Bag Alternative

[RAitch]

I like the looks of the Lowepro Slingshot 200 but from what I've read and can tell, it's a little small for most kits.

Is there an alternative bag with similar style (easy access flip around messenger style) that perhaps can hold a bit more gear? Like maybe a 30D with a 24-105 mounted... a 70-200 F4, maybe a 10-22 and a 100-400... and a flash... with some batteries and random accessories?

OR (as I'm expecting) are there none that can hold that much gear and I'll just have to get a bigger full backpack?

Just wondering... thanks!

[BearLeeAlive]

I can get my camera with all the lenses and lens accesories in my sig, along with my flash, some cleaning stuff and other accesories in my Domke J-803 with one exception. I can bring either the 100-400 or the 70-200 but not both.

I usually don't take this much anyway as the weight for a satchel type bag is quite heavy and I really notice it after 3-4 hours, and this is with the camera and one lens out most of the time.

The build of this bag is nothing short of fantastic, it will likely last for many, many years.

[Dante King]

sling rocks H! plain and simple. i can fit so much stuff in it. I dont have a small camera either. I got a velcro on external case for my 70-200 is cuz this monster just wont fit in it as I have it configured. currently I am carring in the sling, my 1dsmk2, 3 yes 3 flashes, 1 st-e2, 135L, 16-35L, hoods, extra camera battery, memory....

[RAitch]

Jim: I've seen a few Domke bags floating around... seems nice.
Dante: Are you saying you have/use the 200? If so, if it can fit that gear, it might actually be big enough for me.

I like the idea of the Slingshot and how you can carry it on your back with 1 strap... and then just swing it around to the front to quickly access it or swap lenses. Seems handy.

[wanderer488]

Hey Rich !!!!!!!!!!

I have a Slingshot 200 and Crumpler 7million - both provide great qucik access to the camera.
I use the Crumpler for everyday use and Slingshot for the day hikes..

For your list - I would recommend the Crumpler - the Slingshot probably could take 90% of your lenses. For shoulder bags, Domke & Buillinghams are good

[andrew chong]

I also like the concept of sling-style bags that also don't necessarily look like camera bags.

Have you considered the Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 (http://www.cambags.com/canon/350d/backpack/Tamrac_5749_desc.htm) (I believe cambags typo'd 'Expedition' instead of 'Velocity' on this page)? Reportedly it can hold a camera with a 70-300IS lens+hood and other items, of course. I had a look at it a couple weeks ago and liked it. Today, I'm going to a store to try it again this time with some equipment specifically to see how easy it is to retrieve equipment while it's still slung.

[RAitch]

Thanks Fraser... I'll look into that.
Andrew... I had a bag like that and didn't like it at all. Well, it was a LP-NOVA3 I think.
I almost dropped it all the time when I crouched... and I do that a lot. It swings off my shoulder and that style isn't too comfortable across my chest. Plus they're a little too boxy for my liking.

Right now, I have a small backpack (Roots from Black's) that fits all of my gear without much extra room... but accessing the gear means taking the bag off. That's what's attracting me to the Sling.

[andrew chong]

Good to know, Rich; I crouch a lot too to get low angles. I'd better remember to do some crouching at the store when I try the bag again.

[wanderer488]

Thanks Fraser... I'll look into that.
Andrew... I had a bag like that and didn't like it at all. Well, it was a LP-NOVA3 I think.
I almost dropped it all the time when I crouched... and I do that a lot. It swings off my shoulder and that style isn't too comfortable across my chest. Plus they're a little too boxy for my liking.

Right now, I have a small backpack (Roots from Black's) that fits all of my gear without much extra room... but accessing the gear means taking the bag off. That's what's attracting me to the Sling.

Hey Rich

What did you decide ??

Did you get a shoulder or sling ???

[RAitch]

None yet... same ol' same ol' still. I still like the sling, but wish there was a 300.

[BradT0517]

i think the Orion Trekker II would be good
maybe not for that set up though

[Coco-Puffs]

Domke F-2

[RAitch]

MOST of the time, I only need my 30D with 24-105 mounted.... and all my accessories.... but if I'm going to get a bag that can't hold another lens (70-200) then it'll just stay at home.

[mrmarklin]

I also like the concept of sling-style bags that also don't necessarily look like camera bags.

Have you considered the Tamrac 5749 Velocity 9 (http://www.cambags.com/canon/350d/backpack/Tamrac_5749_desc.htm) (I believe cambags typo'd 'Expedition' instead of 'Velocity' on this page)? Reportedly it can hold a camera with a 70-300IS lens+hood and other items, of course. I had a look at it a couple weeks ago and liked it. Today, I'm going to a store to try it again this time with some equipment specifically to see how easy it is to retrieve equipment while it's still slung.

