Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

LowSpark · **camera bag or back pack -** 06-02-2005, 08:03 AM

This topic may already be here...

I need to buy a camera bag and not sure what works best?

I'm sure everyone has thier pro's and con's for one or the other, maybe ya'll could post some pictures of what you use and a brief 'why I love my camera bag/ back-up summary'

or maybe you had brand X when you started but out grew it?..

I'm leaning towards a backback...

thanks

MyKey · 06-02-2005, 08:19 AM

WOW what a subject, almost as big as the Nikon vs Canon thing.

Much like me selling my soul to Canon I have almost sold my soul to LowePro is seems. Not on purpose but it seems they have bags that fit my needs better and the little things they add on their bags suit me better.

I have the LowPro Trekker II AW backpack. Very large (3rd biggest I think) but it holds a lot of my equipment and when full, though very heavy, it has great soft yet strong shoulder straps which fit nicely over one or both arms. It is easy to grab on the run and works well for camping and everyday use.

I also have several shoulder bags, all smaller than my backpack. Again I love them, though they do not hold as much equipment I like the fact you can add-on items to the sides and when doing a portable session I can add just what I want in the bag, throw it over one shoulder and shoot at the same time. If I need another body or lens they are quick and easy to get out of the bag and keep shooting (Something the backpack is not that good at)

Dont know if that answered the question but if you are having a hard time choosing between one or the other, get the one you want now, cause sooner or later you will be getting the other one too :)

Silvernic · 06-02-2005, 10:03 AM

What about the bags that you've never heard of on ebay that say "Just like Lowepro Trekker" Has anyone had any experience with those?

LoungeLizard · 06-02-2005, 10:22 AM

Well, I've got a Crumpler Bryan's Hot Tub backpack - really like it. I bought it mostly for travel purposes since it also handles a notebook.

The only downside is what Mike has already pointed out - getting access to the equipment is not that quick! Aside from that, I really like it. I am looking to get a shoulder bag (or one of those belt packs), but I haven't found one that is "just right" for what I want.

Bill Huber · 06-02-2005, 11:08 AM

I have a big bag for times that I want to put everything I have in the trunk of the car and travel to someplace for a few days.

I have a small bag that I can carry for just walkabout, really never use it anymore.

But what I really like is my vest.....

I really think it has a lot to do with how much you have and what you want to carry.
I have found I can walk around all day with the vest and it is not bad at all, my back does not feel bad after 3 or 4 hours.

I carry 50-200mm, 50mm, Fl-50 flash, 1.4 tc, 25 Ex, filters for all, memory cards, batteries, softbox for flash, 12 in, reflector, 12 in diffuser, Wimberley Plamp, lens pen and a few other odds and ends. I can get to any of it instantly.

LowSpark · 06-02-2005, 12:43 PM

nice input Bill

got a picture of the 'loaded' vest?

Cogster · 06-02-2005, 12:45 PM

as you go own... you want both.

trust me. i know because i have both... hehe.

id almost opt for a backpack first... lowepro or tamrac

suzyjazz · 06-02-2005, 12:57 PM

I have a Canon bag that came with my Rebel as part of Costco's package. I think it's the medium sized Canon gadget bag. Maybe it's the large, not sure. It barely holds in the main compartment 300D, 70-200 f4L, 28-135 IS, kit lens, and 50 1.8. Still, it's good thing it came with it because I think I would have made a mistake and bought a smaller bag had this one not been pat of the deal!

I say go for a backpack. I wish I had one. The Canon bag rubbed a sore on my shoulder during my trip to D.C. I have tiny bony shoulders, though. Within a year or so, I hope to have a nice backpack.

LoungeLizard · 06-02-2005, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

I have a Canon bag that came with my Rebel as part of Costco's package. I think it's the medium sized Canon gadget bag. Maybe it's the large, not sure. It barely holds in the main compartment 300D, 70-200 f4L, 28-135 IS, kit lens, and 50 1.8.

How'd you fit all that in there? I can barely get my Rebel with 28-135 lens in there - never mind trying to fit my 70-200f2.8!

I thought I was a good packer, but you've got me beat there!

srwatters · 06-02-2005, 01:19 PM

I have a Lowepro micro-trekker 200. I've managed to stuff all four of my lenses, my D-70, a SB800, spare batteries for both, and my Coolpix 880 in it at once. My only gripe is that I should have bought one size bigger. Not to put more stuff in it, but because of my physical size. I'm a 46 regular suit with 16" bicepts and the bag looks like one of those mini-purse backpacks on me. Just don't call me on it or I'll thump you! :) :) :)
Here's what it looked like loaded, before I switched the old 70-210mm lens for a 24-85mm. That's a 80-200mm f/2.8 in the Crown Royal bag. Nice thing is I can move one velcro seperator and have the big tele-zoom on the body and it still fits in the bag.

suzyjazz · 06-02-2005, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoungeLizard

How'd you fit all that in there? I can barely get my Rebel with 28-135 lens in there - never mind trying to fit my 70-200f2.8!

I thought I was a good packer, but you've got me beat there!

I removed all the dividers, and maybe I squish things too much. If you attach the 28-135 to the Rebel, you can fit that in there with the LCD screen down/lens up. That takes up less than half the bag. I stack the 50 on top of the kit and then the 70-200 goes in the remaining space, lens hood inverted. I lean it. My preference is actually not to have all of these things in the bag like that all of the time, but that's how I got my bag to D.C. I don't normally carry them all around. I've probably scuffed the *outside* of some things doing this, but I don't think it really hurts it.

suzyjazz · 06-02-2005, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srwatters

That's a 80-200mm f/2.8 in the Crown Royal bag.

Hehe, very creative! I'm thinking I should find some bags for my lenses now. After posting about how I cram everything in my bag it's making me think I should protect it more.

I plan to buy a yoga mat bag for my tripod. Anyone else use that? My friend in D.C. let me borrow hers to carry the tripod in and it worked great!

heinecke · 06-02-2005, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srwatters

That's a 80-200mm f/2.8 in the Crown Royal bag.

Yeah, sure it is. We believe you. :roll:

Glenn

TheObiJuan · 06-02-2005, 01:53 PM

Hehe, nice use of the crown royal bag. :lol:

I have both, the Canon backpack, which is great for the price, and a Domke F2 shoulder bag with the postman's shoulder strap.
They serve their purposes well.