Camera bag/backpack help - DPChallenge Forums

11/06/2006 04:13:40 PM · #1

Hey guys and gals, I have kind of outgrown my current Canon backpack and need something that will hold all of my gear. Looking for some suggestions as on the web they all look the same and have great reviews. Here is my list of equipment that I carry with me normally and would like to fit in one bag/packpack. I currently use a backpack and have kind of become accustomed to it.

Canon 30D+grip
Canon 1D
Canon 70-200f2.8
Canon 100mmf2.8 macro
Canon 85 f1.8
Tamron 28-75f2.8
580EX flash
420EX flash
kenko 300DG pro 1.4 tc
kenko extension tube
lightsphere
canon flash battery pack
spare cards, notepad, pens
lens cloths and filter.

Is there something I can buy thats not a mint to carry all of this in?

Thanks for any tips and suggestions you might offer.

MattO

Message edited by author 2006-11-06 16:52:47.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

11/06/2006 04:29:29 PM · #2

If you are absolutely sold on a backpack, The LowePro Computrekker should hold all of that and more. It's a great bag even if you don't have a laptop. The laptop compartment will also hold a full size notebook.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/06/2006 04:31:38 PM · #3

I have a Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II in which I keep....

10D + Grip
30D + Grip
Sigma 100-300 f4 + 1.4
Canon 28-135mm
Canon 100mm f2.8
Canon 50mm f1.8
Sigma 15-30mm
Canon 550EX
Stofen flash modifier
Canon TC-80N3 Remote
Fash extension cable
Canon Manuals
Filters
Lenspen
Lens wipes
Extra batteries
2 Battery Chargers
Notepad + pens
CF cards
CF card reader
Knee pads
Circular fold down reflectors
Small daypack

and on the outside I strap my tripod.

I don't know what you mean exactly by "not a mint" but this one was about $200 when I got it. Might be more than you're willing to spend but has proven to be a work horse.

Message edited by author 2006-11-06 20:27:27.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/06/2006 05:10:15 PM · #4

I also have the Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II which (almost) holds all my gear. The question you need to ask yourself though is not will it hold all my gear but how heavy is it all? My backpack weighs about 3 stone (20kg) when full and with tripod/head attatched - unless your a Marine hiking is a pain.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

11/06/2006 05:15:41 PM · #5

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

I'd suggest a large bag to hold it all and a smaller one to carry what you need when out and about. Unless you have an assistant or your own personal pack mule, lugging that much gear will get old fast.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/06/2006 05:24:16 PM · #6

I honestly dont mind carrying all of this with me. When I go on an assignment I carry only what I need in a smaller bag. But for day to day stuff I never know what I am going to need and carry it all with me as it is. Now I added a second body and second flash and dont have the room with me. Obviously I wont need 2 flashes with me when not on an assignment so I dont need to carry that, but I do want to carry both bodies and my lens assortments with me. I've looked at the trekker and dont mind $200, heck I spent almost $100 for the one I have now that I have outgrown. But most others I find are 3-400 and thats just nuts! I dont need to carry a laptop with me, I have a case I carry with it seperate so thats not a concern. Thanks anyone else feel free to jump in.

MattO

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

11/06/2006 05:25:54 PM · #7

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

...unless your a Marine hiking is a pain.

Completely agree. I have a similar setup to MattO(minus the 1D), and use the TENBA Shootout (Large) backpack. //tenba.com/products/2000_01_shootout_lg_bk.asp

Awesome waterproofing & all around usability (complete wih additional rain-cover).

However... even without the tripod, it's heavy. If I attach my Giottos 9180 on it, the thing weighs a TON(almost unbearable, and I'm a fairly large guy).

Time to invest in carbon-fiber :O)

EDIT: MattO - i think i paid just under $200 for it.

Message edited by author 2006-11-06 17:27:36.

