I just cant figure out which bag to get.

[lost]

I am having a hard time picking out a new camera bag for all my stuff. I want one that will hold all of my gear but not be over kill. I think my collection is about as big as it is going to get right now.

This is what it needs to hold.

20D w/BG-E2
Canon 70-200 f/4 L with Hood
Canon 50mm 1.8, and eventually 1.4
Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX DG Macro with Hood
Canon 10-22mm
Speedlite 420EX

and Misc odds and ends. (ex. Filters, CF Cards, Card Reader, Epson p2k, Batteries)

I am leaning toward the Backpack style. I am young and strong so I want one bag to rule them all. (shameless LOTR pun)

Please let me know of any pitfalls I should be aware of.

Thanks ahead of time.

Lost

[felix21685]

lost..i am in the same situation..
now i would love to spend 130 dollars on the tamrac expedition 5..
check it out at b&h or anywhere..

BUT for 37-50 dollars i can find the "Canon Deluxe Backpack 200 EG". which would hold your gear pretty well i think. dont rule out the canon..its a cheap alternative and you can save the rest for more lenses. but if you want to spend the 120 go for it..i wish i could :)

links:
fred miranda reviews of the canon:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=267&cat=50
link to amazon: ($37)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009R6TA/103-6852588-8599807?v=glance

[liza]

I'm also in the market for a new bag and have been researching the topic as well. Since I'm anything BUT young and strong, I'm leaning more toward a shoulder-type bag. :lol: Backpacks are too inconvenient for me when I need to get to my equipment for a quick lens change. I'm either going to go with the Kata WS-604 or the Domke F2. Either of them should be large enough to hold a couple of cameras and 3 or 4 lenses I would think. Right now, I'm using two mid-sized bags that are each about 18 years old. That's about how long this old bag has been taking pictures! :lol: :lol: :lol: Good luck with your search!

[Rob612]

I just do not have an answer because not only I have the same problem. Actually all my gear, see sig, plus misc & odds and minus the UW case, is stuffed in a Lowepro AW Trekker. Nice backpack, but it becomes too heavy when fully packed and I do not really feel comfortable with the way I had to set it up. It's just too packed and I do not like to have things that are hard to pull out. I have some smaller bags for when I want to travel light, but I am searching something else, bigger than the Trekker, and in a standard bag style, top opening. Have'nt found anything reasonable until now.

[wilflee]

I have several backpack style bags, each has its strength/weakness and the fav is the Lowepro Rover Plus AW for week long hikes.

It has a separate padded gear compartment and an unpadded compartment. The gear compartment will take a 20D body, 1V body, 70-200, 24-70, 17-40, 380EX flash and a battery charger. The top compartment will take the lens shades, memory cards, film, laptop & enough clothing for a week. There are pockets on the side for water bottle & snacks. Finally, it has a tripod pocket/harness. I've also added a lens case 4S and a film pouch to the belt so the 24-70 can fit in the lens case and free up space for a 300 f/4 lens.

The thing I like most about the Rover Plus is the suspension system. The belt will take 80 - 90% of the weight and put it on the hip instead of shoulder/spine so I can walk 15 - 20 KM a day without sore back. The bag is also small enough to take on the plane as carry-on luggage.

[wayne53]

I've been looking at the LOWEPRO PHOTO TREKKER AW II

[Belmondo]

This is one of the most bewildering aspects of photography. I currently have 4 backpacks (one small, two mediums, and one large), a couple top-loaders, two Halliburton aluminum cases, and a bunch of miscellaneous card wallets, pouches, and so forth.

Part of this is the result of trying to accommodate an ever-growing list of hardware which, at present, includes two bodies, a whole bunch of lenses, 4 flashes, a huge flash bracket, bunches of filters, lens hoods, light meters, and other odds and ends. Then, there are the two big lenses that come with their own carrying case.

Generally, I have things organized as follows:

1D MkII with 24-70L, 16-35L, 1.4X & 2X TCs, 580 flash, Angle Finder C, and Sekonic meter in a Mini Trekker.

