Lowepro S&F belt and harness system

[Heintje]

Anyone using this? How do you find it? I'm looking for something that i can use together with my lowepro minitrekker. Backpacks are tough to work with when changing lenses. I'm thinking of getting the S&F deluxe belt and some lens cases so i can move my lenses out when shooting. But I hear the using the s&f will make you look like a military person or a suicide bomber :D how is your experience?

[ShaolinTiger]

A lot of pros are using either the S&F Deluxe belt or the S&F shoulder harness as it's a lot more convenient for changing lenses quickly during events.

I personally haven't tried it though so I don't know how comfortable it is.

A normal waist pack is ok IMHO like Sideline shooter or Photorunner.

[Alan]

I have a fairly good collection of S&F and here's my 2 cents:

- A full setup with the shoulder harness does make you look like you are wearing A.L.I.C.E. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-purpose_Lightweight_Individual_Carrying_Equipment) military system. I suspect it was the basis of S&F design.

- Forget the light belt. The deluxe belt is far better and does not slip down your waist even if you are carrying a heavy load. I used it recently on a climb up Gunong Dato on full load and it was very comfortable. The only disadvantage is that it is rather thick at the back.

- Forget the shoulder harness. The thick shoulder straps are hot to wear in our weather. I found myself with bands of sweat on my shirt around the strap area. Sold mine to our Starving Artist who found it more useful.

- You can start small with a pouch/lens case and a belt but be forewarned: it is additive and you would not realise that you have spent a small fortune adding pouches/lens cases.

- The smaller pouches and all the lens cases are not AW-ed. Really unfortunate as the lens cases could really have better rain protection.

- The deluxe belt intergrates very nicely with S&F specified Toploaders to create nice beltpacks.

- Can be restrictive in event shoots if the space is cramped. Unlike shoulder bags which can be slipped through tight spots, the belt is affixed to your waist and the added bulk may require it to be taken off.

- If your lens has a small diameter or height, get the Lens Case 1N or 1S. I found it unnerving when I run and the lens is bouncing inside a loosely fitted lens case.

- Quicker lens changes? IMHO, that is a personal perference. With a shoulder bag, you can put the bag down and use it like changing table (not with a backpack of course). With the belt, it can sometimes be a bit of a fumble to change lens attached to your waist.

[Heintje]

Thanks Alan, very nice input. Well, I'm not a pro. But when i shoot, I find the need to change lenses very often coz i use mainly primes. I have 200mm with hood, 135mm with hood, 50mm, 16-35mm with hood. I would like to keep the hood on without the need to reverse mount the hood for faster access. No shoulder bag would be able to keep them that way. Shoulder bag would also be tough on my shoulder, as I used to use one before switching to a backpack. I got the lens case 4 just recently and find them too bulky but it helped a bit. the thing is I would need another lens case for the 16-35 and for that I'll need the belt to keep them together. another route I can go is get the rezo 170 to fit my 2 telephotos and a slingshot 200 for my camera, wide angle, flash, etc. But that would mean carrying to bags with the rezo swinging around. What do you think would work better?

[andythology]

I used to have this thought to get the system as well.
But I now my idea is, a CompuRower (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/notebook_camera/CompuRover_AW.aspx) AW. The beauty is it has a detachable waistbelt that is SlipLock compatible. Carries most practical stuff in most organized way. It suits me, not everybody. (haven't seen one yet, not sure about the size actually ;p)

[Alan]

Heintje, it depends very much on your shooting style. What do you normally shoot, events?

The true beauty of the S&F system is its mobility of a belt pack with endless configuration possibilities. I have sprinted short distances (trying to catch a bridal car!) and gone hiking/climbing with it. I wouldn't do the same with a shoulder bag and a back pack would have limited speed to access my gear.

I change my pouches and lens cases according to what gear I take with me. Your choices however, are limited if you like to store your lens with the hood mounted, hence the need for a Lens Case 4. I find even the Lens Case 3 too large for my liking.

I would suggest you consider having an S&F belt system with a Toploader 70/75 AW or Slingshot 200. Carrying a Rezo and Slingshot defeats the benefits of mobility.

[Heintje]

I shoot whatever I can, lol. Mostly, scenics and macro. Very rarely shoot events, and if ever, i usually stick with my 50mm if i were to shoot one. I need to toggle between 135, 50, and 16-35 when shooting scenics, and between 50mm, 135mm, and 200mm with extension tube when shooting macro. Probably, I'll start with the deluxe belt and 3 lens cases for each of my lens. I think I can still keep the rest of my things on the microtrekker. Does that make sense? :)

[noordin]

Anyone using this? How do you find it? I'm looking for something that i can use together with my lowepro minitrekker. Backpacks are tough to work with when changing lenses. I'm thinking of getting the S&F deluxe belt and some lens cases so i can move my lenses out when shooting. But I hear the using the s&f will make you look like a military person or a suicide bomber :D how is your experience?

alberto garcia (http://www.albertogarcia.ph/)

I have the complete set, bought through my friend. It's a real big help when you have to move around for your shots, like in Sepang for instance.

