|
Yet Another Backpack Advise Request My camera kit has been growing, I now have a gripped 60D, 3 zooms (biggest is a 70-300L), a few primes (biggest is the 100L), a flash, extension tubes, etc. My camera bags are a couple of Think-Tank shoulder bags (a speed demon and a Retrospective). I'm now at the point where if I want to bring the majority of stuff with me it won't fit in one bag. Also, I'm about to head out for field work and I'm not going to bring the retrospective given the obnoxious amount of dust and dirt I have to deal with out there. I'm wondering if there might be a large-ish backpack that would serve a couple of functions: 1) Convenient air travel backpack, that could fit a 14" laptop, ipad, charger, small portable HD, etc, along with most of the camera gear, and go in the overhead bin. Basically so I wouldn't have to bring 2 shoulder packs if I happened to want to bring a lot of camera stuff. 2) Comfortable hiking daypack, with functional tripod attachment, storage area for non-camera stuff (lunch, h20, field guides, maybe a raincoat), along with convenient access to the camera and a few lenses. Padded hip straps would be a bonus but I'm guessing anything small enough for carry-on wouldn't have these. I don't really like the look of the think-tank backpack. The Tamrac Expedition 6 looks pretty good although it doesn't seem like it has a lot/any extra room for things like food or water. Any other suggestions? I kind of get the feeling that I might not find one bag that's perfect for both. For the record I like the Speed Demon, but it can get kind of heavy at times since I'm invariably wearing it some of the time just on one shoulder, and it also doesn't have any way to carry a tripod.
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2013 20:13
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 17, 2024 01:21 |
|
|
I have a "carry all the poo poo I own" backpack right now, which serves its purpose of bringing my gear with me to a base of operations or short walking distances. However, I'm now finding a need for a "I'm going to walk a lot and I just want a couple lenses and a flash" bag. So I normally walk around with my 50D attached to a 70-200 2.8 IS II on a black rapid. I'd like to carry that around then have something that can hold a couple lenses (probably a 8-16 and 17-50) and a flash along with a few small accessories (filters, 2x extender,etc..). I probably won't need to throw the camera in the bag but I would like to throw the 70-200 in there when it's not mounted to the camera.
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2013 21:50
|
|
|
I love my F3X for walking around with minimal gear since it's so light empty. It'll actually hold a lot of stuff, but it's uncomfortable to carry fully loaded. I usually carry it over one should and then my D800 on a blackrapid over the other. Seems to balance everything out pretty nicely.
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2013 22:11
|
|
|
Hmm I took a look at that and it seems about the same shape as another bag I have that I don't use (though mine isn't as nice). I went through the thread a bit and it seems a lot of people like the Thinktank retrospective. I'm leaning towards the 20 right now. I wish there were a camera store in town to try them out, but this town has nothing.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2013 15:15
|
|
|
To me, the Think Tank bags are a bit over padded and it makes them bulkier than they need to be (for me). They're great bags, don't get me wrong, but my F3X is barely bigger than the Retrospective 5 I use for M4/3 gear. The 5 can hold my D800 body and maybe another lens, while the F3x can hold the D800, SB700, SB910, 70-200 2.8, 50mm 1.8 on the camera, 35mm f2.0, 20mm 2.8, 90mm macro, and some accessories. The Retrospective 20 can probably hold more, but it doesn't sound like you need to hold that much more and it'll be way more bulky than the less padded F3x.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2013 16:38
|
|
|
Haggins posted:I have a "carry all the poo poo I own" backpack right now, which serves its purpose of bringing my gear with me to a base of operations or short walking distances. However, I'm now finding a need for a "I'm going to walk a lot and I just want a couple lenses and a flash" bag. I have this and it's great and inconspicuous http://www.lowepro.com/passport-sling-feature - I wear it opposite my black rapid I usually have my 50L on camera and in the bag: 24L, 135L, 580exII as well as other small odds and ends. The 70-200 could fit easily in there in place of one of the lenses.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2013 18:44
|
|
|
A bunch of Crumpler stuff is on sale at Gilt. Good prices. About %40-50 off from the retail price on Crumpler's website. If I hadn't picked up a Lowepro 250 backpack from one of the Amazon DotD's a while back I would be all over this.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2013 22:57
|
|
|
bobz0r posted:A bunch of Crumpler stuff is on sale at Gilt. Good prices. About %40-50 off from the retail price on Crumpler's website. If I hadn't picked up a Lowepro 250 backpack from one of the Amazon DotD's a while back I would be all over this. They also have newer models of the crumpler bags so they older ones are on sale. I got an older 5MDH for about 60 bucks last week.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2013 23:25
|
|
|
Gilt.com? I can't find anything.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2013 00:11
|
|
|
http://www.gilt.com/sale/men/crumpler-accessories-2023 You need to be registered to buy on Gilt, though. Also anyone that refers you will get a $25 credit when you make your first purchase.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2013 00:50
|
|
|
Haggins posted:Gilt.com? I can't find anything. http://www.amazon.com/Crumpler-Mill...pler+camera+bag I can hold my T2i, 17-50mm tamron, nifty fifty, my filters and I probably have space for another prime or zoom.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2013 01:44
|
|
|
bobz0r posted:http://www.gilt.com/sale/men/crumpler-accessories-2023 Cool got it. Their search just didn't seem to work for me. Great deals though.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2013 04:43
|
|
|
Just ordered the Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW. Looks like kind of a beast but seems like it will do what I want. Kind if interesting that B&H actually had it for cheaper than Amazon.
