1st Bag for Beginner??

[VLadyinRed]

I apologize in advance, I know this question must get asked all the time, but I went through some posts and couldn't find what I was looking for.

I'm an extreme photography beginner and need a 1st bag. I have a Canon Rebel XTi, a Tamron 28-75 2.8, the kit lens, a 50 1.8, and the 70-300 IS. I need just a storage bag that can store all of these things. I haven't delved into the world of flashes yet, and I've spent about as much money on camera equipment as I probably will in the next year.

I prefer the backpack style as I have a bad back, so even weight distribution is good. Does anyone know if there are any backpacks that have a strap that ties or buckles around your waist for extra support? I used a backpack like that in elementary school and found it really helped my back.

I've looked at a few bags but have no idea what I'm looking for or what brands are good brands. I'm also cheap and don't want to spend much more than $50.

Any suggestions for me? Thanks!

[Doogiekr]

Lots of options really, do you want a normal bag? or a backpack? or a sling type? I personally use nothing but backpack types, but thats just my choice.

I use the Lowepro MicroTrekker 200 more than any other bag I own.

Sells for $64.95 at B&H and right now it has free shipping... see it here (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/199512-REG/Lowepro_2011210_Micro_Trekker_200_Black_.html)

Just as one option, but really there are many more.

[VLadyinRed]

Yes I mentioned I prefer the backpack type. :) I have no idea even what the basics are that I should be looking for.

If I walk into Wolf/Ritz camera and just pick one out that looks good should I be fine? Or is there anything I should know?

Someone in another post mentioned playing tetris, how can I avoid that? Any other tips for someone who has no clue and is feeling a little overwhelmed?

[Doogiekr]

Sorry, I should read more carefully :) I edited my first post to include the backpack I use most.

[Jethro790]

Knowing what kind of bag you want is half the battle. Go to a big camera store and try them out. Bring your gear and ask the sales staff for a quite corner to sit and pack it all up in there.

[Triptoph]

I don't have a good recommendation for you, but to throw my experience out there...

I have a Tamrac Adventure 9 and a Lowepro Slingshot 200AW. It holds more and it is more comfortable for longer outtings, but I almost never use the backpack (tamrac). The Slingshot I find to be quite comfortable for short periods or for not too much weight. I find the Slingshot to be a vastly better design than a backpack because it allows the pack to quickly slide to the front, where you can unzip it and change lenses without ever taking it off or setting anything down elsewhere. With the backpack, if I need to change lenses I have to weigh in the fact that it is going to take time to change them, and requires me to take it off, and set it down somewhere, possibly on the muddy ground depending on where I am.

I used the 200AW to hold: 30D body, Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens (fairly large for a wide-normal range zoom), a Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM lens, a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, the 580 EX II flash, some filters, cleaning stuff, and a snack. Point being, that's a lot of weight and space in there. Only when it was fully loaded and I was going on a walk over maybe an hour or so that it felt cumbersome, and then I found that the wrap-around strap helped some. The ability to quickly get at my lenses though made it worth it.

Relative to that stuff, your gear is light, so this may be a solution depending on how bad your back is. Although it has a waist belt, it is not padded and thus not too useful. I have heard that the Slingshot 300AW has a padded waist belt but I have not seen it or tried it personally -- but I am considering this next as I have outgrown my 200AW.

If your back is quite a problem, I would suggest maybe looking for a 'holster' type case that would fit on a belt like you said. This way all the weight is on your hips and not your back at all, and it keeps the camera very accessible which may result in more pictures being taken! Depends on where you're shooting though and how... ahh... geeky you mind looking in that situation :) A backpack certanly looks more 'normal' :)

[Jon]

Not much around except for "much more than $50" You might try this (http://www.adorama.com/GBDPBK.html) from Adorama. If it's just for storage, maybe look for a roller bag.

[Doogiekr]

The Micro Trekker is a very durable bag, I have had it for many years now and its been through alot and still going strong. Its not a big bag, but has plenty of room for the gear I use most 40D w/ 24-70 2.8L (big lens) on it, 70-200 2.8L, 10-22, and 60mm macro along with other stuff.

11 x 8.5 x 14" (28 x 21.5 x 35.5 cm) (WxDxH) is the outside size, which I find to be a comfortable size on my back.

Here a quick pic of how my gear is arranged in it...

[Triptoph]

Bring your gear and ask the sales staff for a quite corner to sit and pack it all up in there.

That's a very good suggestion... I did that at my local store as well, and it takes some of the guesswork out of it. That's how I bought the Tamrac that I never use... You just have to think a bit more than I did about how you will actually be using the thing when you're really out there taking photos on the go :)

[nutsnbolts]

Don't get a slingshot if you have a bad back. I just want to throw this out there. $50 is a tight budget but a little more spendings and your options open up a bit more. My only suggestion, once again, thinking differently is one of the speed demon/racer/freak series.

It's a waist bag/shoulder bag. Waist and shoulder complement each other to distribute weight evenly and can be used one over the other individually. You can even tuck the waist portion if you want to shoulder it.

Coupled with a Pixel Racing Harness, you can convert it to a backpack.

Check out my review in my signature.

Speed Demon (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdDmn.php)
Speed Freak (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdFrk.php)
Speed Racer (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_SpdRcr.php)


Pixel Racing Harness (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_PxlRcngHrnss.php)

BTW: There is a discount going on now to get a free Lenschanger 75 ($35 value) for free of $100 or more purchase.

Great deal, in my opinion.

Lastly, these are great to shoot out off, hiking, etc. Perhaps you can even carry a backpack for other things. Versatility is what it's about.

[GregFarz78]

I like my Lowepro Compu Daypack its right around $50-60

[Tony-S]

Buy for the future. I still have, and use, my Fotima bag from 1978. I now have four of the damned things!

[ratindahat]

I have canon's backpack and it seems to be pretty good so far, but i've only had it about a week so i can't speak for longevity. And at $80 from Best Buy, it seemed a decent deal.

I know, i know... The camera stores here basically suck.

[Tony-S]

Holy crap - it's gone up. Mine was something like $45. Of course, anything with "Canon" on it only invites the thieves...

[ratindahat]

agreed on the thieves part, but other than that i do like the backpack.

I could have gotten it cheaper online, but i needed a bag for a wedding the next day. My other bag wouldn't carry enough gear.

[bryank930]

I like my Canon 200DG:D

[meglet]

I'll put in another vote for the Canon backpack. I normally use a messenger bag, but a coworker has the Canon backpack, and it's very nice. I've added it to my Christmas list for use when hiking next spring.

Amazon has the Canon 200EG for just over $40.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6TA/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1N821D629IXFM&colid=1U00Z1ZESK6ZF

[newtoodigital]

i just got the Lowepro Compu Daypack and its awesome for my needs at the moment. know i wonder how i carried all my stuff before

[midget]

buy the canon backpack, remove the canon logo when you get home. even after you do upgrade/ get a new bag, you can just keep the canon one at home in a closet somewhere for storage purposes.