[Falcone]

I have both the Deluxe Waist Belt + Shoulder harness + Lenscase + Toploader and Nova 5 AW.

I first started with the Shoulder harness it's very easy for me to change lens without having to put down my bag, can even change lens while I'm on the move . Later I added a Nova for my more control photo shot.

I preference is when I go event shoot, sepang, Fashion and weddings etc where I dun have a save place to put down my stuff or always on the move I take the waist belt. For model, studio shot I take the nova.

Both has pros and cons. But that's just me.

[nitehawk]

I have both the Deluxe Waist Belt + Shoulder harness + Lenscase + Toploader and Nova 5 AW.


What size is your shoulder harness?

[Freaky]

Du nknow if this helps, but for me...

I was looking into the waist system, but then saw the "costs" of expansion. Since i am new to photog, decided to get a belt-bag instead... I knew i din want sling or anything else as I prefer easy access on the waist to change lens.

So i bought the sideline shooter, but found it too small, then switch to the off-trail 2 which is much better n bigger...

Although it does not have the flexability to change configuration as with the belt system, it still has the advantages of having your gear on u for easy access...

btw... anthing on the waist or vest makes you look like a suicide bomber... so i've been told...

[Falcone]

What size is your shoulder harness?

The shoulder harness label says is S/M, and the waist belt size 9 (I wanted bigger ones but Cathay didn't have bigger ones at that time)

[ted]

A picture of me using it with conjunction with a crumpler backpack.

it's an odd combo (http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showpost.php?p=413843&postcount=12).

As the photo wasn't taken by me I can't post it here directly.

[shakyhand]

A picture of me using it with conjunction with a crumpler backpack.

it's an odd combo (http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showpost.php?p=413843&postcount=12).

As the photo wasn't taken by me I can't post it here directly.

Looking at the waist.... really need an elastic waist belt.... no offense...:P

[leslie]

Ted u look pregnant :P

[Heintje]

Thanks to all who replied here, I got the S&F deluxe belt with the vest. Very comfortable. My problem now is that I realize that there's no lens case that can fit 16-35 with hood on. Now thinking to add on toploader, this thing is getting expensive :(

[thefifth]

I can't help but giggling all the way :P

[Alan]

My problem now is that I realize that there's no lens case that can fit 16-35 with hood on.

Have you tried Lens Case 4S? It is listed to fit a 17-35 with hood, so it may be suitable for you.

Now thinking to add on toploader, this thing is getting expensive :(

I don't want to say this... but I told ya so. :P

[ted]

Now thinking to add on toploader, this thing is getting expensive

Have you tried Lens Case 4S? It is listed to fit a 17-35 with hood, so it may be suitable for you.

I don't want to say this... but I told ya so. :P


think of it as an investment to protect your other investment dewd :cool:

[Heintje]

Have you tried Lens Case 4S? It is listed to fit a 17-35 with hood, so it may be suitable for you.



I don't want to say this... but I told ya so. :P


my lens is the mark 2 version, the hood is larger so can't fit in the 4s :(

[ddkwh]

going to ask a stupid question, but where can i get the belts ar? have tried a few shops but they dont seem to have it...:?

[Heintje]

going to ask a stupid question, but where can i get the belts ar? have tried a few shops but they dont seem to have it...:?

Got mine from YL Camera.

[nitehawk]

Got mine from YL Camera.

How much did you pay for?

[magic]

Try Newswear (http://www.newswear.com) and ThinkTank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com).. M using both systems depending on assignments :P

[easyihzy]

Try Newswear (http://www.newswear.com) and ThinkTank (http://www.thinktankphoto.com).. M using both systems depending on assignments :P

hey magic,

do you think this made-in-china safrotto is similar to the
"news wear" chestvest?

http://market.xitek.com/showmproduct.php?productid=6488

http://market.xitek.com/showmproduct.php?productid=6488

saw it on sale at digicolor booth at the KLPF, selling for around rm195.

btw for your newswear pouch, can you carry the camera with lens attached in the pouches , or must the lens be detached and stored in other pouches? thanks

[magic]

hey magic,

do you think this made-in-china safrotto is similar to the
"news wear" chestvest?

http://market.xitek.com/showmproduct.php?productid=6488

http://market.xitek.com/showmproduct.php?productid=6488

saw it on sale at digicolor booth at the KLPF, selling for around rm195.

btw for your newswear pouch, can you carry the camera with lens attached in the pouches , or must the lens be detached and stored in other pouches? thanks

quiet similar i would say.. i dun normally put my camera into the newswear. not practical. i carry it with one lens attached to it all the time and the rest sits in the newswear.. the bigger newswear version can fit a 1d series body in it. they have a 3 sizes.