Help me pick my next camera bag

[joeman]

Hi,

I just booked a flight to Rome for April and I've decided that I need a new camera bag for the trip. I'll be carrying a 20D with a 17-40mm, a 50mm, 70-200 F2.8 non-IS and the 1.4X. My flash is a 580ex and I'll also have a GT-2530 tripod.

Of course pickpocketing is a concern so security when taking mass transit is essential. We will be walking all day long so comfort is important. I don't want a bag that weighs more than my gear.

I've looked at the Slingshot 300, but I'm concerned about the tripod. I'm also considering the Primus AW.

Any other suggestions?

thanks,
Joe

[_aravena]

I wouldn't get something that you can't see. They're pros there man, I lived there so I know. Definitely get a messenger bag. What price range were you looking at?

Def need something that will enclose and not just a flap.

[joeman]

have not considered price... yet. More concerned about finding something that would work for my needs. I will be traveling light some days (visiting museums that don't allow tripods) so I may bring a small bag for these days.

thanks

[_aravena]

Look for something with a messenger bag with a zipper. Anything that they can't slip their hands into and grab something.

[nutsnbolts]

Hmm...check out some thinktank products. Either way, around April, there is usually rain around that time period so a rain cover (which thinktank has on their bags) would be useful.

[SOX 404]

I suggest getting Crumpler "The Whickey and Cox". This backpack serves me well.
- Great security. You don't have to worry about pickpockets, since the zipper is against your back (not like regular backpacks). There is no other access to inside compartments unless through the zipper, unless the bag is off shoulder.
- Very comfortable.
- You can put a 15" laptop also.

[joeman]

the thinktank looks really interesting. I believe that the local camera shop in Seattle (Glazers) carries these. I also intend on checking out the Crumpler as well.

I've convinced myself that I need a bag for the tripod, just so the Gitzo doesn't draw too much unwanted attention.

This trip is geting more expensive even before I start looking at the euro-dollar exchange rate!

Thanks for the input.

[Riff Raff]

The Lowepro Stealth Reporter might be good. The D400AW would definitely be too big for you, so maybe the D300.

[aka_deno]

I just got the lowepro stealth reporter D200aw and this is what i currently have stuffed into this bag.....

a Canon 40D w/bg-e2n battery grip attached with 28-135mm lens on, canon 10-22mm, canon 70-300 f/4-5.6, canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6, generic 2x adapter, my cheapo phottix wireless remote, targus 25-in-1 travel card reader, misc cords and lens/senser cleaning products, tripod quick disconnect adapter, 2 packs of 4 AA batteries, and my canon 580 ex II.

it took me quite some time to figure out how to fit ALL this stuff in there but i figured it out finally so if anyone wants to see my setup i will gladly take a picture of it. lol

but overall i LOVE the stealth reporter D200aw and i feel its deff worth its $81 price tag (bought at adorama) and for what i have it fits perfectly. just wish i could get my 30d in there somewhere. (if i take out the 580 ex2 then i will prob be able to put the 30d down there.)

[climbingjunkie]

I just got the lowepro stealth reporter D200aw and this is what i currently have stuffed into this bag.....

a Canon 40D w/bg-e2n battery grip attached with 28-135mm lens on, canon 10-22mm, canon 70-300 f/4-5.6, canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6, generic 2x adapter, my cheapo phottix wireless remote, targus 25-in-1 travel card reader, misc cords and lens/senser cleaning products, tripod quick disconnect adapter, 2 packs of 4 AA batteries, and my canon 580 ex II.

it took me quite some time to figure out how to fit ALL this stuff in there but i figured it out finally so if anyone wants to see my setup i will gladly take a picture of it. lol

but overall i LOVE the stealth reporter D200aw and i feel its deff worth its $81 price tag (bought at adorama) and for what i have it fits perfectly. just wish i could get my 30d in there somewhere. (if i take out the 580 ex2 then i will prob be able to put the 30d down there.)


I'd like to see how you got that all in there!
I was considering the D400AW to fit almost the same amount of gear.
I usually carry at least 2 flashes though...

[Riff Raff]

Here's what I was able to fit into the D400AW this past weekend (I just got it):

Rebel XTi + Grip mounted to 24-70mm f/2.8L (hood in place)
85mm f/1.8 (hood reversed) stacked with 50mm f/1.4 (hood in place)
16-35mm f/2.8L II (hood in place) OR 70-200mm f/2.8L IS (hood reversed)
580EX II speedlite
Elan 7NE + Grip
430EX speedlite

Plus whatever it was I threw in the outer compartments, as far as accessories. I'm definitely liking it. Everything seems much more secure than it was in the Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home, and it's a bit easier to work out of. I generally only need one of the 16-35mm or the 70-200mm, so that arrangement should be fine. If I actually need to travel with both, I can strap on one of the Lowepro Lens Cases to the outside. Or I could leave out the second camera body and flash.

[DDA]

I've posted a review of the Primus a while ago (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=398725)

Despite its drawbacks (but I don't think there is a perfect bag (at least for me), I really like it. Just be careful if you have a grip on your 20D, you won't be able to take the camera through the side opening...