I like to be inconspicuous and travel light, D200 + 17-55 & 55-200, extra memory cards and batteries, this lot is transported in a non branded faded brown canvas messenger style shoulder bag, not a lot of protection but it does not attract any attention.
What photo bag are you using?
(201 posts) (112 voices)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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I use a Nikon backpack, which gives me room for my camera body, four medium-sized lenses, a tripod and monopod, an SB-400, and batteries, memory cards, cables etc. Not convenient for quick access to lenses, but very comfortable and durable.
Posted 4 years ago # -
I've been an avid fan of LowePro kit for years.
But now I have discovered Think Tank... really excellent quality bags, and really nicely put together.
I have a large collection of bags though - both Think Tank and LowePro, and use whichever suits the amount of equipment I need on a given day. In the market for a larger bag, and my sights are set on a Think Tank Streetwalker.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Having moved to a bit longer lenses recently with hoods (the 17-55 2.8), my old bags that were shoulder style (lowepro/nikon) couldn't fit the fat hood/longer lens, and my backpack (tamrac) was a bit trouble to quickly access while walking around, and I feel a bit self-conscious walking around with this kind of lens around my neck in some places. I think this may be a common dilemma for traveling shooters..
I've found the tamrac velocity 8x a clever shoulder/backpack hybrid bag that fits this lens perfectly (hood attached and ready to shoot) with just the right amount of space to fit a telephoto next to it (I put a 300 f4 there). I lost some shots I'd like to have taken at niagara falls because I couldn't quickly access my camera when there wasn't a lot of mist and put it away when mist was everywhere. Well, just another 2 cents on bags..
Posted 2 years ago # -
Just got a Think Tank Retrospective 20. Was SO GOOD, I sold all my other bags (Kata 467, Crumpler 7MDH, and Lowepro Toploader).
I kept my Domke F3x for casual, tourist/traveling use. TT Retro 20 for shoots.
I shoot with a D3/24-70/70-200/50 1.4 + SB900.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I just bought Tenba Messenger Bag. It's alright but not that great. Quality wise, i think it's kind of lacking.
**Link Removed**
Could anybody recommend me a shoulder bag or messenger bag that would fit a 1 DSLR, upto 4, 24-70 mounted on camera, 80-200, and 14-24 plus a 50 prime in addition to a flash unit. It would be a plus if it would have a space for a laptop but that' not really necessary for me.
I really like the Tenba bag I just bought but it just doesn't seem very durable. The zippers alone look like they are going to break any second.
If you have a look at the Tenba bag, you will see that it has an additional top zipper on the front cover of the bag for a quicker access. I really LOVE that. And if I could find something similar that would be great, in worst case scenario I would just mod any other bag, and sew in an extra zipper myself.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I recently shelved all of my Lowepro backpacks, Photoflex bags, Hakuba hard cases, and body holsters. I went with a Cabela binocular harness for my Nikon D90 body, and all ThinkTank photo bags for the rest of my gear:
1. ThinkTank Skin 50: I bought three of these (and plan to buy two more for my SB-800 and Quantum Turbo). These belt-worn bags are incredibly versitile, yet very compact--they either hold two lenses (it has a removable divider), or one super-wide (with hood-forward). I usually keep both a Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 and a 50mm or 85mm in one of these. They're very accomodating, and their oversized Velcro closure and large cover flap make hasty open-close movements quick, yet secure. Two small zippered pockets on the flap is a convenient touch (great for memory cards, filters, etc.). Each bag comes with a detachable raincover.
2. ThinkTank Lens Changer 75: The 75 is a belt-worn, extendable, soft lens case. I bought one of these for quick access to my AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G VR zoom. I can even insert the 80-400mm with both the tripod collar and the lens shade intact (not reversed). Two large elastic-mesh pockets on the outside of the soft case are great for storing quick-access expendables like lens tissue and fluid. This lens bag also includes a detachable raincover.
This set-up allows me to carry a pile of short and long lenses, with hoods on, and enables extremely rapid lens-changing in the field. I wear them on a military-style pistol belt. My trusty monopod is slung through a flashlight 'O' ring holster, also on the belt.
