Can anyone help me with my choice of bag?

[TDCat]

Hi,

When I first got into digital photography, starting with a small point and shoot, I have always insisted on buying a decent bag. That might seem an obvious statement to most of the people who read this forum because you're protecting thousands of pounds worth of kit as well as having a lot of it!

Now that I am dealing with DSLR's, I fear I may have made a hasty purchase of my first bag. It's a Lowepro Toploader 65 AW. Don't get me wrong, it's very nicely made...but already, after a month, my size needs have outgrown it.

What can I replace it with? I have looked at the Lowepro Orion Trekker II. It's a nice solution because of the extra space for normal stuff but I just think that there's no easy access to the camera gear as there is with the toploader. Does anyone use this? Can you let me know if this is a problem?

What brands can you suggest? What would provide me with a good solution for a 5D with 24-105mm attached plus possibly one extra lens, the charger, cables, spare memory and 2 filters?

Thanks for any advice!

TDCat.

[Glenn NK]

Welcome to the club - the club where the bag doesn't seem to grow to fit the gear.:(

I started with a 65 AW and it served me very well until I bought my second lens - so I added a "1" lens case. Then I bought another lens, and added a "1W". Then - well you get the story - I now have a 65 AW with four lens pouches and two small ones for tubes and Xtender.

Then I realized that I had made a mistake (rather I just didn't anticipate where I was going to be with equipment).

I carry all my equipment (less tripod) in my newest acquisition - a Lowepro 300 Slingshot. I really like this bag, but found with the weight I was carrying (camera, all lenses, angle finder, filters, manual, etc) it was pretty heavy for more than half an hour. But I didn't want to go backpack style because I'd have to find a place to set it down to access gear- difficult when literally in the field.

This past week, I added a second shoulder strap so that my left shoulder is also taking on some burden - a $10 belt (Lowepro) + $23 at the shoe repair and I have a second load-bearing strap that easily and quickly unbuckles to slide the pack in front for easy access.

However after reading the comments from users, it seems that there is no perfect bag that will always be the right size.;)

Best advice I can offer - take your time and look around. Or as Momma would say - "better shop around".:lol:

[TDCat]

I actually didn't think of that. It has all those additional 'sliplock' attachments. If they're not too pricey, I might invest in one. It would solve my problem...temporarily at least.

Otherwise, the access of the gear with your bag still over the shoulder is a big plus. I wouldn't want to have to find a set down spot to get to the camera.

Thanks for your comments! :)

[Nick5]

I have the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. I love it. A little smaller than the 300 as described by Glenn.
Who knows, I may upgrade to the 300 myself.
Just remember, there is no perfect bag.
I have quite a few now myself.
Camera bags are like sneakers and ladies hand bags. No one has just one.

[Glenn NK]

I have the Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. I love it. A little smaller than the 300 as described by Glenn.
Who knows, I may upgrade to the 300 myself.
Just remember, there is no perfect bag.
I have quite a few now myself.
Camera bags are like sneakers and ladies hand bags. No one has just one.

You just made my day. :lol:

I was feeling guilty because I had bought a small bag, added lenses, then added lens pouches to attach to the bag, then realized that I should have a better and bigger bag to carry everything. That resulted in the 300 AW.

The first bag with all the add-ons cost quite a bit more than the 300.:(

Now I don't feel so sad - because I'm supposed to have more than one.;)