The official camera bag thread:

[iunno]

it's supposed to be rainy for the next few days, chances are the inserts will get done tonight

[user errors]

Greg, what did you get.

I can't wait until my custom DGO arrives one day

Lowepro Stealth 650.. I'm messing with the inserts now

I love that it fits all my equipment and my laptop.

[jacobsen1]

Yeah, I've got one and use it to store all my gear. It's a great bag, the only downside is it's heavy when you fill it up, but you knew that already... The AW cover is very nice as well.

[user errors]

I'm not bothered by the weight.. I had been stuffing everything into a backpack and padding it with sweatshirts previously so this is lighter if anything and far better organized.

[smizar]

Don't know if this is the right place for this question (In case it isn't please accept my apology), but here goes:
I have a chance to get a sweet deal on a Lowepro CompuTrekker Plus AW bag from ebags.com. They screwed up my order and sent me a 25% off + free shipping link via email for my next purchase.
My gear:
Nikon D300
Nikon SB-600
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR
Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S VR
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 AF APO DG OS HSM
Phottix D300 remote shutter release
Benro KS-1 Ball head
Benro C-258n6 Tripod
Benro MC-91n6 Monopod

My question is will all the above gear fit into this bag. At some point I want to buy a smaller backup body too (D80?).

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[PhatheadWRX]

I just got my 10-20 today and thought I'd post a pic of my full bag.

Its a Canon 200EG Backpack and I like it a lot.

[jacobsen1]

wait, you have a macro lens?

[blcknspo0ln]

I just got a black Crumpler 5 million dollar home bag and it is PERFECT for a walk around bag. It carries my D80+lens, extra lens, flash, and zip pockets for filters/batteries. AWESOME BAG.

[tardypizza]

lowepro stealth reporter 650 ready to go:

So the 650 should carry the following, no problem right?

• 5D + 24-70

• 40D + 70-200 f2.8

• 350D

• 17-40

• 15mm FE

• 1.4 tele (doubt I'll need it, but it's tiny)

• CopperHill cleaning kit, Rocket Blower and general cleaning kit

• 4/2 backup batteries, CPs for daylight shots, and loads of CF cards (not worried about fitting this stuff in any bag)

This is for the ACL Fest. The smaller Stealth Reporter I have is way too overloaded, but I love it so.


Don't think I'll need a flash but may end up carrying it anyway for backstage shots. Doubt I'll need a tripod or monopod, but I may need my laptop for on site processing. Damn, this is going to be heavy...

[jacobsen1]

• 5D + 24-70 where either of my cameras is
• 40D + 70-200 f2.8 where either of my cameras is
• 350D these three go in the remaining 3 side spots (my 40D is taking 1 right now in my pic)
• 17-40 see above
• 15mm FE see above
• 1.4 tele (doubt I'll need it, but it's tiny) fits vertically just below or above where the 5D is in my shot (so would a flash as well)
• CopperHill cleaning kit, Rocket Blower and general cleaning kit front pockets or above/below the main camera compartment
• 4/2 backup batteries, CPs for daylight shots, and loads of CF cards (not worried about fitting this stuff in any bag) front pockets

see where I'd put them noted above, but yes, that kit will easily fit in a 650.

Damn, this is going to be heavy...

yeah, you better be able to set it down (even if it's at your feet) or I'd suggest a backpack.

[thomps6s]

For all of you who posted a picture of your bag with gear in it, please PM me your home address. I would like to send you something.

[tardypizza]

see where I'd put them noted above, but yes, that kit will easily fit in a 650.



yeah, you better be able to set it down (even if it's at your feet) or I'd suggest a backpack.

Thanks, now I'm thinking that since both cameras will be around my neck or on my shoulder the entire time that leaves lots of space in my 300 for the few remaining lenses. In atypical ted fashion, I may not buy anything new for once.

[user errors]

Currently packed into my 650DW:

XTi with 70-200 f2.8 attached, hood reversed
40D + grip with 24-105 f4 attached, hood reversed
Canon 50 1.4, hood reversed
Canon 18-55 kit lens
Sigma 70-300 DG APO, hood reversed
Sigma 10-20, hood reversed
Canon 300 f4, hood lowered
580 EXII + case
Canon 1.4x TC + pouch
17" Dell laptop + charger
Western Digital portable hard drive
shutter release cable
2 filters with cases
the state of texas
5 CF cards
charger for XTi
charger for 40D
my glasses/case
spare contact lenses


and there's still room for more stuffage

[Markitos]

^ damn.

[distorto]

I just bought a Canon 200EG to use for this weekend. I rented a 70-200 2.8 IS and it wouldn't fit in any of my other bags.

[jacobsen1]

Currently packed into my 650DW:

lots-o-gear!!!

and there's still room for more stuffage

^ damn.

yeah, and think, I have the laptop sleeve removed for more room... The bag is a cavern. It's nice, but my biggest issue is when it's that loaded it's a PITA to shleep around, but it will hold just about anything you throw at it.

