Gear belt or bag for wedding?

[MrBuddha]

I'm going to be a 2nd shooter at a wedding and was wondering what you all would recommend in terms of carrying spare lenses for quick changes since I've only got 1 body.

I was thinking about a belt system with 2 pouches for a 70-200 and a 10-20/random accessories. Would you recommend going this route or some other method?

Thanks!

[yokotas13]

boda bag!
thats what most people will say. or a think tank product, or a shoot sac.

its a predictable pattern.
i personally am going ot be ordering a boda bag this weekend

[TeeJay]

Personally? Ive tried the "bag" route - several of them - and have found they are a PITA!
If you can find one that you can keep on 100% of the time - then maybe they will work for you.

Me, I have rersorted to a belt and pouches system. Nothing too outlandish - I carry two bodies, maybe a single additional "wide" lens in a pouch, then spare batteries, memory cards etc in another (and maybe even a bottle of water in another)

The main problem I have found using a bag (assuming you don't have an assistant to hand it to) is there's nowhere instantly safe to put it. Carrying a bag over my shoulder - or even worse - on my back is just so uncomfortable, and it's impossible to put it down without the constant worry of it being "borrowed"!

I recall, a couple of years ago, there being reports all over the web about a group of "guests" who calmly walked into wedding receptions, watched for the photographer at work, then simply picked up all his gear and walked out with it. You may have it insured, but I cannot even start to imagine the panic when you realise all your gear has dissappeared - as well as the heartache for the bride and groom when you try to explain that you cannot complete their wedding pics!

Then again, maybe I'm just being paranoid......

TJ

[jhom]

My recommendation is a Think Tank Speed belt with a couple of Lens Changers and a Trim Changer.

[tdodd]

Think Tank Modular belt system demonstrated on video - http://dslrdad.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/think-tank-photos-modular-system-reviewed/

I'm considering this system for myself.

EDIT : a review of sorts here - http://photodoto.com/review-of-the-think-tank-belt-system/

[MrBuddha]

Thanks for the really great suggestions! I'd be a little paranoid about leaving my gear under a table or trying to hide it somewhere which was why I was leaning towards the belt option.

I'll look into:
1) Boda Bag
2) Shoot Sac
3) Think Tank Modular Belt system

A few more questions:
- In your experience, have you been able to change lenses faster off an "anchored" hip pouch rather than a shoulder bag that is "loose"? I just want a carry option that allows me to move with minimum hassle.

- Any thoughts on the Tamrac M.A.S. belt system?

Thanks again...

[yokotas13]

I carry two bodies so not sure
But a belt system for me is easier since I swear by my rstrap
I ordered my boda bag mainlyto hold three flashes, softboxes, triggers and a fishey while my mk3 has the 70-200 and the 40d has the 24-70

[jacobsen1]

A few more questions:
- In your experience, have you been able to change lenses faster off an "anchored" hip pouch rather than a shoulder bag that is "loose"? I just want a carry option that allows me to move with minimum hassle.


FYI the boda can be a belt/hip bag OR shoulder bag depending on which strap is on it. ;)

[4x4rock]

Also look into Kinesis belt system. I have one and I think they are pretty comfortable to wear (eventhough I only wore them around the house) and they have a lot of modules and options.

Since you're also in San Jose, if you want to see how they look/feel or fit, let me know :)

[Eaton Photos]

I have the Think Tank Modular System, and love it. The flexibility to change lenses at ease, without needing to get to a camera bag, is a true joy. I also bought the shoulder harness system, to go with the Modular system, for the simple reason, that the belt by itself becomes quite heavy on the waist with lenses. By adding the shoulder harness, the weight is lifted off my hips, and I don't tire as easily, plus the harness increases mobility.

Good Luck with your decisions.

[stathunter]

I use the thinktank change up--- I have a few extra skin mods that I put on or remove-- it works well because you can tuck in the belts and use it as a bag ---- I have used everything and found this set up for me works well. Gives me the option of carrying 3 bodies and lenses (should I need to) during a wedding.

[Sean]

Black and comfortable. Urban disguise from Think Tank comes to mind.

[stathunter]

Black and comfortable. Urban disguise from Think Tank comes to mind.

Yep=--- I have one of those to. I have an addiction to thinktank.

[claybuster]

Does anyone know if I can use my Lowepro lens cases with the slip loc system on a Think Tank belt? The tongues on the Lowepro cases are 2" wide.
Mike

[Blue S2]

I know ThinkTank modular does not work with other modular systems, yet other systems might work with the ThinkTank belts.

As far as comfort and accessibility go for a long event, belts are the best in my opinion. You can easily redistribute the weight and it is evenly spread out. No shoulders bearing the burden. You can also add the harness which is nice too. I often have the harness attached bu only use the straps as needed.

[jhom]

As already mentioned, the Think Tank ChangeUp bag is another alternative. It is a multipurpose bag that can be worn as a waist pack, chest bag, or shoulder bag because it has a belt system and shoulder strap/harness. With one or two Lens Changers, you have a dynamite system.

[jhom]

Does anyone know if I can use my Lowepro lens cases with the slip loc system on a Think Tank belt? The tongues on the Lowepro cases are 2" wide.
Mike

It has been a while, but if I remember correctly I was able to use the TT belt for the Lowepro cases. Instead of locking in the tongues, you just have to use the rotation rail on the belt.