Advice on a Good Carry Bag. - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

04/11/2012 01:54:59 PM · #1

Hello,

I am hoping this is the appropriate forum for this conversation. I did a quick search that turned up empty.

Im going to be doing quite a bit of traveling in the next little while (Toronto to New York to Germany to Hungary to Rome,etc.)

I'm going to be travelling in a car to NY and I want something to safely hold my Canon 5D, a flash and a spare lense or two. I've got a battery grip on it so it's that akward shape/size where I can't fit it into many bags nicely.

this is the bag I currently own:

I'm looking for something like:

Or a reasonable size smaller. Basically something that won't be an extra backpack in the trunk of a super cramped car.
I was going to take my 28-90mm and my 75-300mm the 5-D battery grip and some extra cards, batteries and chargers, etc.

I figured i'd ask you guys to see what kind of stuff you've been using/how you recommend packing for this.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/11/2012 02:05:08 PM · #2

I've messed around with camera bags, always being frustrated with this or that about them, much like every other photographer. There are inherent drawbacks to a non-backpack style that I'd caution you about-
They aren't as comfortable with heavy loads. Ever. Pare down your kit and they're better.
They move around more.
Their openings are never as good as they seem.
If you are traveling a lot, you may want to carry more with you than just camera gear, so consider the size of your bag very carefully. I know when I travel I usually want a book and coat with me at the very least.

I currently use a backpack as my go-to for traveling, as it can carry everything very comfortably as well as have room for other things to make the traveling itself easier.

deeby

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/11/2012 02:33:01 PM · #3

generally speaking, the non-symmetric types of bags can be murder on your back

atupdate

Pentax K-R

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

04/11/2012 02:47:35 PM · #4

This website has reviews on most of the major sling bags and other primary styles offered.

Cambags.com

Tim

04/11/2012 02:57:48 PM · #5

I've got a Lowepro Slingshot 202. It's my most convenient bag for when I am on the go and needing to do quick lens swaps. I can carry it like a shoulder bag and get into it while walking, or swing it around to my back tp get it out of my way. It also holds a lot for it's size. The interior is arranged quite effectively. I do have several other bags, and use them under different circumstances, but the slingshot fits your stated specs.

Message edited by author 2012-04-11 14:59:13.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

04/11/2012 03:29:34 PM · #6

thanks for the quick and super helpful replies. Im going to head out to a shop to take a look at some of these in person.

Basically i'm going to cut down my kit as much as I can for weight as well as the amount of valuable crap I have on my person.

I really like the look of the low pro slingshot! that side access thing seems awesome compared to me having to put my stupid backpack on the ground while i mess about.

I'm going to try to jam my undies and all that crap in the same bag to see how little I can get away with taking with me. hah.

spiritualspatula

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/11/2012 04:05:49 PM · #7

Originally posted by Sebi:

Tamrac does have a series of bags that is sorta a backpack but sorta behaves like a sling. I think they're called the Aero series, but I've never seen them in person. This would afford you some extra room but also be more accessible.

ETA://www.tamrac.com/g_aeros.htm
Admittedly, though, the backpack I use, though out of distribution, claimed it did the same thing. I found that it worked great for normal sized bodies and lenses, but not so great for pro 2.8 zooms and with a grip. Both caused great problems to release from the side, but I still love the system despite such shortcomings.

Message edited by author 2012-04-11 16:08:09.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

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

04/11/2012 07:10:51 PM · #8

Before you purchase any bag, make certain to check the dimensions of the carry-on bags that are allowed on both domestic and international flights, as well as the total allowable weight.

I have a few terrific bags that I would love to use, but unfortunately they do not meet existing specifications.

I do have 31N-30 Kata bag which I now use when traveling. You can check the Kata bags Here.

There are other wonderful bags around and I am certain others will tell you what they are.

Ray

04/12/2012 01:00:15 PM · #9

Really good advice on about carry-on sizes, I completely forgot about that.

I'm taking a look at the Kata and Tamrac now. I bet every photographer goes through a period where they think making their own bag would be the best.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

04/12/2012 01:11:11 PM · #10

After acquiring a collection of camera bags and laptop bags in the quest for the perfect one, I now understand what the deal is with women and handbags.

Venser

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

04/12/2012 01:38:22 PM · #11

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

After acquiring a collection of camera bags and laptop bags in the quest for the perfect one, I now understand what the deal is with women and handbags.

I don't. My camera bag only carries useful items.