The crumpler brazillion is similar (I've tried one at my local camera shop).

[freq]

i did a thread on my bag a while back, should add it to this thread.

naneu pro tango http://www.naneupro.com/products/mo-t/
it's held up well since i bought it back in january. I debadged it and got rid of the useless compass. I carry it to work every day.









I had a few more pics up of it but i must have deleted them.
Last pic shows it loaded w/ the following:

Macbook pro 15" (in dedicated padded laptop pocket on back)
Canon 40d with ef-s 17-55 attached, lens hood inverted and attached
Canon 70-200 2.8is, lens hood inverted, canon 580ex flash,
(the bag is just tall enough for the big lens)
miscellaneous other stuff in front pockets, which are fairly roomy. the big front fold-over pocket has magnets in it that holds it closed, but allows easy access. the front snap pockets are kind of a pain to get into one handed.

It's functionally perfect for everyday carry and having my lappy and camera with me all the time. My only complaint is, my girlfriend won't stop calling it "the diaper bag"

[jacobsen1]

Nice looking bag.

So is that a shoulder strap in #1 and a 1 strap backpack strap in #2?

[freq]

Nice looking bag.

So is that a shoulder strap in #1 and a 1 strap backpack strap in #2?

correct. the backpack strap folds down into its own pocket on the outside of the back. when out it clips into a hidden quick buckle thingie on the side of the bag. I hardly ever use it, but it's very handy when you need it. I don't love the way it packs away, but it's a necessary design compromise, and not much added weight for the additional dorky functionality it provides.

[user errors]

It's nice, but my biggest issue is when it's that loaded it's a PITA to shleep around

Certainly does not work well when you are sprinting across a race track from one place to another

[bcarm]

When I travel for work and I want to bring my camera along I use an Osprey torque bag with an insert that I scavenged from a Tenba bag.

It allows me to fit my laptop, laptop cables, a notebook, snacks, cell phones etc. all in a smaller carryon type bag. It's got kind of a riggid exterior and keeps it's shape when not packed full.

[edgephoto]

this thread rocks. need to read pages 2 and 3 when I get home.

I have some fugly lowepro that I hate.

Need to do a DIY shoulder bag like that Zoo York one. love it.

I am super into what I guess you would call 'tech' looking bags (check Oakley laptop bags and backpacks) so I hate having to carry an ugly lowepro bag!

[subimatt]

I always forget to take a shot of the Canon bag.

Heres a quick one while I was packing gear before the move.





40D/ w BGE2 with 24-70L attached.
70-200L 2.8 IS
17-55 IS
30D
extra batts and magazine in main section.
Memory
bus cards
in the front pockets I have rocket blower and lens cleaning clothes and cables. extra AAs for flashes ect.

[dr ken]

[user errors]

yeah the 300 is a beast

[Claff]

Quantaray, adequate, not expensive.

[JERM]

Tamrac Expedition 5:
External pockets for CF cards, batteries, etc. This is a comfortable backpack, and is very compact for the volume.

"Bag" #2:

[jblaze5779]

I picked up a Burton Zoom 28L backpack this week. I finally got moved into it, so I figured I'd contribute to this thread.



I think what sold me on it, was the color. It comes in black, but I wanted it to not look like a camera bag. Plenty of straps and places to attach a tripod, and my monopod fits in one of the side pockets. Apparently, a 15" laptop will fit in the outside pocket. There is another pocket that is supposed to be for a shovel, but there's no reason a lightweight jacket couldn't be stuffed in there.



Lots of room to grow for my gear. As you can see, it opens toward your back, requiring you to remove the pack to get camera out. This was a plus for me, as I'm always paranoid about people getting into my bag, or me leaving it unzipped. The belt is a bit weird, and I read some complaints about it in some online reviews. My understanding is that this bag is to be used while snowboarding, and the belt is made more for stabilizing the load, not supporting it. It sort of wraps around your belly. It's perfect for me, since I don't hike a lot, but will wear it while riding quads/dirtbikes and I need a bag that won't swing around. Fully loaded, (the bag, not me) it's very comfortable. Much better than my Lowepro Slingshot.

I looked at the Dakine Sequence, but the camera block they include would have given me no room to grow as I acquired gear. The padded insert comes out of this bag, making it a normal daypack.

edited to add: I paid $129. Pretty reasonable for a camera backpack.

What are your long term impressions of this bag?

[thechickencow]

Justin, I've got the zoom also and I really like it. It carries a heavy load of gear very comfortably and has a lot of little storage for various things. Check for sales, I got mine for $65.

[LateApex]

Justin, as I said in my PM, I'm still really happy with it. As Jay said, it's pretty comfortable with some weight in it. The top pocket is quite roomy, and is good for carrying non-photo related items.

Here's a couple more shots of mine, loaded.



Top pocket, and 15" laptop in rear pocket:

[iunno]

DGO "shoebox QD"

[QJ]

Daniel, can you make this?

