What is Your Favorite Photo Vest?

Retro

Senior Member
I have a couple of photo vests. One is a Nikon vest, but on a photo outing this week, my daughter said I was overdoing it. I did look quite nerdy I guess, but as a Nikon/old school geek, I thought that was cool. My other vest is a Hummer, or HumVee, or whatever. I haven't worn it yet. It's an XL, and I think it's too big on me. Most or all of my jackets and coats are XXL, because I'm too big in the shoulders. I have to buy for my shoulders (if I want to be comfortable), and I always have to get my sleeves shortened.

Nerdy.jpg

I met a guy from work on this trip, and he looked at me like I was a freak. Either I should change the hat, or the vest, or the strap, I guess. I am known for my excesses.

My HumVee vest fits me too big, but I think it would be great under a Woolly Pully. If you don't have a Woolly Pully, you need to get one. It's like a 50mm lens. Get one here: http://www.outdoorknitwear.com/vee-...-neck-sweater.html#/size-xs/colour-peat_brown.

The HumVee is more nondescript, but I guess any photo vest, with an SLR, screams 'photo nerd.' When I pulled the vest from the package when I got it, I was surprised at how heavy it was. When I put it on I felt like I was carrying a couple of zoom lenses already. For summer days I need a smaller fit, and even if I had a smaller HumVee vest, I think it would be too hot because of the weight. If it fits nice over a sweater, I'll keep it and buy a Big Pockets for the summer.

When I searched this site for 'photo vest', before posting this, I came across the Billingham photo vest. I looked it up and I didn't like it. It only has 8 pockets. The Big Pockets has 12, and the 100% cotton Domke has 18. Why would I buy a vest with 8? The 100% cotton concerns me. I might buy it, but there would be times that it would be a bad choice. The Big Pockets is 100% nylon, and probably a better choice. In searching for photo vests on Google, I came across the Stealth Gear Photographer's Jacket, which I really like.

I'm interested in what other members here have. I might like yours better.
 

rocketman122

Senior Member
I used to wear a tamrac 3/4 type vest in the film days when I needed the space for tons of film. no way in hell would I wear a vest today. couldnt help but laugh out loud seeing your picture. I was actually laughing at how funny I looked. today its a lowepro belt and pouches.
 

Retro

Senior Member
You can't wear a get-up like I did and say "Don't laugh at me." I'm still in the process of finding that happy medium between having nothing and looking like an idiot. I know of one photo vest that is totally covert. I can't remember what it was. You can carry lenses and stuff and not look at all like in my photo. I always tend to like name brand stuff, but sometimes it's overkill. I'm sure there are high quality aftermarket camera straps that would be a great choice. I think I was on a website for one recently. I forget the name.

I want to be able to carry one or two telephotos, and a couple of wide angles without a camera bag, plus the other regular photo supplies.

I still don't see a reason to hide the fact that I'm out for photographic reasons, unless there is a specific reason why, depending on the time and place. If I really didn't want people to notice what I was doing, I would put a 50mm on the camera, and a telephoto in a pocket, and have the camera under a jacket on a no name strap.
 

Retro

Senior Member
I like the getup. Just lose all the Nikon adverts. You look like a walking billboard. Low key would be the answer here.

I was thinking that, but I had no idea what other Nikon users were doing or using in the same situation I was in. The way I see it, you have to try things out and see how they work, and also get feedback, and find out what experienced photographers do, so I appreciate what you're saying.

I get the impression that many of you have gone through the Photogs phase and left it hanging in the closet, like Rocketman said. I have to check out that Lowepro belt.
 
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Was just looking at photography vest for my upcoming trip to Utah. I really hate backpacks but am always wanting to have at least one other lens with me while I am away from my car this might be a good alternative.
 
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