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03/06/2011 11:37:26 AM · #1 |
Now that I have bought two pro lenses (and a fat nonpro lens), I am unfortunately, back in the bag market.
Up till now, I reserved my love for my small Tamrac Velocity 6 (which I won at Betterphoto), and is the old style which opens with a clasp. I also bought the bigger Velocity 7, which has a pain in the a** zipper, and opens away from you. Opening away from you is a good idea, but I find it so hard to open and close the zipper while wearing it, that I often leave it unzipped while shooting(so far, that's not been a problem, but it does worry me).
But now I have a D7000, 24-70 F2.8, 70-200 F2.8, and 28-300 VR (which I'll trade off with my 18-200 as needed). I figure I will mainly carry the 70-200 for special low light needs, such as a theatre shoot.
I guess my new kits will be:
D7000
28-300 VR
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8 VR II
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 10.5
OR
24-70 2.8
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 10.5
28-300 VR
OR
24-70 2.8
Sigma 10-20
Nikon 10.5
18-200 VR
Or my smaller kits.
One bag that looks as interesting to me as it is expensive, is the ThinkTank sling-o-matic. Alternately, one of the Kata bags that's both a backpack and a sling.
On thing I like about my Velocities: I change lenses with the bag on my side, so I can use it to help me change lenses when on the move. In fact, I realize I rarely have it behind me--mostly wear it on my side. So I guess a messenger style bag might work as well (though I think the strap won't be as comfy as the slings.
Anyway, I've looked through the threads, but I'd be interested in direct advice. I looked at the lowepro too, but with the way they are designed, 1) it looks to me too easy to accidentally dump the contents, and 2) I remember Slippy's experience with his slingshot.
Thanks in advance
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03/06/2011 01:05:57 PM · #2 |
I love my slingshot, and I have had ONE occasion when the clasp came open and dropped my bag. I was actually in the camera shop looking at other camera bags, so it fell onto a soft carpeted floor. (I think it got jealous). I have been unable to duplicate it and don't know what opened it up. I do plan on putting a zip ties around it just in case. Not a major issue IMO. The instances seem rare and it is easily fixed if one is worried. Don't know why this bag even needs a clasp there. I have never had need to unlatch it.
The Tamrac evolution bags are nicely designed for convenience. Access to the main compartment from three sides, and it can carry as either a backpak or slingpack. I bought an evolution 8, but it turned out to be way bigger than what I wanted/needed, so I traded it to Coryboehne for a kata backpack. The evolution 6 was too small for my 50D to fit. If there was an Evolution 7, it would have likely been the perfect size.
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03/06/2011 01:26:20 PM · #3 |
| The evolution 8 has been a very good bag. My only issue with it might be that it holds too much gear! Yesterday I stuffed the bag and hung a large tripod on it, then went on a 6 mile hike around Miami... Today I think I might try the bus instead ;).... |
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12/25/2011 10:45:03 AM · #4 |
I'm in the market for a sling bag, now. The bag I have is completely impractical for walking around, and I have a backpack (or three), but they get really aggravating to have to stop, take the bag off my back, sit it down and then get the camera out. I think a sling bag would best suit my purposes at this point.
I've read a lot, and I like tamrac's general overall quality.
I also like the Kata 3N1-10, I think.
My concerns --
1. Most pictures, videos, etc. show the bags being used by men. That is fine, but, well, I'm a woman, and was wondering if this could present any issues to comfort. Any women wanna chime in?
2. I don't need to carry all my stuff, as I'm just using it for a walkaround day type bag. Specifically, when we go to Disney next month, I want to have easy access. I will have a 30D with a battery grip, a Tamron 28-135 usually, and occasionally my 70-300.
3. I do not carry a purse, so extra compartments for keys, phone, check cards/cash, etc. would be good.
Any suggestions?
oh yea, I won't say cost is no object, because cost is always an object, but it doesn't have to be super cheap (though if that is good quality that is okay), and if I can get it on amazon, that would be good (cuz I have like almost $50 credit there).
Message edited by author 2011-12-25 10:49:48. |
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12/25/2011 11:04:11 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by karmat:
I'm in the market for a sling bag, now. The bag I have is completely impractical for walking around, and I have a backpack (or three), but they get really aggravating to have to stop, take the bag off my back, sit it down and then get the camera out. I think a sling bag would best suit my purposes at this point.
I've read a lot, and I like tamrac's general overall quality.
I also like the Kata 3N1-10, I think.
My concerns --
1. Most pictures, videos, etc. show the bags being used by men. That is fine, but, well, I'm a woman, and was wondering if this could present any issues to comfort. Any women wanna chime in?
