Bag Arrangment...help

[aam1234]

I have this bag (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/allWeather/Commercial_AW.aspx) , which is probably one of the biggest in the market, yet I'm having difficulty fitting everything in it. Here is a pic of what's inside:

The lower left corner is where the kit lens 18-55 sits, but will be replaced with a 17-40L in the next few days. What I'd like to do is add a 300D there somewhere. Any ideas?

Thanks

[Longwatcher]

That looks pretty close to the size of mine. I was going to offer a suggestion, but the longer I look the more I have to say, dude; you need a bigger bag. Tamrac and pelican make bigger ones, they just don't fit on airline overheads.

If it is like my Tamrac 612, don't forget the bottom of the bag to store the lesser used smaller lenses or accessories. At one time I had a 10D w/BG-ED and D60, 100-400L, 75-300, 16-35, 28-70L and 50/1.4 along with accessories in the bag. however, when I got the 70-200/2.8L IS I had to rearrange and leave something out. Picked up a second bag a lowepro minitrekker. Now I pick and choose, sometimes it is both bags.

[aam1234]

Are there bags bigger than this? here are the dimensions:

Size (Interior): 17W x 9D x 9H in. / 43 x 23 x 23 cm
Size (Exterior): 19W x 12.5D x 11H in. / 48.5 x 32 x 28 cm

Before buying it I did some research, and it seems all the big ones are the same as the above (give or take a little).

[KennyG]

Yes, the Billingham 555 is much deeper. I carry two 1 series bodies with a 70-200 2.8IS on one and a 100-400 on the other, lens down, hood reversed. Plus, 17-40L, 24-70L, 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and two TC's, all in the main compartment. I keep spare batteries and lens hoods in the front pockets.

The problem with most bags made by Tamrac or LowePro is they are just not deep enough. It is always better to have a lens mounted on the camera and placed in the bag lens down. Much easier to access when you need it and takes up less room.

Also, take all your lenses out of those tote bags, it just takes up more space and you gain no extra protection.

Edit to add a picture:
http://www.stiuk.dial.pipex.com/bill555.jpg

[PacAce]

I have this bag (http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/allWeather/Commercial_AW.aspx) , which is probably one of the biggest in the market, yet I'm having difficulty fitting everything in it. Here is a pic of what's inside:

The lower left corner is where the kit lens 18-55 sits, but will be replaced with a 17-40L in the next few days. What I'd like to do is add a 300D there somewhere. Any ideas?

Thanks

Have you tried removing the lenses from their cases and putting the lenses in the bag by themselves. That should free up some space.

[aam1234]

Thanks KennyG. Never thought of placing the cams that way. I'll give it a shot :D

PacAce, non of them have cases, except the 100-400. What's there is basically a piece of cloth (Canon pouch).

[FlipsidE]

Granted, I have no long glass, but I have this bag (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=292331&is=REG), and it seems to hold quite a bit.

http://www.wesculbertson.com/photos/cambag_800.jpg

Sorry for the low quality shot. Things have changed a bit on the inside as of late, and I still have room left. Currently, inside I have:

Canon EOS Digital Rebel 300D w/ BG-E1 Battery Grip
Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5
Canon 50 f/1.8
Canon 18-55 f/3.5-5.6
Sandisk 8-in-1 Media Card Reader (with USB cable)
CF Card Wallet
Extra AA Batteries
Extra BP-511 Battery
Canon 58mm UV Haze Filter
Quntarray 58mm UV Haze Filter
Canon Off Camera Shoe 2
Canon Speedlite 420EX
Canon Powershot S30
HP Ipaq 1945 Pocket PC
Lumiquest ProMax kit w/ 80-20
Lumiquest Mini Softbox
Body Lens Mount cap
Lens Cap (rear)
Quantarray lens pen
Dell Inspiron 2650 in computer pocket
Paper notebook and two pens the front pocket

I LOVE this bag so far. Granted, it's not the best for those who take action shots with a good bit of long glass. But, it's great for the type of photography I enjoy!

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

Thanks FlipsidE. What you have is a backpack, no.

[FlipsidE]

Yes it is a backpack...it is the Lowepro CompuTrekker AW

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

Thanks again FlipsidE, but I'm one of those that prefer a bag (for easy access).

[FlipsidE]

Completely understandable

FlipsidE

[FlyingPete]

I'm running two bags now, my larger 'hawl almost everything' bag, and a smaller 'shooting' bag - both Lowepro's, I do miss my Domke, but no one seems to import them her into NZ anymore.

When I do need everything, I now need both.

The little bag can take my 20D, 28-105 with the lens hood on and pointing out, one other lens, of simular size without lens hood, my X's drive or 420 flash, a couple of batteries and some CF cards.

