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karel210186

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Anyone had any experience with the Billingham photo vest? I have been using a Domke but the metal zipper and clasp does sit exposed and runs risk of rubbing on the LCD possibly risking scratches. The Billingham appears to be very well constructed and covers all exposed zippers. Albeit at a price as it costs considerably more than the Domke. Anyone using this vest? How does it fit ie does it tend to fit larger or smaller compared to other vests?
--
Karel
 
I got tired of buying a new vest every year, So I switched over to a system made by Lowepro. You have to buy the vest, a belt, then the pouches, It is a little more expensive, But I like it a lot better, The weight on your shoulders is better. You can build it the way you want it based on the equipment that you need to carry.

I use it for my outdoor sporing event, great for hiking and taking nature & landscape shoots.

Below is a link to look at a sample from B&H, Adorama carries it also.

May or may not work for you, but it is worth the look

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/153225-REG/Lowepro_1951510_Vest_Harness.html
 
I've had this system for several years but don't find it works well for me. I presume you are referring to the Lowepro Field and Stream modular series which includes a vest-like harness and belt to attach individual pouches to?
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Karel
 
Yes that is the one.

I still have a few vest haning around that I use if I am shooing an indoor event. To me it seems that the expensive vest, ot the cheap vest, are all built about the same, the pocket lining rip out, etc.

Guess that if why they make so many different style, bags etc.

Good luck finding what works for you.
 
In the states the Billingham vest costs as much as 3 Domke jacket/vests so it should be a great vest. I use the Domke photog jacket with the removable sleeves to convert it into a vest and the zipper is nylon and covered with a flap so the only metal to come in contact with the LCD is one of the 3 metal buttons which is in the middle of my chest and above the point where the camera hits with the way I have the neck strap adjusted. I would not want the camera pushing this metal button into me chest anyway and I need the strap setup so it is long enough to operate the camera.

Since I got the Domke jacket I have stopped using the vests. The jacket allows be to carry as much but not look like a pregnant squirrel in the process. The Domke jacket is one photo purchase that has worked out very well.
 
Thanks for your reply. I agree the Billingham is expensive $300 vs $90 compared to the Domke. It does offer some nice features but I guess it should at 3 X the cost! I currently have a Domke and did like it but wears out quickly after about a year of reasonably heavy use. The Billingham hopefully will last longer but then again I could buy 3 Domke's for the price. The one thing the Billingham offers is the ability to put a long lens (advertised up to 600 mm in one of the front pocket) but not sure how practical that is nor how much room there is re expansion to do that. If it fits that large a lens then the size would have to be much larger than I would need is my thinking. That is not likely a lens that I would be sticking in a pocket anyway but it is an interesting claim.
--
Karel
 
I can't seem to wear out my 25 year old Bazooby Pro! Zippered sleeves that are removable, a hood that folds into a pocket around your neck, a see-through plastic ID holder, a zillion inside and outside pockets, big, tough zipper, finely woven canvas, etc.

The problem is, they made them so good that they went out of business!
Try this instead, Tamrac Model 153, World Correspondent's Vest
--
Steve Bingham
http://www.dustylens.com
http://www.ghost-town-photography.com
 
I have had the Billingham photo vest for more than 10 years. It is very durable. It is great for travel and it stands up to heavy use. I would highly recommend it. The pockets all have nice lining so things don't get scratched up. It is more expensive, but it is also more durable and made of good material.
 
the fit is good. there are plenty of pockets and plenty of room in each pocket. some pockets are lined with soft linings so nothing gets scratched. I love my and i still wear it most of the time on photo trips
 
Hi karel,

After having your Billingham Photo Vest for almost a year, what's your feedback on it?

Is it worth it?

Or do you have the urge to get another photo vest?

Kenneth
 
I have owned several vests over the past 40 years but never the Billingham. The vest I use now, and it holds a lot securely, is the Khumbu model by The Vested Interest, a division of Storrie Parachute Works located in Denton Texas.

http://www.vestedinterest.com/

John Storrie makes four different models and the garment is custom sized to your measurements. He will also customize it further if you need the pockets sized differently. I have worn out two Domke Vests in the past 20 years and it is unlikely I will ever wear this vest out. It is constructed of military grade nylon fabric with padded pockets. The weight of the gear is evenly distributed and I recommend the internal belt option if you plan to carry a full load. It can get heavy fully loaded but it is much better on the back and shoulders than a backpack or shoulder bag. Granted it is not as elegant as a Billingham, I am told the model I have is the same as is issued to US Air Force combat photographers.

I have never seen the company advertise but once I saw a friend who had one I had to have my own.
It is worth a look.
Edgar Payne
Gastonia NC
 
Thanks for your suggestion.

I have a similar vest, and I agree as to its utility.

However, its military look prevents me from wearing it more often.

I'm looking for a vest that looks...elegant...and comfortable enough for daily use, to put my cellphones and iPod and other gadgets, yet useful also when I'm going out on a shoot. I want a vest that does not call attention to me.

I want the vest to have ventilation, to be comfortable enough to use most of the time here in California.

I have the ScotteVest Travel Vest, and I like its design...however I don't like the material and the relatively small pockets.

Which is why I kept looking until I came across the Billingham.

The picture of the Billingham Photo Vest is elegant on the official website, however it does not look as good on the B&H and Adorama websites.

Anyway, I'm looking for feedback on whether the Billingham is worth the money, before plunking down $300.
 
At 4x the price of the Domke the Billingham is well constructed and should last a lifetime. I prefer the Domke jacket with the detachable sleeves to any vest. The jacket is a much more versatile solution and I don't stick out in the crowd the way I would the second I put a photo vest on with bulging pockets.
 
the Billingham is nice, but the material is a bit on the heavy side and can be a little too warm to wear
--
JBerk
 
Does anybody know of a vest that says photographer on it in a high visibility color for photography on road sides?

--
Drew
http://drewloker.com about.htm (me) (Equip list in Profile)
 
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