Camera bag?

[Breezy]

I have a lowepro minitrecker and LOVE it but things are getting pretty tight in there, So my question is what do you have and what do you like about it? what do you not like about it?
I am debating between the sling shots (200 or 300) and one of the ones that holds the computer too.
So give me your suggestions.
If you like something other than a backpack why? and which one :D
TIA
and sorry for all of the questions but we can't decide since there are nice features of each.

[Cope]

For weddings, where you may not want to have the bag out of your control, I think a slingshot approach is better.

Adorama sells a sling bag which was designed by Herbert Keppler of Pop Photo. I have read good reviews on it, but have never seen one.

The Think Tank Airport Antidote comes with a laptop case, and would be a good choice for a backpack if you need a laptop available, and the laptop can be left out for those times you don't need it.

[Breezy]

Thanks for the tips Alan.
I will check those 2 out tomorrow sometime. :D

[synoptic]

Breezy, I have the Slingshot 200 and have liked it so far. The things I like most about it are being able to get to my gear without having to take the pack off, set it somewhere, etc...

The things I don't like about it are:
- the way the camera sits in the bag. It is fine when loading or unloading the camera, but I worry about the stress on the lens when the bag is upright. I haven't figured out a way to reconfigure the inside pads without getting more and can't seem to find more.

- I also don't like that I can't get my camera in there with the 70-300mm lens attached.


I don't know if they sell a non-AW version, but I definitely like having the cover available should it begin to rain while I am out. I can't really rhink of anything else right now.

Good luck!

[Breezy]

thanks Jeremy.
I didn't even think about the lense stress.
I really liked the fact that I would have to make dh stop and bend over lmao to take the camera out of the bag. (yeah I know I have him trained lol, Nah he just loves me hahaha)
I wonder if there is something similar to where the camera could be in the bottom?

I also like the fact that I could swing it around and it would help for a little steadier shot.

Man I hate being undecisive.

[LoungeLizard]

What do I have? Hmm...

I have a Canon thing that came when I bought my very first digital SLR. I use it for "around town" personal things. It will fit a body, one lens, and one flash.

I have an old Lowepro "slide in" that can accomodate (VERY TIGHTLY) a body with grip and up to my 24-70.

I have a Lowepro belt system (OK, some components are ThinkTank) that I use "on the move".

I have a Crumpler Brian's Hot Tub backpack that hasn't been used in over a year - but I just can't bring myself to get rid of it just in case. It has a laptop sleeve and has been known to hold several bodies, lenses, flashes, etc., etc.

I have Think Tank Airport Security that I use for weddings and holds (almost) all my gear.

There is no "perfect bag" - just many bags for many different ocacsions.

[Daniel W.]

I like the idea of the Sling design except my bodily "baggage" round' front doesn't looks so great when the strap cuts into it.

In a set up area / room, I roll in the Pelican case, grab my wide zoom, fast primes, long zoom and flash. It all goes in a nice small canvas bag that's on my shoulder, everything that I dont need (really long lenses, extra flashes, batteries, cables). Two bodies, wide zoom and long zoom (or long fast prime), fast prime in the pocket and a flash on the camera. The "bag-and-a-bag" idea works well with an area you know, or you're sure what you need.

Day-to-day, everything's in a Lowepro Reporter AW400 bag, which holds everything I need but gets heavy for a shoulder bag. I've been looking into getting a backpack which holds my gear and a laptop. The Tenba Shootout models, look cool for the quick-access section.

As said, there is no perfect bag. Just having the right bag for the situation or event.

[Breezy]

Thanks guys.
Dh keeps saying "that is what that Pelican Case I got you is for" lol
only problem is he got me the BIG one on wheels etc.... which is fine if I need my lights and such but I refuse to take it on a flight cause my camera doesn't leave me, and he gets that but he forgets lol.
I think I will make do with the trecker for now since I gotta to spring for CS3.
Thanks for all of the tips and I will keep them in mind when I do get another :D
I think a belt pouch would be nice for those days you are out and "might" need the camera, or when space is tight. So I gotta figure out what I "want" most lol.

[tragic hero]

for carrying a laptop and gear I would look at the tamrac adventure 9, not as much room for euip as the trekker but a nice layout and I just so happen to have one for sale.

[Breezy]

Amadeus, I will look at them and then get back to you :D

[Daniel W.]

Breezy, why not the 1510, it's rated for a carry-on size, and even though rolls is good for a few lenses, flashes, bodies, chargers - with the divider system. If you've ever crammed more than one item into a section on your padded bag (something I'm guilty of - no issue there) - the 1510 should give you space for everything.

Dont judge my Pelican case setups though, I've handled events that required two 1620 cases... video that is. No lighting gear in that.

[Breezy]

I will look at the pelicans again. I have a big one but I don't remember the size lol

[BCD]

I like the Lowepro Pro Roller series. They are basically a piece of luggage, but offer the total package for protection and travel.

[WarrenG]

Ditto to what Jesus said...no way is there a "perfect bag". All the manufacturers know better than to make one, cause we all spend way too much money on bags.

Here are several I currently use -

Quick trips around town / Briefcase:
Naneu Pro Lima which can carry my laptop, D200 with grip and 18-70 attached, SB600, & room for odds & ends & day planner.

Day Pack for Excursions /Travel/Sports:
Think Tank Speed Racer & Components - I love this bag. I carry my D200 w grip, D-70, 28-70, 70-200, TC17, SB800, Filters and misc stuff including a charger and monopod. I am tall and this bag works great for me...smaller people may find it bulky? It is far bigger in person than on the website.

Weddings:
Think Tank Modulus set - Simple, somewhat discreet, everything is at hand. I use the Peli 1510 to haul the stuff to the wedding and lock it up somewhere after I transfer it to the modulus.

Long trips / Air Travel:
Believe it or not...I have a Promaster something or other that is huge, but airport friendly. It is a roller with hidden backpack straps. Carries 3 bodies, lenses, chargers, filters, 17" laptop, a jacket, snacks, and all the little widgets we tend to accumulate. I think I paid 160.00 for it and I have beat it to death (I did break a zipper) but it still keeps going (I hope it breaks soon cause I really like the new Tenba Shootout). I think they stole a bunch of the ideas from all the other makers cause it has the pull out divider set and the little bungie thingies they have in luggage to hold your clothes in. What I like most is that you would never know it is a camera bag, the roller handle extends out pretty high, and the backpack straps do their intended function well, without being overly bulky. For check bags I use the Peli 1620 which can hold a camera shop in it, be dropped from the plane, and everything will still be in great shape.

I also have the Computrekker which is a really nice bag, but made for someone smaller than me at 6'5".

Cheers,

W