Photo Vests

Does anyone out there use a photo vest? If so, which one and why...

I am considering one for the times I don't want to carry the Tamrac backpack with all my gear in it. I just don't know if they are pratical.

Any information or discussion is appreciated.

Merle

I use photo vests a lot when circumstances require them. My pick of the litter is Domke, though there are others out there. I've also got a Tamrac vest, but it doesn't breath as well as the Domke. In fact I have two Domke's- an XL for warmer weather (I'm 6'4"/220) and an XXL for cold weather wear over a few warm layers.

In truth though, I'd much rather wear belt pouches. They're a lot more versatile, and much more comfortable in hot weather.

I also own a Domke,,,I have had several over the years but the Domke is the best fit for me.
It's great for storing extra lens, batteries, cards, filters, compass, etc etc...

Hey Merle, I use a great vest made by a company called vested interest. www.vestedinterest.com/

I have a Domke and a Tenba. they're both pretty good and they both have shortcomings. One feature of the Tenba that I like - it has a belt that takes some of the weight off your shoulders.

Merle: I have a Domke and like it a lot. It was especially useful when I was shooting film. It was easy to have 20 rolls of film in the vest. Now I keep filters, cable release, flash cards, compass/GPS and such in it. I recently acquired a Kinesis belt system and it is great for when I don't want to pack up the whole kit. >=))>

Thank you all for the input. I am currently using a Tamrac back pack and with all my gear in it it weighs close to 18 lbs... Taking out the body and lens helps lighten the load - but it is still awkward to deal with along with a tripod. Plus, I just don't need all that stuff when I go out in the field. This gives me some good info to sort through and make a decision.

Thanks again.

I have an old Banana Republic vest that I use if the weather is not too hot, and I also use a Thinktank modular belt system when I am shooting sports.

Try Adventure vest ... very good..

I have the complete LowePro S&F Vest and Harness (including the waist belt). I think it was great, but as I moved to more long multiple-day trips, I realized that I needed to cut down on my pack weight, and decided to not use the vest and harness anymore. Let me know if you are interested in mine.

Here they are: The Vest Harness: http://products.lowepro.com/product/S-F-Vest-Harness,2029,32.htm

and the Deluxe Waistbelt: http://products.lowepro.com/product/S-F-Deluxe-Waistbelt,2026,31.htm

HI guys! I'm a new member--and apparently cheap, as I use a fly fishing vest that I found on sale at a sporting goods store. Now let me say that I use my back pack most of the time, but I do find the convenience of this vest works well for me when I know I only need a few items for a couple of hours.

I'm like Cindy and improvisational. I use one of my hunting vests. I cut some foam to add stability and cushion to the large game pocket on the back and that will hold up to a 500mm lens. Occasionally when I still shoot film, the built in shell bandoleer holds rolls of film. It works well on shorter excursions, and isn't terribly warm.

I have used the Lowe Pro street and field vest/harness combination for the past few years and love it...it is extremely flexible, and all the components can be used with other lowe pro packs...i also find it nice that when I am hiking to have everything right there...no taking my backpack off, setting it down, walking around and then having to walk back to where you left it...you just always have it with you...i use other pack setups as well, but this is one of my favorite systems...nate

Thank you everyone for your valuable input. I think I will go with the Domke vest. I have checked out the others and appreciate the information. Ashutosh: If you list your equipment in the classifieds with all you have to go with it - I'm sure someone on the board will be interested.

Thanks again for your help.

Merle

Well, obviously, I am late to the conversation, but I'll put in my 2 cents anyway. I have tried different backpack bags and carry bags and have ultimately found a vest solution that I like best. It distributes the weight better, IMO that a backpack does. And its more accessible than the backpack. And, its cooler than the backpack in warm weather. I had the LowePro mini trekker. It was a nice pack, but very heavy on the shoulders when loaded, and always awkward to work out of. You had to take it up and down to work out of it. I recently looked at the new sling type packs (from Tenba, I believe) and they didn't look like a significant improvement.

With the vest, I can always reach what I need. The only thing you cannot carry is a really large lens (I am still trying to figure out the best solution for my 300 f2.8--maybe the belt harness system would work).

I also have looked at all the vests made for photography, by Tenba, Domke, etc. Not only are they (IMO) to expensive, they aren't always easy to work out of. I have owned a couple. The one I like best, I bought at a Woolrich outlet store for $40. it has fewer, but larger pockets, which allow me to carry lenses, flash, and other larger gear. It has just enough smaller pockets for things like filters, extra CF cards, etc. Might not work as well for film shooters, but works great for me. I work out of a reporter-style bag in my car and transfer to the vest for when I walk in somewhere.

In the end, a lot depends, I think, on your particular shooting style and the equipment you plan to carry.