Laptop/camera bag suggestions?

[mmuhlenkamp]

Any recommendations or suggestions on laptop/camera bags? I figure reviews or suggestions from fellow photographers would be a good place to start.

I'm undecided on whether I want a backpack or messenger style bag, but I'd like to fit my 15.6" laptop, camera body (no grip), and about 3 moderate sized lenses and flash. Ideally in the sub or near $100 range would be great.

Here are a couple that might fit the bill; anyone have any experience or used these bags?

Amazon.com: Tamrac 3447 Rally 7 Camera/Laptop Bag (Brown/Tan): Electronics

Amazon.com: Tamrac 3447 Rally 7 Camera/Laptop Bag (Brown/Tan): Electronics

Amazon.com: Lowepro Fastpack 350 (Black): Electronics

Amazon.com: Lowepro Fastpack 350 (Black): Electronics

Thanks in advance!

[venchka]

Mellisa,
After seeing this Tenba Messengaer bag at one of our meetings, I bought one Saturday at Camera Co-op. They even had the color I wanted: Platinum. I'm tired of black bags. The computer space is very nice & heavily padded. The camera insert is nice. Not a lot of space, but plenty for a day's shooting. I think I'lll buy another insert for my other softside briefcase.

ps: The bag easily holds my 1DIII, 28-80, 17-35/2.8, 70-200/2.8 lenses & hoods. I plan to use it as a shooting bag meaning that the camera body & one lens won't be in the bag.

The bag doesn't scream "Cameras" but it might scream "Computer". You still have to be careful.

Tenba - Messenger: Large Photo/Laptop Bag

Good luck!

[KenJulio]

ThinkTank has a few bags which will support a 15.6" laptop and your gear. One being the ThinkTank Streetwalker Harddrive, UrbanDisguise 60, Sling-O-Matic 30.

Time for the shameless plug, I have the S-O-M30 for sale if youre interested.

[venchka]

One feature of the TeNba bags in general is the full width zipper in the top flap. It allows you to access the contents without opening the top flap. The back is nicely padded and mesh covered and feels good against my hip/back.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by venchka

Mellisa,
After seeing this Tenba Messengaer bag at one of our meetings, I bought one Saturday at Camera Co-op. They even had the color I wanted: Platinum. I'm tired of black bags. The computer space is very nice & heavily padded. The camera insert is nice. Not a lot of space, but plenty for a day's shooting. I think I'lll buy another insert for my other softside briefcase.

ps: The bag easily holds my 1DIII, 28-80, 17-35/2.8, 70-200/2.8 lenses & hoods. I plan to use it as a shooting bag meaning that the camera body & one lens won't be in the bag.

The bag doesn't scream "Cameras" but it might scream "Computer". You still have to be careful.

Tenba - Messenger: Large Photo/Laptop Bag

Good luck!

The bag he refers to is actually mine!!! I will back this bag to the end of time as it has been through quite a lot and even when loaded with 20-30lbs of gear (yes I can fit that in there safely) it holds up great. The other great thing about this bag is it does not look like a camera bag so just walking around people won't know you are walking around with potentially expensive camera gear.

The laptop compartment is very well suited. I was hit by a car wail riding a bike to class with this bag on and my laptop in the back compartment and text books/ research papers in the main area. The only damage my laptop sustained is a small crack in the top left corner of the screen. The body of the bag and buckles held up great against the impact of both the car and the pavement.

I can take pictures and post them if need of my bag. You can pick up the largest one form Camera Co-Op for around $100

[metalshredder]

I vote Backpack. The messenger bag could flop around and possibly beat up your gear...with the backpack you've always got the option of using both arm-straps and then it won't go anywhere.

[metalshredder]

And yeah i know, i'm sure the bag is pocketed and all, but still. If you're walking out somewhere shooting, you don't want this big heavy bag flopping against your side with every step. At least, I don't....that bugs the heck out of me.

[r0xikat]

I posted something about this the other week. I ended up buying this: Pixtus.com: Apparel: Timbuk2 Commute 2.0 Laptop Messenger Bag,Blue/Black/Blue,L and used it on my trip to hawaii.

