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08/25/2009 10:34:13 AM · #1 |
Here's a questions for all of you gear junkies out there. I'm getting to where it is burdensome to lug all of my gear around with me. I can't imaging that any pro photographer does. I've been using a Tamrac backpack for storage/transport but this is honestly not a good solution for me at all. I don't actually hike with it. If I hike, I take the gear I need out and put it in whatever backpack I need for my hike. When I just quickly grab my bag to shoot something local, it is a pain, because it has to be completely zipped up with the front flap before I lift it, or everything would fall out. I'm thinking about getting some type of a bag like the Jack by Jill-E. I like how it stands on its own, even if it's opened. However, what about the gear I leave at home. How do you store that so it is safe, yet easy to get to? Any suggestions?
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08/25/2009 10:44:54 AM · #2 |
I'm not sure if your question is about what kind of bag to buy or what gear should be taken with you on a hike/outing.
If it's the latter, then you just have to be resigned to the fact that you may not be able to carry every last piece of equipment you own (assuming you have a lot of gear).
If you are on a hike, put in your car all the gear you would possibly need. When at the trailhead, take only a subset of what you brought from your studio/home. Having done your homework, you should have a general idea of what you want to capture, and what gear you'll require. Do you need your battery charger on the trail? Probably not. Do you need your extension tubes on the trail? Usually not. Do you need every single lens filter on the trail? Generally not. Sensor cleaning kit? No. Memory card adapters and cables? I think not.
It's all the matter of being efficient when mobile. :-)
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08/25/2009 11:29:19 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by traquino98:
... However, what about the gear I leave at home. How do you store that so it is safe, yet easy to get to? Any suggestions? |
I was doing the bag shuffle with extra lens, filters, etc... and would sometimes forget which bag I put that "extra" lens in. What I ended up doing is purchasing an inexpensive two-drawer chest from Target. I lined the bottom of each drawer with 1/2 inch foam. In the bottom drawer I made dividers out of hardboard so I can keep my extra lens from moving around much when I open the drawer. The top drawer holds photo accessories (off-camera flash support, filters, etc...). Put the drawer unit in the bottom of a closet so it's kept at a constant temperature & humidity (from house AC/Heating). |
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08/25/2009 11:37:30 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Originally posted by traquino98:
... However, what about the gear I leave at home. How do you store that so it is safe, yet easy to get to? Any suggestions? |
I was doing the bag shuffle with extra lens, filters, etc... and would sometimes forget which bag I put that "extra" lens in. What I ended up doing is purchasing an inexpensive two-drawer chest from Target. I lined the bottom of each drawer with 1/2 inch foam. In the bottom drawer I made dividers out of hardboard so I can keep my extra lens from moving around much when I open the drawer. The top drawer holds photo accessories (off-camera flash support, filters, etc...). Put the drawer unit in the bottom of a closet so it's kept at a constant temperature & humidity (from house AC/Heating). |
Shiz! Simple and brilliant. My gear is spread all over the place. I'm going to Canadian Tire this weekend. I know just what I need.
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08/25/2009 11:40:09 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
... put in your car all the gear you would possibly need. When at the trailhead, take only a subset of what you brought... |
Ever since my car was broken into, I never leave valuables in it. :-(
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08/25/2009 11:45:30 AM · #6 |
i have one BIG back pack that holds everything i own ( photographically speaking - including my laptop ). it's probably around 40 lbs or so fully loaded... and a second smaller backpack i transfer what i feel i'll need to use for a given situation.
the big bag is weather sealed, so i don't have to worry too much about dust and dog hair and the like getting into it. it sits on the floor next to my desk at the moment. it also as side pockets that can be used for odds and ends, but also allows you to reach from them into the inner padded areas w/o taking it off your back. so, if i lighten the load on the big to a resonable weight, the extra space can double for guidebooks, snacks, etc....
Message edited by author 2009-08-25 11:49:49.
