Photographer's Vests
Nov 30, 2015 21:06:27 #
How useful is a photographer's vest? If they're pretty useful, what style and brand do you recommend?
Nov 30, 2015 21:14:29 #
I find it depends upon the circumstances. If lugging my bag around is more trouble than it's worth, then I use my vest, it's got something like 18 pockets, for any filters & lenses I think I might need for that particular outing. It's all close at hand and quick lens changes can be made without opening my bag and zipping it closed etc.
I've had the Domke vest for maybe 20 years and it's still in great shape and a great alternative to a bag sometimes. That's it in my profile photo.
I've had the Domke vest for maybe 20 years and it's still in great shape and a great alternative to a bag sometimes. That's it in my profile photo.
Nov 30, 2015 21:14:47 #
stramel wrote:
How useful is a photographer's vest? If they're pretty useful, what style and brand do you recommend?
I had not heard of these... . I'd like to know too.
Nov 30, 2015 21:45:17 #
Nov 30, 2015 21:59:04 #
After getting a good sling bag, I can see where a vest would be quite handy when a bag would be overkill and not necessary to be carrying around. I think it would also serve better when I'm taking my tripod for a walk.
Before spending a lot of money on a dedicated brand name photographers vest, Amazon has "Uncle Milty" brand vests for around $30 that appear to me, would serve the occasional user quite well. I think I may just go that route myself in the spring. If I find it used all the time, I can always go for better but I hardly think it would be a waste.
Before spending a lot of money on a dedicated brand name photographers vest, Amazon has "Uncle Milty" brand vests for around $30 that appear to me, would serve the occasional user quite well. I think I may just go that route myself in the spring. If I find it used all the time, I can always go for better but I hardly think it would be a waste.
Nov 30, 2015 22:05:06 #
I recently donated mine to Habitat. They said it sold pretty quickly. It was old, but in good shape.
I haven't looked at new ones, but the one I had was no longer appropriate for me. It had plenty of pockets, but they were small. The pockets were designed for carrying lots of film and batteries, a number of prime lenses, flashes, filters, etc.
Well, no more film, only need a couple of batteries, my lenses are mostly too big for the pockets, only need a couple of filters.
Today I find a small backpack handles things most of the time. A large backpack on occasion.
For those using vests, are the newer ones designed for today's equipment?
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I haven't looked at new ones, but the one I had was no longer appropriate for me. It had plenty of pockets, but they were small. The pockets were designed for carrying lots of film and batteries, a number of prime lenses, flashes, filters, etc.
Well, no more film, only need a couple of batteries, my lenses are mostly too big for the pockets, only need a couple of filters.
Today I find a small backpack handles things most of the time. A large backpack on occasion.
For those using vests, are the newer ones designed for today's equipment?
---
Nov 30, 2015 22:13:56 #
heyrob wrote:
I find it depends upon the circumstances. If lugging my bag around is more trouble than it's worth, then I use my vest, it's got something like 18 pockets, for any filters & lenses I think I might need for that particular outing. It's all close at hand and quick lens changes can be made without opening my bag and zipping it closed etc.
I've had the Domke vest for maybe 20 years and it's still in great shape and a great alternative to a bag sometimes. That's it in my profile photo.
I've had the Domke vest for maybe 20 years and it's still in great shape and a great alternative to a bag sometimes. That's it in my profile photo.
Are any of the pockets big enough to carry a 70-200 lens? I, too, have thought about a vest but if it won't carry that size lens it won't help me.
Nov 30, 2015 22:15:29 #
I hate to burst anybody's bubble, but, sadly, the Domke Photog Vest has apparently been discontinued. B&H no longer carries them. Amazon only offers them thru two retail partners (one of which is located in Japan and the other is in Korea).
Nov 30, 2015 22:44:50 #
luvmypets wrote:
Are any of the pockets big enough to carry a 70-200 lens? I, too, have thought about a vest but if it won't carry that size lens it won't help me.
Yes, most of the pockets are big enough to easily handle a 70-200 or slightly bigger. I typically have my 28-105 on my camera, but even at 4.5' long, and 3.5" diameter 4.5" with the tulip flare shield (again seen in my profile photo) it easily fits in the front pockets. I've usually got my 70-200, or 28-300, and my 17-35 wide in them when out and about.
The lower front pockets are 8" X 8 and pillowy enough to hold a lot of gear. The breast pockets are 6X6" and easily hold two battery trays for my Sony DSLR's.
Here are some good photos from an eBay listing...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Domke-PhoTogs-Men-XL-Tan-Safari-Camera-Film-Photographer-Vest-Zip-Front-Mesh-/262167309445?hash=item3d0a63ac85:g:fmsAAOSwwE5WW4sg
Nov 30, 2015 22:54:21 #
I have one purchased from Banana Republic quite some time ago. I like it for the access it provides to all of accessories I tend to carry. Snacks and water go in the daypack.
Similar to this oneĀ .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291621036525?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82
Similar to this oneĀ .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291621036525?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82
Nov 30, 2015 23:04:02 #
Tried one but it proved unwieldy itself, by letting me stash little things in pockets which I'd then forget. I found myself fumbling around trying to locate a circular polarize in a hurry, to capture an attractive subject jus right. I never developed an organization for the many pockets.
Then wearing it in the burning desert, one of my favorite places to go and take pictures for hours, wearing the vest made me sweat more. I gave it up.
Now I carry one camera bag that stows a camera with a lens mounted on it, along with a few accessories. Sometimes I'll carry two bags, the second one with another camera and lens mounted on it, including a few accessories.
I put bottles of water in my pockets. I may or may not wear a ball cap.
Outfitted sparingly, I go shoot many pictures.
Then wearing it in the burning desert, one of my favorite places to go and take pictures for hours, wearing the vest made me sweat more. I gave it up.
Now I carry one camera bag that stows a camera with a lens mounted on it, along with a few accessories. Sometimes I'll carry two bags, the second one with another camera and lens mounted on it, including a few accessories.
I put bottles of water in my pockets. I may or may not wear a ball cap.
Outfitted sparingly, I go shoot many pictures.
stramel wrote:
How useful is a photographer's vest? If they're pretty useful, what style and brand do you recommend?
Nov 30, 2015 23:04:29 #
Vests can be very useful providing you get a real photo vest and don't try to cheap out with a fishing vest, their pockets just are not big enough.
Dome is king, and they ARE still made. Hummer vests are also pretty good and half the price of the Domke.
Dome is king, and they ARE still made. Hummer vests are also pretty good and half the price of the Domke.
Nov 30, 2015 23:05:22 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Vests can be very useful providing you get a real photo vest and don't try to cheap out with a fishing vest, their pockets just are not big enough.
Domke is king, and they ARE still made. Humvee vests are also pretty good and half the price of the Domke.
Domke is king, and they ARE still made. Humvee vests are also pretty good and half the price of the Domke.
Nov 30, 2015 23:12:27 #
Nov 30, 2015 23:49:29 #
heyrob wrote:
Yes, most of the pockets are big enough to easily ... (show quote)
Thank you for the info and link for the photos. This is something I will look into.
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