Tech Tuesday—Spider Pro Large Lens Pouch Preview

August 13, 2013

By Laura Brauer

Changing lenses on the fly can present a number of problems, including where to stow that second lens when moving quickly through a wedding reception or photographing kids at the park. You could carry two cameras, a camera bag or wear a photographer’s vest (although the latter is unlikely to be part of a wedding photographer’s working attire). Or you could try the new SpiderPro Large Lens Pouch—a smart option for keeping a second lens within easy reach.

resized Spider Holster_SpiderPro Large Lens Pouch 2

This mostly-neoprene pouch attaches to a belt via a sturdy Velcro loop and can hold up to a 70-200mm lens with the hood attached. The loop is about 2 1/4 inches from side-to-side, can fit on belts up to about 4 1/4 inches wide and has multiple Velcro attachment points. So as long as your belt is up to the task, the pouch will stay in place. Naturally, it fits well on the SpiderPro Holster belt as well as the Black Widow Holster belt.

A front zipper, along with the neoprene structure, keeps the lens secure, but leaves enough room to reach in and grab it without crushing your fingers.

As someone who tends to lose lens caps on a regular basis, I particularly like the built-in rear lens cap tether. Granted, I’m not crazy about attaching a sticky Velcro circle to the rear lens cap, but I’d rather deal with the residue than having to replace the lens cap. A removable nylon pouch stays out of the way when you don’t need it, but can be pulled over the top of the pouch to protect the lens from the elements—sort of like a mini (but heavy-duty) shower cap. Without a lens, the pouch can be folded flat and tucked away in your camera bag but, depending on the bag’s size, you may want to leave the lens in the pouch when you pack it away for a little extra padding.

The pouch, which costs $75, comes with a Spider Monkey Clip so you can hook one of your accessories, like a flash, to the belt as well.