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08/25/2009 11:53:30 AM · #7 |
yeah - that stupid trunk button ( though i use it all the time ) is a blessing for a robber. you used to be able to safely not worry about stuff in trunk.
that button also got me busted for DWI WAAAAY back. i left the keys in ignition, while i changed a tire.... long story...
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Ever since my car was broken into, I never leave valuables in it. :-( |
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08/25/2009 12:05:42 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by soup:
i have one BIG back pack that holds everything i own ( photographically speaking - including my laptop ). it's probably around 40 lbs or so fully loaded... and a second smaller backpack i transfer what i feel i'll need to use for a given situation.
the big bag is weather sealed, so i don't have to worry too much about dust and dog hair and the like getting into it. it sits on the floor next to my desk at the moment. it also as side pockets that can be used for odds and ends, but also allows you to reach from them into the inner padded areas w/o taking it off your back. so, if i lighten the load on the big to a resonable weight, the extra space can double for guidebooks, snacks, etc.... |
:-D I have one of those also! Lowepro/CompuTrekker
I call it the Mothership.
It currently holds:
Sony A700 with Sigma 28-70.
Lens (Sigma 50-500, 70-200, 10-20), Sony 50.
Sigma Flash.
Various filters & accessories (CF cards, card reader, etc...).
Dell 15" laptop & powercord.
I carry this beast every day. That's about to change however since it seems like I rarely stop for photos on the way to / from work anymore...so I bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 to carry in a laptop bag for everyday back & forth to work now (starting later this week when the new camera gets here).
Message edited by author 2009-08-25 12:08:15. |
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08/25/2009 12:13:58 PM · #9 |
At home
I keep all cameras, lenses and essential gear needed for a shoot in a lockable safe with top drawer purchased from Staples. I custom-fitted all compartments with dense foam.
On a shoot
ΓΆ€ΒΆ I carry a custom-fitted Coleman cooler lined with dense black foam in the trunk of my car at all times. It holds 2 DSLRs with lenses mounted, my little Leica, rain jacket, filters, card case, remote, flash, lens cleaning gear, dry bags, tripod umbrella etc. Tripod next to it, outside of cooler.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ If I need to walk or hike in foul weather, I can pack i DSLR with a wide angle or small telephoto plus Leica D-Lux and all needed paraphernalia in a LoewePro Stealth Reporter AW over my shoulder.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ For air travel, on serious hikes or treks, when I need all equipment including laptop, chargers and-what-have-you, I use a big weather-proofed LoewePro backpack (Photo Trekker Classic) with tripod strapped on when feasible.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ For short, very defined shoots, especially when I do not expect to have to walk far, I might just carry both DSLRs with lenses up to the 100-400 and a tripod over my shoulder, a point and shoot, card case and remote on my belt.
Message edited by author 2009-08-25 12:24:22. |
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08/25/2009 12:18:57 PM · #10 |
When I go walkabout I leave the 20 lb bag somewhere and wear a fanny pack with two smaller lenses, a set of batteries, and maybe a filter or two. I also take a lens pouch that fits on a belt loop if I expect to need a big or long lens. With the lens and camera on a monopod, that gives me a choice of 4 lenses without being too heavy or cumbersome.
I like that the fanny pack puts the load on my hips instead of my shoulders and back.
I also have a shooters vest that I use once in a while, if the weather is cooler than it usually is here in Florida. It's nice because it distributes the weight evenly and keeps everything organized. It was the right thing to have at the Baja 1,000 race where I was moving through crowded streets and needed to the whole day's essentials, and be able to move quickly to get the shots.
Whatever you choose, make sure to secure things so that they will not drop out. I did lose an 18-70 from it into a Montana waterfall when I was kneeling for a shot with the 15 fisheye, and didn't even know that it was gone until I reached for it.
The shoulder strap bags in your link look to me like they would be cumbersome and tiring to drag around all day. I used to use that type of bag, but now use a back pack for my big mobile load of toys and gadgets when I travel and want to have one of everything with me.