2. I don't need to carry all my stuff, as I'm just using it for a walkaround day type bag. Specifically, when we go to Disney next month, I want to have easy access. I will have a 30D with a battery grip, a Tamron 28-135 usually, and occasionally my 70-300.
3. I do not carry a purse, so extra compartments for keys, phone, check cards/cash, etc. would be good.
Any suggestions?
oh yea, I won't say cost is no object, because cost is always an object, but it doesn't have to be super cheap (though if that is good quality that is okay), and if I can get it on amazon, that would be good (cuz I have like almost $50 credit there). |
I had Kata 3N1 and sold it. I found it too heavy and fiddly. I replaced it with a Kata Bunblebee-210DL backpack and a Kata triangular front bag DT211:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/611008-REG/Kata_KT_DT_211_DT_211_Digital_Torso_Pack_Sling.html
If I take only one lens and no tripod I only carry the front bag, it will fit 550D with 70-200mm lens (just), it will fit easily 550D with any other lens I have (10-22mm, 15-85mm). It is still not an ideal system but the best I could work out so far.
PS My husband calls me baglady as I have been through quite a few bags by now as I like to travel light :)
PS2 Link to the current model:
//www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732040-REG/Kata_KT_DL_LT_315_B_LighTri_315_DL_Digital_Torso_Pack.html
Message edited by author 2011-12-25 11:09:56. |
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12/25/2011 11:22:33 AM · #6 |
| I like that little front bag. Seems to have good reviews, so it may work. Any other opinions! (Thanks, Margaret) |
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12/25/2011 11:48:10 AM · #7 |
i got to a point where i decided to quit screwing around with the cheap stuff and risking my gear, trying to make things perform beyond their capabilities. so i asked some pros i trusted what they used and most of them recommended thinktank gear. i went all-in with a large belt and all the pouches necessary. that was jan '10, and i've never regretted spending the money. i've never had anything close to a zipper failure, or any of the other issues that come up. ymmv...
Message edited by author 2011-12-25 11:48:30. |
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12/25/2011 11:52:08 AM · #8 |
Ah, the never ending perfect bag quest! ;)
For those wondering about the Kata 3N1 bags, I have had the 3N1-30 for over a year. I was actually able to fit most all of my gear and even a flash in it. I went for one of the larger 3n1's because when I try and go light I inevitably end up wishing I had an additional lens with me.
The 3N1'a are kind of neat and well made. I found that for all the gear I was carrying it was most comfortable setup as a backpack for the two miles I walk each way to work. It was okay for this, but if I also added a tripod it really wasn't that comfortable. In order to make it convertible, Kata has to make the shoulder straps relatively light and flexible (though well constructed). I found that even using the belt would still have the somewhat spartan shoulder straps digging into me a little too much. So my thoughts on the 3N1s are that maybe the smaller ones for a more minimal amount of kit are best- too much weight and they aren't really comfortable in any position you set them into.
Since I was using the Kata as a backpack almost all the time anyway I decided to get a backpack only design with more robust shoulder straps and a decent belt for when I really pack it heavy. So for about a month I have been using a Thinktank Streetwalker Pro and really like it. It's in a shape for squeezing through crowds yet not so curvy that I can't fit a ton of stuff into it. The shoulder pads are robust and very comfortable. And though it does come with minimal waist belt, it can be completely removed so that you can use one of their speed belt systems with it instead and installing or removing one of these takes about ten seconds. So for daily use without a tripod I use no waist belt at all and have no straps in the way, or when I carry a tripod I quickly add the speed belt which even comes in several sizes so again I have no extra strap dangling around. Having to take a pack off to get to stuff is a bit of a pain sometimes admittedly, but once I have the pack off getting to anything inside is really quite easy.
For those of you looking specifically for a sling style bag, I didn't look at the Thinktank models super closely, but they looked very nice and because they are designed to be a sling only the straps seemed well padded and likely comfortable for the long haul. If I could learn to get by on less kit I might consider one of their slings for myself...
Message edited by author 2011-12-25 12:08:13. |
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12/25/2011 12:27:55 PM · #9 |
I like the thinktank stuff -- looks pretty good. I almost think it is too big for what I need though (a simple walkaround bag). I've got when I'm out on shoots covered, mostly, though I guess if this works really well, it will be good for that too.
I hate bag shopping. |
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12/25/2011 12:38:10 PM · #10 |
I own a Lowepro sling bag, and I haven't been disappointed in the quality. However, I did pass it on to my husband because I felt uncomfortable wearing it correctly. It wasn't that the bag was uncomfortable. It was perfectly comfortable around the house, but when I went into public I felt like my breasts were accentuated because of the strap pulled tight between them. Because of my shyness I found myself wearing it way too loose or just on my shoulder, which of course caused me a kink in the back.
