Toting filters and lenses on the trail-your solution?

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jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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Not wanting to pull my pack off every time I need a lens change (I usually have my 18-55mm kit and 55-300mm telephoto with me), I'm looking for a quick access solution when I hiking. Same with filters; I have a pouch with a clip that is pretty good, but now I am adding a macro lens to my bag, so when on the trail I'll need access to it as well. I'm curious how those of you who hike with multiple lenses and filters (polarizer, ND, etc.) keep your gear handy on the trail. Thanks.
 
thestrangebrew1

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
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I don't have a solution but I'm wondering if something like a fishing vest with all those holes and pockets in front might be something to look at. When I was into fishing there were all kinds of pockets and slots to put stuff into. Maybe something worth looking at, but I'm pretty sure CuriousMike will respond with something more photo friendly lol
 
jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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thestrangebrew1 said:
I don't have a solution but I'm wondering if something like a fishing vest with all those holes and pockets in front might be something to look at. When I was into fishing there were all kinds of pockets and slots to put stuff into. Maybe something worth looking at, but I'm pretty sure CuriousMike will respond with something more photo friendly lol
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You might be on to something. I know there are vests made for photographers, so perhaps that may be worth a look. Let's see what else comes in. Thanks.
 
CuriousMike

CuriousMike

Diamond Member
Feb 22, 2001
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Unfortunately, I'm not going to be any help with this topic.

The only filter I use is my circular polarizer, and it's used on just my one lens.
When hiking anything more than a mile, I'm usually taking just the one lens and the CP.
It's rare that I use the CP.

I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I didn't know until a few months back that the CP could screw onto my existing UV filter. (Previously, I was unscrewing my UV filter and putting the CP on, then reversing operation.)

Edit: Is it possible for you to consider just going with a single lens solution, like an 18-200 ( or 18-270 ) ?
 
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Syborg1211

Diamond Member
Jul 29, 2000
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Aw, man I saw this pretty cool idea of a holster a while back, but it doesn't look like they're around anymore:

http://petapixel.com/2012/08/15/quikdraw-a-lens-holster-belt-that-uses-mounts-instead-of-bags/

Changing lenses on the move is quite cumbersome in general. I do prefer messenger bag style photo bags for easy access to lenses, but I think a lot of people end up just trying to bring a lens that covers as much focal range with as little optical compromises as they are comfortable with.

I personally never bring the telephoto with me on hikes since I'm more of a wide angle shooter, but also by the time I spot something far away like an animal or bird, it's already gone before I can think about swapping lenses out. Best solution is having two camera bodies with a wide on one and telephoto on the other. ;)
 
E

EOM

Senior member
Mar 20, 2015
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i like the idea of the fishing vest, or maybe a "tactical" vest....
 
blurredvision

blurredvision

Lifer
Oct 19, 2000
17,860
4
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I have the Passport Sling II (link to III version, mine looks the exact same). I've used it on vacation/trips a few times and I like it OK, but for frequent lens changes while still wearing the bag, it's not that great. The whole bag is soft, meaning it contorts and is not suited for quick lens removal and entry into and out of the bag.

If you have no problems taking the bag off your shoulder and setting it down to remove lenses, then I would recommend it. It's light and easy to sling cross-shoulder.
 
jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
2,768
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Syborg1211 said:
Aw, man I saw this pretty cool idea of a holster a while back, but it doesn't look like they're around anymore:

http://petapixel.com/2012/08/15/quik...stead-of-bags/
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Yeah, saw that Kickstarter setup before and thought "Perfect!" If it ever comes to market, I'd probably go for it. Hopefully, one of the bigger outfits will buy up the patent and put it into production. Waiting for(and investing in) Kickstarter projects is too much of a gamble for me. Excellent idea, though.
 
T

turtile

Senior member
Aug 19, 2014
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jhansman said:
Looks good for street shooting, but I could never have that around me on the trail. I love LowePro gear. My main bag (Flipside 300) is easily the best bag I've yet had.
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Why, do you cut through brush and things like that?
 
jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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No, but occasionally I will venture off-trail and those bags are just a bit too much bulk to have on your hips for that kind of trekking. Now I'm just thinking shorts/pants with roomy cargo pockets might just be the best compromise. I'll be carrying three lenses, and the macro and tele-zoom are both compact enough to fit a large pocket.
 