I think you can disable the trunk latch button if you open the trunk and unplug the wire that goes to the solenoid that works the latch. It shouldn't be too difficult to do. I drive an old 1990 Ford Bronco II when I am out and about to shoot, and cover up whatever I leave in it. Not many thieves give an older ride a second glance, so I feel pretty secure about it unless it is parked where it is the only vehicle around for miles.
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08/25/2009 12:32:29 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
I think you can disable the trunk latch button if you open the trunk and unplug the wire that goes to the solenoid that works the latch. It shouldn't be too difficult to do. I drive an old 1990 Ford Bronco II when I am out and about to shoot, and cover up whatever I leave in it. Not many thieves give an older ride a second glance, so I feel pretty secure about it unless it is parked where it is the only vehicle around for miles. |
Also, for SUV and Crossover owners, don't sort your gear while standing behind your vehicle with the liftgate wide open for the whole world to see what you have. I'll transfer gear from bag to bag or configure my body-lens combinations while sitting in my vehicle. Then I'll move what is staying behind to the "way-back", with the cargo cover in place.
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08/25/2009 02:19:30 PM · #12 |
Ah, the Eternal Quest for the Perfect Camera Bag!
I have several imperfect methods, and some things I want to try.
Right now I regularly use a KATA 467 backpack--versatile and useful. The lower compartment's pad system can be removed as a unit, so that allows for the bag to be multipurpose, but also allows me to transfer that pad unit right into a plain canvas messenger bag that looks not at all like a camera bag. So, on travel, I will drop the empty, flat canvas messenger bag into my suitcase, hand carry my gear in the backpack on the plane, and then use the messenger bag to tote just the gear I need for a particular outing. I also have one of those wire-mesh travel "safes" for harnessing the backpack in a hotel in the event there is no room safe.
But this does not address the OP's question: right now, I have a second bag ( a lowe pro 200) that I put my "B team gear" (second body, less used lenses, filters, extra batteries, etc.). I have a tripod bag that will either hold (duh) the tripod, or two light stands and umbrellas. I carbiner-clip the handles of the various lightweight reflectors/bags together. So, I can fairly quickly snag the particular things I need without hauling everything--don't need lightstands, I don't need to unpack them, just need to not grab that bag.
I have a home depot 5 gallon orange bucket for clamps, power cords, duct tape, gaffers tape, other misc things--if it is that kind of shoot, I grab that bucket, too.
So right now, for home storage, I have most stuff in bags of various types. This is imperfect, though, because as soon as stuff gets used it has to come out of and go back to a variety of bags, you gotta keep track of those bags on location, etc. So I might try a honkin big rolling duffel or suitcase to stash most stuff in, use as a location bag. I am not sure this will work or not for me, but will try it sometime.
Also, for home storage, I am considering a large "gun safe"--I could lock up lots of stuff in there, and gun safes run a bit cheaper than more formal safes, especially at that size. Could put some loose gear on shelves, have the "go bag" ready but locked inside.
Finally, for some things I have a Mountain Smith Lumbar Pack--the "day" sized one will hold a fair amount, does not scream camera gear to everyone around you, and keeps it off my back, with no shoulder straps, so I can sling my camera over my shoulder easily (a pain with a backpack). Mountain Smith makes an actual padded camera bag lumbar pack--thicker, stiffer, and does kinda yell "camera's inside" but it is a nice bag.
Message edited by author 2009-08-25 14:20:29. |
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08/25/2009 04:10:41 PM · #13 |
I used to just try to keep my lenses in my bag. I came to accept that I'm too lazy to put my lenses away, so I got a kitchen rack at Ikea for next to my desk. Obviously it doesn't hold everything, but it holds what used to pile up on my desk. I got some of the clips for it, and get the added bonus of keeping my bills off my desk too.
My other storage is a buffet I got at a thrift store for $30. It holds a ton of stuff not all camera related, but it holds all my soft cases, manuals, props, etc.