I love it because the laptop compartment doesn't take away from any of the actual bag space. it's a separate zip up (padded) compartment on the back that unzips to lay flat for TSA x-ray regulations. you can repurpose the inside with actual camera bag-style padding, or buy the neoprene/foam soft sleeves, which is what I did.

my 16.4 widescreen fit with space to spare, and I fit a TON of stuff inside. I was tired of carrying a separate, dedicated camera bag when traveling, and it doubles as a regular messenger bag. this one has a ton of compartments and is very well made.

:D

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by metalshredder

And yeah i know, i'm sure the bag is pocketed and all, but still. If you're walking out somewhere shooting, you don't want this big heavy bag flopping against your side with every step. At least, I don't....that bugs the heck out of me.

It's to each their own but this bad does not "flop" around when you walk. It all depends on how you ware it. I refuse to buy lowepro for the soul reason that it screams CAMERA!!! Story: I was headed to Taiwan with a professor and he had a lowepro backpack and I had my Tenba messenger. The TSA guy asked him what type of camera he had w/o the back even going through the x-ray. I myself went right after him and wasn't asked anything. I would get a think tank before a lowepro b/c it's not as well known but still a top quality bag.

The other thing as Wayne said the messenger bag as a full length zipper on the top so you can access your camera and get it stored quickly without having to take the whole bag off and set it down somewhere. I have shot in some shady locations and it's nice to be able to just put it away quickly w/o having to stop moving.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by metalshredder

I vote Backpack. The messenger bag could flop around and possibly beat up your gear...with the backpack you've always got the option of using both arm-straps and then it won't go anywhere.

Originally Posted by metalshredder

And yeah i know, i'm sure the bag is pocketed and all, but still. If you're walking out somewhere shooting, you don't want this big heavy bag flopping against your side with every step. At least, I don't....that bugs the heck out of me.

No. And no. It doesn't happen. Not with the Tenba bag. The strap is wide & the sewn in padded area is vey well shaped. The bag just naturally swings around behind-riding against my behind-and stays put. No flopping.
Mind you, I am a 110% confirmed real backpack person. Not camera backpacks. Real backpacks. However, the Tenba Messenger bag is for wandering around actually shooting. Times when I may put the bag down and concentrate on shooting. Then back on and away I go. A backpack wouldn't be as easy to do that. The bag is also my new take Mrs. Wayne's laptop on a trip bag. Cameras in their bags and the laptop & associated chargers, etc. in the messenger bag.

[venchka]

Chris & I should be on the Tenba payroll. My other new bag is a smallish Tenba fanny pack kind of bag. I'm looking forward to using it also.
Think Tank: Way expensive.
Lowepro: I own some Lowepro bags. My all time favorite camera bag is a Lowepro Nova 5. If they still made them, I would buy at least one more. Maybe two. But it's a pain to carry & shoot at the same time. I use it strictly for housing and transporting my medium format gear.
Thread drift.............sorry.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Well, Wayne and Chris make some pretty good arguments for the Tenba bag. I think I may order one after payday tomorrow.

Thanks so much for everyone's input!

[metalshredder]

Another thought is to go into an actual camera store and try some of the bags on for size, then you'll know right away if you like it or not.

[mmuhlenkamp]

If there were a closer camera store to me, or one that was actually open past 6 so that I'd have time to get there after work I would. Online is much easier and faster and cheaper even if I have to ship something back.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by mmuhlenkamp

Well, Wayne and Chris make some pretty good arguments for the Tenba bag. I think I may order one after payday tomorrow.

Thanks so much for everyone's input!

I know what you mean about the distance to a real store. I try to give the local folks my business. It's not always possible.

I hope you like it. It is longer than it looks in the photos. they make a small that is only about 2" shorter. I didn't have the computer with me, so I bought the large. Buy from a place with a nice return policy. Just in case it's not the bag for you.

Good luck.

I found this last night. It may explain the bag better than I did.

Bag Week Reviews: Tenba Messenger Photo/Laptop Bag