Photographer's Vests
Dec 1, 2015 08:45:51 #
I bought a SCOTTEVEST for a 13-day trip to Italy. The vest is well made, has 22 pockets, some of which are downright silly. The biggest plus here: the vest is discrete, since the pockets are all inside/hidden, so it does not look geeky.
Dec 1, 2015 09:14:15 #
I have one and it looks geeky. It is also heavy and hot. BUT there are times when it comes in handy so I keep it. I bought a Domke for my son. He is a big fella and so the weight doesn't bother him. He uses it all the time.
Dec 1, 2015 09:16:32 #
Rick from NY
Loc: Sarasota FL
Surprised no one mentioned the usefulness of a photo vest on an airplane. For times when what I need for a shoot will not fit into my carry on bag, I can "wear" the vest with a lot of small gear in it to my seat and then stash it in the overhead.
I use a Domke vest in the field and when carrying a bag or backpack won't do, the vest is a valuable tool.
By the way, I use a backpack often for transporting gear, but I do not consider it an alternative to a vest. How fast can you get a piece of gear out of a backpack that is on your back? I seldom use a backpack other than for moving a lot of geat from point A to point B. I find them useless when actually shooting unless it is lying open on the ground and this limits the ability to move around.
I use a Domke vest in the field and when carrying a bag or backpack won't do, the vest is a valuable tool.
By the way, I use a backpack often for transporting gear, but I do not consider it an alternative to a vest. How fast can you get a piece of gear out of a backpack that is on your back? I seldom use a backpack other than for moving a lot of geat from point A to point B. I find them useless when actually shooting unless it is lying open on the ground and this limits the ability to move around.
Dec 1, 2015 09:17:42 #
Something struck me as funny going through this thread. In a woodworking forum if somebody asks 'what drill do you use?, half the respondents post pictures of their drills. In auto forums if somebody puts chrome exhaust tips on their car, they post pictures from every angle.
Here, on a photography forum, no original pictures, only links to manufacturer's pictures.
What gives. :)
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Here, on a photography forum, no original pictures, only links to manufacturer's pictures.
What gives. :)
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Dec 1, 2015 09:26:14 #
stramel wrote:
How useful is a photographer's vest? If they're pretty useful, what style and brand do you recommend?
I have an Outback Vest that I love,has a lot of pockets for all my stuff.No need to carry a camera bag or backpack!
Dec 1, 2015 09:27:12 #
An issue that has not been addressed specifically in detail is the inside vs outside pockets. I have a Scott vest that I use whenever I am traveling, but mostly for non-photography stuff. The majority of the smaller pockets are intentionally on the inside to provide security of the contents (money, passport, airline tickets, cell phone, etc) and a sleeker overall presentation. I find some of the pockets a bit awkward to get to at times because of the need to use two hands to operate the zippers (i.e., hold vest away from body with one hand, reach in with the other). Also, if you sling a camera bag or tripod strap over the shoulder(s) (or worse, across the chest) and hang a camera around your neck you further compromise access to the inside pockets. Outside pockets provide more ready access to your stuff but also advertise the contents to thieves.
The "weight" of the vest is also something to think about. As you fill the pockets with heavier items like batteries and lenses it drags down constantly on the shoulders. Yes, the weight might be better distributed compared to a camera bag with a single shoulder strap, but it is quicker and easier to doff a shoulder strap or even a backpack than to take off a vest. Getting in and out of cars is easier with a bag or backpack that you drop on the rear seat compared to lifting the cargo pockets that are loaded with lenses, batteries, flash, etc. Maneuvering in tight or awkward places (caves, hiking/climbing) is also often easier with a bag that can be put down temporarily, swung ahead or handed to a buddy.
Another consideration is the nature of the shoot itself. A day of walking around on vacation or on a hike with a camera and a vest can work very well. You may find it has room for sunglasses, hat, water bottle, snacks, plastic rain poncho and camera rain cover in addition to your camera bits. However, a wedding photographer would probably best be served with multiple bags vs vests where he chooses the kit he needs for a series of shots and then moves around unencumbered by those loaded pockets.
One post mentioned a mesh inner to enhance ventilation in the heat, but I think that is a minor consideration. The vest will always be hotter than a bag slung over the shoulder or a backpack that only covers the back. On the other hand, that vest can provide a bit of extra warmth on cool days. And when the weather gets colder you will probably find that you can't put the vest over your parka, so your pockets will now be less accessible. But then again, your spare batteries will be under the coat where they stay a bit warmerÂ… for awhile.
I have used several vests, bags, and backpacks over the years. Each has its advantages over the other, but these are very dependent on the circumstances and nature of the photography mission. There is no perfect solution, and you will get accustomed to a system and find ways of getting around or tolerating the minor annoyances. Good luck with it.
