Sell me on a bag.

[bluesoul]

To the uninitiated there are...way too many freaking bags out there for photographers. I'll tell you what I've got and what I may get, and if someone can point out a good fit that'd be excellent.

Also, I don't really want a Canon bag. I don't see the sense in getting a bag with all my stuff in it with Canon in large letters. I don't like filing insurance claims any more than the next guy.

I'm using the 20d and my main lens I'm using is the Canon 55-200. I've got the kit lens and I'll be adding on (eventually):

Sigma 17-70 or 105 Macro
Nifty Fifty
Kenko Tubes
Speedlite

I may also want to put my Powershot S3 IS in there for the heck of it (getting a 432mm range on a P&S is too convenient, sue me). Right now my bag would be pretty bare though. Any recommendations?

EDIT: Forgot about the Storage forum, feel free to move this.

[Mum2J&M]

I don't know how you feel about Crumpler bags, but I adore mine. I used to have a 5 Million Dollar one and it got too small quickly, so now I have the 7 Million Dollar Home in black and it is perfect. Doesn't look like a camera bag and keeps my stuff very well protected. Here's a link:

http://www.crumplerusa.com

You might be able to find one on ebay too.

[Naturalist]

I've been partial to Tamarac bags since I picked up my first one in 1980 or so. I'm on the second bag now and plan on replacing it only because I want a change. The things are TOUGH.

Being a traditionalist, I am looking at the model 5608 myself. http://www.tamrac.com/welcome.htm

Pretty darn reasonbly priced too. This one is $90 locally.

[bluesoul]

I have no preconceived notions about the quality of any one brand so I'll look at them all.

I was actually looking at the Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW since I'd like to leave the 55-200 mounted, and the 200 was a bit small for that. The 7 MDH looks like it would do that as well.

The Tamrac looks nice though a bit large for me, the 5603 or 5605 looks more along the lines of something I'd make full use of. Edit: The 5768 looks like a nice little sling too.

Keep the ideas coming, I appreciate it. :)

[LotsToLearn]

I was actually looking at the Lowepro Slingshot 300 AW since I'd like to leave the 55-200 mounted, and the 200 was a bit small for that. The 7 MDH looks like it would do that as well.


I swear by the SS bags. I love them. I've got the 200 and 300. I think the 300 would be overkill for your needs though. I don't know how big the 55-200 is but I only use my SS300 when I'm carrying a 1 series with either my Bigma or 70-200 f/2.8 IS attached. I don't think the 55-200 is as large as those. I use my SS200 for my 20D and walkaround lens or 75-300 attached with more than enough space.

I also carry my S3 in either bag... it fits nicely in the top compartment if you don't need to carry something else there. Makes it pretty easy to get to as well since your SLR will be occupying the main main body compartments.

[bluesoul]

The 55-200 is about 5" long, so only about half an inch shorter than the 70-200 L lens.

[LotsToLearn]

The 55-200 is about 5" long, so only about half an inch shorter than the 70-200 L lens.

Something about that didn't sound right. I think those are the extended lengths you mentioned. Take a look at this (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-55-200mm-f-4.5-5.6-II-USM-Review.aspx) comparison and keep in mind that it's the f/4.0 version of the 70-200 which is slightly smaller than the 2.8IS.

If I try super hard, I can even get my 20D with that 70-200 attached into the SS200 using the normal configuration but it warps the bag and is hard to zip.

So I still think your kit would easily fit in the SS200 since it won't be extended.

[bluesoul]

Hmm. That could be it, do you think it would fit with the hood reversed?

[LotsToLearn]

Once again, easily. I carry all mine that way.

The only thing to really worry about is if you find sling type bags comfortable or not. Some people like it and some don't. As I said, I really do. I find backpacks too restrictive feeling and shoulder bags are too iffy on my shoulder and don't feel secure. The sling is a happy medium to those for me.

Good luck choosing. As you said, there are way too many bags out there to make it easy.

[_aravena]

Slingshot 200AW

http://a471.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/l_b1cce2de12b26aa926af84f4a3b94116.jpg

S3 can go in the top compartment.

What happens when you get a big lens

http://a460.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/66/l_4f70eddda683d328f07df4b57e70a98b.jpg

[bluesoul]

Hey, that's helpful. Thanks both of you. :D I'm definitely looking at the Slingshot 200. If anyone else has other suggestions please go ahead and post them.

[_aravena]

Does get heavyish, but you have the camera out with something attached and it's not weight in the bag. I could use mine for about 3-4hrs before it got annoying. But you can always not wear it properly and throw it over your other shoulder for awhile. I did that since I the 70-200 was practically glued to my camera.

[Jethro790]

Wanna see a magic trick?

All this: http://www.geoffreysworld.com/XTI%20kit.JPG can fit in my Slingshot 100.

Shazzam! http://www.geoffreysworld.com/XTI%20kit%20labled.JPG

But it is tight, and when I get a flash I will need to find another way to carry it or one of the lenses. Regardless, this is just another vote for the Slingshot which I love.

[_aravena]

^That makes sense, there is room. My problem with that is, nothing is easily accessible. You have stuff covering the lenses when you need to get to them quickly.

[Jon]

Take a look at the Domke F-802 and F-803 Reporter's Satchel and Camera Satchel. MyF-802 takes 5D/24-70 mounted, 15-30 Sigma or 35 f/2 and 85 f/1.8 or other such combo of small stuff, and 20D/70-200 f/2.8 IS mounted in a 720-230 3-compartment insert (separate from the F-802) and the 580EX flash in the main compartment. There are still two huge front pockets, a couple of folder pockets and two smaller outside zip pockets for batteries, filters, lens cleaning gear and all the other paraphernalia we need. And if that's not enough, you can add the F-901 or F-902 pockets onto the ends. The canvas wears like iron (I have a close to 30 YO F-2 that's still going strong). The F-803's a little lower and includes a 1-compartment insert to divide the bag into 3. The F-802 will easily handle more than you'll want to carry around in a very "un-camera" looking bag that's not too bulky and conforms nicely to your side, yet is incredibly easy to work out of.

[RichNY]

I have a Slingshot 200 and a larger Domke bag. Both are excellent but there is something special about the Domke line.