Outdoor Camera Bag Help - DPChallenge Forums

Sigma 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

08/08/2008 11:08:37 AM · #1

Now that I have two bodies and a few lenses, I'm starting to need a bigger bag. Granted, I have a Lowepro Dryzone 100 for serious backpacking and outdoor use, but I don't have any bag for general use.

I'm looking for something that will survive outdoor use and extended walking when I don't want the fully waterproof Dryzone. I also need something that's somewhat presentable (the Dryzone is bright yellow) so I can take it to gatherings and more professional locations.

Current equipment is a D50, D200, SB-600, Nikon 50mm, Nikon 18-70 and a Nikon 70-300 VR. Future upgrades would be a second speedlight and possibly a 150mm Macro lens and a wide angle lens. Not being able to carry the second body (D50) wouldn't be a deal breaker, but I figure if the bag will fit the two future lens purchases, it will fit the second body for now.

I've always had Lowepro bags and they have held up well. But I'm very open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

jhomrighaus

Nikon D5300

08/08/2008 11:16:18 AM · #2

Tamrac Pro5 is what I just got and it is great.

08/08/2008 11:28:48 AM · #3

Thanks. I'll look at that one!

There are just so many that I'm curious to just hear a few opinions to get me started!

Sigma 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

08/08/2008 11:50:30 AM · #4

Looking over the Tamrac site, I had a couple questions:

1. Are these remotely waterproof? If I'm walking through town and we get rain, will my gear stay dry?
2. The Adventure Messenger 5 looks about like what I want. Anyone have one and want to share?

This is so confusing and overwhelming!

jhomrighaus

Nikon D5300

08/08/2008 11:56:00 AM · #5

Originally posted by mjwood0:

From Their Website

"The Pro 5 is a compact bag designed to accommodate the largest digital and film SLRs with a 200mm zoom lens attached, a couple of smaller lenses and a flash. The total-coverage top provides complete rain protection to the foam-padded main compartment which supports the camera on foam pillars. For shock protection, the bottom has a thick, foam-padded plastic platform. The Pro 5 is equipped with a front pocket that incorporates Tamracâ��s U.S. patented Memory & Battery Management Systemâ�¢ that uses red flags to identify which memory cards and batteries are available and which ones are used up. Inside the top, a Windowpane-Meshâ�¢ pocket stores filters, film or cleaning materials. A ZipDropâ�¢ front pocket has paraphernalia pockets and a mesh pocket to organize small accessories and personal items. In back, a zippered pocket holds maps, tickets and instruction manuals while a Piggy-Back Pocketâ�¢ allows the bag to be slipped over the handle of rolling luggage. The Pro 5 has an adjustable, BioCurveâ�¢ shoulder strap and an EasyGripâ�¢ carrying handle. Add optional Tamrac accessories using the attachment slots for our Strap Accessory Systemâ�¢ (S.A.S.â�¢) and Modular Accessory Systemâ�¢ (M.A.S.â�¢) products to customize this compact, professional bag."

I haven't taken mine out and hosed it down real good to test it, I do keep a small kitchen sized garbage bag folded up in the back panel pocket(it is undetectable in there) so I can cover things up if the weather gets crazy. But I know the fabric is treated and the top does TOTALY cover the compartment and is secured with both zippers and 3 clips and the lip folds down and totally covers the zippers and the front pocket.

Tamrac 5605, Pro5

Message edited by author 2008-08-08 11:56:50.