Pros^ Uncompromising build
quality, superb attention to
detail and flawless design.
Cons^ Your camera is vulnerable
to thieves and the elements.
We say^ A design masterpiece
and a genuine pleasure to use.
Overall score^
Pros^ Enough space to stash a
fairly large D-SLR; belt has an
additional shoulder strap.Cons^ Fiddly to access, as well as
relatively pricey and unwieldy.We say^ There’s nothing wrong
with this set-up; it’s just too big.Overall score^
Pros^ Expanding holster design
balances compactness,
versatility and protection.Cons^ Not quite as convenient
as an open clip system.We say^ Good value if you favour
kit protection over accessibility.Overall score^
Lowepro S&F
Light Utility Belt
& Toploader
Pro 70 AW II
££ 544 , $ 60 && £ 799 , $ 90
http://www.lowepro.comThe Toploader Pro 70 holster
includes straps that enable it
to be worn as a shoulder bag or
chest pack. It can be fitted to a
regular belt, but attaching it to
the S&F Light Utility Belt is a
better bet. This is adjustable
and also enables you to carry a
selection of Lowepro’s SlipLock-
compatible accessories. If all
that weight gets too much,
attach the optional shoulder
strap to spread the load.
With this combo, you can
transport even a pro D-SLR with
a mid-sized lens, and it’ll be well
protected by padding. However,
camera access can be tricky,
while having this much bulk by
your side isn’t ideal either.Spider Pro Single
Camera System
££ 110 , $ 135
http://www.spiderholster.com
The Capture Clip is convenient,
but the Spider Pro goes even
further and gives you the fastest
possible camera access. Forget
clips and clamps; here you get
a camera mounting plate
featuring a ball joint that slots
into a holder on an adjustable
belt. The mounting plate won’t
directly at tach to a tripod head,
but you can piggyback it with a
secondary plate of your choice.
Behind the holder bracket on
the belt is a large padded section
that prevents your camera from
beating up your hip, and if you
need two cameras within easy
reach, an optional mounting
point can be added on the
other side.
Everything’s rounded off by
impeccable build quality and
scope to attach optional lens
and accessory pouches.
Think Tank Steroid
Speed Belt V2.0 &
Digital Holster 20
V2.0 £ 550 , $ 633 & ££ 5 5, $ 70
http://www.snapperstuff.comHere’s another belt and holster
bag combo, but both elements
are more streamlined than the
Lowepro pairing. Inside the
holster bag there’s space for
anything up to a D750, but its
expandable base means you
can equip it with a sizeable lens.
Access isn’t as speedy as with
an open clip system, especially if
you use the included rain cover,
but that’s the price you’ll pay to
keep your gear better protected.
Mounting the holster to a
normal belt is fine, but you’ll be
more comfortable pairing it with
the padded Steroid Speed Belt.
It spreads your camera’s weight,
and if that’s not enough, there
are mounting points for a twin
shoulder strap harness.To p t i p s
THERE’S NOT A LOT
TO A CAMERA CLIP
OR HOLSTER BAG,
BUT IT’S STILL
WORTH CONSIDERING
THESE THINGS
BEFORE YOU BUYSpeed
Camera clips are all about
speed and simplicity. A
fiddly release system just
won’t do, and neither will a
mounting plate that doesn’t
slip easily into place.Protection
Holster bags offer
portability with protection,
but with zips, flaps and
even a rain cover between
you and your camera,
missing a fleeting shot
is a real risk.Comfort
Unless you employ a butler
to carry your camera, it’ll
always be a small burden.
However, it’ll be most
comfortable when hung
from a dedicated
photography belt.Security
If you don’t fancy your
camera falling into the
wrong hands, don’t dangle
it by your side in busy
cities, as neither camera
clips nor holster bags are
anything like discreet.Compatibility
You’ll need to attach a
mounting plate to your
camera’s tripod socket to
use a camera clip, so it’s
useful if it has an Arca-
Swiss design to maximise
compatibility.http://www.digitalcameraworld.com March 2016 125
CLIPS & HOLSTERS