ShaneBlake

Nikon D7100

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

11/06/2006 05:28:50 PM · #8

i have a kata r-103 and it's a joy to carry... even when fully loaded. took it on a trip to uruguay and had it loaded w/ about 25lb of stuff through the airports and hardly knew it was there.

tough as nails, too. i even ran over it with (ok... drug it behind) the car w/ little damage to the contents and no damage to the bag...

but then, it is made by people who make body armor...

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/06/2006 08:26:53 PM · #9

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:
I also have the Lowepro Photo Trekker AW II which (almost) holds all my gear. The question you need to ask yourself though is not will it hold all my gear but how heavy is it all? My backpack weighs about 3 stone (20kg) when full and with tripod/head attatched - unless your a Marine hiking is a pain.

I'd suggest a large bag to hold it all and a smaller one to carry what you need when out and about. Unless you have an assistant or your own personal pack mule, lugging that much gear will get old fast.

Because of its adjustability I find the bag to be very comfortable when hiking. Getting the proper adjustment so the weight rides on your hips is the key just like it is with backpacking. However, I didn't get the bag to carry every thing, every time. I only take a minimum when I can, using the day pack like Spazmo99 said to carry the essentials. I wanted the bag to hold everything though just as a means of keeping everything organized, clean, and together for those occasions when I wanted everything.

One nit I have with the bag that I should have mentioned is unlike the older Photo Trekker the waist belt isn't removable so the ability to use it as either a backpack or as a suitcase is limited.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

11/06/2006 08:54:27 PM · #10

I was in the same predicament as you with the Canon backpack. I ended up getting a Tamrac Expedition 7 and the Large padded pockets that go on the side and I love it. It's an extremely comfortable backpack with lots of room. The additional side pockets are very useful for flash, Quantum turbo battery and cords, lightsphere, etc. They seem expensive at $60 for just some extra pockets, but once you get them you'll see why. The little wing pockets on the front are very useful for small items and gadgets and you dont have to open the whole bag just to get batteries, etc. Quality construction on this bag. There's also the Expedition 8 which is a bit bigger, but that was HUGE. I'd try one on for size before going that big. Here's a photo of mine with the side pockets:

Message edited by author 2006-11-06 20:56:02.

bassoon_boi

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

11/07/2006 03:52:57 AM · #11

Lowepro studio luggage-type case or one of the AW bags, like the Magnum etc, i think should hold all your stuff. (You have a lot of stuff.)

11/07/2006 07:34:16 AM · #12

Well folks, after much searching and your help. I bought a Photo Trekker II that came with a free daypack. Found it on Ebay for a price I could live with. Thanks so much for all of your input. Now if it would just get here so I could take my stuff to work with me today.

A note about taking it all with me and needing to be a marine to hike with it. Trust me I'm much too lazy to hike so thats not a concern. And I rarely ever take a tripod with me. Again too lazy to set it all up.

MattO

Prof_Fate

11/07/2006 08:38:29 AM · #13

When I went looking a few months back I got a lowepro mini treker classic - I will likely outgrow it, but for $80 it holds a lot, and you get get their clip lock system components to add to it.
In there I can get:
30D
20D
2 flash units
70-210 2.8
18-50 2.8
24-135 3.5-5.6
10-22 3.5-4.5
1.4 TC
42" 5 in 1 reflector
3 or 4 sets of batteries for everything, cleaning stuff, memory cards, etc.

I have yet to get an LS into a bag wihout removing 2 lenses, so it gets carried seperately. I don't carry the second body in there anymore either, or the second flash - they'll fit, but the weight is horrendous and I only need the backups at weddings or otehr events where it can stay in the car.

Weight is going to be a problem as I upgrade my lenses - L glass is a bit heavier than what i have now. I can't imagine throwing a laptop in there too!

The eventual solution will probably be a large trunk like thing on wheels and an assistant to carry it for me LOL

Why are slightly bigger bags 3 times the price?