[aam1234]

I thought Domke is made in Australia. Very surprising not to find it in NZ.

[chris.bailey]

You are not packing it well enough! i have the same bag

http://www.pbase.com/chris_bailey/image/34460020.jpg

10D with 17-40, 1dMkII with 24-70, 50mm, 80mm, 70-200, 100-400, 550Ex and just out of shot is the mule that carries it around!!

[aam1234]

Wow Chris, that's an awesome arrangement! I'll try the same. Thanks!

[chris.bailey]

Wow Chris, that's an awesome arrangement! I'll try the same. Thanks!

It is, but I would not want to carry it far!!! Those velcro bits are the devils own work and I spent an age getting it just so.

[kb244]

What I did with a smaller bag : http://www.karlblessing.com/images/share/bag.jpg

though not nearly as many accessoriess inside of the bag itself just on the outside pockets.

I wanted an arrangment where I could keep the battery grip on my rebel at all times. I can move the 50mm to the left side, and leave the 18-55 at home if I need to put a manual flash on the right side.

[FlipsidE]

I agree. Chris, great job on packin that bag!

FlipsidE

[aam1234]

It is, but I would not want to carry it far!!! Those velcro bits are the devils own work and I spent an age getting it just so.

I know what you mean about the weight. My should starts to hurt by the time I reach the car. And those velcro bits drive you nuts. Not only that but they attach so strongly that they need a bit of force to detach them.

[chris.bailey]

I know what you mean about the weight. My should starts to hurt by the time I reach the car. And those velcro bits drive you nuts. Not only that but they attach so strongly that they need a bit of force to detach them.

Mine never goes further than the car!! If I plan on carrying stuff any further then I take a toploader or the trekkar.

[KennyG]

My bag goes around the race track with me, minus the 1D MK-II which has a 300 2.8IS attached, mounted on a monopod and over the opposite shoulder to the bag.

Here I am, a real oldie and I am keeping company with wimps.:)

[aam1234]

Here I am, a real oldie and I am keeping company with wimps.:)

Ha ha, good one :lol:

But do you know what's funny, that carrying say 5 KGs on one shoulder (or hand) is actually more difficult than carrying the same amount on each side. I know it sounds counter logical, but try it and you will see. I use that idea when traveling or moving stuff.

[blackviolet]

I thought Domke is made in Australia. Very surprising not to find it in NZ.

crumpler (http://www.crumpler.com.au) is an aussie company. jim domke was from the eastern united states...

[aam1234]

Opps. Thanks Blackviolet for the correction.

[iwatkins]

Yes, I do the same this as Ken. 10D with grip and hand strap, with a short (ish) lens attached. It sits lens down resting on the top of two of the velcroed in dividers.

With that arrangment I can get four shorter lenses (or three and a 550EX) plus the one attached to the body into my LowePro 300AW, which is small compared to that huge bag you have.

I can simply flip open the cover and lift the camera out with one hand while the bag is still over my shoulder. Hand slips directly into hand strap. Easy. :)

I should take a photo really. :)

Cheers

Ian

[Jon]

Definitely check out the Domke range. I have the F-1x which carries: D60 and 15-30, 20D (with or without grip) and 24-70 L, 550EX, 580EX, 90 mm Tamron macro, 35 f/2, 50 f/1.8, 75-300 IS or 100-400 L IS (hood separate, outside the 35 f/2), 1.4x TC, a bunch of batteries, cards, and filters. In the bag you don't need the lens cases - they just slow you down. If necessary, I can shove a ZR-70 or the 420EX in as well, but that gets in the way of using the cameras from the bag. With one camera out, it's not a problem. I'm thinking, however, of moving to the slightly larger F7AF, although that may not fit under an airliner's seat like the F1x does.

[aam1234]

Thanks Jon,
Would be great if you can show us your bag with the arrangement of all the equipment you listed. Does increase in height really matters, I'm thinking width or depth might be more useful, but not sure.

My problem just got worse, received the 17-40 few hours ago and can't find a place for it in the bag, let alone a second body.

Thank you guys for the suggestions.

