Newbie needs help choosing a camera bag

[Kid Colgan]

I'm trying to find and buy my first camera bag and am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choice.

I have a 450d, sigma 18-200 os, canon 18-55 is, a few filters, spare battery and small tripod.

I would like the ability to also carry some supplies for short trips such as sandwiches, snacks, drink and a pack-lite rain proof coat.

I like the idea of the "sling" style bags because of the way I could access my camera without having to remove the bag from my back. I would also be happy with a backpack style if it gave the type of instant access that a sling style does.

I also require a bag which would class as hand luggage on an aircraft.

Has anyone got any recommendations of bags which they have seen / used?

Thanks in advance

[KTKintner]

Check out the Kata 3N1 series I have a 3N1-30 but it would be a bit large for your current kit. You might take a look at the 20 or even the 10.

[Kid Colgan]

I have seen the kata bag you mentioned and it looks very nice. Would the top compartment be big enough for some sandwiches, drink and snack?

[KTKintner]

The top of the 30 would deffinetely be large enough for a couple sandwiches, drink and snack. I'm not sure about the others. Search for reviews on the smaller sizes, I'm not sure how large the top is on those.

[Kid Colgan]

Thanks for the info

[cadred]

I have the 20 and it's top is not very generous. Also watch out for keeping drinks in there, it is not waterproof between the top compartment and the main compartment.

It's a good bag... but has a few drawbacks. Access to the part of the main compartment is obscured by the clips. The upper side pockets aren't terribly useful, since they take space out of the upper compartment.

I also kind of wish I had the larger size since my kit has grown. But it's pretty heavy loaded down, so maybe it's good to keep it smaller :)

Overall, access to my camera is quick and easy and the sling/backpack conversion works very well. I'd say if you plan on having a speelight with accessories or otherwise need to access the main compartment quickly, it might not be the best bag, but if your needs are simple, it's worth a look.

[Eat rice z33]

check out the canon backpack. Its cheap and it works well! I use mine all the time!

[59Bassman]

I'm a clueless newbie but I just bought an M-Rock Olympic sling bag. I liked it (at least from the photos) a bit better than the Lowepro Slingshot bags. I think it's a bit better executed, at least for my needs. The top is going to be about the right size for a snack, but I lash a 1L bottle to the bottom using the elastic webbing. I've only got one weekend on it so far but I'm very happy with my choice. I'll post a more thorough review once I've used it for a while.

[KTKintner]

Overall, access to my camera is quick and easy and the sling/backpack conversion works very well. I'd say if you plan on having a speelight with accessories or otherwise need to access the main compartment quickly, it might not be the best bag, but if your needs are simple, it's worth a look.
You can have quick access to a Speedlight, I carry mine like this pic illustrates directly above the camera lens with a divider between them, this way when I open the side of my bag to access my camera my Speedlight is just above it and can be accessed without opening the bad any further.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8128290&postcount=4

[cadred]

You can have quick access to a Speedlight, I carry mine like this pic illustrates directly above the camera lens with a divider between them, this way when I open the side of my bag to access my camera my Speedlight is just above it and can be accessed without opening the bad any further.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8128290&postcount=4

Interesting. I may have to try that out. I keep my speedlite where the lenses go and just keep the rain cover under the camera lens for support.

[phidailo]

I like to have both shoulder bag and backpack. backpack is more comfortable and great for activities or long distances whereas shoulder bag has easier/quicker access

[Kid Colgan]

Just wanted to thank you all for your advice.

I have now bought a Lowepro Primus. It only cost £60 GBP form a well known auction site. This is about half price.

It seems to offer everything I need for walking/hiking trips. The good deal I got also leaves me enough money to get a small shoulder/sling bag for lighter use such as parties, weddings, and impromtu trips

Thanks again everyone :D

[Kid Colgan]

Just an update for all the people who gave advice.

I have just got my new Lowepro Primus bag.

First impressions............very nice. It has plenty of room for all the things needed for a day hiking. I've tested it with my 450d with 18-200 lens & hood, waterproofs, lunchbox, water bladder, tripod, walking stick and other bits and bobs. Seems to handle all my needs.

Going to take some practice to get my camera in and out of the side pocket but no real issue.

Got at a bargain price from a certain aution website.

I'll let you know how I get on next week when I'm hiking in the Scottish mountains

[_aravena]

Well...Best buy has the Fastpack 100 for...$30 or $40 I believe. I just got tht for my cousin which fits a 20D, 18-55 IS, and 55-250 IS allowing plenty of room in the top. She loves because she rides a bike a lot and it's perfect to hold plenty of extras int he top, water bottle on the side, and then some. Might look into that.

[jspen]

I second the Kata, well built and waterproof cover is nice.