Camera Backpack Worries

[Panther]

Howdy All,

I have been considering getting a camera backpack, after using a knapsack style backpack for years and had almost decided on one until I thought about everytime I set down to change lenses I would be showing all my equipment off to anyone that was near. One reason that I had thought about changing styles is I now have a DSLR and while I was trying to change lenses I set one down and it almost slide off the bench, and I thought that if I had a camera bag I could have a place to put the lenses and camera while I am changing. I know this might be just me "Freaking out" but with stories of travelers getting there gear stolen or if nothing else tempting someone, we are planning some extensive traveling so it's not just around the States that I am concerned about.

Anyone have any thoughts on this or am I just being too over cautious??????????????

Also if you have any suggestions on Backpacks or security I would love to hear them.

[Bill]

So don't set down a lens when you take it off. Instead, take it off, place it into its case in the knapsack, then take the new lens out of its case and place on the camera. No sliding off problem. If you're traveling light, why would you want a big, screaming, single purpose, Steal Me Now camera backpack, anyway?

[Panther]

Originally Posted by Bill

So don't set down a lens when you take it off. Instead, take it off, place it into its case in the knapsack, then take the new lens out of its case and place on the camera. No sliding off problem. If you're traveling light, why would you want a big, screaming, single purpose, Steal Me Now camera backpack, anyway?

Howdy Bill,

Thanks for your reply.

I guess maybe it's just me then, and handling all the stuff and trying to hold the camera.......... and dig out the lens case and change caps, maybe I am making this out to be more than it is for most others.

I didn't really say anything about traveling light, I think any of the ones that have shot with me know I have almost everything I own in my bag

[riteflyt]

Hey Craid, well Bill and I dont agree on this I have a Lowepro computrekker and to me it was the best investment I have made, besides the equipment in the bag of course, it is not only padded quite well but it holds my laptop. I first tried to do this with a laptop style backpack and, well, it did not work out so well.

So I highly suggest a proper camera backpack, as far as security, if it is on your back, I doubt you will ever have any problems. When changing lenses, just be aware of you enviorment, and you should not have a problem.

Just my .02
Good luck

[PeteQ]

There are pros and cons to a lot of different styles. I have many bags including conventional carrys, backpack, small reporter types, and a waist belt harness syetm. No one bag works for the many situations I find myself shooting in. I do tend to favor the backpack because it carries quite a bit of gear fairly comfortably. No matter what bag you choose, security is important. Both for theft and damage to equipment. For the "sliding off the bench" problems, maybe just start by kneeling on the ground and doing your lens exchange there. Also, by not fully opening or flipping up the top of your bag you can help to minimize prying eyes. No matter what type bag you have, if you open it for the world to see, someone will take interest....

For physical security there are several products out there that can help reduce the chances of someone simply walking off with your gear. Here's one that is used quite a bit -PacSafe - and since it doesn't rely on locking through fabric it is a bit harder for someone to cut and run. Setting your bag in a coffee shop for even a few seconds these days can leave you with a hot cup of coffee and a missing camera....

[Panther]

Originally Posted by riteflyt

Hey Craid, well Bill and I dont agree on this I have a Lowepro computrekker and to me it was the best investment I have made, besides the equipment in the bag of course, it is not only padded quite well but it holds my laptop. I first tried to do this with a laptop style backpack and, well, it did not work out so well.

So I highly suggest a proper camera backpack, as far as security, if it is on your back, I doubt you will ever have any problems. When changing lenses, just be aware of you enviorment, and you should not have a problem.

Just my .02
Good luck

Howdy Norm,

Thanks for your reply, and comments. I have always used a backpack to store my gear in but now that I am shooting all the time, it's becoming more complicated to get to all my gear quickly and effeciently. I have been looking at the Lowenpro Mini Trekker, Jake has one and has really been pleased with his. I think I am going to stop by FWCS today and look them over.

Thanks again for your help and suggestions.

[Panther]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

There are pros and cons to a lot of different styles. I have many bags including conventional carrys, backpack, small reporter types, and a waist belt harness syetm. No one bag works for the many situations I find myself shooting in. I do tend to favor the backpack because it carries quite a bit of gear fairly comfortably. No matter what bag you choose, security is important. Both for theft and damage to equipment. For the "sliding off the bench" problems, maybe just start by kneeling on the ground and doing your lens exchange there. Also, by not fully opening or flipping up the top of your bag you can help to minimize prying eyes. No matter what type bag you have, if you open it for the world to see, someone will take interest....

For physical security there are several products out there that can help reduce the chances of someone simply walking off with your gear. Here's one that is used quite a bit -PacSafe - and since it doesn't rely on locking through fabric it is a bit harder for someone to cut and run. Setting your bag in a coffee shop for even a few seconds these days can leave you with a hot cup of coffee and a missing camera....