I switched to a ThinkTank Retrospective shoulder bag, which gives me the option of wearing it across my body, on my shoulder, or in my hand by adjusting the strap length. I haven't had a chance to go on any lengthy walks or hikes with it, but so far it's much more comfortable for me. |
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12/25/2011 01:22:34 PM · #11 |
Hated the Lowepro slingbag because of how it showed off the boobs. Plus it was uncomfortable after loading it up. I needed to share the weight of the camera gear over two shoulders, not be locked into having one shoulder take the weight all the time.
I bought this: Lowepro Flipside and I like it a lot. |
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12/25/2011 01:40:13 PM · #12 |
| My brother uses this one, he loves it. I use this one and I love it. His has a bit larger capacity and is easier to swing around for access, but mine is more comfortable to carry as a backpack (symetrical hold). We've had them for over a year now and have had no structural or any other issues. We both carry a lot of stuff though, so, our bags may be a bit too much for your needs. |
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12/25/2011 01:42:16 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by aliqui:
I own a Lowepro sling bag, and I haven't been disappointed in the quality. However, I did pass it on to my husband because I felt uncomfortable wearing it correctly. It wasn't that the bag was uncomfortable. It was perfectly comfortable around the house, but when I went into public I felt like my breasts were accentuated because of the strap pulled tight between them. Because of my shyness I found myself wearing it way too loose or just on my shoulder, which of course caused me a kink in the back.
I switched to a ThinkTank Retrospective shoulder bag, which gives me the option of wearing it across my body, on my shoulder, or in my hand by adjusting the strap length. I haven't had a chance to go on any lengthy walks or hikes with it, but so far it's much more comfortable for me. |
I've got moobs and it does the same to me. I like the convenience of the bag, but it's very easy to put a lot of gear in the bag.
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12/25/2011 08:47:01 PM · #14 |
Ahh choices choices.
Yea, the whole boob thing is my concern. Don't need to show them any more than I have to. :P |
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12/26/2011 12:37:22 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by karmat:
Yea, the whole boob thing is my concern. Don't need to show them any more than I have to. :P |
another reason to go with a belt system ;-)
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12/26/2011 05:20:42 AM · #16 |
ive got this one
i have 5d and battery grip (big) with normally 28-70 L on in middle and then 70-200 2.8 on one side and 16-35 L on the other all big lenses and they all fit.
also carry 20d and battery grip left and 5d batteyr grip right if shooting with two cameras, slight squeeze but doable
can stick the camera and lense in with the hoods on.
all sling bags are going to present a problem going across your chest showing boobs etc, ive got man boobs hehee, problem with belt is you look like a geeky dad!! what do you do with it when you sit down for coffee etc hand it to someone else? and i like the think tank as it doesnt shout camera bag!!
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12/26/2011 09:10:31 AM · #17 |
If you would like a different option, I have decided to get a Chrome Niko. They are made by an actual bike messengers company. They are waterproof and made of truck tarp and heavy duty materials so the last forever. Also the seatbelt actually works for taking the bag on and off. The lever under the seatbelt is for on the fly, one handed adjustment. I have used these bags for college and work since 2004 and I have loved every one. This is there newest creation. However the problem is as soon as they are in stock, they will sell out in 3 days. I am on the list and counting down until they get a new shipment.
Message edited by author 2011-12-26 09:18:51. |
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08/23/2014 12:53:08 AM · #18 |
Did the ladies or the men with moobs ever find a great camera bag?
I've just begun my search and would love to hear your results.
Thanks! |
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08/23/2014 08:37:21 AM · #19 |
I have the Kata 3N1-30 seen Here and absolutely love it.
In the back I cut the material at the very top where the handles for wheeled carrier would fit it and thereby created a spot where I could fit my laptop.
One can carry the bag on the right, left or both shoulders, depending on one's preference.
I have been very happy with it over the years and if I needed to replace it, I would likely get the same one again.
Ray
Message edited by author 2014-08-23 08:39:47. |
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08/23/2014 09:45:06 AM · #20 |
+1^^^
Have the Kata 3-in-1 and it's awesome. Can store a ton of gear, lenses as big as 100-400L, and is super comfortable.
Well recommended. |
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08/23/2014 09:53:40 AM · #21 |
Since this thread has been revived, I'll update. I eventually bought the larger and 2nd generation Lowepro Slingshot AW202 for my 50D. Like it just as much as the AW101 I had originally bought.
I also have a small Tamrac shoulder bag that is the perfect size for traveling light. Just enough room for the camera, batteries, cards, and maybe a second small lens.
For excursions in the summer, such as airshows I have a camera backback with a laptop compartment. I put a hydration pack reservoir in the laptop sleeve instead. But this one isn't a sling bag, so isn't as quick to get things out of.
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