20D w/grip, Sigma 24-60, 70-300DO, Sigma 12-24, and a few other bits and pieces that make up my ‘lightweight’ bag in another Mini Trekker.

Almost everything else in the large Tamrac backpack except for the 100-400L, 70-200 f/2.8L IS, and 400 f/5.6L which share one of the Hallebrand aluminum cases.

There are times when I’m seriously tempted to buy a couple large trunks on wheels like this (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=221063&is=REG). It would sure reduce the time spent loading the truck on shooting days.

Anyway, the most indispensable bag I own is probably the Mini-Trekker. It’s always with me regardless of what else I take along.

[lost]

Thanks guys I am still undecided but think I am headed in the right direction. I have included a pic of my current camera bag which is a hold over from my Sears KSX. Yeah it doesnt even fit the camera now.

[jojiboy]

I use a Kata R-103 for most of my gear. It would probably accomodate your gear easily.

[rokclimbertx]

hey lost...

just got my backpack in the other day... a lowepro dryzone 200... it's pretty hefty (holds plenty plus waterproof)... my 2 factors while looking for a bag were ability to hold all my gear & ability to keep gear dry while out kayaking... a little searching and i found it on ebay for about half the msrp... only thing not in the bag is my flashtrax, just forgot to throw it in there...

it appears my shot of the outside of the bag is too large to upload so a quick google for the bag should get you to the lowepro site for more pictures...

stace

[lost]

Thanks thats 2 more for me to look into.

[nat869]

I recently got the Tamrac Expedition 7 backpack. It is a little bigger than I want to carry all the time, but I am getting used to it. I wanted something to hold all my gear that I could hike around with, stow overhead on a plane and pack in the car easy. I have my 10D+grip, 70-200 2.8 IS, tamron 28-75, tamron 17-35, 50mm 1.8, 25mm extension tube, tokina 100mm macro, elan 7 body, mamiya 645 with an 80mm and 150mm lens, and of course filters, cards, film, manuals, etc. Outside pockets hold my 550EX and sekonic 358 lightmeter. I find it handy to keep around the house in easy reach too.

[I Simonius]

hey lost...

just got my backpack in the other day... a lowepro dryzone 200... it's pretty hefty (holds plenty plus waterproof)... my 2 factors while looking for a bag were ability to hold all my gear & ability to keep gear dry while out kayaking... a little searching and i found it on ebay for about half the msrp... only thing not in the bag is my flashtrax, just forgot to throw it in there...

it appears my shot of the outside of the bag is too large to upload so a quick google for the bag should get you to the lowepro site for more pictures...

stace

Look at the price!

[mtndew]

The problem with figuring out bag(s) there are times that you just want to carry your camera with one or two lenses but dont want to lug everything else with ya And there are times you need everything. So having a few bag wouldn't be a bad idea if you have it in your budget. I currently use Tamrac Cyberpak 6 for everything, lite weight sling style pack(thats a camera bag but looks like a book bag) for the camera one lens attached and still enough room for filter(s), batteries, and another len, and lastly a shoulder bag.
Be sure i leave some room for any new items like a new len, filters & ect....

[DavidEB]

I'm fond of my Tamrac velocity 9. Single strap, carries on back but easy to swing around to get stuff out of quickly. Holds gear below incl flash, with room for maybe 1 or 2 more ordinary size lenses.

[rklepper]

I have the Canon 1EG Professional Gadget Bag - Book Price : $ 69.95

Got it from B&H. I really like the bag, it holds everything I own fairly well and is comfortable to carry.

Doc

[felix21685]

i just orderd the canon backpack off of amazon..turns out its adorama..
ill let u know what its like when i get it

[judyg]

hey lost...

just got my backpack in the other day... a lowepro dryzone 200... it's pretty hefty (holds plenty plus waterproof)... my 2 factors while looking for a bag were ability to hold all my gear & ability to keep gear dry while out kayaking... a little searching and i found it on ebay for about half the msrp... only thing not in the bag is my flashtrax, just forgot to throw it in there...

it appears my shot of the outside of the bag is too large to upload so a quick google for the bag should get you to the lowepro site for more pictures...

stace

Is there room in that backpack for other things? Like a separate compartment of some sort for personal items?