|
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2013 19:34
|
|
|
bolind posted:Just ordered a Think Tank Retrospective 50 (black poly.) Ze Germans say that shipping will be between one and three weeks, but I think it will cause them too much internal conflict to actually be that inefficient. Will post some pics + a mini review once I get it. Well, got the bag and have used it for a bit. It fits a 15" MacBook Pro, a gripped 7D, a 50 1.4, a 10-22mm EF-S and a Tamron 17-50 just fine, with about a half-gallon milk jug -sized room to spare. When all that crap is tossed in, it gets loving heavy, though, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Without the laptop in it, it helps a lot, and is actually a really good bag. VERY sturdy without being too "militarized" - I still think it's somewhat elegant and stylish. It's still a bit bulky, but that's how it goes. I've flown with it once, and that went OK. Fit in the overhead compartment, and wasn't too much trouble to take laptop out of etc. at security. It also has smaller pockets for various bits and pieces, and, my favorite, and short lanyard with a hook on the end for your keys. Nothing better than knowing your house keys won't fall out of your bag while you're on a different continent. I'd say the Retrospective range, as a whole, is really good stuff, if a little pricey. The only negative thing I have to say about it is that the dividers are a little confusing and a bit difficult to get right. I now have an OK setup, but it's not ideal. It might just be user error, though, and maybe I could buy another pack and make it better.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2013 10:42
|
|
|
BetterLekNextTime posted:Just ordered the Lowepro Pro Trekker 300 AW. Looks like kind of a beast but seems like it will do what I want. Kind if interesting that B&H actually had it for cheaper than Amazon. This arrived yesterday- I haven't had a chance to play with it much yet, but goddam is there a lot going on. This is my first photo backpack, and it's honestly a little overwhelming with all the cinch-able support straps etc compared to a "regular" camera shoulderbag. I'm sure I'll get used to it but I'm anticipating lots of fumbling at the beginning to find the right pieces to unclip to get to my lenses.
|
|
#
?
