gig bags?

[BJWOK]

hi folks,

just wondering what everyone is using to carry their gear at events?

i have this:

http://products.lowepro.com/product/Rover-AW-II,2024,14.htm

as my all purpose bag, but i find it is too big, especially trying to navigate through tight crowds.

i am looking for a bag that ain't too big, but can still carry (when full) my speedlite, 5D, 24-70 with hood plus a 70-200 (when i get one!). it should also have a bunch of zip pouches for things like spare AA batteries, flash cards, etc.

what are you guys using?

[ofdphoto]

I liked my Boda bag while I had it, but swapped it for something larger I could do faster lens swapping with when shooting weddings. I still recommend it highly tho:

www.goboda.com

[BJWOK]

hmmm, thanks champ, but those bags look like only lens bags. i will need something that also can take my body (for transport to the venue).

[ofdphoto]

Yup, so use your existing backpack and leave it in the car when you get there.

Or, check out Crumpler, Lowepro or Domke for shoulder bags that can take it all.

[BJWOK]

not trying to sound like a tool, but i often take the bus or tram to the venue. and at a all day festival like yesterday's "a day at the park", i really need my gear on me the whole time.

[ofdphoto]

Ahhh ok fair enough.

You don't sound like a tool, you sound sensible ;)

Check out Crumpler's "million dollar home" series of bags. The 6MDH sounds like it could be a winner for you.

[Edges_of_Twilight]

I work for a concert promotion company so I have access to the backstage area and am able to leave my camera backpack back there. I leave items like extra lenses flashes, etc in my backpack just in case and load my Tamrac Digital Series bag with everything I need for navigating the crowds. I keep one camera on me using a Rapid R strap (HIGHLY recommended) and another camera w/ lens plus another lens in the Tamrac Digital. There are also spots on the side to attach extra lens or flash compartments. I find that this is by far the easiest and most efficient set up for me. I can easily get away with just bringing the Tamrac and leaving the backpack at home.

http://www.tamrac.com/5630.htm

http://www.blackrapid.com/

[blackshadow]

I love my Crumpler bags and the 6 Million Dollar Home sounds like it would do exactly what you need.

[René Damkot]

Billingham 445:
http://www.moonglade.net/~rene/POTN/Billingham445.jpg

Can be a pain when you need to get through a crowd, but good to work out of.

[Jim G]

Domke F-3x may be up your alley - I recently shot all my gigs with either a Lowepro Stealth Reporter D400AW (which, incidentally, I swapped for Luke's (linarms) Boda bag) or a Domke F-803 - the Domke for smaller gigs or where I wanted a not-camera-bag appearance. The Stealth Reporter line has a fantastic top-access zip in most of the models which makes getting your gear in and out a dream and they're very comfortable to wear.

I ended up replacing the SRD400AW with a Domke F3x - it fits nearly as much and has the not-camera-bag look - less than the D400AW, anyway, in sand at least. Comfortable, rugged bag that you can just chuck in the wash when it gets dirty (had paint all over it from a gig the other week, one wash and it's brand new again).

The Lowepro has the advantage of being padded to the rafters... also makes it heavier and bulkier than it would otherwise be. I've moved more towards liking lightly padded bags - the Domke has ample spots for additional padding to be added in and I do make use of that sometimes with areas cut from a 5-10mm thick rubber sleeping mat. <$5 for enough to sleep on = more than enough to chop some up out of and still be using it to sleep on. ;)

[narlus]

i'm all about the bike messenger bag...roomy, cheap, very low profile, not too expensive. i use a black timbuk2 bag (size L) that i paid $40 for. i routinely stuff 2 bodies and 5 to 6 lenses in it.

[londonblue007]

I just got this one http://www.tamrac.com/3380.htm

The camera area is literally just big enough for what you mentioned. It has a second storage compartment above the camera one that I use for my video equipment, flashes, P&S's, other stuff.
It also has a laptop compartment, which fits the 17in macbook pro.

http://www.tamrac.com/3380-opn-Org-L.jpg

[Marmar]

i have a crumpler "6 million dollar home" that i use at the moment, fits 5d + 24-70mm 2.8, 15mm fisheye and a flash with plenty of room to spare.

altho i have just bought a Thinktank "urban disguise 50" which only looks a fraction bigger but will hold 2 bodys + flash + couple lenses + laptop

[BJWOK]

thanks for all the posts folks, have decided to go with the 7 million dollar home (in fact, already ordered it!) :)

[blackshadow]

thanks for all the posts folks, have decided to go with the 7 million dollar home (in fact, already ordered it!) :)

I'm sure you will be very happy with it - it's my main camera bag.

I regularly carry this stuff in it:

1D Mark III with lens attached (16-35, 24-70 or 70-200)
16-35 f2.8L II
24-70 f2.8L
70-200 f2.8L IS
35mm f1.4L
20D
580EX II
M80 Storage Device
Extra CF cards, batteries, rocket blower, earplugs, lens cloth etc.

[BJWOK]

thanks blackshadow.

nice site too btw. your event photography is great champ! i am loving the challenges faced at every different venue i shoot at and am learning with each gig i do! you got any tips for me? i typically shoot (with my 5D, 24-70L) at ISO 1600, M mode, 1/160 (sometimes 1/125) and vary aperture from 2.8 to whatever continues to give me the correct exposure.

are there other techniques i could be trying (without using flash - i'm against it at live events)?