The "weight" of the vest is also something to think about. As you fill the pockets with heavier items like batteries and lenses it drags down constantly on the shoulders. Yes, the weight might be better distributed compared to a camera bag with a single shoulder strap, but it is quicker and easier to doff a shoulder strap or even a backpack than to take off a vest. Getting in and out of cars is easier with a bag or backpack that you drop on the rear seat compared to lifting the cargo pockets that are loaded with lenses, batteries, flash, etc. Maneuvering in tight or awkward places (caves, hiking/climbing) is also often easier with a bag that can be put down temporarily, swung ahead or handed to a buddy.
Another consideration is the nature of the shoot itself. A day of walking around on vacation or on a hike with a camera and a vest can work very well. You may find it has room for sunglasses, hat, water bottle, snacks, plastic rain poncho and camera rain cover in addition to your camera bits. However, a wedding photographer would probably best be served with multiple bags vs vests where he chooses the kit he needs for a series of shots and then moves around unencumbered by those loaded pockets.
One post mentioned a mesh inner to enhance ventilation in the heat, but I think that is a minor consideration. The vest will always be hotter than a bag slung over the shoulder or a backpack that only covers the back. On the other hand, that vest can provide a bit of extra warmth on cool days. And when the weather gets colder you will probably find that you can't put the vest over your parka, so your pockets will now be less accessible. But then again, your spare batteries will be under the coat where they stay a bit warmerÂ… for awhile.
I have used several vests, bags, and backpacks over the years. Each has its advantages over the other, but these are very dependent on the circumstances and nature of the photography mission. There is no perfect solution, and you will get accustomed to a system and find ways of getting around or tolerating the minor annoyances. Good luck with it.
Dec 1, 2015 09:31:08 #
Aside from products sold by Scotteest, photographer's vests are not at all subtle. You must prepare yourself psychologically to go out in public wearing one - at least do. :D
Dec 1, 2015 09:36:39 #
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.
Believe it or not I have an Orvis fly fishing vest...I have never counted the number of pockets but it has 4 large pockets in front and 4 smaller ones. There are others all over the thing that are ideal for filters etc... it also has a large pocket in the back that was originally designed to carny fish back to camp...its waterproof and would easily accommodate a large telephoto
Dec 1, 2015 09:37:57 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Aside from products sold by Scotteest, photographer's vests are not at all subtle. You must prepare yourself psychologically to go out in public wearing one - at least do. :D
Good point!
Dec 1, 2015 09:38:36 #
jerryc41 wrote:
Aside from products sold by Scotteest, photographer's vests are not at all subtle. You must prepare yourself psychologically to go out in public wearing one - at least do. :D
Absolutely correct. But in some circumstances it is beneficial to stand out from the crowd (of tourists) as the more serious photographer. Add in the travel tripod that you always keep on the camera (just fold the legs and sling the kit over your shoulder) and people will know that you are on assignment and not just on a holiday. :wink: :wink:
Dec 1, 2015 09:54:32 #
take a look here:
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-outerwear/mens-work-vests/mens-work-vests.aspx
one for $40.00..... another $90.00..... 10 different models!
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-outerwear/mens-work-vests/mens-work-vests.aspx
one for $40.00..... another $90.00..... 10 different models!
Dec 1, 2015 09:54:45 #
Ranjan
Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!
heyrob wrote:
...
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.
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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.
...
This is good to know. I was always a bit concerned about lenses bumping into surroundings etc. Never used one but with advancing age (etc.!) the thought of having the weight (lenses and flash etc) distributed as opposed to being concentrated in a bag hanging from the neck and shoulder sounds like a good idea! Not to mention the hassle of opening the bag and fishing out the gear each time ...
Dec 1, 2015 10:03:16 #
A few pictures using my favorite lens, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 lens (mounted on my Canon 6D):
Bill_de wrote:
Something struck me as funny going through this thread. In a woodworking forum if somebody asks 'what drill do you use?, half the respondents post pictures of their drills. In auto forums if somebody puts chrome exhaust tips on their car, they post pictures from every angle.
Here, on a photography forum, no original pictures, only links to manufacturer's pictures.
What gives. :)
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Here, on a photography forum, no original pictures, only links to manufacturer's pictures.
What gives. :)
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Landform, Near Canyonlands NP
View of Green River, Canyonlands NP
Roadway, Near Canyonlands NP
Dec 1, 2015 10:10:49 #
What does this have to do with answering the question about Photographers Vests?
anotherview wrote:
A few pictures using my favorite lens, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 lens (mounted on my Canon 6D):
Dec 1, 2015 10:20:48 #
anotherview wrote:
A few pictures using my favorite lens, the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 lens (mounted on my Canon 6D):
What I had in mind was members sporting their favorite vest and showing what they carry in them. Manufacturers claims are sometimes not in line with reality.
But, even with no vest showing, nice shots.
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