Calling all Wife Photographers: Request advice for camera bag for my wife...

[photostein]

My wife will be using a Canon Rebel with two lenses, but most likely only carrying one lens at a time in the bag (I will be using the other lens).

The lenses are the 70-300 IS (non DO) and the 28-135 IS.

The trick is the size of the bag needs to be as small as possible, but hold one lens attached to the camera (that would need to be the longest lens so the 70-300), an extra battery, battery charger, CF cards, lens cleaning cloth, and camera manual.

Any suggestions?

I sold a Tamrac (I should have kept it but didn't see this coming of course) that was perfect to hold a 5D with a 24-105 on it, or the 100 macro. I don't remember the size, but it was exactly what I am looking for.

The reason I don't go back to get a Tamrac is I want to see what y'all suggest in terms of excellent bags for her from the various ones available from Lowepro, etc.... Remember, it has to be slim as possible and lightweight, else she won't carry it. Oh, she does understand that the camera will have weight to it, but she doesn't want the bag to be huge and bulky.

Thanks for any help.

[L Stegall]

My small bag I really like is by Crumpler. They are well made and a nice size, plus they have some great colors. They have several different sizes - I have the 6 million dollar bag, which holds a 5D with a lens and another lens and flash or 2 lenses. Crumpler's website is pretty cool - I ordered from it and got the bag quickly. I think they also have a store in NY, but not sure where you can find them locally.

[photostein]

I am thinking of going wtih the Lowepro series that just came out...

Lowepro Classified 140 AW

yeah, it is over $100, but I can resell it if necessary and it is high enough to handle the depth of the rebel body and the length of the 70-300 which comes to 8.5" total height.

Additionally the bag appears well made and doesn't look much like a camera bag.

Afterall, our wives are worth having the best we can get them.

I am open to other suggesions as well of course. I plan to go through the options online with her before selecting.

[toverman]

Before you order online, you might plan to visit one of the nicer camera shops in your area to let her test the bags out a little bit. Camera bags are kind of like shoes, not every size fits all and sometimes it's hard to really judge how it feels when you carry it without getting your hands on 'em.

I'm pleased with the Lowepro bags I've used in the past (my main bag now is a Stealth Reporter 550). Sounds like whatever brand you go by, a sling bag or small messenger would be the best fit.

[L Stegall]

Originally Posted by toverman

Before you order online, you might plan to visit one of the nicer camera shops in your area to let her test the bags out a little bit. Camera bags are kind of like shoes, not every size fits all and sometimes it's hard to really judge how it feels when you carry it without getting your hands on 'em.

I'm pleased with the Lowepro bags I've used in the past (my main bag now is a Stealth Reporter 550). Sounds like whatever brand you go by, a sling bag or small messenger would be the best fit.

Good idea - I do like the small messenger bags for around town use, which is what the Crumpler I recommended above is. I don't think it screams "camera bag" as much as a lot of others do and it's a good size for a walk around bag. I have other bags, including a big Tamrac backpack and a Delsey wheeled bag. But ultimately what she may like is a very personal choice, so let her try them out.

[photostein]

That is a great suggestion; however, we are not in the position to easily drop by the local camera store such as Camera co/op ro HCE because they are almost an hour from the house and we have a small infant; additionally, a purchase like this isn't worth organizing for a baby sitter. It really is easier taking measurements of the equipment and comparing them to the bags and getting her a color she likes. You can almost do all this online.

Plus you can resell on line for 75% of what you paid, so trial and error almost is a one for one with the gas for a family trip.

I will, however, go by Camera co/op (which has a wonderful selection of bags by the way), and see what might work. I can tell if an 8.5 inch long camera/lens combo will work. One thing I probably should plan for is the addition of a 430 or 580 flash because I have a 580 that often we will bring to the occasions/parties she will shoot at. Having been in the pro gear for a while now, I can size up the bags quickly and I really like the ones that don't scream "CAMERA BAG WITH EXPENSIVE GEAR WAITING FOR YOUR THIEVISH HANDS."

I need to look at Thinktank as well for I have a Thinktank Urban Disguise 50 and it is perfect for my usage.

Originally Posted by toverman

Before you order online, you might plan to visit one of the nicer camera shops in your area to let her test the bags out a little bit. Camera bags are kind of like shoes, not every size fits all and sometimes it's hard to really judge how it feels when you carry it without getting your hands on 'em.

I'm pleased with the Lowepro bags I've used in the past (my main bag now is a Stealth Reporter 550). Sounds like whatever brand you go by, a sling bag or small messenger would be the best fit.

[Corrie]

I like my crumpler too. Just get a size bigger than you think she will need.

[photostein]

Yeah, that sounds good as well, however, depending on the styles that exist in the world of women's fashion, a 3 Gazillion size Crumpler is in one week, then a the compact P&S Lowepro the next.

I will need to make the case of what she believes she will need from one location to the next and what size bag will hold all of it, but not be much bigger than that. Balance, balance balance.

Perhaps there are some wives on this forum that have experienced this that were fledglings once in the Canon Rebel era of their photoography hobby and know what worked for them.

Originally Posted by Corrie

I like my crumpler too. Just get a size bigger than you think she will need.

[Debbi]

I also use a Crumpler for my small, around-town bag. In addition to my camera with a lens mounted, I can throw my keys, wallet, sunglasses or whatever in there so I can leave my purse at home. Also, if left in the car for short periods of time, it does not look like a camera bag (as already mentioned).

[photostein]

Debbie,

Thanks and that is a good point about the miscellaneous personal items that could help the bag to double as a purse for particular times when this might be handy. I am sure that fewer bags would be prefered for my wife.

Thanks again,

Originally Posted by Debbi

I also use a Crumpler for my small, around-town bag. In addition to my camera with a lens mounted, I can throw my keys, wallet, sunglasses or whatever in there so I can leave my purse at home. Also, if left in the car for short periods of time, it does not look like a camera bag (as already mentioned).

[Truckman]

Originally Posted by photostein

I sold a Tamrac (I should have kept it but didn't see this coming of course)

I saw that same bag for sale again in the B&S forum...You may want to do a search and see if it sold...Ben

[photostein]

Hey Ben...thanks, but I have a feeling that now that I measured the needed depth of the bag, that Tamrac would be a bit short.

I have seen at Camera co-op some bags that are a Y shape to accomodate longer zooms, especially the 70-200 Ls. I may end up getting her one of those, but I have a feeling color will matter.

[tresorph]

For the record, Crumpler has such a wierd website to navigate.
I'm soon upgrading to a Jill-E bag but for now I'm using this. Swiss Army RHEA Women's Camera bag I'm able to fit a body, two lenses, a flash, and a folded down Fong diffuser and it has useful zippered pockets (inside and outside) for other accessories. I think it's only at Wolf. I just noticed the price dropped $20 from when I bought it.

[toverman]

I agree it sounds like too far a drive, but as far as the infant goes, it's never too early to indoctrinate them into the world of photography and camera shops! Happy hunting.

[J Eddington]

Jill-E has killer stylish bags if she is into that.