Looking for a bag

[Claire]

I'm trying to find a bag to fit my gear into.

Got the 300D/DRebel, kit lens, 75-300mm USM and the 50mm 1.8. Add to that the regular accessories (battery charger, 3 CF cards, cables and such).

I looked at some Lowepro bags the other day. Found one that would fit the stuff in (can't remember the name), but it seemed so bulky! Maybe I'm just not used to it...

Any ideas for other good bags that aren't too bulky? Crumpler seems cool, and I like the idea of the bags not looking like regular camera ones, but don't think that many models are sold here in Sweden.

[lostdoggy]

Checkout tamrac velocity 7

[BigRed450]

I like the backpack style like the Tamrac Expedition or the Cyberpack series..

www.tamrac.co

[lostdoggy]

I like sling bags for short trips. In live in NY and leaving your bag on the ground is asking for trouble. I prefer to keep the equipment close the five finger discount won't be temted.

[Claire]

Do you guys prefer sling bags or backpacks? The LowePro Nova 3AW that I saw is sling and I also saw a Tamrac Expedition 3 in a catalogue for a good price.

The backpack seems good when carrying more stuff and travelling, but how do you guys find it when it comes to "easy access"?

[markubig]

Hi Claire -
I just got rid of my backpack (lowepro computrekker). You have to take it off in order to get access to your equipment. If you do not have a battery grip, then the Tamrac Velocity 7 would be a good fit for you. I have the Velocity 7, and it fits my 20D w/ Tamron 28-75 with thehood attached, 550ex (no case), 50/1.8, kit lens. The front pocket has room for a few BP-511s and there is a pocket under the top cover that fits AA batteries/CF cards. I've been using it quite a bit and access is awesome 'cause you don't have to remove the bag.

[neil_r]

If you are looking for style and craftmanship as well as practicality look at Billingham Bags. You can get them much cheaper than the prices quoted on their website.

http://www.billingham.co.uk/home.asp

N

[robertwgross]

I guess you have to decide whether you want something that is utilitarian, or something that is stylishly chic.

Do you want something that you can barely carry from your vehicle into a building? Do you want something that you can carry comfortably while you walk around the block? Do you want something that you can carry for ten miles?

Some are good for seriously protecting your gear in all kinds of weather. Others have quick flaps for instant access. Some cry out "Expensive Photo Equipment -- Please Steal Me!"

---Bob Gross---

[Citizensmith]

You really need to decide what your primary use will be. There are everything from pouches and belt packs to luggage with wheels. If you want an about town bag then a shoulder bag would be best. For hiking you are looking at a backpack or decent belt system.

This is why I have 5 bags of various size, type and cost. There really isn't a one size fits all answer.

[Citizensmith]

Actually I'm still waiting for Canon to release a range in off white with red trim. :)

[Paul_O]

Hi Claire,

I use the Tamrac 5743 Velocity 3 to carry my 300D, kit lens, 50mm and 75-300 IS lens. I chose it because it looks more like a meesenger bag than a camera bag and is quite thin and tall rather than short and squat. It all fits well and has a mobile pocket and room in the fron compartment to carry batteries, filters spare cards etc.

I just bought a 70-200 f4L and it's a bit short to carry this lens but was perfect for the other kit, highly recommended.

See it here http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=248118&is=REG

or at www.tamrac.com (http://www.tamrac.com)


Paul

[Claire]

I don't want anything too bulky in the sense of too thick. I'm probably looking for something I can carry comfortably while walking in town/the city. Not going hiking or anything, mainly everyday carrying around on the streets of Sweden. I do want something that stands rain well and will keep the equipment warm in winter.

I'm starting to think that a sling bag is probably more my thing. Hurts my shoulders though I have a feeling if walking for long, but I can always sit down somewhere.

Paul, I kinda like that Tamrac you got there. Will check out if they have it over here.

[KenE]

If it cuts into your shoulder and hurts, you can look at getting a gel-like strap pad to help with that. Some manufacturers have them for accessories, some you need to get aftermarket stuff.

I bought one for my Timbuk2 book/laptop bag, and it's perfect for heavier loads.

Cheers- Ken

[Grainy]

I too am looking for a bag. I want a backpack for my 20D and 2 lenses, the biggest being a 100-400mm (which I don't have yet).

But I don't want the bag to look like a camera bag or to look expensive, but to hold and protect my stuff.

Any tips?

[Phil300z]

Go for a mid-sized backpack. That way it won't be "too heavy" anytime, it'll hold all your gear securely and it won't "look like a camera bag" either. I had a MicroTrekker 100 by Lowepro. It fit my 20D with the 75-300 IS USM on it, my 50mm, my 28-75mm, and probably could fit my flash *once I get it*.

[MazerRakhm]

I also have one of the Tamrac Velocity series, (Velocity 5) and I love it. It has both an over the shoulder or belt waist strap for whichever you prefer. I fit the 300D, 75-300, 28-80, and sometimes the 550ex in there as well as 2-3 extra batteries, and a couple of flash cards. (There is a small zippered pouch in the “lid” that fits batteries and flash cards perfectly.) There is some extra room that I don’t use in the front zippered pouch where I would assume you could fit the battery charger.

I use it for my “walking around” camera bag, and have a larger green one for when I want to grab everything. My wife calls it my “man purse” since after I bought it last summer it was going out the door almost every time I did. :lol: