who wears or has worn a photographers vest?

[sk66]

I already have:

Lowepro mini trekker...not loving it...

Mountainsmith Parallax...too huge for short walks with minimal gear...(but it will carry EVERYTHING I have)

Tamrac Velocity 7... close, but a *little* small and awkward at times..

Tenba Messenger... Great for Camera and a couple (lens/flash) and laptop to work...

When I'm out for a walkabout, it's for a couple miles minimum...4 hrs is not unusual (might cover 10 miles; might cover 2...) Comfortable and easy is critical...

Backpacks get to sweaty for long walks and are too hard to get to other gear...I want to be able to switch to my wide angle lens or slap on a flash quickly and easily.

Messenger bags and shoulder bags are generally uncomfortable or cumbersome for this kind of use (maybe a *small one*)


It was much easier when I was a broke photographer and had to make due with what I had...

BTW, I have 3 bad disks in my lower back and 2-3 in my neck (bulging/deteriorated/compressed/etc). They've caused issues with my legs and left arm at times. This makes my requirements for ergonomics more critical... I'm rt handed and sling bag types generally wind up on the left side of my neck for longer walks which can exacerbate the neck/left arm issue.....

I'm seriously considering a vest, but I think my wife might refuse to be seen with me...

[Jim Bryant]

I've been using Banana Republic and Domke. Domke Vests are more heavy duty.

[harrypalmer044]

hello,
I have been looking for a way to carry kit around without the need for a large bag so I looked here

http://www.fly-fishing-tackle.co.uk/...BEE_11620.html

have a look it might be the sort of thing your after. I am going to get one similar I think. Hope this helps.

[windrider86]

I purchased a vest off of E-bay some time ago. I dont wear it often and mostly use it when i am hiking. It allows me to carry a smaller back pack and has enough pockets to carry snack bars and filters and smaller lenses. Will hold a cell phone, Things that are a pain to get to if they are stuck in a back pack.
It has a hood (that unzips) for when it rains and is thick enough to protect from the wind. Could work as a pillow if I got stuck and wanted to lay down and nap for awhile.
I actually love it and was well worth the whole $18 bucks I spent on it.

[Jim Bryant]

Using Fishing vest for photography are really tacky. Their pockets aren't deep enough to hold your lenses.Check out here. Great sell up to 60%. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keyw...ex=electronics

Originally Posted by Murtasma

I like this idea I'm going to check out a few fly fishing vest to see if they fit my needs. I would expect them to be less expensive; would I be correct in this thinking?

[FotoMike]

Originally Posted by windrider86

I purchased a vest off of E-bay some time ago. I dont wear it often and mostly use it when i am hiking. It allows me to carry a smaller back pack and has enough pockets to carry snack bars and filters and smaller lenses. Will hold a cell phone, Things that are a pain to get to if they are stuck in a back pack.
It has a hood (that unzips) for when it rains and is thick enough to protect from the wind. Could work as a pillow if I got stuck and wanted to lay down and nap for awhile.
I actually love it and was well worth the whole $18 bucks I spent on it.

Sounds interesting do you know the brand name/model number for it?

[candleman]

i just carry everything in my backpack/camerabag.
i'd never wear a vest.. i'm far too fashionable for that

[Murtasma]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Using Fishing vest for photography are really tacky. Their pockets aren't deep enough to hold your lenses.Check out here. Great sell up to 60%. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keyw...ex=electronics

Hey maybe I wanna pull my rod out, bait the hook and catch a fish. Then proceede to gut it, start a fire with my lens and cook it there on the spot.

Photography vests look pretty tacky to begin with. After looking at some vests online however getting a dedicated photography vest is a more usable solution I agree.

[Jim Bryant]

Ha,ha,ha....funny.

Actually about a year ago I switched from the vests to a thinktank belt system. I use the Speed changer to hold four batteries and reporter note pads, a LC 75 pro bag to hold the 7-200mm lens, Lens changer 35 bag that holds the 28-70mm, a lens changer 15 bag which holds the 14mm and a all other stuff bag that holds CF card holders and my bussines cards. All this goes on a quick release belt around the waist. I also have a shoulder harness attached to the belt that helps hold it up. All this weight is distributed around my waist and shoulders. With the vest, the weight was distributed across my back and shoulders, which after a good hike, hurt like hell.

I remember the old days when I carried three cameras, one around my neck and on my shoulders, in the bag I had a 17mm f4.0, 24mm f1.4, 35mm f2.0, 50 mm marco f3.5, 85mm f1.2, 135mm f2.0 and a 300mm f2.8. No small wonder I walk like the hunchback of Notre Dame These days...gotta love those zooms.

Originally Posted by candleman

i just carry everything in my backpack/camerabag.
i'd never wear a vest.. i'm far too fashionable for that

[Murtasma]

I think I'll just lug around a block of ice and carve my own lens. There are just too many options out there.