Check out the ThinkTank line--they're bound to make something you'll like. Affordable and expertly designed, I think they're the best, most well-thought out bags on the market, and have markedly improved the speed at which I can shoot.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My problem is only with that the Tenba bag doesn't have a great quality to it. Otherwise it's pretty damn good. I have looked through ThinkTank, and I kind of like the Urban Disguise 50, but I would have to try it out. Maybe I will make the trip to BH Photo soon.
Posted 2 years ago # -
LowePro Slingshot 200. I like the versatility of having quick access to my gear without taking the bag off. However when I am either on a shoot or at an event where I just have my 18-105 lens with me (maybe my 50mm stashed in a cargo pocket), I just use my Black Rapid RS-7 strap. The slingshot 200 stays in the trunk of my car or someplace safe.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have had a LowePro CompuDaypack for about four years. I use it daily for getting my laptop to work and back. It has three general compartments. One tall and skinny for the laptop near your back. One very large and open one that I use for all my chargers, cord, headphones, iPod and other miscellaneous stuff (including lunch) that I take to and fro. Then there is a bottom compartment that is the camera area. it worked very well with my D70s, but not well at all with the D700/24-70 combination. Not really an issue as I don't normally carry the D700 to work.
I also have a LowePro Mini Trekker AW backpack that I use when traveling or carrying lots of gear. It can handle both cameras with lenses on and a couple extra lenses, the flash and the MB-D10 battery pack.
I want the ThinkTank Retrospective 30 or the largest one. Would be nice to not scream camera gear everywhere I go.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Lowepro computrack in my case. A great bag for traveling !
Posted 2 years ago # -
I imagine camera bags must be a very profitable business to be in especially with the digital explosion since 2005. There are so many bag designs for different purposes I really feel you need to be careful to avoid having a collection of camera bags up to your waist hiding away collecting dust in the corner of your studio or room. I am guilty as well but not too bad. I have three bags currently and only use the Lowe Pro Sling shot AW200 now. I use it for travel, hiking and of course work. Some of the models on set claim its ugly and hard to wear! haha
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have the LowePro Protreker and love it, I do a lot of nature photography which requires hiking and scrambling, its very comfortable for a day of hiking and is fully waterproof zippers. Also has a fast tripod carrying system.
Only drawback, even though its specified as 'carry on' size, is that it won't fit in the overhead compartments of small puddle jumper planes because of the thickly padded straps.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Has anyone noticed the LACK of consensus- just confirms, bags are highly personal and depend on the oerson and use...I went into central park last week and wanted a bag that was inconspicuous and soft (so I could nap on it)...unpacked the retrospective and took the domke f3x...
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use Tamrac Velocity 6X cases on smaller cameras in the field and Tamrac Velocity 7X cases for D300 - D700. I own a couple of thousand in cases and have had Pelican, use Lowe backpacks still when needed. But I value the Tamrac Velocity 6X cases way beyond all the others. They can be used out in a river, hiking, etc. When I need more waterproofing I add a zip lock bag around the camera for example when I am hiking. I'd like to see Studio 460s set up as he has tried a few I haven't. Yep there is money in camera bags, but recently I have only found that one rig I like. You need to be able to have it safe and weather resistant to drawn and shooting in a few seconds. I own some huge view camera cases from Calumet, etc. that are as big as a steamer trunk and were expensive. Now they store unused high end film cameras and lens.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use Tamrac Velocity 6X cases on smaller cameras in the field and Tamrac Velocity 7X cases for D300 - D700. I own a couple of thousand in cases and have had Pelican, use Lowe backpacks still when needed. But I value the Tamrac Velocity 6X cases way beyond all the others. They can be used out in a river, hiking, etc. When I need more waterproofing I add a zip lock bag around the camera for example when I am hiking. I'd like to see Studio 460s set up as he has tried a few I haven't. Yep there is money in camera bags, but recently I have only found that one rig I like. You need to be able to have it safe and weather resistant to drawn and shooting in a few seconds. I own some huge view camera cases from Calumet, etc. that are as big as a steamer trunk and were expensive. Now they store unused high end film cameras and lens.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My main bag is a converted Cheap American Tourister roller that's carryon size. Being a pictureframer I used scrape black 3/16 foamcore strips and built a custom inside. I've been using it for 5 years and am on my 2nd inside rebuild as equipment changes.