[iunno]

i'm sure i could, i've never tried though.

[QJ]

I've always wanted to get one of those. It's a Lowepro bag and the local shop here has it on sale for $169.95.

[QJ]

Amazon has it for $149.95 new and $120 used

[iunno]

jesus!

i could sell it for $80 or so

[QJ]

eBay has them for even cheaper. (not less than $80 for your brand though)

You should really set up shop on eBay. I bet you could sell a ton of your bags.

Or you could be my supplier and I could reopen my store.

[iunno]

yeah dude, totally.

and i ****ing HATE photo backpacks and tell everyone that asks about them that i'd never make them.

[QJ]

why do you hate them? I think they are ideal for photo outings when walking/hiking is involved.

[Markitos]

why do you hate them? I think they are ideal for photo outings when walking/hiking is involved.

+1... I have a really small one that I don't use to carry everything, but just use when I do the sort of hiking that involves me needing to not have my center of gravity shift suddenly, and when I need both hands free--i.e., climbing rocks, walking along an uneven lakeshore/riverbank, etc.

[iunno]

i hate them, for what i do/need

there is quite a demand for them, but haven't been able to find GOOD straps

[jacobsen1]

hiking yes, walking not so much IMHO. But I'm trying to convince him to work on a concept with me... IMHO it's be a KILLER bag that no "real" company has even though of yet, so Daniel could end up with a bag that he could sell thousands of just because it's the perfect bag AND he'd be able to customize them as well....

License to print money I'm telling you!!!

It'd be a shoulder bag that has backpack straps. 2 straps, but you could unclip their bases and then cross one if you want. Plus the straps would be able to be zipped into the back and it would have a shoulder strap as well. Basically it'd be a shoulder bag that could be worn as a backpack, but also used with 1 backpack strap crossed and used as a sling. So sling/shoulder bag/backpack. It'd be killer and he'd be rich.

but most of the existing backpacks SUCK BALLS. You have to set them down to get anything out of them. That's a pain, and typically if you're hiking that gets the bag dirty which gets you dirty when you put it back on. All the slings suck because most are cheap, but also if you're going for a long hike, I want 2 straps, but I love the idea of a sling so I don't have to remove the bag to get stuff. Plus, when not hiking, shoulder bags are the best, so let it convert.....

[QJ]

which one do you have, Mark? A smaller one might be ideal for me.

[Markitos]

which one do you have, Mark? A smaller one might be ideal for me.

Lowepro Flipside 200 backpack

[iunno]

hiking yes, walking not so much IMHO. But I'm trying to convince him to work on a concept with me... IMHO it's be a KILLER bag that no "real" company has even though of yet, so Daniel could end up with a bag that he could sell thousands of just because it's the perfect bag AND he'd be able to customize them as well....

License to print money I'm telling you!!!

It'd be a shoulder bag that has backpack straps. 2 straps, but you could unclip their bases and then cross one if you want. Plus the straps would be able to be zipped into the back and it would have a shoulder strap as well. Basically it'd be a shoulder bag that could be worn as a backpack, but also used with 1 backpack strap crossed and used as a sling. So sling/shoulder bag/backpack. It'd be killer and he'd be rich.

but most of the existing backpacks SUCK BALLS. You have to set them down to get anything out of them. That's a pain, and typically if you're hiking that gets the bag dirty which gets you dirty when you put it back on. All the slings suck because most are cheap, but also if you're going for a long hike, I want 2 straps, but I love the idea of a sling so I don't have to remove the bag to get stuff. Plus, when not hiking, shoulder bags are the best, so let it convert.....

yeah, it's not that you need to convince me, i just need to slog through my other orders so i can REALLY sit down and work on the actual design and dynamics of this mother ****er.

[QJ]

Well now that you have described it in detail I think I'll find a seamstress and get to work printing that money!

I kid.

I went with the Lowepro Fastpack 350. You don't have to set it down to get your camera out. It slings around, too.

http://vidego.productvideocast.com/p...php?p=6ou180q2

I had a $100 gift card from my birthday so the $97.80 shipped was right on the money. Free bag!

[jacobsen1]

yeah, the fastpack line is the closest I've seen to what I want. But it doesn't convert, I'm not too fond of lowepro, and the camera/easy access compartment needs to be bigger and for more than just the camera (ie the lens sections need to point towards that opening, not towards the back).

[QJ]

Great. Now you tell me!

I probably would have never noticed those design flaws until you pointed them out.

[iunno]

yeah, lowepro is meh to me

[jacobsen1]

sorry james, I'm just wicked picky and have been searching for something that doesn't suck for ~6 years now? I basically can have "close enough" if daniel would get off his ass and make me my inserts, but yeah.....

Plus, even if lowepro made it, I wouldn't be satisfied... They're stuff is OK, don't get me wrong, but I just don't like their material choices or styling. I have 2 of their bags (giant shoulder and chest pack), and they're designed well for what they are, but I don't like the way they look/feel....