I photograph a bunch of commencements in the spring and I'm looking at a different way to carry some gear, I've tried the shoulder bag, the belt and now Im thinking about looking for a vest - anyone using vests? It would have to be light weight material because of the warmer temperatures and Im hoping to get a vest that doesn't scream "Photographer" It wouldn't have to hold a ton - a 85mm 1.8, spare batteries, cell phone , cell phone charger
I 've looked at SCOTTeVEST, they seem very expensive to me. https://www.scottevest.com
I used to use an LL Bean fishing vest for my photography, but only in cooler/colder weather. It was a full fabric vest (no mesh panel), so got a little too hot at times. Worked well however to carry all that I needed for a shoot.
If you do decide to try a vest explore the sporting goods stores fist, as you will almost certainly find a very functional one at a lower cost than the SCOTTeVEST.
Check out the Pixel Harness from Thinktank https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/pixel-racing-harness-v3-0
You can attach pouches on the belt and either lock them in place or leave them unlocked to move on the belt. There are many pouches available from very small to large enough for large lenses or bodies.
The advantage of this system is it is modual and not hot like a vest can become.
David Yes I have. Also have used Chestvest which I liked, and Domke Vest which I also liked when I was a working photographer, but now retired.
They were all good but the Thinktnk was the coolest plus the variiety of pouches availble was great.
I’m in Hawaii and working outside carrying a heavier Chest Vest or Domke vest is not ideal. Also the Domke vest are a bit long and I had mine shortened by tailor who was on the crew of a TV show for free. I imagine if I had to pay for that work it would have been expensive.
As everything I’ve used from Thinktank Photo their vest system is well thought out and well made. And they are a great compny to work with and give excellant service.
Hate to say this, but get the Scottevest. It's the only game in town. I have tried everything out there for the last 10 years and it's the only product that ticks all the boxes. I have tried nearly all the options that this thread has recommended and they all fall short. I use mine to fly with (where it's very helpful to take extra stuff including lenses with strict airline carryon limits) and more importantly, use it in NYC when I'm walking around in the Spring and Fall. It's too warm for summers here (at least what I have and they have lighter-weight options now) Its fantastic for that job. I can have a small water bottle extra lens (or 2) and batteries, plus phone, wallet, keys etc all in the vest and not look like a pack mule. No bulging or weird shape. It just looks like a regular vest. The biggest con is that for what it is, IT'S STUPID EXPENSIVE. Buy once, cry once....
Twells wrote:
"Domke was cotton, heavy and a water sucker".
All true. Luckily being in New Mexico, the water sucker aspect didn't come into play much.
I never used my Domke in my home state or rarely in the States. In NM/AZ/UT I usually have a backpack
I had a Vested Interest vest at one time but it appears they are out of business.
Lately I use some of the cheap vests and have them reinforced and re-zippered by someone.
Vests work great, but before you buy anything, really think about what you need in the pockets. I found that I didn't need everything in a Domke vest and went with a simpler vest.
I like the vests designed for fly fishermen as they have a high cut,very large front pockets, and are able to breathe. Some hunting vests also have large front pockets meant for holding a box or two of shotgun shells.
For my part I prefer using a fanny pack like the LowePro Sideline Shooter that would hold a 70-200mm lens or two standard lenses.
Second fishing vest idea... photo-hobby specific gear always seems to run a premium for minimal differences (like gaming chairs vs regular office chairs ha)
They are comfortable, adjustable, lightweight (before you load them with gear) and if the pockets are empty, they fold flat. If you do have them loaded, they also save your back because they are centered with the suspender type straps.
I have been using these for 20+ years and have never found a better solution that allows me to carry a variety of gear depending upon the shoot and that is comfortable enough that I can wear it all day.