[ofdphoto]

You can drop your shutter speed below that ... way below that. IMO.

[BJWOK]

how low champ? don't want any motion blur if i can avoid it... strumming hands move very quickly...

[ofdphoto]

Motion blur is fine for live music. You just have to fire enough frames to keep it where you want it. Strumming hands blurring is nothin' ...

[BJWOK]

ahh nice idea! will try this next time. how low have you been? got any examples?

[ofdphoto]

Don't have any samples on this computer, but I've been down to 1/30 or occasionally below ...

At f/2.8 many venues will require you to shoot this slow (in my experience, anyway).

[90c4]

I had a Crumpler Whickey and Cox backpack but it was a pain so I never used it - you have to completely take it off and lay it on the ground to access your gear. I switched over to a Crumpler $7M home which feels much smaller but still can hold the following:
5D body
70-200 2.8IS
24-105
35L
85L
135L
Sigma 15mm fisheye
Giotto Rocket Blower
580EX Flash
7 or 8 batteries and a spare charger, car charger

I usually leave the flash and 24-105 home but not always. The interior is nicely laid out and easy to access. I also have a Timbuk2 messenger bag that I use for work and I'll probably use that as well occasionally. I'd say that the messenger style is definitely the way to go - very easy access.

[BJWOK]

thanks 90! looks like i made the right choice! you can fit all that in your 7M$ home! damn! :)

[90c4]

thanks 90! looks like i made the right choice! you can fit all that in your 7M$ home! damn! :)

I have it divided into thirds. The 70-200 goes in the center (and can have the 5D attached if I'm in a hurry) with the giotto rocket. The 85L and 35L go on one side vertically and the 24-105 and 135L on the other. On top of both of these sides I have a divider with velcro on one side acting as a shelf that rests on top of the lenses and the vertical divider. On one of these shelves I have a folded 580EX and fisheye, and on the other I have the 5D body. When shooting a show, not having the flash and 24-105 and having the fisheye at the bottom makes it easier access whatever I need quickly. It's a very efficient use of space (read: a bit cramped) but it works well.

[BJWOK]

hey linarms, i am shooting dexter jones tonight, will try going down to 1/30 (sticking to f2.8 i think) will post results. also this is my first gig with my 7M$ home! giddy up :)

[gregpphoto]

Lowepro Flipside 200.. I like it because it opens from the back, so no one can open your bag if it's on you. But when I'm shooting, I stash it, have the camera in hand or around the neck, with two lens pouches on my belt so I can always have my 15mm 2.8 fish, 35 1.4, 50 1.4, and 70-200 2.8 on me and ready to go. With an extra battery and CF in my pocket, I'm set for the whole show usually.

[gregpphoto]

...
7 or 8 batteries and a spare charger, car charger



7 or 8 batteries? How much do you shoot? A canon battery is good for a 1,000 shots usually, minimum.

[90c4]

7 or 8 batteries? How much do you shoot? A canon battery is good for a 1,000 shots usually, minimum.

I sometimes use 2. Generic spares are so cheap that I bought 2 2-packs and had an issue with one of the batteries - so the company sent me another 4 batteries instead of just replacing one.

[gregpphoto]

Generic spares are so cheap that I bought 2 2-packs and had an issue with one of the batteries - so the company sent me another 4 batteries instead of just replacing one.

That's customer service Canon can't match!

[blackshadow]

How do you like your 7 million dollar home BJWOK?

[BJWOK]

hi blackshadow, i gotta say it mate, it is everything i was looking for. super comfy, super spacious and super stylish! love it!!

shot you am i @ the gov last night and moving through the crowd was a beeze: just sling it infront of my body in tight situations and the rest of the night it was on my hip.

also just odered a 70-200 2.8 IS so when it arrives, i'll be bringing it along too, see how it fits in.

[blackshadow]

hi blackshadow, i gotta say it mate, it is everything i was looking for. super comfy, super spacious and super stylish! love it!!

shot you am i @ the gov last night and moving through the crowd was a beeze: just sling it infront of my body in tight situations and the rest of the night it was on my hip.

also just odered a 70-200 2.8 IS so when it arrives, i'll be bringing it along too, see how it fits in.

Good stuff - I look forward to seeing your You Am I shots - I'm shooting them tomorrow night.

[BJWOK]

hey champ, just posted you am i in performing arts, be keen to see what you got :)

[S-S]

shootsac clone (DIY)

[BJWOK]

shootsac clone (DIY)

??

did you even read this thread before posting mate?

[ofdphoto]

shootsac clone (DIY)

??

did you even read this thread before posting mate?

I'm pretty sure she was just answering the original question.

Did you read her post before posting mate?

[BJWOK]

buh? why would she post that when it is clear i already bought the 7 million dollar home?

[ofdphoto]

buh? why would she post that when it is clear i already bought the 7 million dollar home?
Doesn't mean someone else can't benefit from her answer ;)

[BJWOK]

true, true. i guess it was more the abruptness of her post.

[S-S]

hey luke - glad someone can keep a little perspective... :rolleyes:

no i didnt read every detail of the thread, i read several of the first posts then skipped to QR - in common with many forum posters worldwide, i'll wager

and...

...is it REALLY that big of a deal? it's not like i was rude to anyone

[BJWOK]

nope, not a big deal at all.

in fact, this thread has served it's purpose, i bought the 7 million dollar home and it's wicked.

cheers for everyones thoughts.