Backpack suggestions for 50D with 100-400 attached?

[heard03]

I'm looking for an inexpensive backpack that will hold my 50D with a 100-400 attached. I'm considering the Lowepro SlingShot 100. Any suggestions?

[Daniel W.]

Do you prefer the slingshot design? Reviews for the 100 note that a 70-200/4 + non gripped body is tight, and jumping to the 200, the case is the same for the 70-200/2.8 (the 100-400 is a hair shorter than the latter of the two and .6" longer than the f/4. The 300 room with the lens attached to body.

Head over to Cambags to see photos and great reviews of the specific bags.. (cambags.com)

If not, a Lowepro Mini Trekker should handle the 50D+100-400 plus a few other things along the way. On the cheap, Canon's 200EG will fit it too with a bit of finesse, and is available for under $60. The zipper design is not my favorite (prone to falling open if you don't close it well) and you should remove the logo unless you want to get mugged.

Finally, the tamrac expedition 5 (I think was it) is a great backpack. I love Tamrac bags as they're not as padded as Lowepro. Great for moving around without feeling like you're carrying a giant bundle of cotton on you.

[mjdmike]

I use a LowePro slingshot 300 and love it. The 300 is big enough to leave the lens attached to the 50D. They are well designed and tough. Mine holds a 50D, 100-400, two smaller lenses, and spare cards, batteries, chargers, etc.

Excellent advice from Dan to go check them out in person. Much of a backpack is personal preference. HCE has a great selection.

[heard03]

Thanks for the help guys. I went with a Lowepro Fastpack 200. It looks like a regular backpack and it should hold my 50D and 100-400 attached snugly. I hope it will hold a 50D with a 70-200 2.8 someday ;0)

By the way, you guys have some sweet pics on your links!

[heard03]

The Fastpack 200 is ideal for me, it holds a 50D with the 100-400 attached and even has a bit of room to spare. One thing to note is the lens attached pushes in on the side dividers and limits the space available for additional lenses or other equipment. I won't need to pack much more than a 50mm and some spare batteries and CF cards, so no problem for me.

[toverman]

You'll like the Lowepro, most of them are built to last and very thoughtfully designed. Not as fancy as some of the other brands out there, but I just want a black bag anyhow.

I was going to suggest a Hello Kitty backpack, as nobody would realize it contained expensive camera gear. But you probably couldn't find one to fit with your 100-400 attached.

[dmcantrell]

I have two Lowepro bags, a SlingShot 200AW and a Nature Trekker. The SlingShot is my second one. The first one I had started to come apart on the stitching where the all-weather bag has a loop that accommodates the base of the strap after about 4-5 months of everyday use. I called Lowepro and they shipped me a brand new one with no questions asked, I just had to ship back the damaged one after the new one arrived. The replacement SlingShot has not suffered from the same problem as the first one, and I have had it now for over a year.

I am really impressed with their customer service, and will probably not look outside of the Lowepro line for any photo bags in the future.

[heard03]

Originally Posted by toverman

I was going to suggest a Hello Kitty backpack, as nobody would realize it contained expensive camera gear. But you probably couldn't find one to fit with your 100-400 attached.

What do you think I am, some kind of sissy? It's Dora the Explorer for me, pal.

[tdr6874]

i have a lowepro slingshot 200 aw in black and gray that i got at bhphoto about 2 months ago...i think i am going to move to a hard case with wheels...i might make a for sale post if someone might want one in houston for about $60...

[DSL_PWR]

Originally Posted by tdr6874

i have a lowepro slingshot 200 aw in black and gray that i got at bhphoto about 2 months ago...i think i am going to move to a hard case with wheels...i might make a for sale post if someone might want one in houston for about $60...

Sent you a PM about that bag.. I will take it.

[DSL_PWR]

Originally Posted by tdr6874

i have a lowepro slingshot 200 aw in black and gray that i got at bhphoto about 2 months ago...i think i am going to move to a hard case with wheels...i might make a for sale post if someone might want one in houston for about $60...

Originally Posted by DSL_PWR

Sent you a PM about that bag.. I will take it.

Never mind on the bag. You never replied.