Search attempts coming up with "no matches", so I'll try asking.

Any suggestions for good quality/reasonably priced photographer's vests--that with lots of pockets to be able to carry everything nicely on one's person (and more easily zip through airports without having to check bags or trust baggage handlers?

Thanks,

Steve

I don't own one myself, but I'm pretty sure the Domke vests are well-regarded. B&H has a lot of vests to choose from.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=search&Q=&ci=448

I've used a Domke PhoTOGS for several years and it does the job for me, holds up well, about $65 at B&H. Eighteen pockets!

Portabrace also makes a nice vest.

Hmm don't own one but try Walmart's fly fishing jackets or sportsman jackets at a local hunting store. they might be cheaper, and be what your looking for. They should have a lot of pockets for the outdoorsman

Thank you very much, guys!

Steve

How do you do the same thing.. .carry a few lenses and your slr without looking like dork in a more metropolitan setting? or say, you are a small female who wants to blend in?

lala

How do you do the same thing.. .carry a few lenses and your slr without looking like dork in a more metropolitan setting? or say, you are a small female who wants to blend in?

lala

Did you really want a vest, though? Or are you looking for a camera bag? I'm looking for a new bag and did a bit of digging......

I'm waiting for more news on the SHOOTSAC (http://www.shootsac.com/)camera bag designed by Jessica Claire. I know it sounds dumb to some people, but if you are a shorter female, some of the backpack-style camera bags just don't sit quite right. This new bag is just hitting stores now, so I don't know how easy it will be to find it. Here are more details from the designer's blog (http://jessicaclaire.net/index.cfm?postID=91). I like the customizable fabric cover. Even though some people might think it's dumb, I think it's kind of :cool: !! But Jessica Claire is a pro photographer, so she's not just designing this bag for looks. :)

Edited to add here are a couple more shots (http://jessicaclaire.net/index.cfm?StartRow=11), showing the gear that the bag carries.

There are always the usual bag manufacturers, as well, but I'm not sure if you have already looked at things like the LowePro Mini/Micro-Trekkers and Sling-bags. (I kind of like the smaller slingbags and they are supposed to be easy to get your gear in and out without having to take the bag off your bag - you just let them slide them forward on your shoulder and they have a side-opening).

I also quite like the Delta and Echo Naneu Pros (http://www.naneupro.com/products/mo-d/). They have removable camera-protection inserts so you can use the bag for other purposes and they have useful pockets designed for things like iPods or cell phones. They have a :cool: little compass on some, also.

Tamrac Messenger and Express Bags (http://www.tamrac.com/AdventureBacpacks.htm) are kind of nice, also. Like the Naneu Pros, they give you some choice in colours.

One thing I really want to avoid is adding a lot of extra weight. Some of the bags will easily add an extra 2 or 3 lbs. I want as light as possible!!!!

I also have a Sigma Compact Hyper Zoom Aspherical Macro Lens (http://www.shutterbug.com/equipmentreviews/lenses/0103sb_sigma/), which is not perfect, I know, but it is an all-purpose lens for days when you really don't want to carry more than one lens. I think it's a nice choice for days when you are strolling around and want to have your camera on your shoulder and ready to shoot whatever happens to come your way. I know some folks will say it's not as good as dedicated function lenses, but I'm pretty happy with it and I really want that versatility/simplicity some times. Other times, I am more willing to carry a couple of lenses in order to get the specific type of shot.

Here's a few ideas:

ThinkTank's Urban Disguise series: http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_UrbnDsgs2.php. The larger ones look like laptop bags. I don't have one of these, but I do have their belt system to carry gear when hiking. They aren't cheap, but their stuff is built to last. Seriously, you could have elephants tap-dancing on their stuff and it wouldn't fall part. You could also go with a Digital Holster bag - comes with a shoulder strap, and if you get 1 size larger than you need, you can tuck a spare lens in the bottom of the bag. I just ordered a DH-20, which I should have next week.