I have the Velocity 9. It can hold a 70-200 + 100-400 + 16-35 + 50 + 1.4 extender + 5D. It's a tight fit, but it will make it. One can also attach 2 accessory pouches for a flash and other stuff. So it's pretty big. The V9 has a waist belt for stability and to take some of the weight off your shoulder.

[RAitch]

Looking at that on a different page (http://www.tamrac.com/5749.htm), it looks a little better than I first thought after Andrew's post.
Seems very similar. I'll look into it.

[wanderer488]

Hey Rich

Another alternative I read on FM - it can be a sling or shoulder bag

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/384378/0#3275867

Its a courier bag with a billingham insert - unassuming and very stealthy

Good luck !

Fraser

[tlc]

i have one of the smaller crumpler bags that you can sling across (i think it is the messenger style) - i can't remember which style name it is, but it holds my 200, my camera, and three lenses in the bottom hidden compartment - 3 cards, filters, passport, money, cell phone, etc.

this bag is allowed onboard planes as well.

[Louis solomon]

Why not wait until Photokina 2006 later this month; see what new bags manufacturers introduce. Maybe even a Slingshot 300.

[RAitch]

As you can see, I'm not in a rush. I don't want to just buy a bag (as usual) without planning it through again... or I'll just be looking again in 6 months.

[cgratti]

I use this bag, the Kiesel TZ500, it a huge bag that fit everything I own in it. The only drawback is that its awkward to carry for long trips and such, so for that I sue the Canon daypack.

Anyway heres the bag I own and use the most...

SPECS:
Interior Dimensions :
• 13"(W) x 8"(D) x 8"(H)
Exterior Dimensions :
• 18"(W) x 11.75"(D) x 8.5"(H)

http://www.kieselbags.com/i/!r/TZ500.jpg

[jfrancho]

I can't see you with a traditional Domke bag, like the F-2, but perhaps one of their backpacks. Have you looked at the Crumplers and the Kata bags?

[Lester Wareham]

Take a look at my setup (http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/mybags.htm#Update)in the slingshot 200.

[RAitch]

It's the concept of the slingshot that I'm after... with enough room for my gear. I've had side bags and have a backpack; both are not practical in the field. The side bags swing around too much and end up hitting stuff. You have to take backpacks right off to get at your gear.
From what I've seen of the crumpler's it's not what I'm after.

Hopefully they'll come out with a bigger 300 or 400 sometime.
I think I might go after some flashes and wireless for now... or my 10-22. I think I'd rather get some gear now anyway.

All I know is I'm not going to buy another bag because it's a good deal. I'm going to think the next one through.

[dbett]

If you can, check out the 200 at a local shop. I think you'll be surprised at how much you can fit. It's deep enough that most lens will fit in 'standing up.' That will then give you places for the camera (with a big lens), plus four additional lens and/or misc. gear. Plus, the top section is big enough for a good bit of stuff.

I have mine loaded with:

In the main compartment:

(1) XTi with 17-85 lens (in a Lowepro Toploader case). I like the case within a case setup so I can grab just the camera when I don't need everything else.

(2) 50mm 1.8 lens.

(3) A DV camera.

(4) A Canon S400 camera in case.

(5) Blower, memory card reader, AV cable for DV camera, and extra DV tape.

(6) Extension cord.

(7) Promaster T1 Max table top tripod.

( 8 ) Extra batteries and chargers for the XTi and the S400.

In the front pocket:

(1) Extra memory card.

(2) Lens cleaner pen.

(3) Remote for XTi

(4) Viewfinder cover.

In the top pocket:

(1) Palm TX

(2) Cell phone

(3) Audio cable to hook TX to stereo

(4) Sunglasses case.

(5) Charger stuff for the cell phone and TX.

As I said, it's a pretty roomy case.

[RAitch]

I had a look... and it was questionable (actually pretty tight) for even the 70-200 F4. After cramming my kit in there as it is, there's not room to grow. I plan on getting a 10-22 and 135L at some point as well... and a couple slave flashes.

[steved110]

I'll use my slingshot 200 if I don't need the 70-200 - it just doesn't fit nicely, and while i looked at getting slip lock lens cses, they just seemed unweildy.

I have several bags and mix and match depending on the days needs. At the moment if I want camera, 17-40 and 70-200, I use a small rucksack - nothing designed for photography at all - and this works vry well for me.

I am planning to get a lowpro D400 stealth reporter type bag as a carry around for when i want all my gear with me.