Photog Vest

GadgetRick

Ok, looking for a useful vest which I can use to carry a lens, flash and maybe a few other odds and ends but nothing crazy. I'm a big dude and most camera bags/backpacks I've seen aren't really made for guys my size. They're uncomfortable and, more importantly, I don't need to carry EVERYTHING, just a few things. And I'm tired of stuffing these things in my cargo pockets.

Thanks.

Nod

I've thought of using a vest several times but never can find one I like. Somebody suggested a "fishing" vest instead, I'm going to look into those. Might work?

Art Scott

GadgetRick wrote: »

Ok, looking for a useful vest which I can use to carry a lens, flash and maybe a few other odds and ends but nothing crazy. I'm a big dude and most camera bags/backpacks I've seen aren't really made for guys my size. They're uncomfortable and, more importantly, I don't need to carry EVERYTHING, just a few things. And I'm tired of stuffing these things in my cargo pockets.

Thanks.

I don't trust a vest...things can fall out of pockets when you bend over...if you take a spill there is no padding to protect your gear.....my solution and I am a big size guy......a military pistol belt with matching suspenders + 1 or 2 ( I use 2 as I always carry 2 bodies with lenses attched) Lowepro 75AW's.....each one has a body+ lens attached...they will handle a D300+big ma (sigma 50-500) there is toom for a flash extra batteries, filters.....and it gives protection...the weight is waist distributed and held in place with the suspenders....I went this route mainly for MC riding but it works great for hiking as well...now I can wear full outing backpack also and camelback packs too.......

Angelo

I came across a page of them at Amazon recently while looking for something else at I've thought about getting one too.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_17?url=search-alias%3Dapparel&field-keywords=photographer+vest&x=0&y=0&sprefix=photographer+vest


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divamum

I love that the search term "photographer's vest" also comes up with pith helmets (sorry, I just find that hilarious - back to :lurk)

ThatCanonGuy

eBay has vests...
And Lowepro and ThinkTank (at least them, probably many others) make waist belt pouch systems.

GadgetRick

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I don't like wearing belt systems. Just don't like them. Which is why I was thinking of a vest.

Each solution seems to have pros/cons. For me, the vest would be more comfortable. I don't need to carry a LOT of gear. Just an extra lens (or two), flash and maybe a couple of other odds/ends (e.g. cards, batteries, etc.).

Doesn't seem very practical to go try them on since I've not seen them in the stores. So just wondering which one might be worth checking out.

Thanks.

sara505

I picked up a vest a couple of years ago. When it's loaded up, it kills the back of my neck and shoulders. Also, it's got tons of pockets, and because I don't use it very often, I can't remember where I've put stuff so I end up looking like Columbo, frantically checking each pocket trying to find a battery.

Photometric

Lowepro makes a Street&Field series which includes a harness system that you attach lens cases. It's a modular system that provides customization of the setup to the needs of the photographer.
http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Multimedia-Photographer,54.htm

http://www.lowepro.com/sfseries

JSPhotography

I received a vest as a gift. I took it back becouse it was too large, found out they paid WAY too much money, didn't have the smaller size in that brand so I traded it for a cheaper one and some other stuff(Vangaurd ball mount, yippie). I love it. I use it when I am shooting events. Everybody knows who the photographer is, the guy with the funny coat. I have pockets for everything. I'm allways prepared, spare cards, batteries, pen, paper, business cards, stuff. I've grown partial to throwing my water bottle in the back pouch pocket. I can carry spare lenses if need be. All the pockets have closures so I don't lose stuff. I have people prepay a
"registration" fee(only way to do events), I use a zippered chest pocket for cash. It's much lighter than carrying my backpack. Granted, there is not the same level of protection but I don't carry a bunch of lenses when I'm choosing to use it. I fold it and slip it in the computer pocket of my backpack. I carry my computer and cords in a computer bag. Set up my table, etc, throw on the vest and go to work.

GadgetRick

sara505 wrote: »

I picked up a vest a couple of years ago. When it's loaded up, it kills the back of my neck and shoulders. Also, it's got tons of pockets, and because I don't use it very often, I can't remember where I've put stuff so I end up looking like Columbo, frantically checking each pocket trying to find a battery.

I can understand. However, I'm not looking to carry everything I'll need. Just an extra lens, flash and maybe some batteries and cards. I like to travel light.