Do you wear a photo vest?
What kind do you prefer?
What do you like/dislike about them?
Billingham? Domke? Tamrac? Other?
What kind do you prefer?
What do you like/dislike about them?
Billingham? Domke? Tamrac? Other?
back alley
IMAGES
i used to but got tired of all the fishing jokes/comments.
plus that was when i shot slr.
plus that was when i shot slr.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I wear one when shooting an event...when it's just for me I don't...
I use the one that Woolrich makes...they call it a Guide Vest...
Likes: I can carry lots of stuff that I need when shooting and don't have to worry about not having what I need...I carry film, batteries, lenses, markers & pens, notebook, a piece of cloth for lens cleaning...
I find it easier to change lenses when using the vest vs. carrying and digging through a bag...
Dislikes: I carry all that stuff listed above...depending what I'll be covering I'll have at least four other lenses and possibly up to six...I've taken two of the heavier ones out...I use primes...not to keen on zooms...
Wearing a vest on a hot day is not what I would call fun and at the end of the day I'm beat...
Thanks Sam; I looked at Woolrich's website, and it appears the Guide Vest isn't offered now since a search brought me to their Utility Vest. Most of their vests seem to be on the warm side, and some are also quite civilized looking!
Joe, sorry to hear of the pesky jokes; maybe it was the lures and flies hanging on the front?
I'm struggling to remember (as usual) getting any such comments or questions myself...
When traveling or out specifically for a shooting project I work out of a bag but don't carry the bag around with me, just select what I need for the moment and lock the bag away. So I don't load a vest down with much. Not like these for pack mules!.... http://www.vestedinterest.com/khumbu.htm
Joe, sorry to hear of the pesky jokes; maybe it was the lures and flies hanging on the front?
I'm struggling to remember (as usual) getting any such comments or questions myself...When traveling or out specifically for a shooting project I work out of a bag but don't carry the bag around with me, just select what I need for the moment and lock the bag away. So I don't load a vest down with much. Not like these for pack mules!.... http://www.vestedinterest.com/khumbu.htm
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nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
Doug...
Here is an ebay auction of the exact Woolrich vest I use...Click here...
I have three of them, all the same except one is a medium and the other two large...
I'm about 5' 9" and weigh in at 185 lbs.
I prefer the Large size for ease of putting on...in checking them out it would appear that one has never been worn...yeah...I have a new one still...
Woolrich had them priced new at $89...so anything less is a decent price...
Here is an ebay auction of the exact Woolrich vest I use...Click here...
I have three of them, all the same except one is a medium and the other two large...
I'm about 5' 9" and weigh in at 185 lbs.
I prefer the Large size for ease of putting on...in checking them out it would appear that one has never been worn...yeah...I have a new one still...
Woolrich had them priced new at $89...so anything less is a decent price...
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David_Manning
Well-known
I think they're very useful. Style-wise, I don't mind as long as its not mid-summer when it's too hot.
Unfortunately, nothing says "tourist" like a multi-pocket vest.
That being said, I like that I can get passport, wallet, pen, map/guidebook, cellphone, key(s), lens brush, and hood in the pockets without them puffing out like a Michelin Man. That allows me to stay away from my hotel room all day and not get a sore shoulder. I'll just throw a small camera body over my shoulder, around my neck, or in a pocket.
It comes down to the decision of fashion-consciousness or utility.
I have a Domke with netting upper, in khaki.
Unfortunately, nothing says "tourist" like a multi-pocket vest.
That being said, I like that I can get passport, wallet, pen, map/guidebook, cellphone, key(s), lens brush, and hood in the pockets without them puffing out like a Michelin Man. That allows me to stay away from my hotel room all day and not get a sore shoulder. I'll just throw a small camera body over my shoulder, around my neck, or in a pocket.
It comes down to the decision of fashion-consciousness or utility.
I have a Domke with netting upper, in khaki.
David_Manning
Well-known
Colder weather:
Mild weather:
Mild weather:
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RObert Budding
D'oh!
Stylish
Stylish
Photo vests are very stylish when matched with Bermuda shorts, black over-the-calf socks, and black oxfords.
Stylish
Photo vests are very stylish when matched with Bermuda shorts, black over-the-calf socks, and black oxfords.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
I've got one but can't get over the "look at me - I'm a photographer/tourist/poser" feeling I get when I wear it. So I just try to reduce the amount of gear I carry and use a shoulder bag.
Besides which, the pockets don't fit my Rolleiflex!
Besides which, the pockets don't fit my Rolleiflex!
stewmander
Established
I don't wear a photovest, but have often thought one would cone in handy. Anyone ever try Scott Evest items? www.scottevest.com I liked the fact that the pockets are internal - no fisherman jokes haha
JayM
Well-known
I have never seen anyone wear a photo/fishing style vest before outside of hunting or fishing trips.
That said, I want a photo vest. It seems useful and I think being a little dorky makes you seem harmless, non-threatening, and approachable. Maybe even a little charming in a way. Carrying a bag all day is uncomfortable too.
edit: Now that I think about it, I couldn't really see carrying a spare lens or a flash in a photo vest but with a bag that's no problem. The extra pockets would be nice for film but I could probably do just as well with cargo pants/shorts.
Darn
That said, I want a photo vest. It seems useful and I think being a little dorky makes you seem harmless, non-threatening, and approachable. Maybe even a little charming in a way. Carrying a bag all day is uncomfortable too.
edit: Now that I think about it, I couldn't really see carrying a spare lens or a flash in a photo vest but with a bag that's no problem. The extra pockets would be nice for film but I could probably do just as well with cargo pants/shorts.
