Tenba DB17C or Tamrac 5258 Backpack?

[Chris1le]

Hey all, I'm thinking about getting a backpack bag because my Lowepro Nova 5 is killing my shoulder. :cry: I've narrowed it down to the Tamrac 5258.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=321664&is=REG

or the the Tenba DB17C

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=302682&is=REG

Has anyone had any experience with either of these bags. I Like the side pockets of the Tenba. I also like the tripod holder on the Tamrac. If only they could put both features on the same bag :!: Is there a way to use some kind of tripod holder on the Tenba? I think I'm leaning more toward the Tamrac simply because of the tripod issue. I do think the Tenba looks pretty cool though. Your likes or dislikes would be appreciated, or maybe you can steer me in a totally different direction. :D

[leony]

I have Tamrac 5259 backpack, which is about 5 inches shorter than the one you're looking at - but in all practicality it will hold maybe an extra prime 100mm lens and that's about it.

I've got the backpack as the "grab and run" camera bag. As I added things, I've ran out of space and right now my MF set is without a bag...so get the biggest bag that is practical for what you do.

The problem with a large backpack like the one you're looking at is it's weight, once you fill it with gear. I usually take an over-the-shoulder day bag unless I know I'll need to have most of the gear at easy access.

The bag I have is solid and comfortable even when fully loaded. I've had it for a little over a year and it's seen its share of hiking, beach, rain and falls. The gear is still working - but don't throw it off the mountain... I had the bag roll down a steep hill while hiking up the mountain. Wiped it clean when got home and vaccumed the dust off - and it's like nothing ever happened. That lead me to believe that as long as it's zipped, the gear inside is safe.

All in all if you're thinking a backpack, get one. I would go with Tamrac simply because it will hold more stuff, and eventually you'll still run out of space - better later than sooner.

[montyl]

Chris1le

I have the DB-17C. My prime concerns when I bought this was making sure that it was big enough to contain my gear, and still leave me a little bit of room to grow. I was concerned about the lack of tripod facilities, however a friend of mine made a bag out of 2 layers of Cordura and closed cell foam which attaches to the bag on the side. I can e-mail you pictures if you give me an e-mail address. Since I see that you live in Gig Harbor, call Glazer's Camera in Seattle, they did have at least one in stock that you can go look at and possibly test fit your gear.
With the side access to lenses I am convinced I could not have bought a better bag, since I do not have to put the bag down to change lenses.