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Photographer’s vests


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16 replies to this topic

#1
Merco_61

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Does anyone still use them?

 

From a quick google, it seems like all the quality vests we used to have to choose from, except for the recently re-introduced Domke vest, are history. 
 

I have found one that looks like it might be useful, at least with my Z DX kit. I have ordered it and will try it out over the coming weeks. 
 

If it works with current equipment, going back to a vest instead of a shooting bag for shooting events and just going out and about will be nice.



#2
g4aaw pete

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I did buy one, & used it once.

It was £10 in Lidl - bargain.

It was sold as a fishing vest, but the pockets are big enough for lenses.

 

Whilst trying in out & taking a picture of a decorated post box, a member of the public asked which journal I was with.

 

This was a reason not to wear it again - also, no good during hot weather.



#3
Ron

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I have a couple, although one was sold as a "Traveler's Vest." The other one is a full on Photographers Vest and I always felt conspicuous wearing it. I also had the tendency to load it up with a lot of unnecessary items which made it terribly heavy. It was also hot, particularly in summer weather. I can't remember the last time I wore it... probably when I photographed an auto race a number of years ago. I suppose that if I were still doing that, I might use it more. It was handier than carrying a bag. Especially if you were using two cameras and two lenses exclusively. 

 

--Ron



#4
Merco_61

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With the Hama vest I had, I usually had two small bodies and a set of four lenses, two on the bodies and two in pockets The Nikon kit were two FE2 bodies, 24/2.8 Ai, 35/2 O, 50/1.2 Ai and 105/2.5 Ai. Some film in one or two pockets, cleaning supplies, a set of filters, including a polarizer and a notebook and pencil. The Hama vest had two layers of mesh as a loose lining to keep it reasonably cool.

 

What I am planning on trying out now is running two Zfc bodies, both kit lenses and my new 24/1.8. A lens cloth, notebook and pencil, extra batteries, colorchecker and a couple of extra memory cards will find their place in pockets. 

 

I never felt conspicuous wearing a vest when out and about as a photographer, there are situations where it is inappropriate, such as weddings or street photography, but otherwise it is just practical. I just hope the Rothco I have on order works for me...



#5
Ron

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Well, location makes all the difference. I never felt conspicuous while wearing it at the race track. I was just another photographer, and there were plenty of other photographers doing the same. But I used it a couple of times at botanical gardens or orchid shows and once at the Miami zoo and got some weird looks.

 

Two cameras and four lenses works pretty well although, personally, I hate changing lenses in the field. If the lenses are reasonably small, or mounted on one of your cameras most of the time, it won't be a problem. However, trying to carry even a mid range telephoto zoom in your pockets can result in a bulge that you have to pay attention to less you bang it on a doorway, etc.. In your case, I don't see a problem.

 

At the race track I settled on two cameras, one with either a long telephoto or more often a long telephoto zoom. The other camera sported a wide to normal, or short telephoto zoom. Sometimes there was a gap in coverage but this was seldom a s problem.

 

Sometimes I would carry a third body for insurance but I don't think I ever needed to use it.

 

--Ron



#6
fallout666

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i seen people use them over time when i started in 2016 or 2017. i only see them few times not all time. seen some use when at comic con. give ability to use when need have other gear need to add on to camera or quick way to swap out lenses if have 50mm or 85mm or 105mm to swap out since do not use 70-200mm inside the comic cons do to fact lens to long. 



#7
La Bikina

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I like to visit flea markets, I found rare triathlon blue swimsuit with Nikon logo as sponsor for 3 Euro and S" my size". :lol:

I think that these kinds of markets are good to find this kind of vest for photo, fishing, hunting or military ones that always can use for photography, shame my size S usually is one problem, often this kind of vest size is L, XL or XXL <_<


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#8
Ron

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I've never seen a photo vest in any size lower than large.

 

--Ron



#9
Merco_61

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The Rothco safari outback vest is made in sizes al the way down to S. I wonder how well it works for anything but fishing with 18 pockets on a size small... 

 

Rothco Deluxe Safari Outback Vest

 

It is probably difficult to find second-hand.



#10
Merco_61

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I am getting to like the Rothco I bought. It is starting to get broken in now and I am getting used to what belongs in which pocket...

gallery_1251_849_943827.jpg



#11
Ron

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For some reason, the one I got was pretty stiff... starch, I guess. Anyway, I had to run it through the washer a couple of times before it softened up enough to be fairly comfortable.

 

As long as you don't try to pack too much into a vest they can be pretty handy. That's the trap many people (myself included) fall into.

 

--Ron



#12
g4aaw pete

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I gave mine an airing this morning.

Not everyone made remarks or laughed.

 

I've had my model wear carpet slippers to off-set his scary appearance.

 

kAxj2SN.jpg



#13
Ron

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Scared the heck outa me! :o

 

--Ron



#14
La Bikina

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I was looking for one vest size S for me and I asked help to find it to another photographers of Barcelona that like to go to second hand markets, flea markets etc...

And one of them send me the Link of this photo and said your vest is there S size .....  :blink: 

 

d7p0yhi-a3c82e08-c8ec-425d-adf9-9cff826d


#15
La Bikina

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The boys take fun of me again :lol:

I'm still looking for a small vest :P

 

https://thevestguy.c...otographer-vest

Expensive OMG -_-



#16
g4aaw pete

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Ah yes - it will an Alaskan Puch vest for me - easy to blend into a crowd with one of those.

#17
Merco_61

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If you abandon the idea of getting a used one, I think Blockshops are Rothco dealers. You could go there and ask about what they have. 
Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest

Rothco Deluxe Safari Outback Vest