Feb 13, 2013 01:32
|
|
|
BetterLekNextTime posted:Yet Another Backpack Advise Request I use a Lowepro Flipside 400AW as my 'oh crap gotta shoot now' grab bag. http://products.lowepro.com/product/Flipside-400-AW,2116,14.htm  (excuse lovely 'I'm too tired to use a real camera' phone pic) I can fit: 2 bodies, one with a 17-85 and the other a spare lovely 'backup' 70-200 28mm 10-22 10-20 for backup a few flashes and remotes intervalometer usual charger etc a few filters for each lens cards etc front of bag can fit a toughbook if i absolutely have to use Lightroom then and there And for slings I use a Black Rapid Double (DR1) - usually holding the 70-200 on my left and whatever body I am using on the right. If I wanna go overboard I will use a 'Sport Slim' as well. http://www.blackrapid.com/products If you have a two-way or a side arm on your hip the DR1 can be a pain but I just push those to the rear of my belt. Running with DR1 setup is interesting but locking the toggles on the straps help a lot - Although our gear has a hard life and generally gets hosed due to other factors before I smash them against something.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 13:41
|
|
|
I wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag and was cheap. In the end I figured I'd get a small bag that I could put inside an ordinary messenger bag, and got this: http://dx.com/p/protective-nylon-fabric-one-shoulder-bag-w-rain-cover-for-nikon-d60-d70-more-black-131482 It looks pretty ugly, especially the fake "D" on the side, but it's well built, the material, finishing and zips are good, it's easy to get into quickly, and holds my D5100 + kit 18-55 + macro tubes + blower, cleaning cloths and other misc bits and pieces easily with room for another lens. The padding is nice & thick, and it has semi-rigid material on the front + back to provide support. Fits nicely in my old crumpler very busy man along with a macbook air, and because it opens up-and-out it doesn't need to be removed to access the camera. Not bad at all for $21. Maybe when I have more kit I'll get something more serious, but it's nice to have an insert of some kind so that you can carry the camera reasonably discretely.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 14:34
|
|
|
StarkingBarfish posted:I wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag and was cheap. In the end I figured I'd get a small bag that I could put inside an ordinary messenger bag, and got this: I don't know about anyone else, but that shouts camera bag to me. Generally when people have the primary objective of having an everyday camera bag that doesn't look like one they get leather shoulder bags or something along that line. Looks like a man-purse but it's a lot better than becoming a target who wants an easy steal.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 18:31
|
|
|
rcman50166 posted:I don't know about anyone else, but that shouts camera bag to me. Generally when people have the primary objective of having an everyday camera bag that doesn't look like one they get leather shoulder bags or something along that line. Looks like a man-purse but it's a lot better than becoming a target who wants an easy steal. It definitely shouts camera bag... until you stick it in another bag. Admittedly putting it in a crumpler just gives a thief an added bonus when he steals what he thinks is your laptop, but my crumpler looks like poo poo as I've had it for about a decade. It fits well in my generic canvas messenger too, which looks pretty innocuous. My reasoning behind getting this was that all the bags here look either expensive or like camera bags. The expensive ones might get stolen for looking expensive, while the others might get stolen for looking like they hold a camera. Put an ugly camera bag in an everyday bag and it's win-win.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 19:05
|
|
|
StarkingBarfish posted:It definitely shouts camera bag... until you stick it in another bag. Admittedly putting it in a crumpler just gives a thief an added bonus when he steals what he thinks is your laptop, but my crumpler looks like poo poo as I've had it for about a decade. It fits well in my generic canvas messenger too, which looks pretty innocuous. I've always though about getting getting those foam inserts and cutting them out to form my own bag. Like these: http://www.zerohalliburton.com/photography/foam-inserts.html But then I get lazy and it doesn't happen. I have a perfectly good Kata but I still want something less obvious.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 19:13
|
|
|
rcman50166 posted:I've always though about getting getting those foam inserts and cutting them out to form my own bag. Like these: I had similar ideas but those inserts are like 3x the price of the bag I just bought, and I'd need to get a "rigid" bag to put the foam in. I don't think the foam holds up to repeated bending/abrasion.
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 19:18
|
|
|
Domke makes a bunch of different inserts that'd probably work better for roll your own bag situations: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Inserts/ci/4382/N/4232860913 F-Stop's mountain series of bags are designed around a minimal, photo gear carrying bag that goes into their actual backpack bag. They sell the internal units standalone: http://fstopgear.com/product/mountain/icu
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 19:57
|
|
|
powderific posted:Domke makes a bunch of different inserts that'd probably work better for roll your own bag situations: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Inserts/ci/4382/N/4232860913 Those inserts from F-Stop are pretty awesome. When I've caught the fever and have a bunch more glass I wouldn't mind going that route 
|
|
#
?
Feb 14, 2013 22:43
|
|
|
StarkingBarfish posted:I wanted a camera bag that didn't look like a camera bag and was cheap. In the end I figured I'd get a small bag that I could put inside an ordinary messenger bag, and got this: You could also consider the Crumpler Haven if you want a insert pouch bag to put in a bigger bag: http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/08/02/review-crumpler-haven-l-camera-pouch/
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 00:30
|
|
|
alkanphel posted:You could also consider the Crumpler Haven if you want a insert pouch bag to put in a bigger bag: http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/08/02/review-crumpler-haven-l-camera-pouch/ I've got one of these and they work great. It's really handy to be able to throw your gear in the haven and just carry it in another bag. I've also got too many other crumpler bags, both camera and non camera, so it lets me mix and match. I also commute a bunch on motorbike so its nice to have a camera bag that fits inside my Kreigas.
