Photo Vest Recommendation

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Looking for a good photo vest, to carry stuff in the field, filters, batteries, cards, some lenses, and odd and ends. I looked at the Magnum Extra-hand vest, but I don't think it comes in small (for women). Any others you would recommend. Thanks.

[William Malacarne]

I use a Domke that I like very much.

http://www.tiffen.com/results.html?s...e+Camera+Bags&

Bill

[Charles Glatzer]

Jackie,

I gave up the vest thing years ago, opting instead for at first the Lowe pro Street and Field, and now using the Think Tank belt system. The vest was to warm in hot weather, and cumbersome when loaded with gear. The shoulder/belt systems allow for easy on/off of equipment pouches, etc with proper placement for balance regardless of the gear taken. You can choose the minimalist approach our load yourself up according to requirements. And, the harness and belt can be adjusted to accommodate both cold and warm weather clothing.

I highly recommend the Think Tank system ... the pouch designs are second to none in craftsmanship, functionality and materials.

I suggest you try before you buy...either item.

Best,

Chas

[Grace Scalzo]

Jackie,

I've tried backpacks, (several models), a plain old belt from my closet with pouches attached to it, and a vest. Was resistant to the belt system as I don't like things hanging from my waist. Been experiencing back and shoulder pain from the backpacks, so just bought the think tank belt that Chas is speaking of. Only one outing with it, but I really like it. I think that the super padded belt is what makes it work. Maybe something to consider.

[Fabs Forns]

Alfred an I both use the Vested Interest, they are custom made to your size and specifications:
Artie and Linda use them also

http://www.vestedinterest.com/

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, I will start doing some research. Gracie, I did the backpack route too for awhile and almost did my back in as well. I don't think they are ergonomically designed at all for photography.

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

I can highly recomend POTN stuff excellent value for mony, I have two vests and they are great, confortable and last real well and I do give them ****.

I also cut down one for fly fishing $34 compared to my $450 Fly vest that lasted two years.

http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=30

[Jay Gould]

The POTN safari vests are the Humvee Vests - I just bought the Safari - not very expensive. Problem is that the pockets are not large enough for serious glass - very tight to carry the 70-200. They are closed on the sides like a normal vest. If I like using the vest as I travel these next seven months then I would get the Vest Interest vest as the pockets are large and the sides are open.

What I like about the vest idea is that specific pockets can be designated for stuff you carry on every shoot - cleaning stuff, batteries, etc, and then you only have to add the lenses you want.

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

You are right Jay and that is why I use a Lowepro back pack. I found putting lenses in pockets made them prone to damage when bouncing off rocks, doors etc.

The vest I find very useful for odds and ends, filters, caps, cleaning gear, 1/2 bottles of Malt Whiskey, EEEpc, Freeagent hard drives, diabetic food supplies, keys, wallets et al.

My main problem is with age comes a defficiency in short term memory and some times it can take me me quite a while to find the pocket with the 1/2 bottle of malt in it.:)

[James Shadle]

Vested Interest.
I've never used a better field equipment transportation device.

Padded shoulders!!!!!
And the weight is distributed so evenly that you can carry more equipment for longer periods without fatigue.
Great pocket layouts(the Artie model is my favorite)and they last!

James

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

You are right James looks like great gear.

http://www.vestedinterest.com/

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Thanks everyone!!!