Photo Backpacks - the good, the bad and the ugly?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

04/02/2007 09:59:25 PM · #1

Hi peeps

I'm looking at purchasing a photo backpack to carry all my equipment around in. I don't have too much, a canon 300D, 70-200mm lens, 50mm prime and the 18-50mm zoom plus a seperate flash, spare batteries etc. What would be a decent backpack considering I want room for expansion?
I'd be looking for a waterproof one or one with a waterproof cover as most of the photography I do is nature and wildlife. My budget is around the $200AUD mark but cheaper the better.
Brands i've been looking at so far are Lowepro, Tamrac and Kata, it would be cool to hear some opinions on any of these brands and also suggestions for alternatives?

Thanks everyone

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

04/02/2007 10:19:05 PM · #2

Hey Chris,

I've a Tamrac pack that has internal compartments that are adjustable. Also has side pockets and lots of internal/external compartments. The pack is light weight and so easy to carry. I know they make different sizes. The very top flap covers the entire pack. Love mine.

guitars54

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6

04/02/2007 10:33:46 PM · #3

Chris,
You might want to check out the Tamrac Adventure series. They are a great line for what it sounds like you're looking for. I have the smallest one, which is the 6, and it fits all my things perfectly. I have my camera body, 3 lenses(one of which is super-tele), a flash unit, and all my batteries, cards, and ect... I also keep a compact digital and lens hoods in the top compartment. you can buy cinch straps for the bottem to attach your tripod if that's needed. Unfortunately, if I want to get any more lenses, I'm gonna need to get a bigger size. I believe the next is 7 and then there's 9? not for sure on that one... but if you're planning on upgrading lenses, you might look at one of those.
Zach

chimericvisions

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

04/02/2007 10:37:51 PM · #4

Just after Christmas I bought a Speed Racer from Think Tank. It's a great bag, but it's not a backpack. It has advantages and disadvantages over a backpack. Ease of access is a definite advantage - single shoulder strap is a disadvantage if you want to go long distances (say, hiking).

Lots of external pockets and internal space. Top-loading quick zipper, comes with a media-wallet and a rain cover, they have lots of add-ons to enable quick-attachment of long lenses, etc.

coryxmorton

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/02/2007 10:40:46 PM · #5

I have a Lowepro CompuTrekker, and I love it. I take this back and forth to class daily (I'm a photo major) and inside it is:

canon 20d
canon rebel t2 film body
canon 18-55
canon 50 1.8
tamron 70-300
tamron 28-80 3.5
sigma dg super 500 flash
2 extra bp-511
a few extra CF cards
a whole bunch of AA's
2 remote switches
a whole bunch of extra film
my laptop
a notebook
a whole bunch of pens/odds and ends

It definitely holds alot, and it has a rain cover built in, and a tripod holder. I just purchased the 70-200 2.8 and a tamron 28-75 2.8 so I've gotta rearrange things so I can get those to fit once the nice UPS man brings them. I'll probably leave the film camera at home, cause I don't use it very often at all.

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

04/02/2007 10:46:15 PM · #6

wow thanks for the speedy replies guys.
To be a bit more specific i'm really looking for a backpack with two straps as i find after a long hike my back will really ache without the correct support.

But thanks to Jay for an alternative point of view ;o)

Lowepro seems to have a better reputation than Tamrac, is this really justified?

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/02/2007 11:28:46 PM · #7

It sounds like you are looking for exactly the same thing that I wanted. I'm going to two get togethers this month and I wanted to finally get THE final backpack for me.

I did a ton of research, a lot of which came from looking through old threads here on DPChallenge.

If you want to save some time, get the Tamrac Expedition 7 backpack. If you need more than my word for it then just do a search for this backpack on DPC's forums.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/02/2007 11:31:52 PM · #8

I highly recommend whatever you got it has click snaps on the straps for the tripod. If you have to loosen and tighten the straps to get the tripod on and off it is a pain. I bought a backpack I like (Quantaray Pro) but it has straps that you had to loosen and tighten. I removed those and made my own. Works pretty well.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/03/2007 08:19:28 AM · #9

does anyone have the Tamrac expedition 5?

idp

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

04/03/2007 08:25:03 AM · #10

My wife bought me the Lowepro Mini Expedition AW as a prsent and it is simply wonderful.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

04/03/2007 08:27:11 AM · #11

Originally posted by dewdodesign:

does anyone have the Tamrac expedition 5?

I have that one, and 2 other Tamrac bags, one slightly larger and one shoulder bag. I carried the Ex5 for a couple of years until my kit began to outgrow it. I still use it occasionally when I don't need to carry everything. I like the quality of the Tamrac bags, you can really haul them through everything & they don't show the wear. I also like the Tamrac add-ons, since they move so easily between bags, making changing bags really quick.

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/03/2007 08:38:31 AM · #12

Originally posted by dewdodesign:

does anyone have the Tamrac expedition 5?

Even though I recommended the Expedition 7, the 5 is probably the better choice for you since you initially stated that you "don't have too much" equipment. I just didn't have much time to elaborate last night.

I got the 7 because I keep accumulating gear and I wanted something that I knew that I wouldn't outgrow. Considering your arsenal right now, the 5 should be sufficient. If you feel down the road that you are outgrowing it, then the expedition series accomodates padded side pockets that come in three sizes. I purchased the extra large pockets and only when they arrived with the backpack did I realize just how huge they are.

With the expedition backpack and the option of adding the side pockets you have tremendous versatility.

telehubbie has the 7 and a picture of it in this thread . In that thread, he also suggests the Expedition 5 if you don't need a large backpack.

sacredspirit

Canon EOS-600D/T3i Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/03/2007 08:42:43 AM · #13

I didn't read the entire thread, but if anybody is looking for a good inexpensive bag, check out diaper bags they work out magnificently. Good padding, lots of pockets, and most have waterproof lining.

I know, it sounds a lil bit cheesy but whatda ya expect from a midwestern hillbilly.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/03/2007 08:44:36 AM · #14

that's cool, I only came across it because you said about the expedition 7 and I thought i would google it, so thanks for your help :o)
I reckon the 5 would suit me right now, I can't see me getting too much gear in the near future apart from perhaps a wide angle lens and an additonal flash... and maybe a few filters.....a new tripod.....
Damn, that reminds me, i had better start saving up!! :o( lol

Originally posted by yakatme:

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

04/03/2007 08:55:06 AM · #15

Originally posted by yakatme:

With the expedition backpack and the option of adding the side pockets you have tremendous versatility. telehubbie has the 7 and a picture of it in this thread . In that thread, he also suggests the Expedition 5 if you don't need a large backpack.

Hey thanks! You saved me a lot of typing! :-) I really can't say enough about the Expedition packs. Very nice and comfortable.