As photographers continue to push boundaries, they need gear to protect their equipment. Whether it’s further into the backcountry, enduring harsher weather conditions, or getting closer to the champagne pop at a celebration, being able to photograph special moments without putting your prized camera and lenses at risk is paramount. It’s why having a camera holster is crucial to landing the shot and preserving it.
What is a Camera Holster?
While many photographers have bulky bags with all their equipment, a camera holster is a small-to-medium pouch that allows for one body and one lens. Additionally, it sits on your hip, providing quick and easy access when you need to take a shot. These lightweight camera accessories are designed for all levels of photographers and come with storage pockets for your memory cards and battery packs. All in all, it’s a great way to travel light and fast.
Why You Should Use a Camera Holster
You can seamlessly reach into your camera holster without the fear of missing the shot. The ability to keep your camera and lens protected while working is also extremely important. Furthermore, the best camera holsters of 2023 are cost-effective and won’t break the bank. For value and usability, these should be high on most photographers’ list of must-haves. Lastly, they come in various sizes to fit your need, as you’ll see below.
Four reasons you should have one:
- It saves you time in the field, so you never miss the shot.
- The padded interior and weather-sealed zipper protect your camera when you’re not using it.
- It sticks to your hips, so it stays out of the way when shooting.
- It allows you the flexibility to use it with a standard zoom lens (24-70) or longer telephoto (70-200)
Best Camera Holsters
Tamrac Jazz Zoom 23 v2.0 Camera Holster, Black
The Tamrac Jazz Zoom is a perfect lightweight yet fully functional camera holster. It weighs less than five ounces and can hold a mirrorless camera and 4-inch lens. This means it’ll fit if you’re shooting on a 16-35, 24-70, or similar lens. Additionally, a top handle and a customizable shoulder strap provide multiple ways to carry while on a shoot.
Key Features:
- Two-side mesh pockets for storage cards and batteries
- Fully adjustable shoulder straps or belt loop
- Adjustable interior dividers to protect extra lenses
- Weighs just 4.6oz
- Tablet sleeve
MindShift Multi-Mount Holster 50, Green and Gray
This is the most versatile camera holster of 2023. With five mounting configurations, you’ll be able to find a comfortable arrangement to embark on your outdoor excursions. Additionally, its zippered lid protects your camera and lens from the harshest of elements. The interior is large enough for DSLR plus L-Brackets, which means you can go without making camera modifications before you set out. Additionally, it’s large enough to hold your body and 70-200 zoom lens.
Key Features:
- Pack mount offers multi-day carrying options
- Elements Barrier zipper includes seam-sealed rain cover
- Built with premium materials such as YKK zippers, 420 D Nylon exterior
- Incredibly light at only 14.9 ounces and 1.5 pounds with all straps and rain cover
- Fits DSLR along with zoom lenses
Think Tank #861 Digital Holster 10 V2.0
For owners of smaller DSLRs — such as Canon Rebel XTI or XSi or Nikon D40, D3000, or D5000 — this is the best camera holster for you. Its form-fitting design minimizes bulk, giving you a better travel experience. However, it does come with the ability to expand your holster in case you’re using a longer lens. Next, thanks to elastic side pockets, you’ll have enough room to carry a couple, so you never run out of juice. Furthermore, a seam-sealed rain cover ensures your gear is protected from the elements in case you run into inclement weather.
Key Features:
- Only weighs 12 oz.
- Perfect for a smaller DSLR
- The inner divider allows you to carry two separate shorter lenses
- Pop down expansion feature allows you to expand the bag for a longer lens
- Two-stage rain cover works at different vertical lengths to adjust to your needs
- LCD Padded cover protects your interior pocket
Case Logic DCB-306 DSLR Camera Holster Case, Black
As the least expensive item on this list, the Case Logic Camera Holster can hold a DSLR plus a standard zoom lens. Thanks to internal zippered pockets, you’ve got room for memory cars, filters, or cleaning clothes to ensure your gear stays in pristine condition. With multiple carrying options, you’ll hardly notice the case as you’re on the job.
Key Features:
- The padded base protects your camera while traveling
- A wide opening at the top makes it easy to retrieve your camera
- Accessible with standard zoom lenses
- Side zippers are great for spare batteries, filters, cables, or other accessories
- Belt loops, padded handles, and shoulder straps
Manfrotto Extra Small Advanced Holster for Camera and Memory Cards
This is the perfect camera holster for those looking to travel light and have a smaller mirrorless camera plus kit lens. The extra small version still offers a reverse opening, allowing you to get to your gear quickly. Even though it is smaller, it still offers the same customizable carrying attributes as others. Thanks to detachable shoulder straps and belt connection loops, you can carry them as you please.
Key Features:
- 3.88 pounds
- Fits a small mirrorless and kit lens
- The reversible opening allows for fast access
- Enough room for accessories such as memory cards, batteries, and cloths
- Various ways to carry thanks to removable shoulder straps and belt connection loops
Lowepro ProTactic TLZ 70 AW, Black
One of the best camera holsters on the market, the LowePro is flexible, compact, and built for speed. This TopLoader Pro is built for professionals who need to work fast and maintain quality. As it’s made for the pros, it’s large enough to hold your full-frame camera plus a 24-70 f/2.8 lens with a hood. Lastly, the LowePro offers four ways to wear it: Shoulder, Holster Style, Chest Harness, and Belt.
Key Features:
- 24 ounces
- Includes two shoulder straps
- The top pocket is separate from the main area
- All weather cover protects your gear from the elements
- It can hold a 24-70 f/2.8 lens with a hood and grip
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to carry a camera?
There are various ways to carry a camera depending on your style and type of activity. If you’re looking to bring along more gear, having a sturdy camera backpack is smart. However, if you’re looking to bring just one lens and body, a camera holster like the ones above are perfect.
What can I use instead of a camera holster?
Instead of using a camera holster, I suggest a camera backpack that provides you the space and protection to bring along multiple lenses, a drone, a laptop, and a tripod. You could also choose a camera roller that makes traveling easy and saves the weight off your back. A final option is a hard shell case that offers your camera gear the utmost protection when traveling.
Can I use any bag as a camera bag?
Yes, you can, but you increase the risk that your camera or lenses get damaged by just throwing them into a bag. Additionally, using any bag is less functional as most camera bags have easy access zippers to retrieve your camera quickly. Lastly, the best part of having a dedicated camera bag is the interior cubes that help organize your camera body and lenses and help keep them in one place.
As you read above, camera holsters are a perfect accessory for any photographer. It allows you to keep your hands free as you travel while protecting your equipment and giving you easy access when you need to shoot. Lastly, these various sizes can fit almost any camera setup, allowing you to be flexible in your decision-making.
