Camera bag(s) recommendations

[FJC]

I'm in need of some recommendations for camera bags. Right now, my 300D is happy in a small Lowepro Nova 1 AW (I think that's the model). It fits the 300D w/kit lens, my 50mm f/1.8 lens, and assorted small stuff. That all pretty much maxes out that bag.

However, I have a 70-200mm f/4L on order that will arrive tomorrow (with lens hood), and I'll be picking up a flash unit (440ex or 550ex, haven't decided which yet) in the near future.

I think I really need TWO new bags:

1) An all-around bag/pack for those times I want to take everything. Should have room for another lens or two in the future, filters, converters, etc.

2) A smaller day-trip kind of bag for those zoo trips. Something that just needs to hold the camera with the 70-200mm f/4L (with lens hood?), some spare CF cards, maybe a filter or two. Something with fairly quick access to the camera would be a plus here.

Any suggestions? I've been browsing through B&H's website, but it's hard to get a good feel for the sizes of the bags that way...

Thanks!

[CoolToolGuy]

I have become a real big fan of Tamrac bags. I really like the 'Lensbridge/Lensgate' feature that lets the camera lay horizontally with the lens attached. The 600 series and the 5600 series are nice shoulder bags that have this feature. 8)

For the day trips, think about the holster bags. Both Tamrac and Lowepro have them, and they both have similar features. I have the Tamrac 517. It will hold the Drebel with any of my zooms and has a front pocket that will hold the cards, lens cleaner, battery, etc. It also has a pocket in the lid that (with a little persuasion) will hold 2 filters up to 77mm in their cases. But the best feature is the ability to attach other accesories to the outside of it. I have the Tamrac water bottle holder as well as a large lens case. I have other pouches for the flash or my G3 that I can interchange if necessary. It comes with a shoulder strap, but it can also attach to the belts that Tamrac and Lowepro offer, if you want to go that way. :wink:

Hope this helps.

[Haifidelity]

I've been through about 4 bags, so i'll chime in:

1.) Get a backpack when you want to carry alot of gear around. It's easer on your shoulders. It may be a little more inconvient because you actually have to put the bag down to get it out, but a heavy shoulder bag while shooting get's very tiresome.

2.) I have a Lowepro TLZ Zoom holster type when I just want something small that can carry a 70-200 style zoom lens attached to the camera bag. It can fit a 420EX (without the cotainer) in the front and is All Weather.

3.) Get the biggest Bag you can afford. The reason I went through 4 bags was because each time I kept saying "This will be enough for the stuff I have" but of course you keep adding more gear.

I'm saving up for a LowePro Nature Trekker AW right now, so you may want to check it out too..

-hza

[scottbergerphoto]

Backpacks:
Tamrac Expedition 5-medium(use this one the most)
Lowepro Nature Trekker AW-large(great support system, padded shoulder and waist straps, day pack, rain cover)

Sling Packs:
Tamrac Velocity 7- small
Tamrac Velocity 9- Large
These two are great for inconspicuous travel around town. They don't look like camera bags. That's a big plus in NYC.
Regards,
Scott

[Ken Fong]

I use a Lowepro Nova AW 4 and 5, the 4 holds an SLR with a lens and two additonal large lenses with room to spare...great for light situations. When I need to take 'everything', the 5 allows an extra SLR body and flash also with room to spare. I love the contoured shoulder strap that these bags come with.

I also have a small Lowepro belt pack for even lighter situations, but I rarely bring this on vacation now.

I originally started with small and large Lowepro backpacks...these are indeed more comforatble, but a bit slower to access the equipment. I also realized that I do not hike a lot...I'm more of an urban wanderer/stay close to the tourbus kind of person, so I like the quick access of the Nova series. I bought most of my Lowepros from eBay from a seller called Henry's or Photococan. I've bought and returned a lot of bags, so it is worth the time to check these out in a store first.

Inconspicuous sounds good...I might check out Scott's recommendation on the Tamrac.

[FJC]

Thanks everyone, I'll check all these out!

I like the idea of a backpack for my big storage bag, not because I'd ever go hiking with it all, but just because it does sound easier to carry on vacation (i.e, though the airport, etc). Also sounds like it might fit better under an airline seat than a large shoulder bag. The only thing stopping me from just jumping on a backpack is the price, but maybe I'll just need to bite the bullet on that.

I can see ending up with a lot of bags...one for everything...one for "bare minimum" outings...one for in-between...arghh! B&H needs to run a promotion, every time you purchase accessories/lens they credit 5% of the total toward a future bag purchase. :)

[FJC]

Thanks again everyone for the recommendations. I bit the bullet this morning and went ahead an ordered $170 worth of camera bags (!!!). Ah well, what good is all this gear if I can't take it anywhere for lack of proper mobility?

I ended up ordering:

Lowepro Mini-Trekker backpack (for general storage and when I want to take most/all of my gear with me)

Lowepro Topload Zoom AW (for those day-trips where I just need the camera and my 70-200mm).

[Volatile]

FJC,

I have a mini-trekker, and almost the same gear as you. In addition, I have a Tamron 200-400 and a 380EX flash. It all fits in very well. I could probably squeeze in another lens if I had to. I want to post a picture of the bag all loaded up, but I haven't figured out how to do it yet.

Bill