Crumpler's "X Million Dollar Home" bags (X = 1-7, Bazillion): http://www.crumplerbags.com. My apologies in advance for the hideously unfriendly website, but they do make excellent bags. The 6-Million seems to be a popular size on the other photography websites, and could pass easily as a messenger-style bag.

LowePro SlingShot bag - http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx. I've got a Slingshot 200, and it can hold everything I'd need for a day of shooting - it's my primary gear bag for when I'm not hiking. Mine normally holds my D70 w/ 18-200 mounted, a 50/1.8, a 100/3.5, a flash, batteries, memory cards, remote release, and I've still got a decent amount of space left for whatever other bits I want to bring. Looks like a sling-style backpack. Only downside is that it probably isn't as female-friendly thanks to the large strap cutting across your chest. My wife wore it once and was not a fan.

I'm loving the shootsak. That is sort of what I am looking for. I can't wait to order one or three. ;)

Honestly, I carry my big lancel bucket bag a lot of the time in the winter because it is really easy to take my camera in and out of it. In the summer I have another bucket bag, but its not as easy and sometimes I want to dress things down.

lala

I'm loving the shootsak. That is sort of what I am looking for. I can't wait to order one or three. ;)


The ShootSac bag is available for ordering now at:

http://www.shootsac.com/

It's not cheap ($179 + optional covers), but it does look pretty cool. If you order using a code (debut), you get a 10% discount.

I'm pretty sure I'll get one - it looks so useful for carrying gear.

LowePro SlingShot bag - http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Sling_Bags/Designed_for_Digital/SlingShot_200_AW.aspx. I've got a Slingshot 200, and it can hold everything I'd need for a day of shooting - it's my primary gear bag for when I'm not hiking. Mine normally holds my D70 w/ 18-200 mounted, a 50/1.8, a 100/3.5, a flash, batteries, memory cards, remote release, and I've still got a decent amount of space left for whatever other bits I want to bring. Looks like a sling-style backpack. Only downside is that it probably isn't as female-friendly thanks to the large strap cutting across your chest. My wife wore it once and was not a fan.

Best camera bag ever! ^ :) ^

I have a Slingshot 100 and it is too small. Also got a chance to checkout the sling bag made by Tamrac recently in search of a larger upgrade and Slingshot beats it hands down. Whoever designed this bag either really lucked out in creating the almost-perfect bag (because no one bag will ever be perfect) or really spent a lot of time thinking about what a camera bag should do and be.

Things I would improve about it: add some useable pocket space for personal items (wallet, a snack, a map, keys), add a place to strap on a small tripod and put a strap thing on the side to attach a water bottle holder. Three little things and it would indeed be the perfect bag (for me, anyway) . I am female and it doesn't bother me or many of my like-gendered friends, but I could see how it has this potential. You just have to try it on loaded with gear and see.

I'm hearing a lot of good about these (http://www.procameragear.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=36) I also heard B&H has good ones.

I already have a vest that I got at a festival some 10 years ago.

You could also look at tackle shops and fishing vests. They are practically the same thing.

The ShootSac bag is available for ordering now at:

http://www.shootsac.com/

It's not cheap ($179 + optional covers), but it does look pretty cool. If you order using a code (debut), you get a 10% discount.

I'm pretty sure I'll get one - it looks so useful for carrying gear.

Good god, its very expensive, cute, but very expensive.

must think this one through.

Good god, its very expensive, cute, but very expensive.

must think this one through.

I can't stand the way they named the things at shootsac. It's like they are trying to make the bags out to be cuddly toys.

Bag itself isn't to my taste anyway.

How do you do the same thing.. .carry a few lenses and your slr without looking like dork in a more metropolitan setting? or say, you are a small female who wants to blend in?

lala

To the contrary, I've found wearing a vest will get you access to places off limits to most normal people. The vest gives you what many people think of as a "professional photographer" look. It helps if you dangling a couple of plastic ID-looking things off a lanyard as well. :)

Many times, I have been able to set up directly behind or next to the pro videographers (they don't view you as a competitor with just a still camera) at "name events". I start by promising to stay out of their way and then follow through by doing so. They've already established where the great sight lines are. Might as well capitalize on them if you can!