Camera bag issues!

[Miss Frizzle]

I'm going on a trip to Ireland in two weeks. I'll be there for a month. I've only had my DSLR for a few months and I'm trying to figure this all out. I have a Canon XSi with an 18-55 lens. I am pretty sure I am going to purchase the 50 1.8 and the 55-250. The bag I have won't fit anything more than my DSLR with the kit lens attached. So... what do I do? I want something that is easy to carry around when going on trips in Ireland, but I'll also have a backpack to carry too though. I don't want to have too much stuff hanging off me! What kind of bag would you recommend? And will it be safe if it rains? And then, I will probably need a bag to carry everything in. Oh brother! I need to order this tomorrow night from B&H so it will get here before I leave. What to do, what to do.

[captainkimo]

You may consider getting a Crumpler bag. The Crumpler 6 Million Dollar Home seems like a good bag and can address your needs. You can check Crumpler's website here (www.crumplerbags.com).

Cheers!

Captain Kimo

[Balliolman]

Check the lowepro dryzone range -- they look good, pretty functional and waterproof.

[Richgsr]

I have almost the gear you are thinking about getting except I have a Sigma 17-70 instead of the kit lens + I have a 430 exii flash. Everything fits perfectly in a 6 million dollar home without being too heavy.

I see that you're in AZ. I am as well, and the only camera store that I know that carries crumplers is Tempe camera but they dont have alot in stock. You'll probably have to order online.

[Jon]

I'd use a Domke F802 or F3x; unless you're in heavy rain for extended periods of time (for which you'd need the DryZone, a Pelican case, or a rain cover) it's going to keep your gear safe and dry. I just carry a disposable plastic poncho (a dollar or two at the local grocery/pharmacy/outdoor supply store) in all my bags in case my gear and I get caught in a downpour.

If you're also carrying a backpack though, your best solution might be a waist pack. Kata makes a very good line of them, although they're too heavily padded for my taste.

[tvphotog]

Look at the Tamrac Expedition Series, there are six sizes and there is a separate raincover you can buy. The'yre very well made, with comfortable padded straps.

The Tamrac Adventure series gives you room for clothing as well as camera stuff.

[Miss Frizzle]

So what is a decent price for a good bag?

Do you use a bag that just carries your camera when you are out and about, hiking, etc? Or do you use a bag that carries most of it?

Those Crumpler bags look really nice, but expensive. :\ They are on B&H where is where I'm ordering from.

Also, a friend suggested this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488191-REG/Tamrac_576701_5767_Velocity_7x_Sling.html#features

[tvphotog]

I use the Thinktank Rotation 360 backpack to carry all my gear on the plane. If I'm going out to do landscape shooting, I use the whole thing as it has the tripod on the back, and I can access my long lens without taking the pack off. The camera attaches to the shoulder straps.

If I'm just walking around the city and don't need the tripod, I transfer what I need into a Lowepro Stealth Reporter shoulder bag. I carry it crisscross across my chest with the camera on the other strap.

The two bags give me lots of choices depending what I am in the mood to shoot.

[Jon]

If I have just the camera, I don't use a bag. I only use one if I'm carrying another lens, a flash, or other bulky object. A spare card or battery doesn't count; if I'm close to flat on the battery I'll change it before going out. A couple of cards in a wallet fit in almost any pocket.

But a good, sturdy bag will start at $45-50 for a small one that's easy access.

[MikeMcL]

The one you were suggested is a good bag, it is made to be carried across the body, on chest or back.

IT wont have a lot of space once you put your items in it, but i think they will all fit fine.

Just think about how fast you might fill/outgrow it.

It isnt "waterproof" but it will keep your camera safe from a bit of rain.

[Miss Frizzle]

So the 6 million dollar home looks quite nice! However.... it's so much. And I'm still trying to figure out if I want to carry all my lenses when I'm walking around and stuff. Sigh. My tamrac bag is perfect for that, but only for my kit lens, or if I get the 50 1.8.

Maybeeee I could leave everything at home but what I need, and take the 6MDH bag. Then use that bag as a purse or something. Put my wallet and phone inside it. Hmmm. It's just so expensive! Gah. I'm making this so much harder than it should be.

[Miss Frizzle]

This is what I have now, but it's a smaller version that holds my 18-55. This one could hold the 55-250 I think: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488180-REG/Tamrac_551503_5515_Adventure_Zoom_5.html

Maybe I should get this, and then a bigger bag to carry everything. Hmmmmm.

The 6MDH just looks so nice, and it's water resistant!

[Kasrielle]

I have several bags, but one I love that will carry all your stuff and is easy to use is the Tamrac Velocity 5X (5765). You can see it here:
http://tamrac.com/5765.htm
It's got a stow away waist strap and a shoulder strap so it filt close to your body and can be worn all day. It opens away from you so it's easy to access your kit. And it holds a BUNCH of kit! I can easily carry my 50D w/ 17-85mm lens attached, and 2 other medium sized lenses (like my 70-300 DO IS, or my sigma 105 macro.) I can also carry my nifty fifty in a little lowepro lens case attached to the side. And the front pocket holds a ton of stuff. There is also a small pocket in the lid.

I have the Crumpler 6MDH (and the 7MDH) but I find that I'm using the little Tamrac just as much if not more than the 6MDH.

[Kasrielle]

Oh - and the Tamrac 5765 is $69.99 at B&H - much less than the Crumpler 6MDH. Here is the link:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=0&shs=tamrac+5765&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=jsp%2Fproductlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&Go.x=17&Go.y=11

Or just search Tamrac 5765 - they have it in black and blue.

[tvphotog]

Tamrac and Lowepro have waterproof jackets for their packs. You could always buy a generic one if you get the Crumpler. B&H can help you with that by phone.