The best photo vests might not be the cutting edge of fashion, but they will save your bacon when you've got a lot of kit to carry. We've rounded up the best photo vests available to help you choose the best vest for you.
While the best waterproof jackets for photographers and the best rain covers for cameras might be better equipped to handle sudden downpours of rain, the best photo vests are designed for pure practicality and ease when you're on a kit-heavy photoshoot. With pockets aplenty to choose from, photographers can easily store away their memory cards, spare batteries, lenses and more – the hardest part will be remembering where you've put everything!
Being able to keep all of your photo gear on your person can be crucially important, especially if you're in a situation where you don't want to carry around a camera bag. Plus, a photo vest or photo jacket that's designed with wildlife photography in mind is usually constructed from quiet fabrics that won't rustle. Plus, it'll also feature slits and openable flaps that should help make crouching down easier. Some photo vests or photo jackets will even come with a hood with a wired peak, which is designed to keep the rain off your face as you watch for your subject.
Deciding on whether you want a traditional photo vest sans sleeves or a photo jacket is the biggest decision you'll have to make. However, if you already have a trusty waterproof rain jacket, then we'd recommend going for a photo vest.
Domke is the photo vest that has been worn by professional photographers for decades. The PhotoTogs disappeared for a number of years, but is back on sale again - providing the traditional desing that many of us have loved. This is the vest that accredited pros were given at the London Olympics. A big attraction of this vest is the two huge back pockets, in which you can stow away lenses until you need them. There are 12 pockets in all, and a detachable vinyl-windowed holder into which you can put your ID or press pass.
A traditional-style vest that is made from 100% cotton, which will appeal to those working in warm conditions, or who want something that is washable. This budget option boasts that it has 21 different pockets - ensuring that every accessory you can think of can be stored away its place
As the name suggests, this Humvee vest has a more military appearance, compared to the Safari option in the company's range. This is made of nylon and breathable mesh panels, for use in all conditions. There are 14 pockets available for storing your gear.
This vest is designed for use by professional videographers in mind. It has 23 pockets to cater for the needs of those involved in electronic news gathering - for brick batteries, walkie-talkies, tools, and much more. This has a robust feel, and made with cordura to ensure it is waterproof - but comes with a pro-level price to match its credentials.
This is a modular system that needs to be used with one of Lowepro’s S+F belts – so the vest itself is just one element of the purchase. 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.
Choosing a photo vest
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1. Find the right size:
Most of the sizes available will be as expected, but if you're in doubt then you might want to size up – many of the vests will have drawstring waists and adjustable cuffs.
2. Pockets galore:
The most useful thing about the best photo vests is how much they can carry. Some even have pockets that are big enough to hold a lens or two!
3. The sound of silence:
If you're a wildlife photographer, you'll know how important it is to invest in wildlife-friendly clothing. Look for a neutral color that won't attract attention and a rustle-free fabric without any noisy hook-and-loop (also known as Velcro) fastenings to be as stealthy as possible.
Read more:
Best rain covers for your camera gear
Best waterproof jackets for photographers
Best camera bags and cases for photographers
Best messenger bags for photographers
Best camera sling bags