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08/25/2009 07:11:19 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by aliqui:
I used to just try to keep my lenses in my bag. I came to accept that I'm too lazy to put my lenses away, so I got a kitchen rack at Ikea for next to my desk. Obviously it doesn't hold everything, but it holds what used to pile up on my desk. I got some of the clips for it, and get the added bonus of keeping my bills off my desk too.
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Wow, I'd be concerned that if I accidentally bumped into that rack, that some of the lenses would take a dive to the floor. :-(
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08/25/2009 07:16:02 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
Originally posted by aliqui:
I used to just try to keep my lenses in my bag. I came to accept that I'm too lazy to put my lenses away, so I got a kitchen rack at Ikea for next to my desk. Obviously it doesn't hold everything, but it holds what used to pile up on my desk. I got some of the clips for it, and get the added bonus of keeping my bills off my desk too.
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Wow, I'd be concerned that if I accidentally bumped into that rack, that some of the lenses would take a dive to the floor. :-( |
Ditto. I clicked on that and actually yelped in fear when the full size image came up...
R. |
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08/25/2009 09:48:16 PM · #16 |
Not to worry about the shelf thing, they are Nikkors.
I agree, that looks like a disaster in the making, esp the 70-300 on the bottom shelf in the "roll off" position.
I have an extra "Canon" bag for a few of the things that I actually use once in a while. For the dozen or so lenses that rarely get used, I bought a 4 cubic ft Pelican hard case on eBay for $10, and found pouches like the padded ones for water bottles and little soft coolers at thrift stores to put each of the items in individually.
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08/25/2009 11:00:12 PM · #17 |
I don't have a lot of gear, but when I go on hikes I generally attack the camera to my tripod (with my 18-55 attached) and I keep my 55-250 in the cargo pocket of my pants. I don't carry any other camera gear with me...unless I KNOW that I'm going to want my off camera flash, then I just attach it to the camera with my bracket and keep it with the camera on the tripod.
I don't have a backpack for my camera stuff. I do have a backpack for my laptop (which doesn't work) and I have a backpack type bag with all sorts of Emergency Medical Supplies in it, but nothing for my camera. |
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08/25/2009 11:50:27 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
Originally posted by aliqui:
I used to just try to keep my lenses in my bag. I came to accept that I'm too lazy to put my lenses away, so I got a kitchen rack at Ikea for next to my desk. Obviously it doesn't hold everything, but it holds what used to pile up on my desk. I got some of the clips for it, and get the added bonus of keeping my bills off my desk too.
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Wow, I'd be concerned that if I accidentally bumped into that rack, that some of the lenses would take a dive to the floor. :-( |
Ditto. I clicked on that and actually yelped in fear when the full size image came up...
R. |
Pffft... It's fine!
I'd actually never even thought about stuff falling off. There's a lip on the shelves, so nothing is going to slide or roll off. I have thick padded carpet, and the highest shelf is maybe 3.5 feet off the ground at most, so even if something did fall off it would live to see another day. They're safer there than in the bag that I'm always trippig on. I will admit, if I had more room in my tiny apartment I would not be storing them that way.
P.S. Sorry for the scare,  Bear_Music. |
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08/26/2009 12:09:15 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by AperturePriority:
Originally posted by aliqui:
I used to just try to keep my lenses in my bag. I came to accept that I'm too lazy to put my lenses away, so I got a kitchen rack at Ikea for next to my desk. Obviously it doesn't hold everything, but it holds what used to pile up on my desk. I got some of the clips for it, and get the added bonus of keeping my bills off my desk too.
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Wow, I'd be concerned that if I accidentally bumped into that rack, that some of the lenses would take a dive to the floor. :-( |
Ditto. I clicked on that and actually yelped in fear when the full size image came up...
R. |
I was thinking the same thing, especially when I don't have my own private photo room and I have four kids ranging from 10 months to 7 years running around the house.