[Jon]

The F7AF is arriving today from B&H. Will try to get a shot of both the F1x and F7AF tonight (after running up to the vet's to pick up Fizgig's meds). Briefly, 550EX and 580EX (in cases) go in the outside end pockets along with the OC2, a small flash bracket, tabletop tripod, Leatherman, cell phone, and small bottle of sunscreen.
D60 and attached 15-30 Sigma go in the main compartment of the bag loose. 35 f/2 is in a neoprene lens cap under the 15-30 along with a couple of 8-packs of AA cells. A Domke 3-compartment insert's on the back edge of the bag with (1) 20D and 24-70, (2) 50 f/1.8 and 28-90, and (3) 1.4x TC and Tamron 90 macro. At the opposite end, front, of the bag from the D60 is either the 75-300 or the 100-400. With the 100-400, the 35 and neoprene sleeve go inside the hood; otherwise hoods are on the lenses, reversed. ZR70 rides on top of the 15-30 (handstrap down).
Two front bellows pockets have (1) flash cards, lens pen and BP-511s and (2) Singh-Ray filters, SD cards, Mini-DV tapes. Small pen pockets next to them have a Sharpie and (if not flying) mini-screwdriver.
Mesh pockets on underside of lid contain polarizers, Cokin P holder and adapters. Lid zip pocket has CF-PC Card adapter, USB 2 cable, and, when I get around to finishing burning it, a mini-CD with PDFs of camera manuals, Irfanview, bookmarks, and other important reference info.
Back zip pocket has plastic garbage bag, plastic poncho, nylon cable ties, spare notebook and mini mag light. I have carried a small laptop (HP Omnibook 800) in here as well.
4 D-rings on the top (for carry handle) have mini-carabiners on them, 1 with a small LED flashlight. Keys may get clipped here if in-and-outing. Mini-biners are useful for hooking gear, or if any bag hardware breaks.
Domke backpack strap is usually in place.
The bag has velcro closure for all flaps and the main flap also uses snap clips (make sure they're fastened before picking it up).

Increased height vs. length or depth? of the three, I'd go for depth, I think. Much longer or higher than the F1x and it won't fit under an airline seat. Also, too long and the bag doesn't feel right or manoeuver well. Too deep and getting to the bottom's a nuisance, plus you need to find the right combination to use the height, which usually means even more stacking of stuff.

[aam1234]

The F7AF is arriving today from B&H. Will try to get a shot of both the F1x and F7AF tonight (after running up to the vet's to pick up Fizgig's meds). Briefly, 550EX and 580EX (in cases) go in the outside end pockets along with the OC2, a small flash bracket, tabletop tripod, Leatherman, cell phone, and small bottle of sunscreen.
D60 and attached 15-30 Sigma go in the main compartment of the bag loose. 35 f/2 is in a neoprene lens cap under the 15-30 along with a couple of 8-packs of AA cells. A Domke 3-compartment insert's on the back edge of the bag with (1) 20D and 24-70, (2) 50 f/1.8 and 28-90, and (3) 1.4x TC and Tamron 90 macro. At the opposite end, front, of the bag from the D60 is either the 75-300 or the 100-400. With the 100-400, the 35 and neoprene sleeve go inside the hood; otherwise hoods are on the lenses, reversed. ZR70 rides on top of the 15-30 (handstrap down).
Two front bellows pockets have (1) flash cards, lens pen and BP-511s and (2) Singh-Ray filters, SD cards, Mini-DV tapes. Small pen pockets next to them have a Sharpie and (if not flying) mini-screwdriver.
Mesh pockets on underside of lid contain polarizers, Cokin P holder and adapters. Lid zip pocket has CF-PC Card adapter, USB 2 cable, and, when I get around to finishing burning it, a mini-CD with PDFs of camera manuals, Irfanview, bookmarks, and other important reference info.
Back zip pocket has plastic garbage bag, plastic poncho, nylon cable ties, spare notebook and mini mag light. I have carried a small laptop (HP Omnibook 800) in here as well.
4 D-rings on the top (for carry handle) have mini-carabiners on them, 1 with a small LED flashlight. Keys may get clipped here if in-and-outing. Mini-biners are useful for hooking gear, or if any bag hardware breaks.
Domke backpack strap is usually in place.
The bag has velcro closure for all flaps and the main flap also uses snap clips (make sure they're fastened before picking it up).


It's true what they say, a picture is worth a thousend words :D it was a bit confusing following the discription. But hey, many thanks for the help. Hope to see the pic soon.

[Jon]

The Domke F1X as described above. The 100-400 is in the lower right corner pocket; you can see the (50 f/1.8 in this case, not the 35 f/2) lens in neoprene in the 100-400's lens hood. The tripod adapter for the 100-400 is behind the D60. I removed the BG-E2 from the 20D for better visibility of the rest of the bag. All 4 visible outside pockets have their own velcroed flaps, which I've pulled back to sort of show contents. The OC-2 cable does fit in; it's hanging out strictly for visibility. The yellow next to the flash (580EX) in the LH (as seen in photo) pocket's a dog toy - I frequently photograph fosters for our Peke rescue group.

The F7AF has room for another 2 lens compartments, but lacks a back pocket and the other pockets are so deep that they'll need some re-thinking. OTOH, it includes a waist belt with your choice of 3 levels on the bag and plenty of room for additional pouches.