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 01:05
|
|
|
I use the insert from my small Crumpler when I want to carry >1 lens in my backpack. Works great.
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 02:51
|
|
|
I got really tired of the camera strap getting in front of the viewfinder when shooting portrait shots, so I started looking for alternatives. There is a product I saw called a c-loop that attached to your tripod mount that looked just like something I wanted to try, but it cost 35 bucks. So I thought "I can make something like that" and just bought a 1/4 inch eye bolt, a carabiner, and some rubber washers and nuts and went to town. I looped the straps through the carabiner and it just attaches to the eye bolt (which I cut down a little bit with a dremel) in the tripod mount. Now the straps don't come anywhere near my eyes. The eye bolt still sticks out a little bit, so I am looking for something a little flatter. Anyone else done this/have any suggestions other than a big round eye bolt I can try? Edit: okay so it looks like there are some black rapid products that do this exact same thing for about 18 bucks (and a couple knockoffs for cheaper). Guess any of those will work better than what I've got. dont hate the playa fucked around with this message at 06:21 on Feb 15, 2013 |
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 06:04
|
|
|
Claw Massage posted:I got really tired of the camera strap getting in front of the viewfinder when shooting portrait shots, so I started looking for alternatives. There is a product I saw called a c-loop that attached to your tripod mount that looked just like something I wanted to try, but it cost 35 bucks. So I thought "I can make something like that" and just bought a 1/4 inch eye bolt, a carabiner, and some rubber washers and nuts and went to town. I looped the straps through the carabiner and it just attaches to the eye bolt (which I cut down a little bit with a dremel) in the tripod mount. Now the straps don't come anywhere near my eyes. The eye bolt still sticks out a little bit, so I am looking for something a little flatter. Anyone else done this/have any suggestions other than a big round eye bolt I can try? Pics would be nice!
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 07:25
|
|
|
Claw Massage posted:I got really tired of the camera strap getting in front of the viewfinder when shooting portrait shots, so I started looking for alternatives. There is a product I saw called a c-loop that attached to your tripod mount that looked just like something I wanted to try, but it cost 35 bucks. So I thought "I can make something like that" and just bought a 1/4 inch eye bolt, a carabiner, and some rubber washers and nuts and went to town. I looped the straps through the carabiner and it just attaches to the eye bolt (which I cut down a little bit with a dremel) in the tripod mount. Now the straps don't come anywhere near my eyes. The eye bolt still sticks out a little bit, so I am looking for something a little flatter. Anyone else done this/have any suggestions other than a big round eye bolt I can try? Yeah it's hard to picture what you're talking about. Either way, it sounds like a blackrapid is what you're looking for. I know I'm going to sound like a spokesman here but not only are they comfortable, they give you very quick access to your camera and don't get in your way when shooting. I like to think of it as the gunslinger's camera strap.
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 15:21
|
|
|
Inf posted:Pics would be nice! I did basically this except replace the clasp for a carabiner and omit the key ring. http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57496891-285/diy-the-l$10-gliding-camera-strap/
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 16:11
|
|
|
If you're shooting Canon, be aware that on their battery grips there is a strap attachment point on the bottom that keeps the strap out of the way when shooting in portrait orientation.
|
|
#
?
Feb 15, 2013 22:33
|
|
|
Claw Massage posted:I did basically this except replace the clasp for a carabiner and omit the key ring. Interesting, Thanks. Yeah, I would NOT trust one of those stupid key rings to hold my camera. They can easily pop open if twisted ever so slightly in the right direction. That guy made a really retarded choice.
|
|
#
?
Feb 17, 2013 07:41
|
|
|
I've offloaded some of my bigger bags as I move to the mirrorless system. Can someone recommend me a good shoulder bag for 2 smaller bodies (An OM-D and OM-1), each with lens attached, and maybe 2 extra lenses and a couple rolls of film? These would all be smaller lenses like the m4/3 45mm f/1.8 and OM's 28mm f/2.8.
|
|
#
?
