Photo Backpack - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

04/12/2004 10:45:21 AM · #1

I'm looking to buy a photography backpack and I'm trying to decide between a Tamrac or Lowepro. I currently need it to fit 1 body, 1 large lens (100-400mm), a 100mm macro and a 50mm, a 420EX flash, tripod plus other misc. items.

I would like to buy it big enough to hold 2 bodies and an additional lens in the size of a mid range zoom.

Anyone use either the Tamrac or Lowepro backpacks and have comments about them?

Thanks!

soccerdad

Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro

04/12/2004 11:05:27 AM · #2

I just bought a "Point" branded backpack after studying both Lowepro and Tamrac.

The version I have is smaller than the really oversized ones in the brands you mention, but has a non-padded pocket that fits a laptop (complete with protective case) a paperback book, an ipod, sunglasses, a passport, and plane tickets. It has external connections for a tripod.

I have two zooms, a 50mm prime, some filters, one S2 body, flash unit, extra batteries, and a few empty slots that could be reconfigured to hold an extra body and lens.

This was about $50usd versus $90-$110usd on the higher name brands. The photo guy tried to talk me out of it because it was low quality and not a name brand but frankly, it is a better bag than anything I looked at on my last trip stateside.

I only suggest this because it might be worth a quick look to see what other brands are available in your area.

Best and good luck,
Bill

sher

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/12/2004 11:07:15 AM · #3

i have the Lowepro mini trekker...i carry my digital cam and my 35mm cam with several lenses and accessories, an umbrella, a rain coat, mosquito repellant and my tripod hooked to the outside of the pack. it's a great pack for travelling but not one i would recommend for everyday shooting.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/12/2004 11:21:23 AM · #4

Thanks Bill and Sher.

I will probably be buying online as the shops here locally tend to be pretty pricey with a limited choice, at least as far as I've seen so far. Pointers on other brands besides Lowepro or Tamrac are helpful though.

We have quite a few trips planned this year (La Jolla/San Diego, Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Alaska, etc.) and we will be walking / hiking most of the time. I'm really looking for a backpack that's very comfortable and made to be used under these conditions.

I don't really need a lap top section. Mine is pretty heavy so it stays behind and I just carry a MediaXchange drive.

superdave_909

Canon EOS-60D

04/12/2004 11:27:39 AM · #5

My two cents!
Find one that you like in the local shops then order it online.
I have a Tamrac and I love it but, it looked bigger in the picture,
and that guide that tells you what will fit in it is useless!
Hope that helps.
On a side note, I love the quality of my Tamrac! I just wish it
was a little bigger!

sher

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/12/2004 11:32:01 AM · #6

Originally posted by tfaust:

the mini trekker is very comfortable...padded straps and a sternum strap that helps. it's a very nice pack just a little hard to use if you're gonna be changing lenses a lot. but, most backpacks would be that way, i would think. i like the look of the Tamrac Velocity sling pack. it can be worn on your back but can be pulled around to the front for easier access. not sure if the size would be sufficient, though.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/12/2004 11:36:25 AM · #7

Originally posted by superdave_909:

Good points... which Tamrac do you have?

cbeller

Nikon D300

04/12/2004 11:37:23 AM · #8

I just ordered a Lowepro Mini Trekker off Ebay this weekend for $75 new.

superdave_909

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/12/2004 11:45:31 AM · #9

Originally posted by tfaust:

Good points... which Tamrac do you have?

I have the adventurer 2

bledford

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

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

04/12/2004 12:35:51 PM · #10

Originally posted by superdave_909:

Originally posted by tfaust:
Good points... which Tamrac do you have?

I have the adventurer 2

I have the adventurer 8 and it is a very nice bag, with a good balance between portability and storage. I think it would be difficult to use this backpack for dual-purpose shooting, though, where one might need both a large flash *and* large (L-type) zoom lenses, for example. Right now, I've got the kit lens and a 550ex and it all fits nicely. There's room for a 75-300 and plenty left over for accessories. When I get my 70-200f4 L, however, the real test will begin.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/12/2004 01:10:17 PM · #11

Oh yeah... I can see where that would be tight, on both bags. I'm thinking I need to be in the Expedition series if I go Tamrac.

I'm really looking at the Expedition 4 or 5.

Edit: I'm also considering the LowePro Mini Trekker

Message edited by author 2004-04-12 13:12:37.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

04/12/2004 01:46:52 PM · #12

I have a Lowepro Computrekker, very good quality backpack with a separate padded compartment for a laptop. Lots of space, very flexible and very comfortable to wear. Plus it has a tripod carrying support and a rainy weather cover that can double as a protective mat for you to put your equipment on the ground for lens changes.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/12/2004 02:09:25 PM · #13

Considering what you are using it for, #1 priority is comfort, #2 priority is carrying everything you want and need. Example, you can do without an extra lense on a 10 mile Alaskan hike but be comfortable and enjoy the experience, but being uncomfortable the whole time and being able to bring that lense that you may or may not need would make it a miserable experience.

That being said, don't buy one until you can load it up, try it on, an know it will be comfortable.

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/12/2004 02:33:33 PM · #14

Originally posted by louddog:

That being said, don't buy one until you can load it up, try it on, an know it will be comfortable.

I agree, except that a lot of the local shops don't have those bags stocked. If I buy it online, I can return it right away if it won't work.

That's the other nice part about DPC - getting the recommendations of folks who are already using these bags knowing what I'll be putting into mine.

If I'm going on a 10 mile Alaskan hike, I want my full arsenal of lenses. It's not somewhere I'll be back to anytime soon - so I don't want to miss a shot because I left a lens behind.

There are plenty of bags out there that can handle all my equipment and be comfortable at the same time. It's just a matter of how much I'm willing to pay.

superdave_909

Canon EOS-60D

04/12/2004 03:14:25 PM · #15

Originally posted by bledford:

I have the adventurer 2

Flash

Nikon D700

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

04/12/2004 04:17:11 PM · #16

Originally posted by tfaust:

Just discovered a line of bags by "Delsey". Same manufacturing group as the Bogen manfrotto line. I have one of their shoulder bags and it is first class. They also make a backpack called the Delsey Digital Pro 33.

A couple of features that are quite nice are the zippers are reverse seamed and the material is waterproof. Also no "NEON" labels screaming Camera Gear...Steal me. The internal dividers are substantial, well padded and the velcro system is strong and sturdy.

A search of "Delsey Pro Bags" will yeild their website. Apparently they make luggage also, so be sure and look at the camera bags.

04/12/2004 07:49:35 PM · #17

Thanks for all the feedback everyone :-)

dhayes

Canon EOS-10D

04/12/2004 08:22:11 PM · #18

I bought an f64 bag after looking quite a bit at several bags. The f64 is almost an inch deeper than most bags and with the battery grip on the 10d and 300d, the cameras don't bulge out. Very comfortable bag and plenty of room.