Hiking: Spider holster with Z8+600mm PF

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marvf

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I am considering buying the Spider system for my New Zealand trip using my Z8+600mm PF. I'm won't be doing long hikes, but probably hikes in the 1-2 mile range. Normally, using the combo while locally walking around, I'm able to handhold the lens while I walk, setting it down on a bench or sitting on something and resting it on my lap. However, I want to be able to hike around in wildlife areas in NZ and not have to rest my arms periodically. So I'm looking for a better solution. The belt/hip-mounted Spider system seems appealing.

I'm hoping, with this thread, to get feedback from anyone who has this exact holster system using Spider's lens collar plate (v1 or v2) attached to the lens foot and uses that setup with a Z8 and 600mm f/6.3 while taking short to moderate length hikes.

Thanks in advance.
Marv
 
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I worry about taking a stumble and damaging the lens. I prefer to be able to sacrifice my body and protect the lens by holding it in front of me. The 600mm PF is so light that I have it on the camera and use the camera strap around my neck. This is the same approach that I have done for years with the 80-400mm or 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The 600kmm PF weighs only 4 ounces more than the 70-200mm zoom lens and I view it as a lightweight telephoto.

With very heavy 600mm f/4 lenses I have made use of the Kirk Photo SS-1 Security Strap sold by BH Photo that includes a Arca-Swiss compatible clamp for the foot of the lens. I can have the strap going diagonally across my body with the lens at waist level and control it with one hand. Much easier to negotiate through the brush with this approach.
 
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WRT Mr. Calson's post:

So do you hand hold the lens in some fashion while you are hiking around or just let it dangle off the camera wearing the neck strap? I have been doing just that in my limited hikes around my house, but now that I'm heading to New Zealand, I anticipate some longer hikes which motivated me to consider something else such as the Spider holster. Your concern about falling with a hip holster, having the lens hit the ground with your weight on top of it seems valid.

So I will look into the strap you mentioned. I had looked at the black rapid, but there are some concerning negative reviews that give me pause.
Thanks for your help.
 
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I prefer a Holdfast strap you can get them with a belt clip which holds the lens close to the hip. I can carry two Z9's and a 400 4.5 and 800mm pf for day hikes of a few miles. If I were hiking in rougher terrain I would carry one camera plus lens and use a walking stick for balance, Generally I find that a strong waling stick is very effective in rough terrain and I use them when hiking without a camera if footing is unstable.
 
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I have the Spider Holster dual camera system. I primarily use it when shooting sporting events outside and often carry my Z9 with 70-200 and my gripped Z6iii with 400 f4.5. I got to the point where trying to carry two cameras around a track meet for 8+ hours was difficult on my neck and shoulders no matter what camera strap system I tried. I found myself always holding on to the camera or lens when using a shoulder strap just to keep them from swinging. I don't have that problem at all with the Spider holster. I find that carrying the two cameras and being on my feet for most of 8 hours is much easier with the spider holster.

Spider has a number of adapter plates and I usually carry the cameras using a plate that attaches to the lens foot. I will sometimes carry my Z6iii w/24-70 with a plate attached to the bottom of the camera. I do like how the cameras hang against my side and the belt connection does have a locking switch so the camera cannot be accidentally slipped out. You do have to adjust the belt properly to keep it snug but it does connect securely. If you are wearing heavy outer clothing you need to decide if you want to adjust the belt over a heavy coat or try to wear the coat over the belt. I don't normally shoot much in really cold weather.

I can kneel on the ground and sit down with it on with out any problem. I don't wear it much for indoor events, it is just difficult to get around in crowded arenas with the camera attached to your side. It is also difficult to carry something else at your side like a camera bag with the cameras attached. I would think that it would be difficult to use a walking stick on the side that you have the camera connected. Spider also makes a backpack kit that would allow you to carry the camera connected to a backpack strap but I don't know how that would work with a 600mm lens.

In terms of falling, I think the risk of camera damage is pretty good no matter how you are carrying your camera. If you are carrying the camera in you hands and try to save it while falling you might be putting your own body at risk.

Cotton Carrier makes similar products that I know a few photographers on this site have positive things to say about.
 
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