CS

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/12/2012 01:42:54 PM · #12

Originally posted by cosmicassassin:

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
After acquiring a collection of camera bags and laptop bags in the quest for the perfect one, I now understand what the deal is with women and handbags.

I don't. My camera bag only carries useful items.

CS

What I meant was that you are always looking for the perfect one.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/12/2012 01:56:55 PM · #13

I have an old Kata Backpack R102 like the one in this image which i used to love. It sits very close to the back and is one of the few I have ever seen that can hold a body with a Bigma mounted.

Sadly I am paranoid to use it now since I have twice forgotten to zip up the back and tossed it over my shoulder, resulting in tossing my camera and attached lens several yards, once with the Bigma, once with the 200L. Both lived to shoot another day, but now I only use top loading shoulder bags.

I bought a Thinktank UD70 which is a great bag for hauling a lot of gear, and use a older version of the Case logic medium camera bag which holds one body with a shortish lens mounted (200mm max) and room for 3 other lenses or 2 and a battery card case shutter release. It is not very well padded, but it is very compact and it looks pretty dorky, so it isn't a thief magnet. You may note, all of these are now top loaders, gravity will not get me again.

Venser

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

04/12/2012 02:02:07 PM · #14

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by cosmicassassin:

Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:
After acquiring a collection of camera bags and laptop bags in the quest for the perfect one, I now understand what the deal is with women and handbags.

I don't. My camera bag only carries useful items.

CS

What I meant was that you are always looking for the perfect one.

I know, I was trying to be funny and ruffle the feathers of the other sex. Looks like I failed.

CS

SwordandScales

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/12/2012 02:07:55 PM · #15

Having only experienced their brand of bags, I can offer my highest recommendation of thinktank...those folks know what they're doing.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/12/2012 03:17:23 PM · #16

My regular camera bag is a Tamrac Velocity 9, which seems to be what you're looking for. I also have a LowePro Fastpack 350 that I use for short trips. That one is a backpack, but not as bulky as the Canon, and it has an upper compartment you can use for a change of clothes.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/12/2012 08:44:10 PM · #17

I ended up going with this bad boy:

//www.tamrac.com/5789.htm

It seems as convenient as everything else, has the weatherproofing, etc. Has the fast access side pouch hole thing, can be either a right arm sling, left arm sling or backpack in a second.

It also has ample space up top to keep a couple of rolled up t-shirts, undies, toothbrush and a wallet if I need it. It also seems small enough to meet carry on specifications.

Also, the whole thing is soooo rigid (that came out wrong HAHA) I mean, it holds its form and is super padded.

I'm pretty happy with the purchase and I took a look at the rest of the bags.

It seemed to offer the same features as the low pro slingshot but the slingshot has only one strap option and a super tiny extra crap compartment.

I think this is going to do the trick for me, and I super appreciate all of the advice and responses.

Oh yea, it has that awesome laptop holder pocket thing in the back.

Message edited by author 2012-04-12 20:46:43.

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/12/2012 09:06:39 PM · #18

Just remember these simple steps.
1. Take bag off your back and lay it on a flat to remove camera.
2. Unzip compartment and remove camera.
3. Zip up compartment.
4. Check to see that compartment is zipped up.
5. Before you lift bag back onto your back, check the zippers one more time.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/12/2012 09:08:01 PM · #19

Originally posted by Sebi:

I ended up going with this bad boy:

//www.tamrac.com/5789.htm

I bought the evolution 8 a couple of years ago and found it too big for my needs. However, the evolution 6 wouldn't hold my 50D. If they made an Evolution 7, it would have likely been perfect. Very well designed bag, however. Everything was in the right place and access was very easy.

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

04/13/2012 09:34:30 AM · #20

iwent with a Domke. Mostly, because I am into looking like a hobo, partially because its just darn comfortable and my paranoia tells me it looks slightly less visible to theives and such; yes i m aware it scream domke, but who the hell knows what that is right? RIGHT?. OOh also its easy access (for me and my imaginary thieves *sigh*). its a shoulder bag: this one. Well not exactly, mines a tad smaller and doesnt have those hooks: and my shoulder strap is brown but you get the idea.

Message edited by author 2012-04-13 09:38:52.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

04/13/2012 11:54:39 AM · #21

Originally posted by Sebi:

I ended up going with this bad boy:

//www.tamrac.com/5789.htm

I am gonna look into getting one of these...That is exactly what I am looking for.