Aharami

Aharami

Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
21,205
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thestrangebrew1

thestrangebrew1

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2011
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jhansman said:
No, but occasionally I will venture off-trail and those bags are just a bit too much bulk to have on your hips for that kind of trekking. Now I'm just thinking shorts/pants with roomy cargo pockets might just be the best compromise. I'll be carrying three lenses, and the macro and tele-zoom are both compact enough to fit a large pocket.
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Did you settle with cargos or did you actually find a different solution? I was looking at some vests on Amazon and some actually seem pretty cheap but functional. I don't go hiking enough to order one, but I do go to Disneyland quite often so I might just get one to try out lol
 
jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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thestrangebrew1 said:
Did you settle with cargos or did you actually find a different solution? I was looking at some vests on Amazon and some actually seem pretty cheap but functional. I don't go hiking enough to order one, but I do go to Disneyland quite often so I might just get one to try out lol
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No solution yet, other than any available pocket that I can stuff a lens into. There are lots of photographer's vests out there, which are really just like fisherman's vests with bigger pockets. They are not practical for the hiking I do, but I imagine they would work fine for walk-around shooting at D-land. I typically wear synthetic clothing on the trail, and finding shorts/pants with large pockets in those fabrics will be difficult, if not impossible. I may have to move over to cotton shorts with those big ass goofy pockets you see now. Oh well....
 
Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
I use a capture clip to keep my camera on my pack's shoulder strap on trails. You could attach another clip + capture lens to the other strap.

Since I have Pentax, however, and I have a pack with molle compatible hip belts, I just attach a molle lens case for the purpose.

jhansman said:
Now I'm just thinking shorts/pants with roomy cargo pockets might just be the best compromise.
Click to expand...

After having your lenses swing around while walking, banging on your knees and pulling your pants down for a day, you'll rethink this idea.
 
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jhansman

jhansman

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Feb 5, 2004
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Gooberlx2 said:
I use a capture clip to keep my camera on my pack's shoulder strap on trails. You could attach another clip + capture lens to the other strap.

Since I have Pentax, however, and I have a pack with molle compatible hip belts, I just attach a molle lens case for the purpose.



After having your lenses swing around while walking, banging on your knees and pulling your pants down for a day, you'll rethink this idea.
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Hmmm, good point. I generally learn by experience, but you may have saved me that ;)

I use the Capture Clip for my camera (PD makes great gear), and love it; the lens clip looks like a good strap solution, but it's a bit pricey. However, I know that PD stands behind their products, so I reckon I'll save up. Many thanks!
 
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slashbinslashbash

Golden Member
Feb 29, 2004
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I like the Think Tank belt setup:

https://www.thinktankphoto.com/pages/belt-systems

Fully configurable, great protection for your lenses. Usually I will wear my main body + lens around my neck, and maybe 2 Lens Changer pouches for extra lenses. If I want to carry a crop body with a long (70-200) lens then I will add on my Digital Holster 20. The Digital Holster 20 doubles as a small protective bag for just the body + 1 lens. The nice thing about some of the longer lens bags is that they will let you carry two shorter lenses in one medium-sized pouch. E.g. I can usually put my 17-40 and 50mm prime in one of the medium bags (designed to fit a normal zoom such as a 24-105).

Taking the weight off your back/neck and putting it on your hips is a lifesaver! I have the medium-thickness, padded "Pro" belt. The best thing about this system is that it is super flexible, so you could (for example) put a single pouch on a standard fashion belt if you're just running around town and don't want to tow a bunch of gear; and you can also use it to protect your gear inside larger, non-camera-specific bags. You can carry a body+lens and a couple of other lenses in a carry-on, backpack, or messenger bag and feel that they are well-protected.

Oh and the pouches/holsters/etc. have a unique feature that lets you "lock" them into place using the loops on the belt; or you can leave them free to slide freely around the belt. Usually I let them slide so that I can push them behind me when I am walking through bushes etc., or pull them forward when I want to change out a lens.

Oh and speaking of strapping it to your backpack: I have a backpack with little d-rings on both straps. I use Op-Tech straps on all my bodies, and they have the quick-disconnect portion of the strap, which I can then swap out with extra straps with quick-connects attached to the backpack straps. Basically, I remove the actual "neckstrap" portion of the strap, then clip the small ends of the strap (still attached to the camera body) onto the tails connected to my backpack.

It looks like Op-Tech actually makes something specifically for this purpose now:

http://optechusa.com/Videos/ReporterBackpack.html
 
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Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
slashbinslashbash said:
Oh and speaking of strapping it to your backpack: I have a backpack with little d-rings on both straps. I use Op-Tech straps on all my bodies, and they have the quick-disconnect portion of the strap, which I can then swap out with extra straps with quick-connects attached to the backpack straps. Basically, I remove the actual "neckstrap" portion of the strap, then clip the small ends of the strap (still attached to the camera body) onto the tails connected to my backpack.

It looks like Op-Tech actually makes something specifically for this purpose now:

http://optechusa.com/Videos/ReporterBackpack.html
Click to expand...

Solid idea. Since OP already has a capture clip and (probably) anchor links, he might be able to fashion something similar with this: https://www.peakdesign.com/product/straps/anchor-links
 
jhansman

jhansman

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2004
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I got a lens case that works much like the ThinkTank ones do, but I haven't field tested it yet. My wife and I are going wildflower hunting tomorrow, so it will get it's first test. I really appreciate all of you who have offered your ideas here. I didn't expect to get anything like this kind of response, so again, thanks to all.
 
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