Originally posted by chromeydome:
So right now, for home storage, I have most stuff in bags of various types. This is imperfect, though, because as soon as stuff gets used it has to come out of and go back to a variety of bags, you gotta keep track of those bags on location, etc. So I might try a honkin big rolling duffel or suitcase to stash most stuff in, use as a location bag. I am not sure this will work or not for me, but will try it sometime.
Also, for home storage, I am considering a large "gun safe"--I could lock up lots of stuff in there, and gun safes run a bit cheaper than more formal safes, especially at that size. Could put some loose gear on shelves, have the "go bag" ready but locked inside |
The gun safe idea sounds nice. I wonder how much those run. That would provide a good location to keep everything organized and safe from the kids and intruders.
Originally posted by glad2badad:
I was doing the bag shuffle with extra lens, filters, etc... and would sometimes forget which bag I put that "extra" lens in. What I ended up doing is purchasing an inexpensive two-drawer chest from Target. I lined the bottom of each drawer with 1/2 inch foam. In the bottom drawer I made dividers out of hardboard so I can keep my extra lens from moving around much when I open the drawer. The top drawer holds photo accessories (off-camera flash support, filters, etc...). Put the drawer unit in the bottom of a closet so it's kept at a constant temperature & humidity (from house AC/Heating). |
This option sounds much cheaper than a gun safe. Not necessarily as secure, but would still provide an ideal solution to organize and keep safe for a fraction of the cost.
Thank you all for your input on this.
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08/26/2009 12:32:56 AM · #20 |
If you are traveling by plane or car I recommend an all-weather case like those made by Pelican. I've had a pelican case for years, and I've never had any fear of loss. It has wheels and a retractable arm for strolling around. They are well worth the money. I'm able to squeeze all my lenses and camera body into a case like this.
It is not so good for walking around on the streets or hiking of course. :(
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08/26/2009 05:32:01 AM · #21 |
before I moved to New Zealand I kept everything on a pair of wall shelves. Which worked quite well, Especially because they were up higher and out of reach of my kids and pets. However now I live in an Earthquake Zone I can not leave things laying loose on shelves anymore, So I have purchased a cabinet and made a rack for my lenses, Looks alot like a wine rack. very basic, bought a board traced each lens half moon on to the board and cut out the half circles then glued some felt in each cutout mounted that board to the middle shelf inside the cabinet, also put a lock and latch on the door to keep the kids at bay. It holds lenses secure and should keep them from meeting the floor in the event of a big quake.
Message edited by author 2009-08-26 05:33:06. |
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08/26/2009 10:10:05 AM · #22 |
Originally posted by Bugzeye:
before I moved to New Zealand I kept everything on a pair of wall shelves. Which worked quite well, Especially because they were up higher and out of reach of my kids and pets. However now I live in an Earthquake Zone I can not leave things laying loose on shelves anymore, So I have purchased a cabinet and made a rack for my lenses, Looks alot like a wine rack. very basic, bought a board traced each lens half moon on to the board and cut out the half circles then glued some felt in each cutout mounted that board to the middle shelf inside the cabinet, also put a lock and latch on the door to keep the kids at bay. It holds lenses secure and should keep them from meeting the floor in the event of a big quake. |
Pictures! Pictures!
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08/26/2009 03:27:20 PM · #23 |
I have a big Tamrac Pro 12 bag that can hold all my gear. It generally lives in a cabinet in my bedroom and holds whatever I'm not using at the moment. For really big shoots when I need both bodies and/or most lenses, I'll just take it with me. That's usually just commercial/editorial stuff, where I'm not really carrying it around, just moving from spot to spot and then staying put for a while.
When I have to be more mobile, or am just carrying less, I have a Tamrac backpack I use. Good for a single DLSR, the 70-200mm, and another lens or flash.
Then finally I have a small Tamrac holster-style shoulder bag that holds a body+lens, second lens, and a few small accessories. This is my usual hiking/outing/day trip bag.
When I really don't want to deal with carrying gear around, I just take the G10.
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