Kinesis Photo Gear Modular Belt System

Review Date
October 17, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Reviewed by
sbronetto , Expert

Price Paid
$147.00 at Kinesis Photo Gear

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Outdoor

Summary
The Kinesis belt system is absolutely a back saver. The belt, lens and camera holsters are well constructed, easy to attach and actually very light weight for what the system can actually carry.

I shoot mostly travel and outdoor photography and as a avid amateur sometimes I carry to much. Since I use only Nikon gear and most are 2.8 lenses, it can get a bit heavy to carry. So I wanted the ability to change as needed and the belt system just works.

I also have the Kinesis Journeyman Backpack to add to the modular concept and these days offers added stealth factor. It looks like a regular backpack and can be taken on the plane in both Canada and the USA.

The overall system is well thought out and simple to use and modify. I have a multitude of backpack bags, shoulder bags and belt systems. I have tried just about every big name manufacturer, LowePro, Think Tank and even Crumpler (they don't make a belt system). Each are well made and useful in their own way, but I have always gravitated back to the Kinesis Gear. I found LowePro just to thick and rather bulky overall; Think Tank was much lighter, but seemed rather flimsy in holding the gear; and as for Crumpler, they make great shoulder bags and backpacks but they can be challenge to use with there large over hang flaps and smaller backpack straps for larger chested people.

Because of the fact that Kinesis Gear is medium weight, fully modular and functional to change as I need, carry onto a plane and then use effectively when I shoot, makes me think that I have the best of all worlds in just one system.

Strengths
Well constructed and effectively simple in its design. Kind of surprising because they are not a large company. The gear just works correctly. I have had this system for a few years now. Rain and snow doesn't seem to be a problem so far.

Weaknesses
Some can complain about having to change the pieces that go onto the system instead of having it all together, but I modify my needs as I go, so it is not a problem for me. Other than that no product quality problems.

Similar Products Used
LowePro and Think Tank for belts

Customer Service
Quick to respond, answer my questions and offer system suggestions.

Review Date
January 26, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Reviewed by
pd417 , Expert

Price Paid
$69.00 at Direct from Kinesis

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
I was in need of a good, sturdy tripod bag for my Bogen 3021BPro tripod (w/ 3410 head). I looked at numerous products, but didn't like the quality. A friend recommended Kinesis. I went to their website and found the T720 bag ($56), which was the size I was looking for. I called the company and spoke to Richard Stum, the owner. He gladly took my order and sent it out immediately via UPS.

It arrived, as promised two days later. I was amazed at the quality, construction and attention to detail. YKK heavy duty self healing zippers, double stiching, and outside storage pocket and most importantly, two external compression straps to keep the interior load stable.

I also ordered the Y515 heavy duty padded shoulder strap ($13). Constructed with the same attention to detail as the tripod bag. The strap is cut on a curve so it fits better when I carry the bag across my back.

Other bag and accessory manufactures should take a close look at how Kinesis does business, they are a model of excellent craftsmanship and customer service, two areas that are severly lacking in todays mass produced, assembly line world.

If this bag is any indication of the rest of the Kinesis line, they have me as a customer for life.

Strengths
Quality, value, superb materials and exacting attention to detail.

Each piece is produced in his shop in Mt. Pleasant, Utah by hand. Inside the bag is a tag with the seamstres' initials.

Weaknesses
None.

Similar Products Used
Domke.

Customer Service
First rate. Each time I called or e-mailed, the owner of the company would respond.

Review Date
May 4, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by
Brian Wilcox , Professional , from Sharon, ct usa

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Sports

Summary
If you are looking for a belt system I think this is the best on the market. maney sizes of lens cases, hip pouches,filter/120/220 film holders. will be able to fit any camera/lens combo. Handels the heavy loads with ease.

Strengths
I own the belt system with various size lens cases, pouches and camers lens combo wich will carrey any combo of lens/camera body with or without lens shades attached and with or without motordrives attached. All very well built. Stiching exlent,pading exlent,zippers and velcro exlent

Weaknesses
not realy a weakness but you realy need the shoulder straps to take the weight off of the hips.

Similar Products Used
tamrac

Customer Service
have not needed