I am going on vacation and want to take just 1 pack which can accomodate both my camera gear, and things like sunglasses, etc.

I'm also looking at the Rover for that reason, but it seems like it would be cumbersome to remove the top portion every time you want to access the camera equipment on the bottom.

[RinkRat]

i just orderd the canon backpack off of amazon..turns out its adorama..
ill let u know what its like when i get it

I just got this one last week.

I'm real happy with it, for $37.

It holds everything in my Signature, including a 420EX with Omnibounce + lots of other odds & ends... Card reader, Filters, cleaning supplies, etc...

I'm sure if I were anal retentive, I could organize it to make room for other stuff, but I'll worry about that when I get more "stuff".

[Edgar in ATL]

I have three backpacks....
Canon 200 EG
Micro Trekker 200
Micro Trekker 100
The Canon and MT200 hold everything I own camerawise (well, except the tripod). That includes DReb with BG-E1 attached, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 18-55 EF-S, 28-135 IS, Sig 70-300, and 420EX. The Canon has more pocket space for other stuff like maps, notes, PDAs, cellphones, etc. I really like them both. I used the MT200 exclusively on a weeklong vacation this month with lots of walking and found it slightly less comfortable than the Canon, but that may be just for my back. The Canon seems to distribute the weight more vertically. The MT200 is a better fit under airline seats.
The MT100 is great for occasions when I do not need all my lenses (actually I can squeeze all but the Sig 70-300 in when I want to). I sense the MTs are a tad more protective of the gear.

[ghocking]

I bought the Lowpro Pro Treker thinking it would be ideal, but for me and my age its is far to big and heavy, so I just use it for storing all my gear. My walkaround set is now:

Lowpro 75AW with chest harness fitted (this really takes the strain of the neck), in this is usually 350D & 24-70 with hood fitted, or 70-200 without hood fitted, but if just walking around zoo or easy path you can fit the hood but not zip up the top, on my back I use use the Lowpro mini Treker, in this I can carry my 20D with 100-400, 4 to 6 extra lens depending on size, flash, filters etc, and also strap a tripod to the back.

[lost]

Why in the world can't I just win the lottery and not have to worry so much about silly things like this!!! :)

Still looking. All your experiences are definitely helping.

One day I say on bag for everything, the next day I remind myself that I am nearly 30 and while I feel like I can handle anything that may not be the case in a few years.

Decisions Decisions Decisions

[Dweezil]

I too have the Canon backpack...just purchased it last week to replace my Velocity shoulder bag. So far, I'm very happy with it. It easily holds all of my stuff, plus whatever else I want/need to carry around with me. I used it all weekend at the USGP, and was glad I had it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=248295&is=REG

[Bruford]

I feel for ya Lost:cry: I too have had a hard time choosing bags. I have tried many types and styles. When I first got all my gear I got a Lowepro Magnum AW..This is a great bag and it well padded but I only use it to store all my gear and if I go on a drive and want all my gear with me.

I also have a Lowepro Mini Trekker AW. It too can carry all my gear but is heavy like that so I usually just carry what I think I will need. I only use it if I also need to bring extra clothes (sweater or jacket etc.) when I go on hikes.

My every day bag is a Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400. I really like it because of the quick access to lenses from zipper in top and if I need to carry more I add a Sliplock pouch to the side. I usually carry my 10D with grip, 28-135, 12-24 and a 75-300 with hoods reversed and 2 filter pouches. It will also hold my 550EX if I stack the 28-135, 12-24 on top of each other.

