Waist Belts

Waist Belts

The other main type of waist belt for photographers is a more modular system. These are quite literal belts that allow you to clip your camera directly on, meaning you can draw it and shoot at a moment’s notice, holster-style. In many cases, these belts also allow additional pouches to be attached, giving you one again a convenient place to store your essential items. It’s worth noting that having your camera directly mounted to a belt in this way means it doesn’t have the kind of weather protection you get from storing it safely in a bag.

As with all camera bags – and really with all photography equipment – there are various trade-offs to take into consideration when looking at waist belts and waist-mounted camera bags. Different bags and belts offer different levels of padding. More padding means a bag or belt is more comfortable to wear for longer periods, but it adds to the bulk. If you opt for a bag, you may also want to consider the level of weatherproofing in the outer material, especially if you plan to do a lot of outdoor photography. A bag constructed from waterproof nylon or similar could save you a real headache if you’re out and the weather suddenly turns.

Waist belts and bags really come into their own for photographers who need to have everything to hand while maintaining a fairly slim profile. Wedding and event photographers in particular will likely find them especially useful – having a well-stocked waist belt will mean you always have spare batteries and cards to swap to at a second’s notice, and there won’t be any moments missed because you’ve had to run off to find your backpack. They can also allow you to easily field two bodies at once, with one in the hand and one clipped to the hip. Again, for events like weddings where you simply cannot afford to miss a crucial moment, this can be a lifesaver.

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