weight belt and try the BWS with my much used P7000. I really hate camera straps. I am saving for a full Cotton Carrier rig.

budrakey

I have used a variety of sling straps including one I made myself quite a few years ago. I currently use a BoStrap and find it very secure and comfortable.