The Billingham X-Large Photo Vest (Stone) is hand produced in Birmingham England, and made with the same high standards as the rest of the Billingham line. It is manufactured out of Cordura 500 denier texturized, multi-filament material, which feels like brushed cotton. This material is supple and quiet, extremely important when noise must be kept to a minimum. The vest has four exterior, zippered 7x9" equipment pockets with a cloth flap. These pockets can easily carry spare camera bodies, as well as motor drives or spare lenses. There are two exterior, chest-height "hidden" 10" pockets on either side of the vest that can accommodate just about any size zoom lens. These horizontal pockets are deep enough to prevent gear from falling out of the vest. There are two concealed, horizontal 9.0" exterior zipper compartments that can store gear, which might not be used immediately. Two exterior, protected front flap pockets will hold press credentials, wallet, etc. Two pen slots are positioned on either side of the main center zipper. There are two interior chest height 7.0 x 8.0" zipper pockets for extra camera bodies and four interior open pockets for carrying filters, batteries, etc.
The vest has two stainless steel eyelets are secured to the vest for tying on light meters, etc. There are epaulettes on both sides with two position snaps for securing camera carry straps. The padded semi-shawl collar is comfortable and prevents chafing while carrying a heavy load. A heavy-duty zipper closes the vest, and a secondary snap tab, right at under-chest height allows the photographer to keep the vest closed while allowing for increased airflow.
| Material |
Exterior: Cordura 500 denier texturized, multi-filament Interior: Mesh vents |
| Design | Stone colored multi-pocketed equipment vest |
| Number of Pockets | 18 |
| Type of Closure |
Heavy-duty zipper Snap tab |
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Pros
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Comments about Billingham X-Large Photo Vest (Stone):
For "guys" not used to, or comfortable, walking around in public with even a modest-size camera bag, this option should be considered. This vest is well made and comfortable, even in warm/warmer places and seasons (say up to 90 degrees F). I use a Leica M9 for its compactness (and quality), and feel this vest is perfect for this application (or others with similar compact camera, lenses and accessories). Pockets and pouches are also available for maps and other needs. This vest is also styled so I don't think one looks like a photo geek. 'Not the thing to wear out for a fancy dinner, but fine for any/all daytime venues when on vacation.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Billingham X-Large Photo Vest (Stone):
This is a well-made item - good workmanship, nice fabric. However, by the way it hangs, I felt like I was wearing the jacket of a waiter in a restaurant.
The biggest drawback is the pocket arrangement. At the bottom front on each side there are, essentially, two cargo pockets - one behind the other (there's a third, split pocket on the inside, directly behind the two outside cargo pockets).
If you're carrying a lens or body in one of the outer cargo pockets, you'll be hard pressed to put any other bulky objects in the two others behind it. Essentially, the six largest pockets in the vest are reduced to two.
I'd recommend a vest manufactured by someone who understands more about a photographer's travel needs. I returned this vest to B&H and received a refund. Then I ordered and received a Domke vest - looks to be just as high quality, and the pocket layouts are perfect for my needs. Best of all, it costs about 1/4 of the Billingham.
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