I also use a Tamrac pro bag, unknown older model but good size, and a Domkee vest and use each as needed.
framer
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use a Kata dr466i.
I'm a college student so for me it was important that I could use it as a backpack too. This bag has worked out absolutely perfectly. It has 3 separate main compartments. The lower one has room for a body with medium sized lens attached and like 3 more lenses (or in my case other bodies. Usually my digital, a tlr, and a slr, and an extra lens, goes down in the bottom) The top compartment is pretty small, but has room for some books pens, etc. The back compartment fits my laptop perfectly (even with my big plushy case on it) and then there are some front facing pockets as well for little things.it also has a rain fly that fits elastically over it, which is great. It also came with a manfrotto monopod for free, which was a nice bonus. Pretty comfortable even when it's loaded down.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I love my kata dr-468 for some of the same reasons, foofie. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.
EDIT: It's actually a DR-467. Sorry for the mixup—I shouldn't trust my memory.Posted 2 years ago # -
I use the Lowepro Flipside 300, nice bag for my use. Fits the my D300+grip, and 300mm F4 AF-S with 1.4x TC, with the accessory bag still in the top section of the inner bag. I like it for moving most of my gear, but I do have a small bag Tarmac bag, cannot recall which, for just carrying a camera with a small zoom.
Posted 2 years ago # -
jonnyapple said:
I love my kata dr-468 for some of the same reasons, foofie. Thanks for saving me the trouble of typing them.haha, consensus-five!
the only thing I'm confused about is that I thought maybe i have the kata-dr466 and not the dr466i because mine doesn't have the tripod strap up higher shown in the photo below. which would be awfully nice.
Posted 2 years ago # -
poster said:
I just bought Tenba Messenger Bag. It's alright but not that great. Quality wise, i think it's kind of lacking.**Link Removed**
Could anybody recommend me a shoulder bag or messenger bag that would fit a 1 DSLR, upto 4, 24-70 mounted on camera, 80-200, and 14-24 plus a 50 prime in addition to a flash unit. It would be a plus if it would have a space for a laptop but that' not really necessary for me.
I really like the Tenba bag I just bought but it just doesn't seem very durable. The zippers alone look like they are going to break any second.
If you have a look at the Tenba bag, you will see that it has an additional top zipper on the front cover of the bag for a quicker access. I really LOVE that. And if I could find something similar that would be great, in worst case scenario I would just mod any other bag, and sew in an extra zipper myself.
Nevermind, the Tenba bag is pretty good. I just tested it for the last two days and it should last some time if I carefully open up the zippers.
Posted 2 years ago # -
The Lowpro Photo Trekker II AW backpack for nature/wildlife work and the Tamrack Pro 5 for quick/lite trips. I like the Pro 5 for its ability to hold my long lenses attached to the camera body. The backpack carries a lot and intensifies the workout while hiking.
Posted 2 years ago # -
foofiebeast said:
haha, consensus-five!the only thing I'm confused about is that I thought maybe i have the kata-dr466 and not the dr466i because mine doesn't have the tripod strap up higher shown in the photo below. which would be awfully nice.
Mine is actually a 467 (see above). Yes, I saw when they updated them with that tripod strap. I would rather have it so that the tripod wasn't on one side of the bag, but in spite of that I was planning on getting one when my current one gives out. 3 years of rough treatment so far and no sign of fatigue except that the padding is starting to lose its padding. Next year I'll replace it, perhaps.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Things to consider when buying a bag
How big? If I am out for the day, in addition the my cameras, I also want the bag to hold my sandwiches, thermos, cagoule, etc
Sling shots and shoulder bags are great for quick access, but can be uncomfortable, and likely to give you RSI on a long hike
The Lowpro Trekker 600 AW holds everything I need and is very comfortably, even on a long hike. The big down side of course, is it has to taken off to get at the equipment.
If I do not have to carry my equipment any great distance, I have a big Lowpro Magnum 650, which again holds everything and I do not have to take off to change lens
If you just want carry one DSLR, round town, without a battery grip and just an extra lens plus a flash and put your sandwiches in your pocket, the sling shot 200AW is finePosted 2 years ago #
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