Howdy Pete,

Thanks so much for your reply and comments.

I guess what I was trying to say and didn't really put it down right, it when changing lenses you sometimes can't juggle all the different components at the same time, and sometimes kneeling, or places to set the lens/camera/camearbag isn't readily available or isn't clean or dry. I know so much of this is being kinda of new to having to mess with lens changes since coming from shooting Sonys, but that is also another problem having 2 camera to be switching from also complicates things.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out, we have been doing some traveling so that maybe something for both Karen and I to consider.

Thanks again for your help and suggestions

[Cope]

Look at the LowePro. I don't have one, but I have heard glowing praise from thsoe who do. There are two sizes to choose from. Look at the 200 first; it has a lot of different views of the bag, including accessing it.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Slin...d_for_Digital/

[adirty1]

only problem i face with the back pack is that you have to take the pack off and open it to get your gear. I need something faster than that. When i am shooting a show or wedding i will use my over the shoulder bag.

However i am reallying looking into this belt system. I found this guy's site when i was looking for a travel bag to take to italy this fall. http://www.karlgrobl.com/EquipmentRe...CameraBags.htm I like it because now i can carry a day pack and my computer plus get off the plane and be able to go. He's got a good site and really breaks down his gear...

[Panther]

Originally Posted by Cope

Look at the LowePro. I don't have one, but I have heard glowing praise from thsoe who do. There are two sizes to choose from. Look at the 200 first; it has a lot of different views of the bag, including accessing it.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Slin...d_for_Digital/

Howdy,

Thanks for the reply and link, I will check them out!!

Thanks again

[Panther]

Originally Posted by Cope

Look at the LowePro. I don't have one, but I have heard glowing praise from thsoe who do. There are two sizes to choose from. Look at the 200 first; it has a lot of different views of the bag, including accessing it.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Slin...d_for_Digital/

Howdy,

Thanks for the reply and link, I will certainly take a look.

Thanks again!!

[Panther]

Originally Posted by adirty1

only problem i face with the back pack is that you have to take the pack off and open it to get your gear. I need something faster than that. When i am shooting a show or wedding i will use my over the shoulder bag.

However i am reallying looking into this belt system. I found this guy's site when i was looking for a travel bag to take to italy this fall. http://www.karlgrobl.com/EquipmentRe...CameraBags.htm I like it because now i can carry a day pack and my computer plus get off the plane and be able to go. He's got a good site and really breaks down his gear...

Howdy,

Thanks for the reply and neat link. That guy certainly does get around. I am not a pro just an enthusiatic amatuer, so my need for speed isn't quite as demanding as your wedding and sports shooting, but that is really a neat setup and I can see how and why it works.

Thanks for your suggestions and help!!

[cmalana]

Some camera backpacks have side access zippers to get to the lenses so you don't have to open the bag. Rarely works for me though since my lenses tend to be too big to fit nicely through side pocket. works well though if i'm using primes. I have a Tenba backpack that I use most of the time. Depending on the occassion, i also use a lowepro nova 4 AW when I'm just taking 1 camera, 2 lenses and a flash.

[Bill]

Backpacks are OK. I was addressing only the need to avoid lenses sliding off while changing them. It sounded like he had 2 lenses out, balancing them at the same time. I was saying to take one off and then put the other one on. That way there is no loose lens out to fall off the bench.

I do plead guilty to a little tiny commercial for light travel. Sorry. I'll wear a big pack for penance some day. Soon. Really.

Craig did bring up security. Are the photo backpacks obvious as such and therefore tempting to robbers and thieves? I have seen many posts praising bags for not looking like Expensive Camera Gear Inside. Particularly the messenger-style bags like those from Crumpler and Domke. Not to forget, of course, the backpacks hauled around by every college student.

On the other side, people have said that the bad guys look to see what camera you use and what you get out of whatever bag or pack you have.

[AlexMorse]

I have a tamrac expedition 3 backpack. It's very well made, but shy on space. I can fit my 20D, 10-22, 100 macro, and 50 in it, with a 420ex. That however is cram packed. No room for extra batteries, or anything. And there is no quick changing of lenses/access to gear either. However it is great for having on and walking around for long periods! Very comfortable.

I also have a domke f7 (I think their biggest,) shoulder bag. This bag is awesome. I can fit everything and then some, and then some more. It's comfortable and versatile, and I can get to things much faster, but after a day of walking with it on I am seriously beat. I kept the backpack for the times I know I'll be out wandering and have time to switch out lenses at a leisurely pace. I take the domke out when I don't know what to expect, or I'm in "tourist" mode.