Photo Vest?

[peterm1]

I have a dedicated photo vest that looks very like the Domke one pictured below (but is another brand). It was given to me as a gift. It is certainly practical as it has a large number of large and small pockets to hold photographic bits and pieces, but I seldom wear it as I just feel too conspicuous in it. (And yes - not a little dorky!) I usually just rely on my Billingham Hadley Pro to carry my gear.

In cooler weather I like to wear a loose military style field jacket. These have large patch pockets and are quite well suited to the purpose as well as keeping me warm and being commodious enough that if there is a rain shower, my camera can be concealed inside the jacket for protection from the elements.

 

[goo0h]

At the Texas State Fair I saw a gentlemen with a Leica (didn't see what model) and a photo/fishing vest. He may have been retired, but was most definitely not Japanese!

 

[Bobbo]

I had a photo vest once... it came from the fishing aisle at Walmart for a whopping $5. Found it slightly useful, but then I discovered cargo pants and a Domke F2 bag. Yes, I've ironed cargo pants for wedding photography use in the past (a little difficult to iron the pockets without practice, however). Now, if I could get a pair of cargo tuxedo pants, I'd go back to shooting weddings (and fancier ones which pay more) in a heartbeat 🙂.

 

[Keith]

I assumed that when I got my 'bloody great heavy and ugly' DSLR (D700), the photo vest would be supplied with it to complete my new look.

Seems I was wrong ... you have to buy them separately! 😱

 

[Pablito]

For people who are seriously into comfort and seriously uninterested in looks, there's always the Newswear Chestvest:

but they are really hot in hot weather. Otherwise excellent.

 

[ChrisN]

Even the lightweight mesh vests are pretty uncomfortable in hot weather (for me). I have the lightest of the chestvest setups, but only use it where no-one can see me! It is very handy when swapping lenses and fiddling with grad-ND filters etc, usually when I'm shooting off a tripod. Great when you're clambering around wet rocks by the sea, with nowhere to safely set a bag down and the need to move quickly. The belt and pouch systems might be better in hot weather, but they always feel like they're dragging my pants down! The guy in the middle of the photo looks coolest and least burdened, with just a Leica (perhaps two).

 

[Doug]

...The belt and pouch systems might be better in hot weather, but they always feel like they're dragging my pants down! The guy in the middle of the photo looks coolest and least burdened, with just a Leica (perhaps two).

Weight dragging at the pants is an indicator for using suspenders! They in turn are somewhat of a problem, as either the suspenders are exposed or you wear an untucked outer garment. Like a vest? 🙂

 

[ChrisN]

Yep! And back, pretty much, to where we started!

I think the answer is a single camera/lens and a spare roll of film in the pants pocket.

 

[Doug]

About the Billingham

About the Billingham

I ordered and received a Billingham vest... It's quite substantial, well-made on a thoughtful design. Very nice looking. With generous flaps over the pockets, it seems suitable for a bit of light rain. Just the thing for Fall through Spring, or even mid-summer in Seattle, Anchorage, or Birmingham England where this is made! But where the palm trees grow, it will be on the warm side I think.

It does have vents in the back, generous arm holes, and the front can be left open on a snap-tab. I think the padded shoulders with epaulettes will ease shoulder discomfort for all-day carry of a substantial kit.

Still shopping for a summer-weight photo vest...

 

[rlouzan]

Always buy the next largest size (cooler in summer and can go over a winter coat).