If the Lowepro Stealth Reporter 400 is too big try the 300.
Lost one thing is for sure ..It is hard to find the perfect bag.. If you are like most others you will go through many bags till you find one that works for you. In fact you may end up with a few different types for different uses. I hope this helps ;)

[grooveandmelody]

Hey Lost

We have a similar gear line-up. I bought a Lowepro Mini Trekker Aw. It's pretty heavy when you haul everything, but it carries well. The rain guard comes in handy when you are riding "wet rides" at the amusement park if you do that kind of thing.

It also carries a tripod very well.

The bag can carry two bodies and it's kind of akward when you don't have the second body at the bottom of the bag.

Overall it's a nice bag.

[lost]

I am planning a trip to Gattlingburg later this summer. That is my dead-line for the Back pack. I am now considering one with room for my Laptop, but would like to hear from someone on the practicality of that.

[Bluelens]

I too have the Canon backpack...just purchased it last week to replace my Velocity shoulder bag. So far, I'm very happy with it. It easily holds all of my stuff, plus whatever else I want/need to carry around with me. I used it all weekend at the USGP, and was glad I had it.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=248295&is=REG


Question...

How does the camera fit with the batter grip attached. I recently went to Penn with my currently filled camera bag and tried everything out. My 300D with the BG-E1 would 'fit' into the bags I tried but when I zipped them closed I could see and feel the top of the camera body (pop-up flash) pushing hard against the bag. I didn't feel comfortable with that so I ended up not getting anything.

[I Simonius]

I am planning a trip to Gattlingburg later this summer. That is my dead-line for the Back pack. I am now considering one with room for my Laptop, but would like to hear from someone on the practicality of that.

keep em separate unless you plann to carry both all the time

[condyk]

Lowepro Computrekker and use a Crumpler laptop case. When you carry on and off transport etc you only have a single bag, when carrying around just camera stuff the laptop can be securely kept somewhere else, like hotel safe, car boot, whatever. I carry my Sig stuff in mine, excluding the obvious like printer!! It's very well constructed, doesn't stand out, and comfortable as a heavy backpack can be.

[lost]

Condyk,

That is the model I was looking into. Great, Looks like it will be able to handle all that I was looking for. My only conscern is what it feels like without the Laptop in it. Does it sag at all?

Lost

[blue_max]

I prefer to go 'casual'. The backpack approach seems to be too serious for around town. I have a Lowepro Reporter 500 which just holds all my stuff. I then use my rather smaller OutPack which holds a body with lens and a spare lens for outings.

The big bag takes everything and generally stays at home or in the boot of the car. It works for me.

This approach has the flexibility of expanding in so far as if I ever get more kit, I will buy a bigger bag and have two to 'decant' into for trips – or sell one if I get fed up with the whole thing (unlikely so far).

Sum up: you may need more than one bag.

Graham

[Wrench]

I've got the Tamrac Expedition 5. When I got it I thought it would be too big but I got used to it. I carry my 10D with grip, 70-300 w/hood, 50/1.8, 28-80, 70-210, 4 filters, 550ex, and Manfrotto monopod strapped to the outside. The only thing I don't like about the backpack style bags is that it's a pain to swap lenses. You have to take it off, lay it down, open it up, then put it all back together. I'm looking into the Canon 200DG or one of the LowePro "reporter" bags. The good thing about the backpacks is ease of travel. They're easier to get through airports and carry for longer distances.

[pehabe]

hallo Edgar in ATL
you said that you used LowePro MT200,right?
does the DReb + Grip fit inside the bag without any problem of buldging?
MT200 is one of my wishlish but I am affraid that my 20D + Grip will not be fit in MT200 without buldging the bag...

your reply would be appreciated. Thanks :lol:

[hjoli]

I just got the Canon Backpack from Porter's or B&H and it is perfect. I have my Canon 35mm Elan with 70-300 USM lens attached, a spare 35mm body, my Canon G2 digital, flash unit, and assorted film and lenses and teleconverter all in the bag with no problems!

[felix21685]

heres 2 images of my canon backpack..honestly for 36 dollars plus shipping. it was easy to say ok ill get that one and not shell out 100 bones