6 top photo jackets and vests tested and rated

By jmeyer | Accessories | Reviews | 26/11/2012 13:50pm

1 Comment

Photo jackets, vests and harness systems provide comfort and instant access to your gear. We’ve found 6 of the top photo vests and jackets on the market and put them to the test.

Back row, from left to right

Matin Photographer’s Vest

Price: £60
Buy: www.cameraclean.co.uk
This vest weighs next to nothing when there’s no kit stashed into its many pockets. It’s well stitched together and feels robust, with Teflon coating to increase water-resistance. It’s a very good buy at this knock-down price.

SCORE: 4/5

Lowepro S+F Technical Vest

Price: £100
Buy: www.lowepro.com
This modular system needs to be used with one of Lowepro’s S+F belts, which start at around £45. You can fit any of Lowepro’s utility bags, pouches, filter holders and so on to the vest. It works well, but can prove pricey.

SCORE: 3/5

Billingham Photo Vest

Price: £190
Buy: www.billingham.co.uk
Created with Billingham’s high quality of craftsmanship, this vest has ten pockets on the outside and lots more on the inside, some deep enough for items 60cm long. The pocket layout is symmetrical, to balance the load.

SCORE: 4/5

Front row, from left to right

Domke PhoTOGS Vest

Price: £110
Buy: www.domkebags.co.uk
Plenty of mesh areas around the chest and upper back improve ventilation. The varied pockets built into the front have Velcro fastening tabs, and there are two pockets at the back. It’s very comfortable, but doesn’t give much protection against the elements.

SCORE: 4/5

Stealth Gear Extreme Urban Photographer’s Jacket/Vest

Price: £230
Buy: www.stealth-gear.com
This superb waterproof jacket converts into a vest with a tug on the sleeve zips. There’s a mesh face mask plus two detachable hoods. It has lots of pockets, and the jacket’s back even has a pull-out sheet for sitting on.

SCORE: 5/5

Vanguard ICS Vest

Price: £65
Buy: www.vanguardworld.co.uk
Vanguard’s harness system works in the same way as the Lowepro S+F and is best used with the ICS belt, which costs £35. Additional bags are available for camera bodies, lenses and flashguns. The range isn’t as extensive as Lowepro’s, but prices are a little cheaper.

SCORE: 3/5

Posted on Monday, November 26th, 2012 at 1:50 pm under Accessories, Reviews. You can subscribe to comments.