Since RBP reminded me of this forum in General Asylum, I'm now posting like an excited monkey.

Anyways, I just wanted to promote the Kinesis Belt system. No, I don't work for them :). I bought one of their belts before I went on a photo trip this past summer, and man, lemme tell ya, I _LOVE_ it. I can store my Canon mounted to a 70-200L in one of their bags that's hanging on my hip. In fact, when I was at Arches N.P., I was able to leave my Lowepro on the rocks, just use the Kinesis and slung my Bogen over my shoulders, and climbed some rocks up to a ledge to get an incredible shot. I could never have kept balance with a Lowepro on my back, but I am able to move completely unhindered with my belt.

They're not cheap, but I carry 3-4 lenses, cleaning paper, cleaning solution, a GPS, 2 filters, step-up rings, my Elan body, and 8-12 rolls of film, all around my waist.

Highly recommend!
Keith

• Kinesis Belt Systems

 Re: Camera bags John C. - Aussie 00:07:24 03/24/01 (2)
 Re: Camera bags Jim Couch 00:55:44 03/24/01 (0)
 Re: Camera bags Keith 00:15:54 03/24/01 (0)

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 Re: Camera bags John C. - Aussie 00:07:24 03/24/01 (2)
 Re: Camera bags Jim Couch 00:55:44 03/24/01 (0)
 Re: Camera bags Keith 00:15:54 03/24/01 (0)

I've got enough carry bags for a photo club and are still undecided what is best. I also like the belt pouch but find it a bit uncomfortable at times and not best for telephoto lenses and a heavy camera. For some expeditions a small backpack which converts to a hand trolly (for under plane seat travel) has worked well but I'm not game to wear it in places frequented by clever thieves as gear could disappear out the back before I knew it.

The larger shoulder bags are great to keep everything together but are rather tiresomely heavy to cart around all day when travelling, particularly if carrying a tripod too (my wife hates me taking this with us). Probably the best compromise I've found is to use the waist belt for extra lenses and a smaller shoulder carry bag for camera with general purpose lens (24-120 mm) fitted + flash.

I'm interested to read of other experiences - ideas.

John

If you're into photo hikes, then again, I *highly* recommend you try out the Kinesis. They have a 30-day money back anyways. Personally I hate having to take off my Lowepro, set it down, open it up, balance it while I'm changing lenses, etc.

For that matter, my Kinesis allows me to store my body with the 70-200 and its lens hood in the firing position inside the belt-case... I can pull it out and have it at eye-level within 3 seconds, and all I'd have to do is hit the shutter.

For some reason the weight doesn't bother me... the belt is heavily padded and is very thick. I hiked throughout several national parks this summer, including a 5-6 hour stint in the Zion Narrows (Virgin River), and I never complained of it.

Why am I pushing for the Kinesis so hard?? Well... I actually met a lot of people last summer during my photo trip who saw me changes lenses all the time while standing up, just reaching around my belt pockets, and they all said, "Hey where do I get that??". I'm so proud to look like a dork with all these black pouches hanging off my hips, but have so much fun shooting nowadays, that I'd wanna share with others. :)

Happy shooting,
Keith