There are lots of pockets, biggest issue I have is that the only pocket big enough for a relatively large lens
like the 100-400 is in the back, which is not the easiest to get to. I can't speak to the Domke - Tamrac, but this one seems to be very utilitarian.
I have tried both the Cabella's safari vest and a Domke. The Domke is finished more nicely, and heavier, but that isn't always the best thing. Both get the job done. I like a vest with several small zip pocket for my compact flash card wallet, cell phone, wallet.
I am thinking of getting a fly fishing vest for when I am in waders shooting waterfowl. The standard vests are too long and get wet.
Even though Artie and some of the other folks love their high end Vested Interest vests, I haven't felt the need to go that way. A lot depends on what you are shooting, how far from the car, how much gear you want to carry, etc.
I would probably try an inexpensive one like the Cabella's and use it for a while, to see if you are really a vest guy! I also have Think Tank belt systems, and I use them at times also.
As far as carrying gear goes the Vested Interest is the winner hands down !! Have one but don't use it much.
The Domke would be my favorite as far as fit, room etc ... but don't use it much either.
Have a small belt pouch that fits the 100-400 or 70-200 f4.0 on the back side and in the front carry three extension tubes, spare battery and wide angle lens at times. Converters go attached to the tripod in a pouch, have another leg with a pouch which carries the extension tubes at times.
Find I do better with less gear and can't think having lots of things around me. Basically it is a personal decision and we all will come up with a different solution ... all depends on circumstance !! There is also the belts system which I have tried but felt uncomfortable with the bulk.
btw the little pouch I use is from Lowepro could dig up the number if anyone is interested.
I have had the Vested Interest (Sold to our leader James) and the Domke. I like to be cold, the vests breath but they are still hot. I changed to the Think Tank Belt System for holding gear in the field.
The problem with vests, IMO is that all the weight goes on the shoulders and that is uncomfortable. I sold the Vested Interest and now use a Think Tank harness/belt system that I like and can wear for long periods of time with much less discomfort and fatigue.
I have the Domke but find it hot and uncomfortable on my neck when loaded with stuff.
These days I"m more inclined to use a small waist pack for flash/tc's/wideangle etc and the cotton carrier system to carry one or 2 cameras and lenses.
The beauty with the cottoncarrier is that I can shoot with up to 3 bodies at a time and still have my hands free if I need to. I recently did a 27km mountain bike trek and 7km hike with my 7d+100-400 on the cottoncarrier and several accessories in my waist pack and it worked out great. No neck or back strain and my camera was immediately accessible for wildlife opportunities.
Recently in a Dunham's store I saw fishing vests — priced at about $40, if I recall correctly — similar to one I bought there a year or so ago for photography. I've found vests with and without a substantial back pocket.
Also, recently at Ace Hardware, I found a similar vest for about $40.
An advantage of these is that before purchase you can try them on (and see if your lenses, etc., will fit in pockets).
So far I've rarely used the vest I bought — not because of any problem — so I can't comment on how well it will work or wear.
Last edited by Stuart Frohm; 05-20-2010 at 06:54 AM.
Reason: fix typo
I also much prefer harness systems to vests. I tried two TT systems (deluxe and skin set) but sold them both -- the belt was just too hard to adjust and the non-detachable waterproof covers on the deluxe system made it hard to get quick access to stuff.
I now use the Lowepro deluxe belt and harness system and love it. I carry one or two extra lenses, water, batteries, memory cards, teleconverters, iPod & speaker, hang my Gitzo 5561T monopod from the belt and still have room for my Kinesis L511+harness to haul a big telephoto+camera.
The harness system allows you to dress appropriately for the day and doesn't add any insulation. The weight is evenly distributed and you can adjust everything so that your arms can swing freely so it's very comfortable on long hikes.
photo camera vests
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