Darn
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Jay, I agree with you; it is useful and seems "friendly old geezer" approachable. I commonly wear a vest even when not out photographing, and tend to also wear t-shirts or sweatshirts with harmless/amusing themes like the Kliban cat or Far Side. And the vest may not be of the photo vest type.
Stewmander, thanks for the link to Scott EVest, an interesting concept.
Some of the vests have a large pocket either low on the back or mid-level. The latter remind me of the trauma plate pocket on the front of a ballistic vest. The iPad might help a little if shot in the back...
Sam, that Woolrich on eBay looks very similar to (a low quality) one I just wore out; I wonder if it's been discontinued, as I don't see it on their site. I'm about your size, so the XL one on eBay would be too large.
The more bulging with photo gear, the less stylish (or more unstylish?) the vest appears. But when out actively photographing, I think style yields to utility.
I'm a little surprised we're so style conscious about photo vests. I agree that substituting a sport jacket would bring it significantly upscale, and that's always an option too. I'm imagining Steve Jobs at a board of directors meeting. But if you cram a lens and flash into its pockets, the jacket loses what style it had. Then one considers a bag of some kind, maybe like a courier bag, while other clothing sets whatever style you want. That does sound attractive. I like pockets, but I don't really like them bulging.
What I find attractive about vests is enough outside pockets for small items like filters, meter, film, SD cards, phone, hearing aids, kleenex, glasses, keys, etc, and an inside pocket or two for checkbook, wallet, notepad, the mail, etc. Maybe a small second lens. I mostly carry just one camera over a shoulder anyway.
Stewmander, thanks for the link to Scott EVest, an interesting concept.
Some of the vests have a large pocket either low on the back or mid-level. The latter remind me of the trauma plate pocket on the front of a ballistic vest. The iPad might help a little if shot in the back...
Sam, that Woolrich on eBay looks very similar to (a low quality) one I just wore out; I wonder if it's been discontinued, as I don't see it on their site. I'm about your size, so the XL one on eBay would be too large.
The more bulging with photo gear, the less stylish (or more unstylish?) the vest appears. But when out actively photographing, I think style yields to utility.
I'm a little surprised we're so style conscious about photo vests. I agree that substituting a sport jacket would bring it significantly upscale, and that's always an option too. I'm imagining Steve Jobs at a board of directors meeting.
But if you cram a lens and flash into its pockets, the jacket loses what style it had. Then one considers a bag of some kind, maybe like a courier bag, while other clothing sets whatever style you want. That does sound attractive. I like pockets, but I don't really like them bulging.What I find attractive about vests is enough outside pockets for small items like filters, meter, film, SD cards, phone, hearing aids, kleenex, glasses, keys, etc, and an inside pocket or two for checkbook, wallet, notepad, the mail, etc. Maybe a small second lens. I mostly carry just one camera over a shoulder anyway.
ChrisN
Striving
Hi Doug - another option might be the Scottevest Travel Vest. I have the lightweight version in the sand colour for warm-weather wear, and it's pretty comfortable as long as I don't overload it.
I like that these don't look like fishing vests.
I like that these don't look like fishing vests.
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Leigh Youdale
Well-known
Now here's an idea! What about a pair of under-the-shoulder holsters like all the best TV plainclothes cops wear? They even wear them without coats (well, in the office anyway).
Leigh Youdale
Well-known
Twenty-two pockets???? I'd need to carry a map to find everything!
Thanks Chris; I saw the Scottevest, and it's very tidy looking. Interesting to put almost all pockets inside.
PKR, I see Bill Allard's vest pockets are well-stuffed! One assumes it works well for him. And from the pics he must work very fast. Thanks for the link.
PKR, I see Bill Allard's vest pockets are well-stuffed! One assumes it works well for him. And from the pics he must work very fast. Thanks for the link.
ChrisN
Striving
For people who are seriously into comfort and seriously uninterested in looks, there's always the Newswear Chestvest:
rbsinto
Well-known
My vest started life as a fishing vest and was purchased for about $30.00 at an army surplus store.
I have extensively modified it to suit my needs;
plastic dee rings replaced with brass rings,
foam lined collar attached to lessen strain of camera strap worn around my neck.
lanyards with spring clips sewn on to top two breast pockets to secure light meter and cell phone.
Pen holder from a previous vest sewn to front of jacket.
Velcro patches sewn to shoulders to mate up with Velcro on bag straps and camera straps for non-slip grip.
I'm less and less inclined to carry a camera bag while I'm out on the streets, so the vest holds pretty much everything I need.
Is it a bit 'dorky' looking?
Yeah. Probably. But I'm no Brad Pitt to begin with so what do I care. It serves my needs and that's what counts.
I have extensively modified it to suit my needs;
plastic dee rings replaced with brass rings,
foam lined collar attached to lessen strain of camera strap worn around my neck.
lanyards with spring clips sewn on to top two breast pockets to secure light meter and cell phone.
Pen holder from a previous vest sewn to front of jacket.
Velcro patches sewn to shoulders to mate up with Velcro on bag straps and camera straps for non-slip grip.
I'm less and less inclined to carry a camera bag while I'm out on the streets, so the vest holds pretty much everything I need.
Is it a bit 'dorky' looking?
Yeah. Probably. But I'm no Brad Pitt to begin with so what do I care. It serves my needs and that's what counts.
ChrisN
Striving
...could be worse.
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