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08/08/2006 10:39:09 AM · #1 |
I just ordered the Domke F-2 camera bag on reccomendation of a friend. Anyone have this bag and like it? Whats better? A bag or a vest?
What about a camera backpack? I have a friend with the backpack and I wasnt very impressed since he had to take it off any time he wanted to get something out of it, but he didnt have any sore shoulders at the end of a long day of shooting. |
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08/08/2006 10:43:27 AM · #2 |
I always liked a vest when I was doing photojournalism work, but they aren't real stylish :-) Doing portrait and wedding work I'm happy with a few smaller bags. I don't really need a lot of equipment.
If you are hiking a backpack is probably your best option. I rode a bunch of bicycle trails this weekend and found myself really longing for a backpack. I have a rack on the back of my bike, but it was a royal pain to have to unstrap my camera bag everytime I saw something.
Message edited by author 2006-08-08 10:44:58.
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08/08/2006 10:44:36 AM · #3 |
get a bag. If you wear a vest, people will look at you everywhere you go...you will look like you're on a safari.
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08/08/2006 10:46:24 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by deapee:
get a bag. If you wear a vest, people will look at you everywhere you go...you will look like you're on a safari. |
upside and downside... they will think you are a pro or a really big geek :-)
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08/08/2006 10:57:56 AM · #5 |
I have a Tamrac Expedition 5 backpack that I love - it's the most comfortable bag I've ever owned. But it is kind of a pain to take it off every time I want something, so I only use it when I'm hiking, out for an extended shoot, or will be needing multiple lenses.
For shorter gigs, or single-lens shoots, I have a small Tamrac over-the-shoulder holster-type bag that's perfect. Holds just the camera and with a single standard lens, and I put one of those Modular Accessory System lens pounches on the strap for an extra lens. Small and easy to move with.
I've got a vest too, from Tumi. Personally, I love photo vests and am looking to aquire a few more. I think they're pretty stylish (but then, I've been accused of having lousy taste) and they are definetly useful. The downside is, in hot weather, it's, well, hot.
All in all, I think it depends on the kind of photography you do. For photojournalism, studio work, or maybe even a smaller event, a vest is great. For a big event, wedding, or certainly for landscape photography, a backpack is best, IMO.
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08/08/2006 11:01:23 AM · #6 |
I would prob go for a back pack that has a strap so you can carry it over your shoulder while you are shooting and on back when traveling.
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08/08/2006 11:26:48 AM · #7 |
I had a good and big carry bag. Tired of it quickly, don't use it anymore other than a storage for old filters, lenses etc.
I use both a backpack and vest daily. If I'm wondering around town or an event I wera the vest. It is amazing how looking like a photographer open doors and allows entry through otherwise secure entrances. Polics and security guards are much more inclined to allow entry without question. Just do it above-board, legally and with ethics please. The vest is a mesh back and sides. I looked at a lot of photog vests but finally settled for a vest from Cabellas sporting goods. Lots of pocked for filters, batteries, CF cards etc etc and the front two bottom pockets with zippers are big enough to hold my Canon 70-200 f/4 lens with the hood attached. So easy to change lenses and not worry about carrying, leaving a bag or dropping something.
I also use the Lowepro Mini Trekker AW when hiking of want to blend in a little more. It also will carry the 20D with the Canon 70-200 lens and hood attached as well as my Sigma 24-70, Canon 50mm, macro converts, 580 flash, 2x tel converter, and all kinds of other junk. On the backpacks always zip the zippers so they are at the bottom, I've seen a new Canon 5D and lens bounce down a rock ledge when the zipper came open.
The days of the carry case are long gone from me.
Good luck.
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08/08/2006 11:42:34 AM · #8 |
Yes, I've heard the horror stories about bags coming open too! One of the nice features of my backpack, about midway up on both sides it has a plastic clip that goes over top of the zipper. I ALWAYS have at least one of these engaged, just in case the zipper decides to let go.
The zipper-at-the-bottom trick is the best way to do it, though, so you don't have to worry. Just thinking about a 5D bouncing down a rock ledge makes me sick to my stomach!
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08/08/2006 11:51:49 AM · #9 |
Well I've got a mixed feeling about bags and backpacks.
The vest I advise you to have one for shure. Always.
The backpack is incovenient if you need to cahnge the lens or if you are needing things from it very often. I've got the Lowepro Minitrekker and I love it. I can put in two D70 with lens atatched, 2x SB800 and 3-4 extra lenses. A lot of gear.
I also have a shoulder bag, the Stealth reporter that I use when I need to quickly change lens because it has a top zipper that you don't need to open it to get to the interior. I have the 300 model that is a not very big but not very litle model. It can take one camera with 4-5 lenses or two cameras with 2-3 lenses. Very osefull.
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08/08/2006 11:56:30 AM · #10 |
I've used Lowepro for a long time, and have the waist packs, backpacks, and the big boys (Pro Trekker AW II), but I recently got a Tamrac Adventure 9, and for some reason I really love it. The camera compartment is huge and fits my D200 + grip + 17-55, which has a really long, wide barrel, plus four other lenses and hoods, with room for other stuff. There's also a large compartment at the top that I put other stuff in (like my skull), and there's a laptop compartment behind, which I actually don't use. For comfort, size, and the amount of gear it can carry, it's the best pack I've owned.
edit: pack fits my camera with grip attached with room to spare above it
Message edited by author 2006-08-08 11:58:24. |
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08/08/2006 01:43:54 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
I rode a bunch of bicycle trails this weekend and found myself really longing for a backpack. I have a rack on the back of my bike, but it was a royal pain to have to unstrap my camera bag everytime I saw something. |
I use a Lowprowe Toploader as a "front" pack when bicycling. I figure if I go over the handlebars I'll curl up around my camera rather than having it dig into my back. And its easy to access. |
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