Feb 18, 2013 16:39
|
|
|
I've got a really super tiny bag for my limited gear and I'm looking for a good step up from what I've got: Pictured: Center pocket - XSi w/ 50mm 1.8 / lovely flash that came with the camera / 17-55mm kit lens / 77mm polarizing filter Top mesh: remote trigger, wireless flash, 2 USB cables (hard to see) Left pocket: adapter rings Right pocket (battery charger & spare battery) Front pocket: bag strap, spare lens covers Not pictured: my new Tamron 70-300 VC which would basically take up the entire center compartment. As far as my improvement path goes, my list is this: Tamron 17-50 2.8 over the kit lens, better flash (430ex ii or 600ex) over the crap flash, a ND filter, and a better body. As far as portability, I'm kind of a fan of my setup: midrange prime, wide zoom, long zoom, so I don't see packing more than 4 lenses total in the near future. Any recommendations on a bag to fit my stuff all together? GobiasIndustries fucked around with this message at 04:53 on Feb 23, 2013 |
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 04:50
|
|
|
A general piece of advice. Get a bag that is way too big for what you see yourself having. I've already filled the Kata I once thought was a bottomless pit! Another piece of advice. Don't get any larger than a full camera pack for carrying. After that point I found myself taking stuff out of the bag and carrying it individually instead of just carrying the bag itself, which sort of defeats the purpose of the bag in the first place. At the point I'm at now, I am considering going a step down in camera bag sizes for every day carry and making a trunk for the rest of my gear which I could potentially wheel around for larger jobs. Oh and GobiasIndustries, I definitely recommend the Kata. Mine is the 3n1-30 but they have plenty of different sizes and even a search feature based on what gear you plan to store in it. rcman50166 fucked around with this message at 08:00 on Feb 23, 2013 |
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 07:55
|
|
|
rcman50166 posted:Another piece of advice. Don't get any larger than a full camera pack for carrying. After that point I found myself taking stuff out of the bag and carrying it individually instead of just carrying the bag itself, which sort of defeats the purpose of the bag in the first place. At the point I'm at now, I am considering going a step down in camera bag sizes for every day carry and making a trunk for the rest of my gear which I could potentially wheel around for larger jobs. That plus poo poo gets real heavy, real fast.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 11:08
|
|
|
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I like having a bag that holds exactly what I need in the smallest possible space. A second that gives a bit more flexibility for keeping big lenses mounted in-bag and extra poo poo is worth having too. It's just a lot nicer to run around with the smallest bag you can instead of a gargantuan hold all beast. (I'd love to have a giant rolly bag of some kind that I could use as a base camp on bigger shoots.) Kata makes some great bags, I have two, and their service is also very good if anything breaks. When the top handle on mine broke, they had their R&D department whip up a new one that would be more flexible and less prone to breaking, and then overnighted it to me. I do think they're waaay over padded, which makes them bulkier than they need to be, and they tend to look very camera bag-y. I'd give Think Tank and Domke a look, and there's a company (Safrotto maybe?) that makes knockoff Domke F2's that are supposedly even better than the real deal Domke's at half the price. The F3X would be big enough for everything you listed, but it's a little pricy. Here's mine loaded up with a D800+grip+50mm 1.8, 20mm 2.8, 35mm 2.0, Tamron 90mm macro, Sb910, Sb700, and 70-200 2.8. I could probably fit a couple more lenses in if I needed to.  I think the floppiness of Domke's bags makes it easier to cram them full of stuff. And, when they don't have as much stuff, the floppiness makes them feel less bulky.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 18:55
|
|
|
HPL posted:That plus poo poo gets real heavy, real fast. Oh absolutely. When I got the bag I had the incorrect assumption that carrying it around would be like carrying a school backpack around. That isn't true at all. Camera equipment is much heavier than books and binders. Edit: My Kata weighs 24lbs fully loaded. rcman50166 fucked around with this message at 19:01 on Feb 23, 2013 |
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 18:56
|
|
|
I have a messenger big enough to carry the largest kit I carry around, and another that'll just take a body and 2 primes. I just put an insert in my pack if I have to trek.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2013 22:57
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 17, 2024 01:21 |
|
|
Looking for a camera strap for a NEX-5N. It doesn't have strap lugs, but has these really thin strap rails that look like they were designed for those thin-string strap things. I don't like those thin strap things because the camera kind of swings around too much. I could probably put a split ring on there but I'm worried about it scratching the body. There isn't enough clearance to put in a leather scratch guard, and I'd be worried about breaking the strap bar. So looking for suggestions I guess. About the only thing I don't want is one of those detachable clip-style straps. I'd love it to be nice and classy, leather if possible but I'm not really TOO picky. I'm thinking about something like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/OCTOPUS-Cam...=item2c6ce0873a But I bet there's something better.
|
|
#
?
Mar 18, 2013 03:17
|
|
