I have a LowePro Street & Field (S&F) Deluxe Waist belt that accepts many lens cases, bags and other stuff in the S&F system, as well as any other gear thing that you can clip, slip or grip onto it. LowePro sells a set of straps for this belt, but I prefer to use a set of 'real' backpack replacement straps that I picked up from the repair guys at MEC in Halifax.
i use a tactical vest with modular component pockets. this allows me to modify per my needs. it also allows for resizing easily. fits either snug or loose per preference. it is capable of carrying everything in my kit with a full set of pockets but then i found i wasn't.
in the current config i can and do carry a 14-24/2.8, 24-70/2.8 70-200/2.8 vr and a SB900 with room to spare. oh i forgot there is an excellent flat modular pocket on the long pocket for business cards. i wear it snug so moving quickly in and around things is considerably easier. there is also approx 1.2 sq ft of velcro based advert space available high on the back
The chestvest looks pretty good, but I would not use one because the pouches sit too high. (for me.) Two reasons why this is so:
1: It makes it harder to get the lenses out quickly, as opposed to using a waistbelt & pouches.
2: I often hike with my belt-pouches and a full pack. This is not possible with the chestvest. I also use the exact same molle vest as sjms (although I use modified Lowepro pouches on it) for extra capacity, and this also would be problematic with the chestvest.
I like the Thinktank belts over the Lowepro, as the Lowepro's buckle is garbage. It loves to pop open. I also use the Thinktank large holster, but for smaller lenses I prefer the protection of the Lowepro pouches. Both companies belts & pouches can be used with each other. You'd also probably want to get one of the optional thinktank harnesses. (shoulder straps)
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Having said all this, if you are ONLY going to use your pouches, without a vest or pack, and you don't need super-fast access, the chestvest looks really good. carrying the pouches slightly higher, as it does, would be slightly safer & probably more comfortable as well.
I think that you'll like the Think Tank Belly Dancer with either the modular components or Skin system components. Also you may want to look at the Pixel Racing Harness from TT as another similar option.
Mike V wrote:
Portabrace do some good vests if you like that sort of thing.
its made from heavy cordura nylon real low breathability on tha except for the mesh back. relatively loose fitting so with gear in the lower pockets there is a bit of swing weight
skyvan wrote:
I think that you'll like the Think Tank Belly Dancer with either the modular components or Skin system components. Also you may want to look at the Pixel Racing Harness from TT as another similar option.
I also think the belly dancer is what you want. The reason is that it will definitely allow you to have pouches right in the front, as you show in your pics. With the other TT belts, depending upon your size, this may not be possible, as there is often a few inches of (unusable) adjustment-strap there.
This is because the Belly Dancer buckle is in the rear. The downside is that it's much harder to adjust for perfect snugness, for instance if you remove a jacket or heavy sweater.
Another small caveat: The belly dancer doesn't let you remove the shoulder straps. That shouldn't bother you (it wouldn't bother me) but you should be aware of this.
Newswear products are all excellent. Not discussed here much but that does not mean anything. I think it is funny to show a pic of what you want and then people say why you buy something else...but since everyone is doing it, will join in too. Personally, I don't like the whole harness or waistbelt thing...been there. It is a huge pain to manipulate for all the times you are not taking photos want to slip out of it and your arms are always hitting the misc junk hanging off when you walk. A vest is better for my shooting needs. The classic Domke is great for many situations. It you want to have really BIG stuff on your person, the Newsware chestvest is comforable, spreads the weight over your shoulders and waist...and is good for long periods of time. My tyical setup for a number of lenses is a Kenisis holster on a shoulder strap to fit my most used cam/lens combo. But it is rarely actually in the thing as I'm there to shoot, not haul stuff around. So that when empty weighs little and just gets pushed to the back...or I leave it in the car and just carry the camera. A couple of lenses in the big front pockets of a vest and ready to go.
In the end, be prepared to buy stuff and sell stuff until you figure out what works for you. Or buy a number of things for different shooting events/needs. Not a single one of these products are great for every situation which is why my closet if full.
I have the belly dancer from Think Tank. I altered the design though. I don't usually use the shoulder straps, so, I took them off. But, I added buckles to them (and the belt) so that I can put them on if I do want them. Also, with the buckles I added, I can put the belt on with the belt buckle at the front or at the rear and the shoulder straps will work either way. I really like Think Tank stuff, just this one could be a bit more modular.
The cotton carrier is a cool idea. Something I might actually use if I'm hiking or the like. A little impractical in news situations though when I need to carry a little more stuff.
There is a new system just like it (for belts atleast) called the Spider Camera Holster.
