Recommendations for a Photographers Vest/Jacket Please

I would like to see members recommendations for a photographers vest. I currently have a Alpinestars CPS Canon one which I have owned for a few years. Its excellent, has many pockets and can take a spare camera body, a couple of large lenses, my 1.4 & 2x extenders, phone, filters and many other bits and pieces. It allows me to have both hands free and not have to carry bags or backpacks. I’m looking for a new one without the brand names on them. The one I currently have causes too much attention. Its ok when I go to air shows or motocross events because everyone wears them but outings in the woods or other not so crowded events I would like something a bit more discreet. I’m looking for a good quality one.

Please if you copy some links for me to follow up on that would be very much appreciated. I live in the UK so do not really want to import from overseas and pay import fees/taxes delivery charges. Thank You.

Do you like that vest? If the branding and logos are drawing attention then why not just order some custom patches/name tapes to sew over them instead?

How about a used Eddie Bauer vest?
http://www.ebay.com …rwear&hash=item​2edac13398

http://www.tiffen.com …ame=domke&itemn​um=733-003

You didn't mention a budget, and this one is not cheap, but is available in the UK, is practically bulletproof, holds lots of stuff, and doesn't have big patches with camera company names.

I use vests from Country Innovation. Again, not cheap. But they have some vital attributes often missing from the competition. For me the most important are the padded shoulders and the collar - both help prevent painful rubbing/pressure from straps.

I'll make a decision after the Christmas/New Year period. My budget is up to £120. I'm liking what I see so far. Thank you for your recommendations.

The Humvee Safari vest is a personal favorite. It's the same vest that used to be sold around here as the "POTN photo vest" (with a potn patch sewn on).

It can comfortably carry a lot. I use mine all the time. Can fit a 70-200/2.8, 300/4, water bottle, handheld radio, and yet another telephoto in the back pocket plus numerous other stuff in the smaller pockets (small primes, teleconverter, memory, caps, notepad etc).

http://campco.com …-L+++++++++++&BrandID=H​MC

I own two (khaki, multiple colors available), Campco, Amazon and ebay sellers (new) are good sources.

Some links:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ari_Photo_Vest_​Large.html

http://campco.com/Prod​ucts.aspx?BrandID=HMC

Usually around ~$40-50.

Hey @PCousins,

Are you maybe interested to sell your old CPS Alpinestars vest..

I had mine for years, quite similar to this one - but I think that mine was a older model, unfortunately I have ripped it in the shoulder area..

However, if you are interested to sell it, please PM me!

And yes, my recommendation for you would be a Ogio flight west, I am using one right now - and love it, also lots of pockets.. A big plus point goes to it's hydration system (a special compartment for a hydration bladder).. And to me it looks more durable then the CPS Alpinestars one

I have a Scottevest travel vest that I use for photography when I'm on the road. It is actually a great vest for airline travel as well. They have a lightweight model for warmer climates. My only gripe with them is that they are pricey.

Vince792 wrote in post #17372988
Hey @PCousins,

Are you maybe interested to sell your old CPS Alpinestars vest..

Hi Vince, Thank you for your interest in my CPS vest and for the Vest recommendation. I am a CPS Gold member. I do not want to sell my Alpinestars vest. The CPS version of this vest is as rare as hen's teeth. I will on occasion continue to wear it at air shows where I will not feel awkward as there are hundreds of people wearing vests with brand names.

As a day to day vest I've just recently ordered a Tamrac vest from Amazon. I hope to receive it early next week. (see link)

http://www.amazon.co.u​k …=1-1&keywords=tamrac+vest

I realised latter I had another vest which I use to wear made by Domke. I would say this is the best one. Unfortunately It is a XL size when really I am a XXL size. I ate to much over the Christmas period and I could do with loosing some weight before I am able to get back into it comfortably.

I have investigated all the recommendations made to me and would like to thank everyone for their help.

i suppose I'm a few hours late for this thread, but your mention of being more discreet immediately brought to mind a Photo Jacket made by Manfrotto if I recall correctly. I saw them a couple years ago in a Calumet store and found them to look nothing like Photo garments I was used to. Extremely high quality and Expensive ($250-300+ USD), but very stylish. Something worth looking into for future reference.

I'd imagine it is available on the UK site...

http://www.amazon.com …ield-Jacket/dp/B004RCNS0G

I found a Domke one at a thrift shop for $10 which is a no-brainer. I wear it to all my outdoor events like festivals, marathons, and the such. Really great, holds everything and add some cargo pants and you're set to not have any bags for anything. I carry my 7D, 30, 85, and 11-16. I have and can carry my 70-200 as well along with a 430EX in pockets so it doesn't have to be attached. Just sayin'. It's great!

Have an older Canon vest.